access vs sql forum database

strange problem

[sunandoghosh]

Hi friends,

I am back once again with a very confusing question for all great minds here.

The question is when i uploaded forum on my site written in asp with access as database, it runs extremely fast but when I upload the same forum with sql as database (which is what i desire considering merits of sql over access), i find that the speed of forum REDUCES tremedously.

In fact many times with sql as databse it does not open whereas with access as database, it always opens very fast.

This is quite a paradox as it should have worked the other way round.

I am still confused in the light of above as to whcih database to use for my forum anticipating large mebers in long run using the forum on my site.

any inputs, comments, suggestions will be highly appreciated.

Thanks once again.

sunando

[rogerd]

Maybe one of our MS experts can provide a more definitive answer, but I've read that the robust data integrity features of SQL server may impose more overhead at low volumes than a simple Access database. Of course, when things get busy, the performance and reliability edge moves toward SQL server.

It seems possible that configuration issues might well affect the SQL server's speed; I'd recommend having someone who knows how to tune one of these take a look.

[jasonlambert]

if you are anticipating large number of member's DONT use Access. MS Access is NOT a "real" relational database, it is a bit of desktop software designed for small business applications.

Why does it run slower when you use an SQL server?
- Does the SQL server have enough memory available?
- Is the SQL server on the same machine as the webserver? (MySQL for example experiences a 40% speed reduction when accessed over a TCP socket on a LAN)
- Are the SQL queries written efficiently in your forum software to minimise temporary tables and the like?

etc etc.