This article provides resources to sample databases available on the web for a variety of database servers. Though the emphasis is on PostgreSQL, other database server formats have been provided when convenient, for completeness. A full-featured test database can be useful when evaluating external applications and their compatibility with PostgreSQL.

• PgFoundry has several sample databases specifically for PostgreSQL included in the PgFoundry DB Samples Project. The samples include ports of the MySQL World Database, Dell DVD Store 2, the US Department of Agriculture’s public domain food and nutrient database, and ISO-3166, containing all countries and subcountries in the world. Thanks to Chris Kings-Lynne for starting this excellent resource.
• Practical PostgreSQL, published by O’Reilly and available fully online from CommandPrompt, Inc., uses the booktown.sql database. The PostgreSQL dump of the example booktown database is used throughout this book. This file contains both commands to re-create the database schema, as well as some sample data. To install this database after you have installed PostgreSQL, type from the command line psql -U postgres -f booktown.sql template1.
• The Dell Linux Engineering Team offers Dell DVD Store 2 (DS2). Included are schemas for MySQL, Oracle, and SQL Server. Loaders are included for each database; the loader can populate the tables with data up to 100 GB. A small database of 10 MB can also be generated for simple test cases.
• Northwind Traders Sample Database for Microsoft Access. Use the Northwind Traders sample database as a tool to help you learn Access 2003.
• AdventureWorks Data Warehouse OLTP database for Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express. Note: At the time of this writing, SQL Server Express is still in Community Technology Preview. CTP software should not be deployed for production use.
• Some textbooks still reference the Northwind and pubs Sample Databases for SQL Server 2000. This database can be imported into SQL Server Express easily enough. In the C:\Sql Server 2000 Sample Databases, directory, type osql -E -S .\SQLEXPRESS -i instnwnd.sql to initialize the database. A similar command is used to initialize the Pubs database, also found within this directory.

This example describes how to call a parameterized access query using Data Access Objects (DAO) from within Microsoft Access.

Dim db As Database
Dim rs As Recordset
Dim qdfParmQry As QueryDef

Set db = CurrentDb()
Set qdfParmQry = db.QueryDefs("qryStudents")
qdfParmQry("city") = "Atlanta"

Set rs = qdfParmQry.OpenRecordset()

Be sure not to confuse DAO with ActiveX Data Objects (ADO), the successor to DAO. While both technologies are nearing obsolescence, DAO continues to work well when specifically targeting a Jet database, as is usually the case with Microsoft Access.

February was an extremely busy month for me, so here’s a recap:

• Completed an open water SCUBA Diving International class at SeaVentures, taught by Terri and Joel Frazier. The course covered basic skills and safety requirements for underwater diving.
• Of course, there’s all sorts of gadgets and gizmos involved in SCUBA. I’ve now got a SeaQuest Balance BCD, Suunto SK-7 compass, Aeris Atmos Elite dive computer, Atomic SplitFins, XCEL Hydrospan 3.0 web suit, ScubaPro MK25/R390 first and second stage regulator, AquaLung Air Source, AquaLung Quartz, mask, Deep See Polynesian boots, and finally, the Ocean Master dry snorkle.
• Went on a weekend trip with Laurel in Florida to perform my open water checkout dives at Crystal River, near Rainbow Springs. The final day was spent at Devil’s Den, an underground spring inside a dry cave in central Florida. I passed all skills, including underwater BCD removal, successfully.
• Built a new computer system, a huge technology leap from my existing machine. It’s basically an AMD 3200+ Socket 939, with an ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe motherboard processor, BENQ DW1655 dual-layer DVD burner. The system is running Windows XP Professional x64, which in hindsight, was probably a poor decision, due to lacking driver and software support.
• Worked on an article on writing a PHP plugin system for PHP Architect, and consulted for Gottlieb Vision Group on networking and infrastructure support. GVG uses Cromwell Medformix as their enterprise medical system, based on Slackware Linux.
• Tea time is the reason for the downfall of the United Kingdom. I worked double shifts while deploying HMI software for ABP Ipswitch, a treating company in the UK. The custom HMI solution includes software products from Software Toolbox, such as Industrial Gadgets, TOP Server, and the OPC Data Control.

We now return to our regular schedule.