OracleBlog

Here are the simple steps required for setting up an Oracle Client on a PC.

You will need:
- A working Oracle Server :)
- A compatible Oracle Client
- The service name, domain name, host name and port

1. Install Oracle SQL*Plus client on your PC

This should be quick and easy, accept all defaults.

2. Modify %ORACLE_HOME%\network\admin\tnsnames.ora

SRV_NAME.WHATEVER.COM =
  (DESCRIPTION =
    (ADDRESS_LIST =
      (ADDRESS = (PROTOCOL = TCP)(HOST = host_name)(PORT = 1521))
    )
    (CONNECT_DATA =
      (SERVICE_NAME = srv_name)
    )
  )

3. Check %ORACLE_HOME%\network\admin\sqlnet.ora

NAMES.DEFAULT_DOMAIN = whatever.com
NAMES.DIRECTORY_PATH= (TNSNAMES, HOSTNAME)

4. Modify %ORACLE_HOME%\network\admin\listener.ora

SID_LIST_LISTENER =
  (SID_LIST =
    (SID_DESC =
      (ORACLE_HOME = C:\oracle\ora92)
      (SID_NAME = srv_name)
    )  

5. Test connection

sqlplus username/password@srv_name