10

Part I: Critical Database Concepts
new features include “invisible” indexes, simplified table maintenance, and editioned objects. You
should evaluate your previous architecture decisions in light of the new features available.
In the next several chapters, you will see how to install Oracle Database 11g and how to
upgrade to Oracle Database 11g from prior releases. Following those chapters, you will see an
overview of application planning, followed by many chapters on the use of SQL, PL/SQL, Java,
object-oriented features, and XML to get the most out of your Oracle database. Your application
architecture may change over time as the business process changes. During those changes you
should be sure to review the latest features to determine how your application can best exploit
them for functionality and performance.
CHAPTER
2
Installing Oracle
Database 11g and
Creating a Database
11
12

Part I: Critical Database Concepts
s Oracle’s installation software becomes easier to use with each release, it is very
tempting to open the box of CDs and start the installation right away. Although this
is fine if you’re going to experiment with some new database features, a lot more
planning is required to perform a successful installation without rework or even
reinstallation a month from now. Although the complete details of an Oracle
Database 11g installation are beyond the scope of this book, you will see the basics of an
Oracle install using the Oracle Universal Installer (OUI). In any case, a thorough review of the
installation guide for your specific platform is key to a successful Oracle database deployment.
NOTE
Although this chapter is intended for beginning database

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Chapter 2: Installing Oracle Database 11g and Creating a Database
13
Familiarity with a couple of key Web sites is a must. Oracle Technology Network (OTN), at
, has a wealth of information, including white papers, free tools, sample code,
and the online version of Oracle Magazine. There is no charge for using OTN, other than registering
on the site. You can download the latest version of the Oracle software from the OTN site.
Purchasing a license for Oracle database software is a good start, but an Oracle support
contract with Web support may be the key to a successful installation and deployment. Using
Oracle’s Metalink () means you might never have to leave the friendly
confines of your Web browser to keep your database up and running. Through Metalink, you can
submit a support request, search through other support requests, download patches, download
white papers, and search the bug database.
Overview of Licensing and Installation Options
A successful initial software installation is the first step. Regardless of the software and hardware
platform on which you’re installing Oracle, the types of installations you can perform are the
same. Although these may change with product releases, they generally include the following:
Enterprise Edition This is the most feature rich and extensible version of the Oracle
database. It includes features such as Flashback Database and allows you to add
additional pieces of licensed functionality, such as Oracle Spatial, Oracle OLAP,
Oracle Label Security, and Oracle Data Mining.
Standard Edition This edition provides a good subset of the features of the Enterprise
Edition, generally including the features that a small business will need.

NOTE
For UNIX environments, you will need to set a proper value for the
DISPLAY environment variable and enable xhost prior to starting OUI
via the runInstaller script.
When you launch the OUI, you will be asked to provide information about your configuration
choices. As shown in Figure 2-1, the first screen will ask for the base location for the Oracle software,
the home location for the database, and the type of installation. You can also choose to have a
starter database created following the successful Oracle software installation. For the database,
you will need to specify its name and a password.
FIGURE 2-1 OUI initial screen