Can you recommend an appropriate data base.

Years ago in a DOS world, I purchased a very adequate (for those days) database program which I'm still using, named "File Express". For the most part I'm still happy with it and use it under Dosemu. But I'm looking for a way to get into a truly Linux database. Problem is, I am looking at what was called a database 20 years ago, and what Linux calls a database seems to be very very different.

Here's what I need:
1: A database that will show each entry with all of it's fields (or selected fields) on a single page or short series of pages (probably html?)
2: A database that will allow me to define the various fields.
3: one that will allow me to populate it from the one that I am using (for example through the use of a *.csv file) My current database has more than 1600 entries.
4: one that will allow me to search using any field.
5: Since I'll be using Linux, it would be nice to be able to add the ability to have a field or more that would be graphics or documents.

Any suggestions you might have would be welcome, but in most cases, I am going to need really simple instructions for it's use - most especialy if it is a "relational" database. The one I'm using was touted as having some "relational" features, but I never did understand or use those features, and I think the modern concept goes way beyond the features mentioned ion my old documentation.

Thanks, Dave (littlejoe5)

The Open Office and LibreOffice Suites both include a database program.

I've never used it, but I'd suggest you take a look at it.

1 members found this post helpful.

Since you dont seem to be bothered about the relational aspect, even a spreadsheet (open office "calc") will do in your case for ALL the points except point no 2 (partly). ie. you can define the field and check whether the data entered (finished entering) conforms to the type (say date type) you need but you cant straight away restrict the data at source.

I looked for something like that, but no-one seems to make them for Linux. OpenOffice Base is overkill. Just as you still use a DOS program, I still have Cardbase (all my own work!) from my Sinclair QL days. As Anantha said, you may find a spreadsheet adequate, or you could always try a Windows program like Neomem or DBworx, using Wine.

Thanks for the quick feedback. I appreciate it.

Frankbell:
I did make a somewhat feeble attempt to get started with the database that is a part of OpenOffice. I couldn't figure out how to pass my existing data over to it, or even how to define the fields. If someone has used it, and/or can reccommend to me a good tutorial, I might give it another try. Also, is it capable of the five points that I have enumerated (or even four of the five)?

DavidMcCann:
I really don't want to use a windows program. Ive tried Wine and don't think much of it. Virtual Box is nice when you just must use windows, but too many steps for the frequent lookups that I need to do.

AnanthaP:
Your suggestion of using a spreadsheet is a compromise that I have been using from time to time (OpenOfficeSpreadsheet). It shows each entry on one line separated into fields. It is easy to pass my information over to it using a *.csv file, but it:
A: presents every entry on one line instead of one page. (Each entry has more than 20 fields, which makes a long line.)
B: seems to truncate large ("paragraph") fields, or make them very hard to read.
If there is a way to make it present a paragraph as a paragraph, and concentrate all of the fields of each entry in one view or page, that would solve those two problems. Maybe there is, but I haven't found it.
I'm guessing that there probably is a way to make one field a 'link' to call a graphic or document, which would be nice, but I don't know how to do that either.

Maybe (if the capability is there) what I need is a good tutorial on OpenOfficeSpreadsheet.