Re: Books advice
Jeff, thanks for our ".02". I'm about done with my second SQL book so after reading your words the company just bought mePauls Mysql book. Thanks for your opinion. SJohnson On Mon, 4 Aug 2003 12:14:29 -0400 "Jeffery C. Baldwin" wrote: > Just to drop my $.02 in on this.. I started reading the 1st version of > Pauls' MySQL book online a week or so back using my account over at > 'Safari', once I read a little and decided that I was genuinely > interested in this MySQL 'thing', I went over to Barnes and Noble with > intentions of getting a hard copy of the 2nd edition of this book.. > well.. I ended up leaving the store with a copy of 'Mastering MySQL' by > Sybex instead. I returned that book yesterday and picked up the 2nd > Edition of MySQL :-). I initially chose the 'Mastering MySQL' book > pretty much due to one reason, and that the size of the MySQL' book was > a little intimidating. But once I got home and started reading the > Sybex book I realized why Pauls' book is so long, it is impossible to > cover the amount of content necessary to get a good grasp for Mysql > without using a lot of paper :-). The Sybex book made a lot of > assumptions and didn't go into what I felt was very thorough detail on > any subject (my idea is that this is a great book for the experienced DB > admin), while Paul takes the time to explain each subject and every > detail very thoroughly. > > Thanks Paul, I just started this book but I'm already very impressed. > > Again.. all of this is just my $.02 and I am VERY new at all of this DB > stuff > > Jeff -- MySQL General Mailing List For list archives: http://lists.mysql.com/mysql To unsubscribe:http://lists.mysql.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: books advice
At 21:47 +0100 8/4/03, Fawad Siddiqui wrote: Dear all, Thank you very much for all your responses. I have settled on the at least one book, SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL by Michael J. Hernandez, John L. Viescas. I would, however, ask Paul to recommend one from his list of numerous titles, that he feels would give me the best possible entry in to the wonders of MySQL. Rest assured Paul I would like to reach an administrative level understanding of MySQL, with options of programming in the future. Hope this helps in deciding a title. For those purposes, I would recommend: MySQL, Second Edition http://www.kitebird.com/mysql-book/ Many thanks people, and to Paul in advance for his attention. Sincerely, Fawad -- Paul DuBois, Senior Technical Writer Madison, Wisconsin, USA MySQL AB, www.mysql.com Are you MySQL certified? http://www.mysql.com/certification/ -- MySQL General Mailing List For list archives: http://lists.mysql.com/mysql To unsubscribe:http://lists.mysql.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]
books advice
Dear all, Thank you very much for all your responses. I have settled on the at least one book, SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL by Michael J. Hernandez, John L. Viescas. I would, however, ask Paul to recommend one from his list of numerous titles, that he feels would give me the best possible entry in to the wonders of MySQL. Rest assured Paul I would like to reach an administrative level understanding of MySQL, with options of programming in the future. Hope this helps in deciding a title. Many thanks people, and to Paul in advance for his attention. Sincerely, Fawad
Re: RE: Books advice
Paul's book is long, but like good code, it's modular, so the length isn't an issue. > From: "Jeffery C. Baldwin" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Date: 2003/08/04 Mon AM 11:14:29 CDT > To: "'Paul DuBois'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, "'Asif Iqbal'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, > "'Ralph Guzman'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > CC: "'Fawad Siddiqui'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: RE: Books advice > > Just to drop my $.02 in on this.. I started reading the 1st version of > Pauls' MySQL book online a week or so back using my account over at > 'Safari', once I read a little and decided that I was genuinely > interested in this MySQL 'thing', I went over to Barnes and Noble with > intentions of getting a hard copy of the 2nd