MSDE Security. Oxymoron?

We have a commercial application that uses a number of Access DBs. For security reasons we have to encrypt all the data. It's not personal data or anything, just proprietary information.

I've been thinking about MSDE instead of Access so I could stop encrypting. Since the user will only get MSDE they won't be able to get the data without our application since they won't know the user or pwd. Unless...

If they already have the full SQL Server on some other system, couldn't they just copy the MDF file from our application to that server, attach it as a new DB and have full access to it (using the admin account on the full system?)

I guess it comes down to can an MSDE database be read on a full SQL Server instance elsewhere?The scenario you describe is correct. The users would have to stop the SQL Services (no big challenge for most folks), in order to ensure they get a nice clean copy. They can even probably access the data with the SQL tools if they are a local admin on the MSDE machine (unless you removed the BUILTIN\ADMINISTRATORS group).

You may just want to go for the full fledged version of SQL Server, and put the server in a locked server room, with no user permissions on the data and backup directories.

MSDE on linux

there are some crazy people that tried to install MSDE/SQL server on linux (with wine)?
P.S.
When a commercial guy ask you if something can be done, don't answer "maybe", because he'll get it as a "sure"...It is possible to do using Windows emmulation on Linux. But I wouldn't count on its stability.

MSDE free for commercial use?

also, how can i retrieve data ? no interface for that?
does it have stored procedure function?Here is an FAQ on appropriate use of MSDE.

It has stored procedures and user defined functions. It does not have a user interface like Enterprise Manager, but if you have legit access to Enterprise Manager, it will work against MSDE. You can purchase the developer edition, for instance, and that will give you the client tools.|||::also, how can i retrieve data ? no interface for that?

I really have to disappoint you, but OI know nooone who is using a user interface to retrieve data or manipulate data in a database besides for development / admin purposes.

Databases are tools for developers. YOUR APPLICATION is the user interface for data retrieval.

To the other question: yes, free for commercial use, if you can legally redistribute it - there are some preconsditions, but easy to meet.