First I’m going to admit that I”m still trying to learn differences between microsoft access database and microsoft sql. Here’s my software

1. POS ( Point of sale ) uses sql express

2. time clock in and clock out for employee’s it uses microsoft access database

point 1 and point 2 are running on separate computers, what I want to know is can both of these different softwares that both uses database’s be put on just one computer while still keeping data intact or separate for both softwares.

If the answer is yes what kind of computer hardware specifications should I have, currently right now i’m running a dual core processor with 4GB DDR3 ram and windows 7 home version. I also run avast professional antivirus. this computer also has access to internet as well plus we use microsoft excel everyday.

I look foward to all your answers and help on this matter

It shouldn't be a problem having both on the same computer and the spec you gave should run both happily providing the access database is not massive like over 2gb or something, a access database is just really like opening any other file on the pc,

SQL is (a little) trickier to move to a new machine - you need to install SQL, setup the database, copy the database, setup users etc.

Easy if you know how but can be a little confusing if you are at the asking about databases stage.

Access on the otherhand is a case of drag-drop on the access file.

Depending on the software you may not even need access installed if the clockin software allows you to view the data itself.

For this reason, if the better spec computer is the SQL one I would recommend moving the access onto the SQL machine.

If you wanted to move them both onto a new machine, or more importantly move the SQL - don't worry, its not too hard, just read up on moving SQL beforehand or get someone with experience in.