[FAQ] Oracle Database FAQ

Archive-name: databases/oracle-faq
Posting-Frequency: monthly
Version: 1.04

FAQ ABOUT THE ORACLE FAQ:

The following topics are addressed in this FAQ:

1. Where is the Oracle FAQ located?
2. What is in the Oracle FAQ?
3. Who should use the Oracle FAQ?
4. Where can one post Oracle related questions?
5. How does one add information to the Oracle FAQ?
6. Can I add my own FAQ to the Oracle FAQ site?
7. Are there any translation projects for this FAQ?
8. Legal stuff
   1. Where is the Oracle FAQ located?

The Oracle FAQ is available on the Web at the following addresses:

  http://orafaq.cs.rmit.edu.au/ - Australia
  http://www.doag.org/orafaq/   - Germany
  http://www.orafaq.com/        - USA (St. Louis)
  http://www.orafaq.net/        - USA (Texas)
  http://www.orafaq.org/        - USA (Michigan)

We recommend you select the site closest to you to prevent congestion on the Internet and overloading of any particular server. If one of the above servers is inaccessible, please use one of the other mirror sites.

Take note of the last modification date on these sites (listed on the first page). Different sites refresh at different intervals, so check to ensure you are not reading an out-of-date version of this FAQ.

2) What is in the Oracle FAQ?

The Oracle FAQ contains independent Oracle product related FAQs for DBAs and developers. The FAQ also contains scripts, white papers, news, jobs, forums, message boards, tips and training on Oracle and SQL. It is a valuable resource for all Oracle professionals. You may not get the Oracle company line, but will surely get an answer to just about any question concerning the software giant and its products.

3) Who should use the Oracle FAQ?

The Oracle FAQ is primarily intended for "newbie" users trying to get up to speed with Oracle, but also includes information for the more seasoned Oracle Professionals. It should be referenced before asking questions on Oracle message boards, mailing lists and USENET newsgroups.

4) Where can one post Oracle related questions?

If after reading the appropriate FAQs, you still cannot find the answer to your question, you may post your question to the ORACLE-L list, appropriate USENET newsgroup or FAQ Message Forum:

  ORACLE-L List (using an E-Mail program):

        To subscribe, send an e-mail message to
        oracle-l-request_at_freelists.org with 'subscribe' in the
        Subject field. Alternatively, subscribe via the FreeLists.org
        web site.

  USENET Newsgroups (using a Newsreader program or groups.google.com):
        news:comp.databases.oracle.server
        news:comp.databases.oracle.tools
        news:comp.databases.oracle.misc
        news:comp.databases.oracle.marketplace

  OraFaq Message Forums (using a Web Browser):
        See http://www.orafaq.org/msgboard/index.htm

Make sure you understand the Netiquette Guidelines before posting your message. See www.faqs.org/rfcs/rfc1855.html for details.

When you receive your answer, it is recommended that you post a summary to the list/newsgroup. It might also be nice to notify the ORACLE FAQ maintainers of the answer so that they can update the Oracle FAQ accordingly (keep in mind that they do not always have the time to scan the lists/ newsgroups for new information).

5) How does one add information to the Oracle FAQ?

We try our best to constantly improve the Oracle FAQ. However, we rely on the good will and support of our readers to notice problems and omissions. Please e-mail any suggestions, contributions and corrections to support_at_orafaq.net. If you submission is accepted, your name will be featured with the content.

NOTE: Please do not send us questions without detailed answers. Read question 4 (where can one post Oracle related questions?).

6) Can I add my own FAQ to the Oracle FAQ site?  

Sure, we are always looking for new content and authors. Design your FAQ page(s) and send it to us for inclusion into the Oracle FAQ. Try to stick to the look, feel and style used in the rest of the FAQ.

7) Are there any translation projects for this FAQ?

There was a Japanese translation of the Oracle FAQ some time ago. Maybe it is still out there (difficult to tell). If you want to translate one of the FAQs, or know about some cool translation techniques, please let us know.

8) Legal stuff

All information on the Oracle FAQ is offered in good faith and in the hope that it may be of use, but is not guaranteed to be correct, up to date or suitable for any particular purpose. The author (and contributors) accepts no liability in respect of this information or its use.

The Oracle FAQ is independent of and does not represent Oracle Corporation in any way. Oracle does not officially sponsor, approve, or endorse this FAQ or its content.

Best regards

Oracle FAQ Team Received on Thu Nov 17 2005 - 23:37:12 CST