--- In firebird-support@yahoogroups.com, "pofmuisie" <cecilia@...> wrote:

>
> I know SQL and databases in general, but do not know Firebird at all. I need to open and query data in a Firebird database (no writing back to the database required).
> I do not know which version of Firebird the database was created in and don't know the structure / tables within the database.
>
> What would be the best next steps for me?
> Download and learn Firebird? or try to open the database with something I know like MS Access or Toad or ...?
>
> From what I've read about Firebird online, it seems like an awesome tool to learn anyway. What is the best way to get started on learning Firebird?
>

If you are serious about learning Firebird then I would say the best place to start is Helen's book. You can find it on Amazon "The Firebird Book" or from IBPhoenix, the latter having the advantage that you are eligible to also download the two soft copy addendum.

She is a regular contributor to this mailing list and hopefully the new issue covering 2.5 will be out soon!!