What is SQL?
What are MySQL and MS SQL?
What databases does DVS support?
What is a DSN? What is DSN-less connection?
How do I connect to my database?
Does DVS provide technical support for databases?

SQL (Structured Query Language) is the most popular database language in use today. SQL is used to create database queries that take the form of commands. SQL queries enable you to select, insert, update and determine the location of data, among other tasks. MySQL and Microsoft® SQL Server™ utilise the SQL language.

MySQL is an open source relational database management system that utilises the SQL database language. It is a multi-user, multi-threaded database server that provides speed, robustness and ease-of-use. Hostway’s MySQL databases (supported on Linux platforms) are hosted on a dedicated MySQL server to ensure better database processing and faster performance.

DVS’s Windows platforms support Microsoft Access 2000/2002 and Microsoft Visual Fox Pro 7.0. Microsoft SQL Server 2000 and MYSQL is available with Windows Business Plans.

DVS’s Linux platforms support MySQL. On Linux platforms, MS-SQL is available only with special arrangements. For detailed information regarding availability, pricing and licenses, please email sales@dvshosting.com.

DSN, which stands for data source name, is a method of connecting to a database via ASP (Active Server Page). DSN connections require ODBC, an open standard for API for accessing databases. ODBC handles SQL requests and converts them into requests that the individual database systems understand.

A DSN-less connection is a method of connecting to a database without specifying a named data source. DSN-less connections don’t require the creation of an ODBC DSN. Instead of relying on information stored in a file or in the system registry (as DSN connections do), DSN-less connections specify the driver name and all driver-specific information in the connection string.

When you request your database, you will specify the database name and password. You will then be given your database server name and the user name you should use to connect to the database. To access your MySQL database, you can use Perl DBI or the Mysql.pm module. You can also access your database via the command line using SSH (Linux platforms only). Ports for MySql are TCP 3306.

DVS will help you connect to your database and assist you in troubleshooting database issues. We do not, however, assist you with building your databases.