Question about data access to SQL Compact DB / Server

I am used to work with relational SQL Server databases in other editions and am fairly new to SQL compact. I have installed the compact edition and successfully opened a connection and worked with DB objects in the Compact edition, using Server Management Studio.

I have 2-3 questions:
- Are there any means / drivers / data access installations that would allow me to connect to a SQL Compact database using the data access means that I am used to in other editions of SQL Server? In other words, can I install a data-access "converter" that would know how to talk to the SQL Compact databases over the usual TCP/1434 protocol (or any other port)? I am looking for this feature in order to connect to the SQL Compact the same way I connect to any other relational database. Right now, I am using Toad for SQL Server and it would be nice if I could connect to a SQL Compact.

- With other (non-Compact) editions, I can create an alias to a SQL Server and then specify the means to connect to the server. Can I create an alias to a SQL Compact database/server? I tried but unsuccessfully. This relates to my previous question- If I could create an alias, then I could (I imagine) connect to the Compact databases/server the same way I connect to any relational database using the alias.

- Are there any tutorials for people who are used to working with other (non-Compact) editions that are starting to work with Compact? Any BOL sections that explain the differences between other editions and Compact, from a management-tools/connectivity standpoint? I found some literature; wondering if there's something more detailed out there.

Thank you in advance.
Please be aware that SQL Server CE is a completely different beast from SQL Server. It is a in-process, embedded database, for use by a single user/application locally, and has options for synchronising with the full SQL Server product. Therefore, you caanot connect to SQL SErver CE over the network, but must load the engine, and open the SDF files of SQL CE directly from within your tool/app. A good starting point for SQL CE is in my opinion the book by Bill Vaughn, which you can get from here: http://www.hitchhikerguides.net/EBooks/default.aspx|||Erik,

Thank you for your reply.
Theoretically speaking, I imagine that I could load the engine over 1434 TCP. Do you know whether there are any such providers that would translate between the loading of the engine to the standard communication protocol?

I will look at the link you provided. Thank you again.
|||Revising my original question a little- is there something equivalent to the SMO that allows one to interface with SQL Compact?
|||No, you must use SQL Server Management Studio Express SP2 (free) or Visual Studio 2005 to manage SQL CE files.