WinForms the right solution for simple frontend (how include radcontrols)

[Markus]

Good day to all

 I have an Public Area Dispaly System that usually pulls data from an access database. Now I need to make a new database which of course needs a new front-end. I know sql and tables quite well but am have never greatly worked with front-ends in access.

So since I know radtools for asp.net ajax I was wondering if it could make sense to programm the front-end with winforms.

Having never worked with WinForms it took me a good 2 hours yesterday to come figure out simple stuff.

I made a simple application with a RadMenu and when an menu item is clicked a new form gets shown. I published it to my server to check what happens if I try to install it on my windows tablet at home
- I did not have SQL Express 3.5 which was installed fast and automatically
- I got an error about TelerikContorls needed in GAC

So here come a bunch of questions

- Would it be simple to keep the whole thing in access (its not a very complicated database. Imagine a simple address database with a second table for countries)
- If WinForms would be an alertnative. Whats the best DB to be used to get the simplest installer process, user requirements if nothing is installed
- Can I use TelerikRad Tools for an application that I give away. Can I kind of embed the radControls (in web it would be a simple matter of bin folder)

Sorry for these very very basic questions.

Markus

[Julian Benkov]

Hello Markus,

Thank you for writing to us.

1) You can use MS Access mdb format for your application. The ADO.NET and Windows Forms controls have full native support of this database.

2) If you use MS Access database you must deploy only your application assemblies and mdb database file. 

3) A purchased license of the Telerik RadControls for WinForms suite includes a run time royalty-free license to redistribute the controls in your own solutions. You can freely use and redistribute all of the products in the suite to build your own solutions, and your end users are not required to purchase their own licenses for the controls. More information for deployment you can find in our online documentation.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have further questions or issues.

Best wishes,
Julian Benkov
the Telerik team

[Markus]

Dear Julian

Thanks for the feedback.
Markus