Where can I find database software to record my metal detecting finds?
I would like to have a similiar database system to the UKDFD website which has a brilliant software database in place
I think there is a big market for this amongst us european detectorists
But it needs to be user friewndly like the UKDFD website database
Please help I already record with the PAS and the UKDFD
I need this for my personal use
You could download Open Office which is a free office suite of programs. It includes a database application called Base which is the equivalent to Microsoft’s Access.
Comment by Raymond W — 12-08-2008 @ 2:19
I have to admit to being WAY behind the times with databases, I found a really nice simple (non-relational) DOS database package back before time began and I am still using that at home!
If what you want is just a recording medium with no relational aspect email me & I can send you the files for that!
(I use it to keep track of my catalogue of 4.5K books & the format is good for PDA use)
Comment by Hedge Witch — 15-08-2008 @ 1:27
I assume you mean a database for your PC, not one for a web site. The UKDFD site probably uses MySQL which is an Internet database offered by most hosting services. UKDFD would then have to create a front end (what you see) to operate the database. There are hundreds of databases for PC’s starting with the ones in MS Office and Word. Go to and enter database in the search field. Use the number of downloads to determine popularity. Many of these databases cost big bucks, but there are a few free ones around. In all cases, you have to design your own front end or GUI (Graphic user interface). Depending on the database you choose, this can very a very difficult and time consuming task. Be prepared for a learning curve, but creating databases can be fun and profitable.
If you want one for your web site, many of the offerings are free. Go to and have a look there. Creating web databases ain’t easy, but there’s a lot of help out there.
Finally, if UKDFD has a forum, ask there.
Comment by John K — 15-08-2008 @ 18:10
Well, a WHOIS search reports that the site is owned by a private individual and the forum uses phpBB2, an open source forum application. This leads me to believe that the backend database might be MySQL, an open source database. Both applications are free; for a private individual, this would be the most cost effective.
If this pattern follows, he/she is probably using a hosting service that uses the Apache web server (open source, free) on a Linux (open source, free) machine. The scripting language is likely to be PHP (open source, free).
Therefore, the front end could very likely be an open source (and free) CMS (content management system) such as Joomla or Drupal. Or it could be hand written.
Or it could be none of the above.
Comment by TalentedChimp — 16-08-2008 @ 4:31
WORD, and make a list, one rusty nail, one bottle top, one ring pull, one old nut and bolt, one horse shoe, one bit of old plough, etc.
Comment by Roundthread — 17-08-2008 @ 11:32
Hi
Comment by Chloe H — 17-08-2008 @ 20:42
you can easily make it in Access
Comment by DMKNIGHTS — 20-08-2008 @ 22:22