I wish to set-up a business directory and I'm looking for any guidance or advice before I get stuck into the nitty-gritty.

Could anyone advise as to which database program I should use?

I wish to provide an online form with the following fields: Business Name, Address, Tel, Fax, Web, Email, short company description. Also fields for administrative use such as username.

I haven't worked on software such as MySQL or Access and am hoping to learn asap.

I hope to provide businesses with both a general listing within search results and also a seperate page the can be linked from the search results to provide consumers with further details of the company description, opening times, product prices, etc.

I know that this is a very vague query, but I hope someone can point me in the right direction or give me some related advice so I don't end up wasting hours at the start.

Many thanks in advance.
Barry

Scripts, free or paid are already available for all this.
If you're hoping to learn yourself: start it learning. Well, with little efforts, you're able to plan a directory, with simple functionalities, that you're looking for. Infact, you need devote time and hard-work.

Many scripts are already available at Web sites like SouceForge, HotScripts, Scripts. So that, you can set it up in less time.

`~@#\^%&*/\.<.\/-|+|_!:;..=?>
Support Indian students' finances http://scholarship.mediasworks.com/

Barry,
My advise to you are as follows:
1) Who are your targeted audience/clients?
2) Will these be use thru the Internet/intranet? and will you be hosting it?
3) How much is your budget for this project? (bec. Access is not free
compared to MySql database.)
4) To learn it fast reference Wrox beginners books (for a start).
I myself started Access database (using Visual Basic script) and still using it, and started migrating to MySql DB & PHP scripting.
Good Luck,
John M.