My local database (all ascii files) has gone over 6 GB and it is no more convenient to take backup on DVDs. If I use some commercial/free database, will it do in-built compression and help me in taking backups on DVDs? In general, zip does a compression of 5:1, can oracle, ms sql, or mysql do such compression automatic?

I don't do compression on hard disk, because I use those files time again and again and zip takes so much to compress/uncompress. I have never used databases in programs, but have played around a bit with oracle using command like sqlplus.

Hardware is fundtimer's area, but if you're just looking for convenient backups, just go with a RAID-1 disk drive configuration.

That or archive much of that early ASCII data. You probably don't need to be 'dragging' it around everywhere.

mozy.com offers unlimited online backups for $5 a month, or up to 2 GB for free.

compression will always have decompression overhead when you need to use the data so even if it's native to the DB you'd still need to wait for the DB to decompress the data.

I'm surprised you can get only 5:1, usually my ASCII files get over 90% compression. You might look into RAR and/or LZA compression, supposedly they can do better than zip.

SSB

>>I'm surprised you can get only 5:1

The default setting gives that. For higher compression, it will take more time.

I have decided to transfer most of my data to a database, but I don't want to spend money on that. Which is a better option - mysql or MS SQL Server express edition ?

a few comments...

Nowadays, turning on compression only makes sense if your data is being served from a web host to a local application.

MySql has a much large vocal user base in the event that you get into trouble.

In the long run, Microsoft will most likely dominate at the pc level, in particular as Vista heads to the forefront.

Looks like MS SQL is easier to manage and use. I heard that its language T-SQL is also easier compared to other variations of SQL. I will try this and see where it goes. Any idea on Postgre or oracle express ?

Books online for MS SQL Server is excellent....