Computer inventory

[Harold Druss]

Hi All
I volunteer at my local library. I'd like to create a computer inventory
program using VB6 as a front end.

I have tables for Locations, Computers, Printers, Monitors, Software.

One of my problem is how do I show what software is installed on a computer?
One computer may have 5 programs installed while another has 8.

My goal is to show a list of computers and give the Librarian the details
like where it is located (no problem one to one), and the software that is
installed.


Thank you
Harold

 

[Tom Lake]

Hi All
I volunteer at my local library. I'd like to create a computer inventory
program using VB6 as a front end.

I have tables for Locations, Computers, Printers, Monitors, Software.

One of my problem is how do I show what software is installed on a
computer?
One computer may have 5 programs installed while another has 8.

You need another table for software. If the Primary Key of your Computer
table
is serial number (that's what I use for ours) then you can use serial number
as a
non-exclusive key (called a foreign key?) in your software table. You'll
have another
table that relates to both computers and software (one computer can have
more than
one program installed on it and one program can be installed on more than
one computer)
computer table to the software table in a many-to-many relationship.

A good example can be found here:

http://www.databasedev.co.uk/many_to_many_example.html

In your case, the Artist table would be the computers and the Album table
would be software.

Tom Lake

 

[Harold Druss]

You need another table for software. If the Primary Key of your Computer
table
is serial number (that's what I use for ours) then you can use serial
number as a
non-exclusive key (called a foreign key?) in your software table. You'll
have another
table that relates to both computers and software (one computer can have
more than
one program installed on it and one program can be installed on more than
one computer)
computer table to the software table in a many-to-many relationship.

A good example can be found here:

http://www.databasedev.co.uk/many_to_many_example.html

In your case, the Artist table would be the computers and the Album table
would be software.

Tom Lake

Hi Tom
Thanks for the help. I've added another table "tblLink_Locations_Software"
with the one to many relationship.

I'm well on my way now.

Thanks so much
Harold

 

[DanielWalters6]

But let's be honest Many to Many Relationships are NOT good!

Create a joining table between COMPUTERS and SOFTWARE.

This table in the middle, could have three fields ID, ComputerID and
Software ID. This allows one computer to have many software packages
installed, whilst allowing one software package to be installed on many
computers.

 

[DanielWalters6]

Sorry - just looked at the link you've provided - I now sound like a parrot!

 

[Tom Lake]

But let's be honest Many to Many Relationships are NOT good!

Create a joining table between COMPUTERS and SOFTWARE.

How would you do it WITHOUT a joining table?

Tom Lake