Doubts about Linux databases

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Hi all,
This is specifically for Database specialists....and enthusiasts..!!!!!!!!!!
I have the following doubts about databases--Implementation aspects, design
aspects, etc.
We have to implement database technology ( rather implement some databases)
in a university..
So the problem came to me and someone asked me a suggestion. Being not very
much well versed with databases, i thought i will ask ILUG, so that someone
can clarify them to me..
Here it is..
It is a university and there are at least 15 departments. The databases are
on the students, teaching staff, non-teaching staff and other daily
activities which fit into a database model. The question is which database
to choose.. Some suggested ACCESS ( Windows database-file based) since they
consider it is easy to implement.. I suggested Linux based databases, like
MySql etc..
However as i do not have much experience in Linux databases , i request
someone of u who have experience to share some of their experiences with
me.. I remember that Linux sports 2 databases ( may be more -- But i do not
know) .. what are the members experiences w.r.t. those databases. Here are
the following issues..>>>>>

 [1] The databases should preferably sport a GUI interface ( preferably
because, the entries will be done by inexperienced individuals-- and we do
not want to spend  a lot of time with them explaining how to enter the
 data ) . First of all is it possible.. ??
 [2] The database should be network based that is distributed database.. I
should be able to access my database from a centralised server from any
client, but with appropriate permissions..
 [3] what about an RDBMS ...??
 [4] and also security is top priority on my mind...Will the database permit
view based security like in Oracle. For example students should be able to
see only their personal details and not of others.. Also they should not be
allowed to look at their internal marks before a certain date.. So i need to
solve problems like these which are plenty...
 [5] Ease of use.....
 [6] Licensing issues.... I know this may not be much of a matter..in
Linux..
 [7] Also Its capability-- Like what is the maximum database size it can
support--  By the way, how many of the Linux databases are being used in
Industries in  a production environment--  I am really curious..Medium to
large scale industries.. where the employees  are more then 5000..  For
example in my organisation, we a 5000+ strong Public sector.. we need
databases to do salary processing , Tax processing, PF calculations,
Inventory management, and other such stuff.. The issue is can how can i
convince my organisation to take up those Linux databases instead of Oracle
on NT.. Does any of the Linux databases satisfy my Organisational
requirements..???
 [8] What are the Hardware capabilities required-- Also what distros to be
used.. Can i use Redhat or Suse or Mandrake..???
 [9] what stability issues are involved-- Also support issues...
 [10] ALso i am curious to know as to how many Universities and IIT's are
using Linux based databases in thier campuses ( I know that many of the
IIT's CSSE dept's are using Linux for educaton) .. But what about the
databases..??
 [11] We already have a COMPAQ Proliant server ( sorry i forgot the server
Hardware release number) .. So anybody have any idea about these servers
vis-a-vis Linux ( like involving driver issues-VGA, Network card, Modem's
etc...)
 I know about COMPAQ presarios .. They are definitely NOT Linux friendly..
However we have COMPAQ Deskpro clients ( all of them are so) ...what about
them..???

     I wanted to suggest Linux databases for them because it does not
involve  costly Licenses, if the same can be achieved..
Also it is an educational institution.. And it can propel many on the Linux
path by serving as a model..
I can use the same knowledge to suggest to my organisation ( I am working in
a Public sector) about these issues..

My request to those who answer my queries, is to suggest appropriate links
for the software, books, interesting experiences, any intersting info etc..

Ok that is all..
Regards,
Suri@Vizag






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