Design - What is the most simple DB program to use for a DB novice?

Hey guys,

I'm in a situation where I need to capture data for about 15,000 individuals. There are no requirements other than it is done and done well.
I have very little database experience from the administration side. I need to be able to set this up in about 2-3 days and be ready to begin capturing data.
The database is to be offline as well, so that will be helpful to me.
Of course, the first that was thought of is Excel, but capturing that much data within Excel I'm not sure of.
Also, I would need to query data and create some basic reports from the captured data.

I could certainly use some help with this and I am very appreciative of you guys taking the time to read it, thank you.

I am unsure what exactly you are asking. Are you asking what database system to use? Depending upon your requirements you can use flat files, any of the various RDBMS (MySQL, PostgresSQL, Oracle). Whether or not use can use Access is dependent upon how large you are expecting things to get.

I personally hate Access/Excel and would rather use a real RDBMS but that is me. I also am biased though since I love real databases and work for MySQL - so go figure.

Yes, I'm asking what the easiest to use database system is to use. In the time since my initial post I've downloaded Oracle Database XE, but have found it a little more complicated than I need.

As stated previously I personally like to use MySQL. It is pretty easy to install on any OS and for interaction with it you can use the command line client (mysql) if you are comfortable with SQL or use phpMyAdmin for a more GUI experience.

If you need more power - postgreSQL may be the way to go. I haven't touched it in years but iirc it was pretty easy to install and use.

MySQL links:
Download: http://dev.mysql.com/downloads/mysql/5.1.html
Manual: http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/5.1/en/index.html
phpMyAdmin: http://www.phpmyadmin.net/home_page/index.php

PostgreSQL lnks:
site: http://www.postgresql.org/