edition of this book.. > well.. I ended up leaving the store with a copy of 'Mastering MySQL' by > Sybex instead. I returned that book yesterday and picked up the 2nd > Edition of MySQL :-). I initially chose the 'Mastering MySQL' book > pretty much due to one reason, and that the size of the MySQL' book was > a little intimidating. But once I got home and started reading the > Sybex book I realized why Pauls' book is so long, it is impossible to > cover the amount of content necessary to get a good grasp for Mysql > without using a lot of paper :-). The Sybex book made a lot of > assumptions and didn't go into what I felt was very thorough detail on > any subject (my idea is that this is a great book for the experienced DB > admin), while Paul takes the time to explain each subject and every > detail very thoroughly. > > Thanks Paul, I just started this book but I'm already very impressed. > > Again.. all of this is just my $.02 and I am VERY new at all of this DB > stuff > > Jeff > > +---+ > | Jeffery C Baldwin > | Computer Consultant II > | > | University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill > | 213 Miller Hall > | CB# 1105 > | Chapel Hill, NC 27599 > | > | Phone: (919) 843-2725 > | Fax: (919) 966-8928 > | E-Mail: jeff_baldwin at unc dot edu > +---+ > > -Original Message- > From: Paul DuBois [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Sent: Monday, August 04, 2003 12:02 PM > To: Asif Iqbal; Ralph Guzman > Cc: 'Fawad Siddiqui'; [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: RE: Books advice > > At 21:04 -0400 7/31/03, Asif Iqbal wrote: > >I just ordered this book > > > >MySQL > >The definitive guide to using, programming, > >and administering MySQL 4 > >by Paul Dubois > > > >I found it more technical than MySQL cook book by Paul Dubois > > Comparison information: > > http://www.kitebird.com/mysql-book-comparison.php > > This page also includes links to each book's home page that > provides other information about the book such as ISBN. > > > > > > >On Thu, 31 Jul 2003, Ralph Guzman wrote: > > > >> Here are two other books that I would recommend, specially the first > >> one: > >> > >> * SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data > Manipulation in > >> SQL > >> by Michael J. Hernandez, John L. Viescas > >> > >> Joe Celko's SQL for Smarties: Advanced SQL Programming > >> by Joe Celko > >> > >> > >> -Original Message- > >> From: Fawad Siddiqui [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > >> Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2003 5:06 PM > >> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >> Subject: Books advice > >> > >> Hi, > >> > >> I would like to learn about RDBMS, namely mysql of course, but know > >> really nothing in this area, so have to learn about; RDBMS, SQL and > >> mysql from scratch. > >> > >> In this regard, if anyone knows of any books they think would start > me > >> off on the right foot, I would be very grateful. > >> > >> I have done some searching on Amazon, with the following results. > >> > >> 1.Beginning Databases with MySQL > >> by Richard Stones, Neil Matthew > >> > >> 2.MySQL Cookbook > >> by Paul DuBois > >> > >> 3.Managing and Using MySQL > >>by George Reese, et al > >> > >> 4.Inside Relational Databases > >> by Mark Whitehorn, Bill Marklyn > >> > >> 5.Database Design > >> by
RE: Books advice
At 12:14 -0400 8/4/03, Jeffery C. Baldwin wrote: Just to drop my $.02 in on this.. I started reading the 1st version of Pauls' MySQL book online a week or so back using my account over at 'Safari', once I read a little and decided that I was genuinely interested in this MySQL 'thing', I went over to Barnes and Noble with intentions of getting a hard copy of the 2nd edition of this book.. well.. I ended up leaving the store with a copy of 'Mastering MySQL' by Sybex instead. I returned that book yesterday and picked up the 2nd Edition of MySQL :-). I initially chose the 'Mastering MySQL' book pretty much due to one reason, and that the size of the MySQL' book was a little intimidating. But once I got home and started reading the Sybex book I realized why Pauls' book is so long, it is impossible to cover the amount of content necessary to get a good grasp for Mysql without using a lot of paper :-). The Sybex