New at this, could be a stupid question...

[likeglue]

...but why does it seem that everyone uses php in conjuction with a my SQL database instead of an Access database. With what little contact I've had with mySQL, it seems that Access can do a lot more and the interface is much more user-friendly. Can someone explain this to me? Thanks!

[AstroTeg]

Access is for light weight stuff. One could argue MySQL is for light weight stuff too.

Access, the last time I checked, supports a really row number of concurrent users. Meaning if a bunch of people hit your website at one time, Access will choke and take your site down. MySQL will choke at 100 (I think - there may be a way to tweak this as necessary).

Access is pretty slow in terms of query performance. MySQL on the other hand is pretty quick.

Access requires a license from Microsoft to use. MySQL is open source and freely available.

Yes, Access is pretty and easy to use. With the right tools, MySQL (and other databases) are also pretty easy to use. Although they still require knowledge of writing SQL by hand. I could also mention Access's funky query language, but that's more personal opinion then anything...

[likeglue]

Interesting. Is there another alternative besides Access and mySQL that you don't have to study programming for 10 years to use? Also, what do mean "the right tools" in terms of mySQL?