SQL and Windows Database Programming

Hi, I am interested in the SQL programming in the windows platform using raw win32 API, MFC, and COM technology. I have some basic questions. - What are the key differences between ODBC, DAO, ADO, and OLE with regards to SQL programming under windows platform? - Is any of that technology obsolete? What is the most widely used technology (above)? - I know there are MFC wrapper classes for ODBC and DAO. Is ADO primarily used by VB and C# programmers? I am a C++ programmer and have no problem working with raw win32 API, MFC, and COM (including ActiveX). What is the most powerful (speed/efficiency, extensibility, features, etc) technology for SQL programming in the windows platform? Thanks, Kuphryn