book made a lot of assumptions and didn't go into what I felt was very thorough detail on any subject (my idea is that this is a great book for the experienced DB admin), while Paul takes the time to explain each subject and every detail very thoroughly. Thanks Paul, I just started this book but I'm already very impressed. Thanks, I hope you find it helpful. I agree that it would be nice were the book a bit shorter. If there is a third edition, I will probably trim the 3.22/3.23 material to an appendix or web-accessible-only addendum and make 4.0 the baseline version to keep the size down. :-) Again.. all of this is just my $.02 and I am VERY new at all of this DB stuff Jeff +---+ | Jeffery C Baldwin | Computer Consultant II | | University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill | 213 Miller Hall | CB# 1105 | Chapel Hill, NC 27599 | | Phone: (919) 843-2725 | Fax: (919) 966-8928 | E-Mail: jeff_baldwin at unc dot edu +---+ -- Paul DuBois, Senior Technical Writer Madison, Wisconsin, USA MySQL AB, www.mysql.com Are you MySQL certified? http://www.mysql.com/certification/ -- MySQL General Mailing List For list archives: http://lists.mysql.com/mysql To unsubscribe:http://lists.mysql.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: Books advice
Just to drop my $.02 in on this.. I started reading the 1st version of Pauls' MySQL book online a week or so back using my account over at 'Safari', once I read a little and decided that I was genuinely interested in this MySQL 'thing', I went over to Barnes and Noble with intentions of getting a hard copy of the 2nd edition of this book.. well.. I ended up leaving the store with a copy of 'Mastering MySQL' by Sybex instead. I returned that book yesterday and picked up the 2nd Edition of MySQL :-). I initially chose the 'Mastering MySQL' book pretty much due to one reason, and that the size of the MySQL' book was a little intimidating. But once I got home and started reading the Sybex book I realized why Pauls' book is so long, it is impossible to cover the amount of content necessary to get a good grasp for Mysql without using a lot of paper :-). The Sybex book made a lot of assumptions and didn't go into what I felt was very thorough detail on any subject (my idea is that this is a great book for the experienced DB admin), while Paul takes the time to explain each subject and every detail very thoroughly. Thanks Paul, I just started this book but I'm already very impressed. Again.. all of this is just my $.02 and I am VERY new at all of this DB stuff Jeff +---+ | Jeffery C Baldwin | Computer Consultant II | | University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill | 213 Miller Hall | CB# 1105 | Chapel Hill, NC 27599 | | Phone: (919) 843-2725 | Fax: (919) 966-8928 | E-Mail: jeff_baldwin at unc dot edu +---+ -Original Message- From: Paul DuBois [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, August 04, 2003 12:02 PM To: Asif Iqbal; Ralph Guzman Cc: 'Fawad Siddiqui'; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: Books advice At 21:04 -0400 7/31/03, Asif Iqbal wrote: >I just ordered this book > >MySQL >The definitive guide to using, programming, >and administering MySQL 4 >by Paul Dubois > >I found it more technical than MySQL cook book by Paul Dubois Comparison information: http://www.kitebird.com/mysql-book-comparison.php This page also includes links to each book's home page that provides other information about the book such as ISBN. > > >On Thu, 31 Jul 2003, Ralph Guzman wrote: > >> Here are two other books that I would recommend, specially the first >> one: >> >> * SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in >> SQL >> by Michael J. Hernandez, John L. Viescas >> >> Joe Celko's SQL for Smarties: Advanced SQL Programming >> by Joe Celko >> >> >> -Original Message- >> From: Fawad Siddiqui [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] >> Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2003 5:06 PM >> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] >> Subject: Books advice >> >> Hi, >> >> I would like to learn about RDBMS, namely mysql of course, but know >> really nothing in this area, so have to learn about; RDBMS, SQL and >> mysql from scratch. >> >> In this regard, if anyone knows of any books