What You Need to Run SQL*Plus

To run SQL*Plus, you need hardware, software, operating system specific information, a username and password, and access to one or more tables.

Hardware and Software

Oracle and SQL*Plus can run on many different kinds of computers. Your computer's operating system manages the computer's resources and mediates between the computer hardware and programs such as SQL*Plus. Different computers use different operating systems. For information about your computer's operating system, see the documentation provided with the computer.

Before you can begin using SQL*Plus, both Oracle and SQL*Plus must be installed on your computer. Note that in order to take full advantage of the enhancements in SQL*Plus release 8.1.5, you must have Oracle8i. For a list of SQL*Plus release 8.1.5 enhancements, see Appendix B.

If you have multiple users on your computer, your organization should have a Database Administrator (called a DBA) who supervises the use of Oracle.

The DBA is responsible for installing Oracle and SQL*Plus on your system. If you are acting as DBA, see the instructions for installing Oracle and SQL*Plus in the Oracle installation and user's manual(s) provided for your operating system.

Information Specific to Your Operating System

A few aspects of Oracle and SQL*Plus differ from one type of host computer and operating system to another. These topics are discussed in the Oracle installation and user's manual(s), published in a separate version for each host computer and operating system that SQL*Plus supports.

Keep a copy of your Oracle installation and user's manual(s) available for reference as you work through this Guide. When necessary, this Guide will refer you to your installation and user's manual(s).

Username and Password

When you start SQL*Plus, you will need a username that identifies you as an authorized Oracle user and a password that proves you are the legitimate owner of your username. See the PASSWORD command in Chapter 8 for details on how to change your password. The demonstration username, SCOTT, and password, TIGER, may be set up on your system during the installation procedure. In this case, you can use the Oracle username SCOTT and password TIGER with the EMP and DEPT tables (Figure 1-1 and Figure 1-2).

Multi-User Systems

If several people share your computer's operating system, your DBA can set up your SQL*Plus username and password. You will also need a system username and password to gain admittance to the operating system. These may or may not be the same ones you use with SQL*Plus.

Single-User Systems

If only one person at a time uses your computer, you may be expected to perform the DBAs functions for yourself. In that case, you can use the Oracle username SCOTT and password TIGER. If you want to define your own username and password, see the Oracle8i SQL Reference.

Access to Sample Tables

Each table in the database is "owned" by a particular user. You may wish to have your own copies of the sample tables to use as you try the examples in this Guide. To get your own copies of the tables, see your DBA or run the Oracle-supplied command file named DEMOBLD (you run this file from your operating system, not from SQL*Plus).

When you have no more use for the sample tables, remove them by running another Oracle-supplied command file named DEMODROP. For instructions on how to run DEMOBLD and DEMODROP, see the Oracle installation and user's manual(s) provided for your operating system.