1 Oracle Database Client Installation Overview

1.1 Installation Overview

The Oracle Database Client installation process consists of four steps:

1. Planning 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.

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

3. Installing software: Use the following sections to install Oracle Database Client:

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

   • Appendix A describes advanced installation topics: performing noninteractive (silent) installations, which you may want to use if you need to perform multiple installations of Oracle Database Client. This appendix also covers how to install and use Oracle components in different languages.

   • Appendix A describes how to install Java Access Bridge, which enables a screen reader with Oracle components.

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

   • Chapter 5 describes how to remove Oracle Database Client.

4. Completing 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:

• 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.

• Instant Client: Install 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.