PostgreSQL is an object-relational database system that has the features of the traditional commercial database systems with enhancements to be found in next-generation DBMS systems. In other words Postgres is a competing product to commercially available database systems like Oracle, Microsoft SQL or MySQL.
Except that PostgreSQL is free, just like Linux.
PostgreSQL development is performed by a team of mostly volunteer developers spread throughout the world and communicating via the Internet and the complete source code is available. It is a community project and is not controlled by any company. Even you can get involved.
PostgreSQL is pronounced Post-Gres-Q-L, and is also sometimes referred to as just Postgres.
Most of the information below comes form unabashedly cutting and pasting from the official PostgreSQL web site www.postgresql.org which is the final authority on what I write below and urge you to visit.
PostgreSQL is distributed under the classic BSD license. It has no restrictions on how the source code can be used. The Postgres developer like it in that way and have no intention of changing it. This is the BSD license Postgres uses:
PostgreSQL Data Base Management System
Portions Copyright (c) 1996-2005, PostgreSQL Global Development Group Portions Copyright (c) 1994-1996 Regents of the University of California
Permission to use, copy, modify, and distribute this software and its documentation for any purpose, without fee, and without a written agreement is hereby granted, provided that the above copyright notice and this paragraph and the following two paragraphs appear in all copies.
IN NO EVENT SHALL THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BE LIABLE TO ANY PARTY FOR DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS, ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE AND ITS DOCUMENTATION, EVEN IF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.
THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE SOFTWARE PROVIDED HEREUNDER IS ON AN "AS IS" BASIS, AND THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA HAS NO OBLIGATIONS TO PROVIDE MAINTENANCE, SUPPORT, UPDATES, ENHANCEMENTS, OR MODIFICATIONS.
Postgres is a native UNIX program and runs on the Linux platform. PostgreSQL also runs natively on Microsoft Windows NT-based operating systems like Win2000, WinXP, and Win2003. A prepackaged installer for Windows is available at http://pgfoundry.org/projects/pginstaller.
PostgreSQL includes extensive documentation, including a large manual, manual pages, and some test examples. You can also browse the manuals online at http://www.PostgreSQL.org/docs.
There are two PostgreSQL books available online at http://www.postgresql.org/docs/books/awbook.html and http://www.commandprompt.com/ppbook/. There are a number of PostgreSQL books available for purchase. One of the most popular ones is by Korry Douglas. A list of book reviews can be found at http://techdocs.PostgreSQL.org/techdocs/bookreviews.php. There is also a collection of PostgreSQL technical articles at http://techdocs.PostgreSQL.org/.
To be able to use PostgreSQL you must learn the basics of SQL. This is a good exercise and keeps your mind supple.
First, consider the PostgreSQL-specific books mentioned above. Another one is "Teach Yourself SQL in 21 Days, Second Edition" at http://members.tripod.com/er4ebus/sql/index.htm. Many of our users like The Practical SQL Handbook, Bowman, Judith S., et al., Addison-Wesley. Others like The Complete Reference SQL, Groff et al., McGraw-Hill.
There is also a nice tutorial at http://www.intermedia.net/support/sql/sqltut.shtm, at http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/graeme_birchall/HTM_COOK.HTM, and at http://sqlcourse.com.
I did not write the following, the Postgres people did.
There are several ways of measuring software: features, performance, reliability, support, and price.
This is what we are interested in.
The easiest way to install PostgreSQL on Windows is with the Windows Installer package available from the PostgreSQL FTP site and mirrors. This will install a precompiled version of PostgreSQL along with other programs. To use the installer, you need a computer running Windows 2000 or Windows XP with the Windows Installer service installed. The installer will create a service account if required, and initialize the database cluster.
The Windows Installer may be downloaded from www.postgresql.org/ftp/binary/v8.0.3/win32/.
The FAQ for running PostgreSQL on native Win32 is at http://pginstaller.projects.postgresql.org/FAQ_windows.html.
PostgreSQL's number one priority is the integrity of your data. FAT and FAT32 file systems simply do not offer the reliability required to allow this. In addition, the lack of security features offered by FAT make it impossible to secure the raw data files from unauthorised modification. Finally, PostgreSQL utilizes a feature called 'reparse points' to implement tablespaces. This feature is not available on FAT partitions. (What, you are still using FAT? Do you also still use 51/4" floppies?)
If the PostgreSQL and/or the installer crashes at startup, fails to start or hangs on start by far most common reasons for this are antivirus and firewalls. If you have any firewall software installed on your machine, try either disabling it or uninstalling it. If you have any antivirus software installed, you must disable it for the directories that are to be used by PostgreSQL. If that still does not help, it may be required to completely uninstall the software from the machine.
Specific issues have been reported with the nod32 antivirus product. If you are using this product, add "postmaster.exe" to the list of excluded processes (available under advanced options). This has been reported to fix the problem.