Introduction to Oracle: Basic Skills for Any Oracle User

Are you new to Oracle databases? Have you just been assigned your first Oracle task or project? Maybe you're already database literate - but accustomed to working with another database such as Microsoft SQL Server, IBM's DB2 or MySQL. No matter what the case - if you must "hit the ground" running with Oracle, then this book is for you. From non-technical or more business centric end users to the even the most technically oriented information systems professionals, this book can serve as your sole source for an introduction to and ongoing reference for successfully working with Oracle databases. It covers every aspect required for getting you quickly indoctrinated and very productive, including Oracle terminology, Windows PC configuration issues, Oracle client configuration issues, Database connection methods, and much more. Plus this book offers a painless yet thorough introduction to and explanation of "Structured Query Language" or SQL. Finally, it shows clear examples just how to access and work with your Oracle database using popular tools such as Microsoft Excel, SQL*Plus, SQL*Developer, TOAD and many others.

Bert Scalzo is a Database Expert for Quest Software and a member of the TOAD dev team. He has worked with Oracle databases for well over two decades. Mr. Scalzo's work history includes time at both Oracle Education and Oracle Consulting. He holds several Oracle Masters certifications and an extensive academic background - including a BS, MS and PhD in Computer Science, an MBA, plus insurance industry designations. Mr. Scalzo is also an Oracle ACE. Mr. Scalzo is accomplished speaker and has presented at numerous Oracle conferences and user groups - including OOW, ODTUG, IOUG, OAUG, RMOUG and many others. His key areas of DBA interest are Data Modeling, Database Benchmarking, Database Tuning & Optimization, "Star Schema" Data Warehouses, Linux and VMware. Mr. Scalzo has written numerous articles, papers and blogs - including for the Oracle Technology Network (OTN), Oracle Magazine, Oracle Informant, PC Week (eWeek), Dell Power Solutions Magazine, The LINUX Journal, LINUX.com, Oracle FAQ, Ask Toad and Toad World. Mr. Scalzo has also written six books: Oracle DBA Guide to Data Warehousing and Star Schemas, TOAD Handbook, TOAD Pocket Reference (2nd Ed), Database Benchmarking: Practical Methods for Oracle & SQL Server, Advanced Oracle Utilities: The Definitive Reference and Oracle on VMware: Expert Tips for Database Virtualization.