they think would start me >> off on the right foot, I would be very grateful. >> >> I have done some searching on Amazon, with the following results. >> >> 1.Beginning Databases with MySQL >> by Richard Stones, Neil Matthew >> >> 2.MySQL Cookbook >> by Paul DuBois >> >> 3.Managing and Using MySQL >>by George Reese, et al >> >> 4.Inside Relational Databases >> by Mark Whitehorn, Bill Marklyn >> >> 5.Database Design >> by Ryan K. Stephens, Ronald R. Plew >> >> 6.The Practical SQL Handbook: Using SQL Variants >> by Judith S. Bowman, et al >> >> >> Many thanks in advance for all your help. >> >> >> Fawad >> >> >> >> > >-- >Asif Iqbal >http://pgpkeys.mit.edu:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x8B686E08 >There's no place like 127.0.0.1 -- Paul DuBois, Senior Technical Writer Madison, Wisconsin, USA MySQL AB, www.mysql.com Are you MySQL certified? http://www.mysql.com/certification/ -- MySQL General Mailing List For list archives: http://lists.mysql.com/mysql To unsubscribe: http://lists.mysql.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] -- MySQL General Mailing List For list archives: http://lists.mysql.com/mysql To unsubscribe:http://lists.mysql.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: Books advice
At 21:04 -0400 7/31/03, Asif Iqbal wrote: I just ordered this book MySQL The definitive guide to using, programming, and administering MySQL 4 by Paul Dubois I found it more technical than MySQL cook book by Paul Dubois Comparison information: http://www.kitebird.com/mysql-book-comparison.php This page also includes links to each book's home page that provides other information about the book such as ISBN. On Thu, 31 Jul 2003, Ralph Guzman wrote: Here are two other books that I would recommend, specially the first one: * SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL by Michael J. Hernandez, John L. Viescas Joe Celko's SQL for Smarties: Advanced SQL Programming by Joe Celko -Original Message- From: Fawad Siddiqui [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2003 5:06 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Books advice Hi, I would like to learn about RDBMS, namely mysql of course, but know really nothing in this area, so have to learn about; RDBMS, SQL and mysql from scratch. In this regard, if anyone knows of any books they think would start me off on the right foot, I would be very grateful. I have done some searching on Amazon, with the following results. 1.Beginning Databases with MySQL by Richard Stones, Neil Matthew 2.MySQL Cookbook by Paul DuBois 3.Managing and Using MySQL by George Reese, et al 4.Inside Relational Databases by Mark Whitehorn, Bill Marklyn 5.Database Design by Ryan K. Stephens, Ronald R. Plew 6.The Practical SQL Handbook: Using SQL Variants by Judith S. Bowman, et al Many thanks in advance for all your help. Fawad -- Asif Iqbal http://pgpkeys.mit.edu:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x8B686E08 There's no place like 127.0.0.1 -- Paul DuBois, Senior Technical Writer Madison, Wisconsin, USA MySQL AB, www.mysql.com Are you MySQL certified? http://www.mysql.com/certification/ -- MySQL General Mailing List For list archives: http://lists.mysql.com/mysql To unsubscribe:http://lists.mysql.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Books advice
It depends on what you want to know. I used _Fundamentals of Database Systems_ (Elmasri and Navathe) when I took a DB course. It was pretty good, though my impression is that there might be a "classic" which is better. The problem with the more MySQL-specific books is that you might not learn the more abstract aspects of database design. E.g. some MySQL literature seems to imply that keys and indexes are the same thing, which is not true. Also, a book like the one above will strongly emphasize what an "ideal" RDMS will adhere to, most importantly data integrity, especially referential integrity. Earlier editions of MySQL (including the one I'm using) don't actually enforce foreign key references. And judging from some things I see posted in this list, your DB design will be well-served by learning the fundamentals. I haven't read Celko's books, but my guess is that they're advanced, not foundational, and that you'd be better served by first looking at a foundational book. -S - Original Message - From: "Fawad Siddiqui" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2003 8:05 PM Subject: Books advice Hi, I would like to learn about RDBMS, namely mysql of course, but know really nothing in this area, so have to learn about; RDBMS, SQL and mysql from scratch. In this regard, if anyone knows of any books they think would start me off on the right foot, I would be very grateful. I have done some searching on Amazon, with the following results. 