Adobe Acrobat Reader
The free reader for documents in Adobe's PDF (Portable Document Format). A handy program called Aerial can help you extract text from a PDF file; look for the free download of a trial version; register; then look in the FTP directories for "Acrobat demos" and "AerialDemo." Also see Adobe's list of other versions of the reader. And see an excellent handout from IRE on dealing with PDF files, and converting information to plain text.

Ask the SQL Server Pro
FAQs on use of Structure Query Language.

CAR in a Mac newsroom
A discussion on CARR-L and NICAR-L on the possibilities and pitfalls of doing CAR on Macs alone.

CAR software tutorials
A collection of links to tutorials online. By Jeff South of Virginia Commonwealth U.

Database literature links
Links to sites with research on databases. A lot of theoretical material here. From University of Massachusetts.

Interactive SQL Tutorial
Practice your SQL skills. Learn online.

Introduction to Relational Database Design
For intermediate computer users.

Introduction to SQL
The basics of Structured Query Language. Readable. Useful for anyone starting to learn Microsoft Access or FoxPro, et al.

Journalist's Primer
A new interactive training tool on CD-ROM for journalism students and professionals who need a refresher on the rules of grammar, punctuation and style. Includes an hour-long review/exam. Cost is $79 per newsroom. A project of the Minnesota Newspaper Foundation. See the demo.

Publishing Databases on the Web With Access
How to put your data on the Web. Uses Microsoft Access 97. Seee other links at the bottom of the tutorial.

SQL FAQ
Frequently asked questions (and answers) on Structured Query Language, the standard database language.

SQL for Web Nerds
An online book by the amazing Philip Greenspun, photographer, software developer and MIT professor. Focuses on Oracle, but useful for anyone who wants to learn, or rethink, the basics of working with databases.

SQL Reference Page
Links to tips on Structured Query Language.

WebDev
Databases on the Web: software, tutorials, FAQs.

Working with Excel
An illustrated introduction to spreadsheets for journalists, by Bruce Garrison of the University of Miami.