Hi,
Ad 1. Since you’re using Chrome, make sure you have the plugin installed. Use OpenBrowser activity (remember to change which browser in properties) instead of LaunchApplication. There are a couple of activities, like NavigateTo that should fit your needs.
Check the Web Tutorials (note: some of them show older versions of software, but most functionality is almost the same from user perspective).
From experience I can say that I have some projects running with Chrome and I’m pretty happy with how they work.
Ad 2. (non-definitive answer) Should work through ODBC I think. Make sure you have UiPath.Database.Activities package installed and check with DatabaseConnect activity.
Regards.