1.Beginning Databases with MySQL by Richard Stones, Neil Matthew 2.MySQL Cookbook by Paul DuBois 3.Managing and Using MySQL by George Reese, et al 4.Inside Relational Databases by Mark Whitehorn, Bill Marklyn 5.Database Design by Ryan K. Stephens, Ronald R. Plew 6.The Practical SQL Handbook: Using SQL Variants by Judith S. Bowman, et al Many thanks in advance for all your help. Fawad -- MySQL General Mailing List For list archives: http://lists.mysql.com/mysql To unsubscribe:http://lists.mysql.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: Books advice
ISBN 0-7357-1212-3 On Fri, 1 Aug 2003, Lucas Fonzalida - Soporte Tecnico wrote: > Asif, can you paste here the ISBN? > > Thanks!! > > Lucas > > -Mensaje original- > De: Asif Iqbal > Enviado el: Jueves, 31 de Julio de 2003 22:05 > Para: Ralph Guzman > CC: 'Fawad Siddiqui'; [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Asunto: RE: Books advice > > > I just ordered this book > > MySQL > The definitive guide to using, programming, > and administering MySQL 4 > by Paul Dubois > > I found it more technical than MySQL cook book by Paul Dubois > > > -- Asif Iqbal http://pgpkeys.mit.edu:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x8B686E08 There's no place like 127.0.0.1 -- MySQL General Mailing List For list archives: http://lists.mysql.com/mysql To unsubscribe:http://lists.mysql.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: Books advice
Asif, can you paste here the ISBN? Thanks!! Lucas -Mensaje original- De: Asif Iqbal Enviado el: Jueves, 31 de Julio de 2003 22:05 Para: Ralph Guzman CC: 'Fawad Siddiqui'; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Asunto: RE: Books advice I just ordered this book MySQL The definitive guide to using, programming, and administering MySQL 4 by Paul Dubois I found it more technical than MySQL cook book by Paul Dubois -- MySQL General Mailing List For list archives: http://lists.mysql.com/mysql To unsubscribe:http://lists.mysql.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: Books advice
I just ordered this book MySQL The definitive guide to using, programming, and administering MySQL 4 by Paul Dubois I found it more technical than MySQL cook book by Paul Dubois On Thu, 31 Jul 2003, Ralph Guzman wrote: > Here are two other books that I would recommend, specially the first > one: > > * SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in > SQL > by Michael J. Hernandez, John L. Viescas > > Joe Celko's SQL for Smarties: Advanced SQL Programming > by Joe Celko > > > -Original Message- > From: Fawad Siddiqui [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2003 5:06 PM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: Books advice > > Hi, > > I would like to learn about RDBMS, namely mysql of course, but know > really nothing in this area, so have to learn about; RDBMS, SQL and > mysql from scratch. > > In this regard, if anyone knows of any books they think would start me > off on the right foot, I would be very grateful. > > I have done some searching on Amazon, with the following results. > > 1.Beginning Databases with MySQL >by Richard Stones, Neil Matthew > > 2.MySQL Cookbook >by Paul DuBois > > 3.Managing and Using MySQL > by George Reese, et al > > 4.Inside Relational Databases >by Mark Whitehorn, Bill Marklyn > > 5.Database Design >by Ryan K. Stephens, Ronald R. Plew > > 6.The Practical SQL Handbook: Using SQL Variants >by Judith S. Bowman, et al > > > Many thanks in advance for all your help. > > > Fawad > > > > -- Asif Iqbal http://pgpkeys.mit.edu:11371/pks/lookup?op=get&search=0x8B686E08 There's no place like 127.0.0.1 -- MySQL General Mailing List For list archives: http://lists.mysql.com/mysql To unsubscribe:http://lists.mysql.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Re: Books advice
