ODBC and ODC

[agibsonsw]

Hello.
Would someone describe the difference between ODBC and ODC for me? Someone wants to use these to communicate between Excel and Access (I don't know the versions yet).

Andy.

[HansV]

ODC = ODBC: Open Database Connectivity.

Unless you mean the Oberlin Dance Collective, or the Obligatory Dangerousness Criterion, or an Offshore Development Center...

[agibsonsw]

Hello and :)
I know that I can create a DSN (Data Source Name) to connect to an ODBC data source, which could be an Access database.
But I believe that, by using the 'My Data Sources' folder and 'Connect to New Data Source' I can also connect to Access, and I believe (maybe?) that this method creates an ODC file (Office Data Connection).
What is the difference between these two methods and why would one be preferable? Thanks, Andy.

[HansV]

I'm not an expert in this, but as far as I know, a DSN always uses an ODBC driver to connect to a data source, while an ODC can use either an ODBC driver or an OLE DB driver. Despite the name, OLE DB is newer than ODBC.

Some one else will have to fill you in on the nitty gritty. I'm just a Word/Excel/Access guy

[JimmyC]

I'm just a Word/Excel/Access guy

And a very, very, very, very excellent one at that...so willing to help others. JimC