3
Database Tools Overview

Oracle8 Client for Windows NT includes various tools to perform database functions. This chapter describes the preferred tools to perform common database administration tasks.

Specific topics discussed are:

• Choosing a Database Tool
• Starting Database Tools
• Using SQL*Loader
• Using Windows NT Tools

Choosing a Database Tool

Database tools is a collective term for tools, utilities, and assistants that you can use to perform database administration tasks. Some database tools perform similar tasks, though no one database tool performs all database administration tasks. The following sections indicate which database tools can be used on particular operating systems and the preferred tools to use for common database administration tasks.

Database Tools and Operating System Compatibility

This table lists database tools and the operating system(s) on which each can be used:

Database Tools	Oracle8 Client for Windows NT	Oracle8 Client for Windows 95
Oracle8 Utilities
Server Manager (SVRMGR30)1	Yes	Yes
Export (EXP80)	Yes	Yes
Import (IMP80)	Yes	Yes
SQL*Loader (SQLLDR80)	Yes	Yes
Recovery Manager (RMAN80)	Yes	Yes
Password Utility (ORAPWD80)2	No	No
TKPROF (TKPROF80)	Yes	Yes
Windows NT Tools
User Manager	Yes	No
Control Panel	Yes	No
Event Viewer	Yes	No
Performance Monitor	Yes	No
Oracle Enterprise Manager
Instance Manager	Yes	Yes
Data Manager	Yes	Yes
Storage Manager	Yes	Yes
Schema Manager	Yes	Yes
Security Manager	Yes	Yes
Backup Manager	Yes	Yes
SQL Worksheet	Yes	Yes
Oracle Assistants (wizards)
Oracle Patch Assistant	Yes	Yes
Oracle Net8 Assistant	Yes	Yes
Oracle Net8 Easy Config	Yes	Yes
Oracle INTYPE File Assistant	Yes	Yes
SQL*Plus	Yes	Yes

 

1 The ORADEBUG utility can be used through Server Manager.  2 ORAPWD80 does not work on password files for remote databases.

Starting Database Tools

This section describes how to start each of the database tools in the following categories:

• Starting Database Tools in Multiple Oracle Homes
• Starting Oracle8 Utilities
• Starting Windows NT Tools
• Starting Oracle Enterprise Manager
• Starting Oracle Assistants
• Starting SQL*Plus

You will be referred back to this section for database tool startup procedures as you use this manual.

Starting Database Tools in Multiple Oracle Homes

If you are using multiple Oracle homes functionality, the command to start a tool includes [HOME_NAME] where [HOME_NAME] indicates the name of a different Oracle home. For example:

Start > Programs > Oracle for Windows NT - [HOME_NAME] > Oracle Database Assistant

If you want to start Oracle Database Assistant from an Oracle home called PROD, choose Start > Programs > Oracle for Windows NT - PROD > Oracle Database Assistant.

Starting Oracle8 Utilities

This table describes how to start each Oracle8 Utility, and where to go for further information on using these products:

Oracle8 Utilities	To Start...	For More Information, See...
Export Utility (EXP80)	Enter the following at the MS-DOS command prompt followed by your user name and password:  C:\> EXP80 EXP80 starts and prompts you for parameters. To obtain a list of these parameters, enter the following at the MS-DOS command prompt:  C:\> EXP80 HELP=Y Note: When running the Export utility, the default values for the following parameters under Windows NT are:  BUFFER 4 KB  RECORDLENGTH 2 KB  Note: To export an entire database, you must use the user name SYSTEM. Do not use INTERNAL or SYS.	Oracle8 Utilities, which describes how to use the Export utility  Oracle8 Error Messages for information on error messages
Import Utility (IMP80)	Enter the following at the MS-DOS command prompt followed by your user name and password:  C:\> IMP80 IMP80 starts and prompts you for parameters. To obtain a list of these parameters, enter the following at the MS-DOS command prompt:  C:\> IMP80 HELP=Y Note: When running the Import utility, the default values for the following parameters under Windows NT are:  BUFFER 4 KB  RECORDLENGTH 2 KB	Oracle8 Utilities, which describes how to use the Import utility  Oracle8 Error Messages for information on error messages
SQL*Loader (SQLLDR80)	Invoke SQL*Loader at the MS-DOS command prompt followed by certain keywords. Enter the following and SQL*Loader displays a Help screen with the available keywords and default values:  C:\> SQLLDR80	Oracle8 Utilities, which describes how to use the SQL*Loader utility  Oracle8 Error Messages for information on error messages  "Using SQL*Loader" in this chapter
TKPROF (TKPROF80)	Enter the following at the MS-DOS command prompt:  C:\> TKPROF80	Oracle8 Tuning

 

Starting Windows NT Tools

This table describes how to start each Windows NT tool, and where to go for more information on using these products:

Windows NT Tools	To Start...	For More Information, See...
Control Panel	Choose Start > Settings > Control Panel	"Control Panel" in this chapter  Your Microsoft Windows NT documentation
Event Viewer	Choose Start > Programs > Administrative Tools > Event Viewer	"Event Viewer" in this chapter  Your Microsoft Windows NT documentation
Performance Monitor	Choose Start > Programs > Oracle for Windows NT - [HOME_NAME] > Performance Monitor	"Performance Monitor" in this chapter  Your Microsoft Windows NT documentation
Registry	Enter the following at the MS-DOS command prompt:  C:\> REGEDT32 The registry editor window appears.	"Registry" in this chapter  Appendix B, "Configuration Parameters and the Registry"  Your Microsoft Windows NT documentation
User Manager	Choose Start > Programs > Administrative Tools > User Manager	"User Manager" in this chapter.  Your Microsoft Windows NT documentation

 

Starting Oracle Enterprise Manager

You can start Oracle Enterprise Manager tools:

• as separate applications
• from the Oracle Enterprise Manager Console

To start an Oracle Enterprise Manager tool separately:

1. Choose Start > Programs > Oracle Enterprise Manager > tool.

For example Start > Programs > Oracle Enterprise Manager > Instance Manager.


The Login Information dialog box appears.

1. Enter the connect information in the Login Information dialog box.
 

Additional Information:  See "Oracle Enterprise Manager" in Chapter 6, "Post-Installation Configuration Tasks" for information on configuration tasks you must perform before using Oracle Enterprise Manager and information on how to connect to an Oracle8 database.

   

To start an Oracle Enterprise Manager tool from the Console:

1. Choose Start > Programs > Oracle Enterprise Manager > Oracle Enterprise Manager.

The Login Information dialog box appears.

1. Log on when prompted.
2. You can now either:
• Select the database you want to administer in the Navigator tree or in the Map window, then choose the tool from the Console Tools menu or in the Launch Palette.
• Select the database you want to administer in the Navigator tree, then choose the tool from the Related Tools menu of the context-sensitive menu.
• Choose the application from the Console Tools menu or from the Launch Palette, then enter the connect information in the Login Information dialog box.
 

Note:  When you select a database before starting a tool, you are connected to the database according to the preferred credentials that have been set up for the database or the credentials you used to log on to the Console. If connection to the database fails for any reason, the Login Information dialog box appears.

   

This table describes how to start each Oracle Enterprise Manager tool through the Console, and where to go for further information on using these tools.

Oracle Enterprise Manager Tool	Choose Tools > Applications >	For More Information, See...
Backup Manager	Backup Manager	Oracle Enterprise Manager Administrator's Guide
Data Manager	Data Manager	Oracle Enterprise Manager Administrator's Guide
Instance Manager	Instance Manager	Oracle Enterprise Manager Administrator's Guide
Schema Manager	Schema Manager	Oracle Enterprise Manager Administrator's Guide
Security Manager	Security Manager	Oracle Enterprise Manager Administrator's Guide
SQL Worksheet	SQL Worksheet  The new worksheet is connected to the database you have selected in the Navigator tree list or in the map window.	Oracle Enterprise Manager Administrator's Guide

 

Starting Oracle Assistants

This table describes how to start each assistant, and where to go for further information on using these products:

Assistant	Choose Start > Programs > Oracle for Windows NT - [HOME_NAME] >	For More Information, See...
Oracle Net8 Easy Config	Oracle Net8 Easy Config	Net8 Getting Started for Windows NT and Windows 95  Net8 Administrator's Guide
Oracle Patch Assistant	Oracle Patch Assistant	The integrated online Help with this assistant

 

Starting SQL*Plus

This table describes how to start SQL*Plus, and where to go for further information on using this product:

SQL*Plus	To Start...	For More Information, See...
	Enter the following at the MS-DOS command prompt:  C:\> SQLPLUS or  Choose Start > Programs > Oracle for Windows NT - [HOME_NAME] > SQL*Plus 8.0  Starts the GUI version of SQL*Plus	SQL*Plus Getting Started for Windows NT and Windows 95  SQL*Plus User's Guide and Reference  SQL*Plus Quick Reference

 

Using SQL*Loader

This section describes Windows NT specific information for using SQL*Loader (SQLLDR80).

Windows NT Processing Options

These are the possible values for the Operating System Dependent (OSD) file processing specifications string option, referred to in the "SQL*Loader Control File Reference" chapter of Oracle8 Utilities.

Processing Option	Description
""1	Stream record format in which each record is terminated by a newline character. The maximum record size is 48 KB.
"FIX n"	Fixed record format in which each record is exactly n bytes long. If the record is terminated by a newline character, the newline character must be the nth byte.
"VAR xxxx"	Load variable length records. Specify the OSD "VAR recsizehint" in the control file for this option to take effect. The xxxx gives an estimate of the average record size to SQL*Loader so that it can approximate buffer sizes accurately and not waste memory. The default length is eighty characters. The xxxx does not specify how many leading bytes of length are included in each record. It only acts as a hint to SQL*Loader. Each record must always be preceded by five ASCII bytes containing the length of the remainder of the record. For example, a record must look like the following:  00024This is a 24 byte string  Any whitespace, carriage returns, or linefeeds at the end of the record are ignored unless specifically included in the byte count in the length field.