Hi I guess I will plug Paul's books. I have his MySQL book and his MySQL and Perl for the Web. I really enjoyed the second one but the MySQL book was very well written. I also have read Sam's teach yourself MySQL in 21 days which seemed pretty light weight and I never look up anything in it. I also have the MySQL reference manual which is great for really technical type questions. Mike - Original Message - From: "Ralph Guzman" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "'Fawad Siddiqui'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: July 31, 2003 8:23 PM Subject: RE: Books advice > Here are two other books that I would recommend, specially the first > one: > > * SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in > SQL > by Michael J. Hernandez, John L. Viescas > > Joe Celko's SQL for Smarties: Advanced SQL Programming > by Joe Celko > > > -Original Message- > From: Fawad Siddiqui [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2003 5:06 PM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: Books advice > > Hi, > > I would like to learn about RDBMS, namely mysql of course, but know > really nothing in this area, so have to learn about; RDBMS, SQL and > mysql from scratch. > > In this regard, if anyone knows of any books they think would start me > off on the right foot, I would be very grateful. > > I have done some searching on Amazon, with the following results. > > 1.Beginning Databases with MySQL >by Richard Stones, Neil Matthew > > 2.MySQL Cookbook >by Paul DuBois > > 3.Managing and Using MySQL > by George Reese, et al > > 4.Inside Relational Databases >by Mark Whitehorn, Bill Marklyn > > 5.Database Design >by Ryan K. Stephens, Ronald R. Plew > > 6.The Practical SQL Handbook: Using SQL Variants >by Judith S. Bowman, et al > > > Many thanks in advance for all your help. > > > Fawad > > > > -- > MySQL General Mailing List > For list archives: http://lists.mysql.com/mysql > To unsubscribe: http://lists.mysql.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED] > -- MySQL General Mailing List For list archives: http://lists.mysql.com/mysql To unsubscribe:http://lists.mysql.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]
RE: Books advice
Here are two other books that I would recommend, specially the first one: * SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL by Michael J. Hernandez, John L. Viescas Joe Celko's SQL for Smarties: Advanced SQL Programming by Joe Celko -Original Message- From: Fawad Siddiqui [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, July 31, 2003 5:06 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Books advice Hi, I would like to learn about RDBMS, namely mysql of course, but know really nothing in this area, so have to learn about; RDBMS, SQL and mysql from scratch. In this regard, if anyone knows of any books they think would start me off on the right foot, I would be very grateful. I have done some searching on Amazon, with the following results. 1.Beginning Databases with MySQL by Richard Stones, Neil Matthew 2.MySQL Cookbook by Paul DuBois 3.Managing and Using MySQL by George Reese, et al 4.Inside Relational Databases by Mark Whitehorn, Bill Marklyn 5.Database Design by Ryan K. Stephens, Ronald R. Plew 6.The Practical SQL Handbook: Using SQL Variants by Judith S. Bowman, et al Many thanks in advance for all your help. Fawad -- MySQL General Mailing List For list archives: http://lists.mysql.com/mysql To unsubscribe:http://lists.mysql.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Books advice
Hi, I would like to learn about RDBMS, namely mysql of course, but know really nothing in this area, so have to learn about; RDBMS, SQL and mysql from scratch. In this regard, if anyone knows of any books they think would start me off on the right foot, I would be very grateful. I have done some searching on Amazon, with the following results. 1.Beginning Databases with MySQL by Richard Stones, Neil Matthew 2.MySQL Cookbook by Paul DuBois 3.Managing and Using MySQL by George Reese, et al 4.Inside Relational Databases by Mark Whitehorn, Bill Marklyn 5.Database Design by Ryan K. Stephens, Ronald R. Plew 6.The Practical SQL Handbook: Using SQL Variants by Judith S. Bowman, et al Many thanks in advance for all your help. Fawad