Oracle database was free for developers, couple of years ago(when I got it), you pay for teh shiping or you can downloaded. downloding was very slow from the web.

I believe now, they charge around $40 for 9i

Mo

>Rod;
>
>I think learning about databases is an excellent idea! SQL Server developer edition is about $50). I do not know if Oracle has a similar priced product for developers. Learning how to use a database is so important!
>
>Like you said, "Then I would learn .NET".
>
>Tom
>
>
>>Woodie.....
>>
>> I would spend time learning a database first. SQL Server or Oracle is what I would recommend.
>>
>>Then I would learn .NET.
>>
>>From what I have been experiencing over the last 10+ months, there are a number of VFP to .NET conversions going on. Along with others like VB to .NET. .NET is really hitting its stride now. I tend to believe that there will be a steady increase of VFP to .NET conversions.
>>
>>FWIW... I am the editor of a .NET Mag (CoDe Magazine) and have been working in .NET actively for 2+ years. So I am def biased towards .NET.
>>
>>I wouldnt rule out Java either. Java is big in a number of circles expecially on the web. There is a lot of momentum in Java now.
>>
>>Rodman