General questions about query languages

I tried to ask some questions in another forum but haven't had an answer for the following questions:

[FONT=verdana, arial, helvetica] 1)I know there is the "pure" relational database and object-relational database but what other flavours of relational databases are there?

2) Is OLAP a query language? I'm confused about this.

3)What query language(s) is/are used with networking models?

[/FONT][FONT=verdana, arial, helvetica]I'm hoping to start studying animal stuff in a couple of years, I hope a bit more of understanding databases and learning some SQL will help me getting better results when researching statistics etc. - or am I just deluding myself?[/FONT]

 

Please see this link for a description of various database models.

OLAP is an acronym for On Line Analytical Processing, and it is becoming the fundamental foundation for Intelligent Solutions including Business Performance Management, Planning, Budgeting, Forecasting, Financial Reporting, Analysis, Simulation Models, Knowledge Discovery, and Data Warehouse Reporting. OLAP performs multidimensional analysis of enterprise data and provides the capabilities for complex calculations, trend analysis and very sophisticated data modeling. OLAP enables end-users to perform ad hoc analysis of data in multiple dimensions, thereby providing the insight and understanding they need for better decision making. With our solutions, OLAP is more: it is FAST, EASY, SIMPLE, CONTROLLABLE access to the intelligence locked in your data. And it can be done through the Excel spreadsheet and Web browser that you already know how to use. PowerOLAP and BIXL, when combined with our services, provide immediately useable OLAP and Business Intelligence Solutions that enable your business to thrive.

The major Network Model query language is LDAP or Lightweight Directory Access Protocol. This is a directory service that allows you to interface with Active Directory. A query usually results in a leaf or container object on your network. This lets you programatically control said object!

 

Thanks Mada_Milty, especially for the link. I have never heard of the last four data models - is it because they are so new or little used that they are not much written about? I will try to find more info about them.

"OLAP enables end-users to perform ad hoc analysis of data in multiple dimensions"
So, OLAP is really an analytical tool, rather than a query language - or both? That's what confuses me. And I have never heard of DLAP, I'll try to find more info about that too. Was DLAP always there, straight from the beginning or was it developed to meet modern demands? What about hirarchical model, has that been improved/modernised and query "system" created for it? I believe it is still in use, but is it only because of legacy in businesses? Apart from Internet, in what situations network model is better than relational model?

Sorry, small tidbits of information often creates more questions - and my appetite has been wetted.