Need help to get started on Oracle.

Hi folks!

I am a computer tech, and assistant network administrator. I've worked with all versions of Windows operating systems, Linux, Unix, and Novel. I've coded programs in C++, Pascal, and Assembly Language. So, it is very embarrassing for me to say that I don't even have the slightest clue about what Oracle is, what it does, and why it is used. Can anybody roughly give me some info in a few sentences about Oracle and direct me to good source to get me started on Oracle.

Thanks.

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Ryan Atici