1 Oracle Database Client Installation Overview

1.1 Installation Overview

The Oracle Database Client installation process consists of five steps:

1. Read the release notes: Read the Oracle Database 10g release 2 (10.2) release notes before you begin the installation. The release notes are available with the platform-specific documentation. The latest version of the release notes is available on Oracle Technology Network at:

   http://www.oracle.com/technology/documentation

2. Plan your installation: This overview chapter describes the installation types that you can use to install Oracle Database Client and issues to consider before you begin.

   You may also want to refer to Appendix A, "Frequently Asked Questions about Installation," in Oracle Database Installation Guide. This appendix advises on the best way to install Oracle products depending on your site's requirements.

3. Complete preinstallation tasks: Chapter 2 describes preinstallation tasks that you must complete before installing Oracle Database Client.

4. Install the software: Use the following sections to install Oracle Database Client:

   • Chapter 3 describes how to use the Oracle Universal Installer (OUI) GUI to install Oracle Database Client.

   • Appendix A describes how to perform a silent or noninteractive installation using response files.

   • "Installing and Using Oracle Components in Different Languages" describes how to install and use Oracle components in different languages.

   • Appendix C provides troubleshooting advice in case you encounter problems with the installation.

   • Chapter 5 describes how to remove Oracle Database Client.

5. Complete postinstallation tasks: Use the following sections to complete the postinstallation tasks:

   • Chapter 4 describes recommended and required postinstallation tasks.

   • Appendix B provides information on globalization support.

1.2 Oracle Database Client Installation Types

You can choose one of the following installation types when installing Oracle Database Client:

• Instant Client: Installs only the shared libraries required by Oracle Call Interface applications that use the Instant Client feature. This installation type requires much less disk space than the other Oracle Database Client installation types.

  Included in the Instant Client installation is Instant Client Light. You may want to use this version of Instant Client if your applications will generate error messages in American English only. The advantage of using Instant Client Light is that it has a much smaller footprint than regular Instant Client. Hence, your applications use less memory.

• Administrator: Enables applications to connect to an Oracle database on the local system or on a remote system. It provides tools that let you administer an Oracle database.

• Runtime: Enables applications to connect to an Oracle database on the local system or on a remote system.

• Custom: Enables you to select individual components from the list of Administrator and Runtime components.