Mdac

[skeeter]

I have been told by SiSoft Sandra 2004 that I need to update my MDAC to MDAC 2.5 before I can install the program. What is MDAC and what does it do? I have downloaded it but want to know what it does before I install it (MDAC 2.5)

[GaryRouth]

Sorry, I've been so busy I haven't anwered many posts lately!

... the MDAC files help programs get information from other programs without having to re-invent the wheel each time. As you probably know from the download notes, the letters in its name stand for "Microsoft Data Access Components". Sort of in the same idea as the OLE = "Object Linking and Embedding" (like sticking spreadsheets in documents).

Unfortunately, while it helps programs interact in many productive ways, it's also been a little bit of a security headache. There are a few Service Packs and Security patches released for MDAC (for many different versions), so after you've installed 2.5, you'll want to visit Windows Update & let it scan to make sure your MDAC has all the latest patches.
. . . I think the most recent version is 2.8, but that's just from memory. . . it gets updated a lot!

I had to download a more recent MDAC for an older Win98 box a few weeks ago, for the same reason [to run the newer SANDRA tests]. It works pretty well: no problems.
. . . Gary

[skeeter]

Thanks Gary. Just was curious as to whst it did. Did not know about the security issue. Thanks for bringing me up to speed on that. Still running 98SE on one of my boxes. Hate to change as I like it but someday I will probably have to do so.