| Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) is a standard-based mechanism by which computers can host |
| databases or query databases hosted by other computers. Windows 2000 Professional, like other |
| Windows platforms, includes the components that enable it to host ODBC connections. Using |
| Windows 2000 Professional lets you set up a database server without the expense of Windows 2000 |
| You can use ODBC in several ways. For example, you might host a database that allows clients to |
| access it from a Web page. Or you can use ODBC to enable users to retrieve information from your |
| database and use it in their own databases, spreadsheets, or other documents. |
| You can create three types of ODBC data source names (DSNs): system, user, and file. A system |
| DSN is available to all users on the system, including Windows 2000 services. This is the DSN type |
| you usually create to support remote users or Web applications. User DSNs are available to the |
| user who created the DSN. Both system and user DSNs can be used only on the computer on which |
| they're created. File DSNs can be shared by multiple users on multiple computers, provided those |
| computers have the appropriate ODBC driver installed. |
| Creating a DSN is pretty straightforward, thanks to the ODBC Data Source Administrator, which |
| you'll find in the Administrative Tools folder. |
| When you create DSNs, keep a couple of points in mind: First, don't include a space in the data |
| source name. Including a space can cause connection problems, particularly with certain Web |
| development applications. Second, any time security is a concern, assign a user name and password |
| to an ODBC connection to protect access to it. Assigning user names and passwords is a good idea |
| even when security isn't a concern; some Web development tools have problems connecting to |
| DSNs that don't have user names and passwords. |
| ODBC connections are an inexpensive and effective way to expose a database to other users on the |
| network or Internet. In many situations, users can access the data without needing you to create a |
| custom application that ties into the database. |
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