This module is about the processes that make a running Oracle8 database work. After completing this module, you will be able to:

1. Explain the difference between a database and an instance
2. Identify the major background processes of an Oracle8 instance, and explain their purpose
3. Display a list of the Oracle8 background processes that are currently running on your server
4. Identify the instances running on your system based on a listing of process names

The first thing to understand is the difference between a database and an instance. The next lesson talks about that. So if you are ready, let's begin.