VS 2012 Reading and writing from a server database

I've never worked with databases in VB before, nor with servers. I have no clue where to begin with this. Essentially this is what I am trying to do:

1. A user enters a code and a database entry is accessed with the users profile. Things like name and last log in will be retrieved.

2. Some data will be written to that users profile (for example the time when their profile was last accessed).

3. That's it.

Essentially all I need is the program to access some info in a database (stored on a server) and write to it. I just don't know where to begin or if I am even headed for the best option.

Also the database will be accessed be several users on different computers at the same time (why the database needs to be on a server). I don't know how to handle this or if it handles itself.

Basically what I need is some guidance and some help with getting everything set up the way I need it.

Thanks.