Microsoft Access Database 2007 OR Microsoft MS SQL Server 2008 Database?

[kekewong]

Hi all, i have several question about choosing which database to use for my application development.

I am going to develop a non-internet application for a child care centre to manage all of their informations. I am familiar with Microsoft Access Database interacts with windows application . But i wanted to try to use MS SQL Server Database and currently i am still new to Microsoft MS SQL Server database. Ok, now my question is :

After i create a database by using my computer MS SQL Server 2008 developer edition (Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio), then i detach from the SQL server and put that .mdf file into my Visual Studio Project File. After all the development, i build the project and produce a setup file for them to install. Then i was thinking something in my mind by refering to this link SQL Server 2008: Editions

First : I create a database by using my MS SQL Server 2008 Developer Edition, therefore the maximum size of the .mdf file can hold is Unlimited? After i install the application to the child care centre, it can store up to Unlimited Data ( Maximum capacity of hard disk spaces) ?

Second : Do the child care center need to install MS SQL Server in order to connect my application with the .mdf file?


Kind Regards,
kekewong

 

[jmcilhinney]

1. MDF files have no size limit. The size limit is imposed by the server managing the data file. SQL Server Express will limit a data file to 4GB, but the same data file can grow beyond that when attached to a full SQL Server instance.

2. Yes, which is the whole point of a server-based database.