I am a newbie at both Java and Linux and I am not sure which road to take. I have removed everything from my computer, that was connected to or related to Microsoft and I am now running Ubuntu 8.04 (Linux) as my operating system. I believe that I have finally got NetBeans 6 and Java 6 installed correctly and am ready to start experimenting.
Years ago I wrote a medical journal program (for a friend) using C++ and then I retired and programming fell by the wayside. I want to get back into programming again and have decided on Java, because it can be used on different platforms. With old age comes health issues and I am now at a point that I could use a program that would keep track of my medical history.
I guess what I need to know is what would be the best approach to accomplish something like this. Keep in mind that I am a "NEWBIE" and I want to travel the easier road!!!!
Would it be easier to write a self contained database program, that could be run on my computer (without connecting to a server).
or
Would it be easier to write a database program that would use a connection to one of the Java DB servers.
Several members of my family have expressed an interest in this and I am thinking a standalone approach would be best.
Thanks for any feedback