Ya, DB2 is a relational Database engine running SQL:99, or newer depending on the version. it runs great in a server environment. However, if you didn't specifically need DB2, and were just needing a database server to connect to and run queries for your class, I would suggest SQL server 2005 express or MySQL. They are a little bit smaller, won't take up as many system resources. You would still learn the basics. Connect, run query, retrieve recordset, manipulate recordset, write any changes, disconnect.