Configuring ODBC Data Sources
Many of the applications described below use ODBC for database integration, and so we'll start with a brief overview of ODBC and instructions for configuring ODBC Data Sources.
ODBC is a standard that is used to enable clients' applications to interact with different backend databases or underlying database engines. Using ODBC, is it possible to write code in one client (for example, Microsoft Query, Allaire ColdFusion, or Seagate Crystal Reports) and have those tools interact with almost any database or DBMS.
ODBC itself is not a database. Rather, ODBC is a wrapper around databases that makes all databases behave in a consistent and clearly defined fashion. It accomplishes this by using software drivers that have two primary functions. First, they encapsulate any native database features or peculiarities and hide these from the client. Second, they provide a common language for interacting with these databases (performing translations when needed). The language used by ODBC is SQL.
ODBC client applications do not interact with databases directly. Instead, they interact with ODBC Data Sources. A Data Source is a logical database that includes the driver (each database type has its own driver) and information on how to connect to the database (file paths, serve names, and so forth).
After ODBC Data Sources are defined, any ODBC-compliant application can use them. ODBC Data Sources are not application specific; they are system specific.
Caution
ODBC Differences There are many different versions of the ODBC applet, making it impossible to provide exact instructions that would apply to all versions. Pay close attention to the prompts when setting up your own Data Sources.
ODBC Data Sources are defined using the Windows Control Panel's ODBC applet. To set up an ODBC Data Source do the following:
Open the Windows Control Panel's ODBC applet.
Most ODBC Data Sources should be set up to be system-wide Data Sources (as opposed to user-specific Data Sources), so select System DSN, if that option is available to you.
Click the Add button to add a new Data Source.
Select the driver to use. There is usually a default set of drivers that provides support for major Microsoft products. Other drivers might be installed on your system. You must select a driver that matches the type of database to which you'll be connecting.
Depending on the type of database or DBMS, you are prompted for server name or file path information and possibly login information. Provide this information as requested and then follow the rest of the prompts to create the Data Source.