Re: Simply viewing data in a database

"Cliff J" <jonescj_at_optonline.net> wrote in message news:df7ad293.0306250323.7e3ad68a_at_posting.google.com...
> Yeah - gotcha on that. Sorry. So, I guess this means I won't get an
> answer to my question as punishment for improper etiquette? I'm sorry.

:D))

No, of course not. If Hans doesn't catch up with you b4 I do, here goes some help.

> > > knowledge using Oracle. I installed Oracle8i. All I want to do is log
> > > in as with the root account and look at the example database that
> > > comes with the install. I try to log in to SQL using the
> > > System/Manager account but I don't have sufficient privileges to look
> > > at data.

System is the equivalent of a "root" account. You can actually see the data, you simply don't know yet how. In Oracle, objects (tables, indexes, etc) are always created as belonging to an "owner". Who is by default the user under which the object was created. The example database is usually created under an owner called SCOTT. If you log in as SCOTT, password TIGER, more than likely you'll be able to look at the tables.

As SYSTEM, you have to actually *qualify* the object names you want, with their owner. For example: if there is a table called EMP in user SCOTT, you'll need to type the table name as SCOTT.EMP from SYSTEM in order to see its contents. From SYSTEM this works, because as I said: it's a "root" account. From other non-root accounts, you wouldn't be able to see anything even when fully qualified. Unless of course you were authorized to do so.

The Concepts manual is excellent in explaining this sort of stuff. Download it from one of the Oracle web-sites and have a nice, quiet read before you jump in. You MUST understand the basic principles in order to be able to understand the rest of Oracle. Otherwise you'll be forever battling against the product.

> > > My questions are, is there a built-in "admin" account that I should be
> > > using to administrate the database and is there a GUI that I can use
> > > to view data?

The account you already know. The GUI: if you installed Enterprise Manager, there is a thing called the SQL worksheet that lets you type SQL and see the results. Same with the ubiquitous SQL*Plus, which you'll find in the Oracle menu hierarchy, in the tools area. Apart form that, there is always TOAD (I think they still have a one-user free copy). Or a zillion other basic products.

Have fun, that's what's all about.

--
Cheers
Nuno Souto
wizofoz2k_at_yahoo.com.au.nospam