How do I create a searchable, linkable, computer database?

Question

I have read some answers to previous questions about the use of Access in doing this, however, I have had no success. What I am doing is essentially creating a technical database of technical articles and journals that I have indexed into about 25 "chapters." In the end, my goal is to have all these articles (about 500+) scanned into .pdf files and then accessible from this database. That is, it can be searched through the use of the index or a keyword search and, at the same time, the title of the article is linkable to the actual .pdf file.

Answer 1

I would use MySql, its open source, it works on either windows or linux and is fast and secure when setup properly.

You just need a simple table with an index and the link. You can then use ASP or PHP page to "search" or display the data.

Answer 2

It can be done, but it's a lot of work.
If you are not going to publish the database, why not download Google Desktop and use that to search the articles?
If you have the full Adobe Acrobat that also can index your documents.