Free development platform?
Mike, would using "SQL Server Express" be sufficient if you want the database to "sit" under Windows Mobile 5.0. I am assuming that HeHe123 wants a mobile solution as well as a desktop one eventually. Also this database should take Chinese characters(unicode text) without any problems since ACCESS already does. But then you can't port your solution to any other platform other than Windows. ie a Palm-top solution needs rewriting, maybe with a different language.
All considered,
a free development software suite that Microsoft is offering right now does sounds awfully attractive. One should never waste such opportunities.
hehe123, if you really have problems with algorithims why not start using Filemaker, design your solution using that, then try programming using VB. Your solution would probably be much better and quicker because filemaker is designed for people who don't have any knowledge of database. Unfortunately, filemaker is not free.