DB2 is available for all major platforms, including Linux, and you can 
download personal edition for free to try it out.

http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/download/product.jsp?cat=&fam=&s=z&id=TDUN-49EVGU&pf=&k=&q=&dt=
&v=&e=&rs=&c=&S_TACT=&S_CMP=&presb=r&type=t&postsb=n&sr=1

My $.02
Jim Herrmann
DB2 DBA

On Thursday 18 July 2002 08:49 am, Brian Densmore wrote:
> Oracle
> IBM db2
> Postgresql
> [they are all probably faster and more powerful than MS SQL]
>
> Are all excellent powerful fast comprehensive and stable databases.
> Plus Oracle 9i runs on Linux and has good training, easily available
> most anywhere and a very large installed base.
>
> So if support and training are big issues go Oracle.
> If you want to recommend purely OSS go postgresql. They have sales and
> support,
> but not as much in the way of training and installed base.
>
> HTH and my $0.02,
> Brian
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Patrick Miller [mailto:pert@tas-kc.com]
> > Sent: Thursday, July 18, 2002 8:17 AM
> > To: kclug@kclug.org
> > Subject: SQL/odbc
> >
> >
> > I have used a few databases including MySql, but I am by no
> > means a db guy.
> > We are getting some software that is is requesting MS SQL
> > 2000 or other odbc compliant database. The thing is I don't
> > know comperable alternitaves.
> >
> > I asked a few people at computer stores and no one could
> > offer one. I have heard a db's have odbc modules available,
> > but don't know what to ask for or whats comperable.
> >
> > --
> > Patrick Miller -- Telephone Answerette Systems Inc.
> > IS/Telecom Tech. -- EVE Soon to be Infinity
> > Kansas City, MO
> > Ofc 816-753-7332 -- Cell 816-210-4077
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > majordomo@kclug.org
>