 

1 Two double quote characters with no space in between.

Direct Path Option

SQL*Loader includes a direct path option that bypasses Oracle8 Client redo log and data verification features, thereby decreasing loading time. Use the direct path option with data files known to be error free.

Control File Conventions

When preparing a SQL*Loader control file (.CTL), you must follow certain syntax and notational conventions. When specifying datatypes in the SQL*Loader control file, note that the default size of native datatypes are specific to Windows NT. You cannot override these defaults in the control file.

Native Datatypes	Default Field Length
DOUBLE	8
FLOAT	4
INTEGER	4
SMALLINT	2

    

Additional Information:  For a complete list of options and instructions on using SQL*Loader, see Oracle8 Utilities. The directory ORACLE_HOME\RDBMS80\LOADER contains a number of examples on the use of SQL*Loader.

   

Using Windows NT Tools

The following Windows NT tools can be used to administer an Oracle8 database:

• Control Panel
• Event Viewer
• Performance Monitor
• Registry
• User Manager

Control Panel

The Control Panel enables you to modify system options such as computer services. A service is an executable process registered in the registry and administered by Windows NT. The registry automatically tracks and records security information for each service you create.

What Oracle8 Services Appear in the Control Panel?

When you install the Oracle8 database and other products, Oracle services are created and displayed in the Services dialog box: 

Use the Services dialog box to start, stop, pause, or continue each of the Oracle services available on the computer, and to pass startup parameters to the service.

Oracle services are the same as Windows NT services. In order to connect to and use an Oracle instance, an Oracle service is created during the database creation process and associated with the Oracle8 database

Once a service is created with your Oracle8 database, the service can run even while no user is logged on. This is because your Oracle8 database starts each instance as a service. This feature enables you to maintain workstation security while running your Oracle8 database.

You can now have multiple, active Oracle home directories on a single computer. This affects the naming conventions for Oracle services. See Chapter 5, "Using Multiple Oracle Homes" for additional information. 

Additional Information:  See "Step 1: Start Oracle Services on Managed Oracle8 Database" in Chapter 6, "Post-Installation Configuration Tasks", for specific instructions on using the Control Panel to start the Oracle Intelligent Agent service.

   

Event Viewer

Event Viewer enables you to monitor events in your system. An event is an important occurrence in the system or application (such as your Oracle8 database) that requires user notification. While messages for major events can display on-screen as you work at your computer, events not requiring your immediate attention are recorded by Windows NT in the Event Viewer log file. You can then view this information at your convenience.

What Oracle8 Database Events Are Monitored?

The Event Viewer can be used to monitor Oracle8 database events, such as:

• initialization of the System Global Area (SGA) for the active instance
• initialization of the Program Global Area (PGA) for the background processes of the active instance
• connection to the Oracle8 database with the CONNECT INTERNAL command

In addition, the operating system audit trail is logged to the Event Viewer. The figure below shows the Event Viewer displaying Oracle8 database events. Double-click an entry to find out specific information about an event. 

Performance Monitor

Performance Monitor measures computer performance. This tool enables you to view the performance of processors, memory, cache, threads, and processes. Performance information provided includes device usage, queue lengths, delays, throughput measurements, and internal congestion measurements. This information is provided in the form of charts, alerts, and reports.

What Oracle8 Database Information is Monitored?

If you install the Oracle8 Performance Utility from your CD-ROM, you can use the Performance Monitor to monitor key Oracle8 database information, such as:

• Library Cache
• Buffer Cache
• Data Dictionary Cache
• Redo Log Buffer Cache
• Thread Activity

You can use your findings to improve database performance. The figure below shows the Performance Monitor monitoring Oracle8 database objects listed at the bottom of the screen:
 

Registry

The Oracle8 database stores its configuration information in a structure known as the registry. You can view and modify this configuration information through the registry editor. The registry contains configuration information for your computer, and must not be accessible for editing by inexperienced users. Only experienced administrators should view and change this information.

The registry editor displays configuration information in a tree-like format consisting of four keys (or folders). These keys are shown in the tree view in the left-hand window. In the right-hand window, the parameters and values assigned to that key are displayed.

What Database Parameters Are Configured?

When you install products from your CD-ROM, configuration parameters are automatically entered in the registry. These parameters are read each time your Windows NT computer is restarted. These parameters include settings for:

• Oracle home directory
• Language
• Company name
• Oracle home subdirectories for individual products
• Individual products such as SQL*Plus
• services

The figure below shows some of the Oracle8 database configuration parameters in the registry:

 

Additional Information:  See Appendix B, "Configuration Parameters and the Registry" for definitions of Oracle8 database configuration parameters and specific instructions on using the registry to modify Oracle8 database configuration parameters.

   

User Manager

User Manager enables you to manage Windows NT computer security and create user accounts.

What Oracle8 Database Tasks Can the User Manager Perform?

With User Manager, you can:

• Grant Oracle8 database roles
• Use operating system authentication for user accounts
• Create an NT user account that enables you to make secure client connections to without a password

The figure below shows the User Manager:

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