Best way to learn MS SQL Server 2000

[flutlichtjunky]

Hi

Ive been looking at jobs in my local area, and alot of them ask for SQL Server experience.

Ive heard about the MCDE package. COuld i use this to learn how MS SQL works. Or would a thorough read of a telephone directory sized SQL server book be ok?

Thanls for any help!

[davidjmedlock]

buy the developers edition of SQL Server and just start playing with it on your machine. that's exactly how I learned it... there's tons of wizards and GUI tools that make things so easy to do. you might also pick up a "SQL Server 7/2000" in 24 hours type of book just as a rough guide to learning it.

[flutlichtjunky]

I only have windows 98, would it run on this?

And i take it from what you said that microsoft dont do the nice thing and supply a free developers edition like the nice people over at macromedia do for their JRun server?

[M. Johansson]

I only have windows 98, would it run on this?

Yes, but you'd miss out a lot of the proper administration. See this as an excuse to get ahold of Windows 2000 or XP Pro.

And i take it from what you said that microsoft dont do the nice thing and supply a free developers edition like the nice people over at macromedia do for their JRun server?

Microsoft both supplies a free (development only) version of SQL Server called MSDE, and a 90-day trial version.

[MarcusJT]

And if you download the SQL Server 2000 free trial you can install the client-side tools (like Enterprise Manager) that will allow you to use MSDE as if it was the real thing (for learning/development anyway)!

[flutlichtjunky]

Ive searched high and low on the Microsoft uk and us sites, but ive yet to find anywhere saying i can download it.

There is alot about how ti comes free with other programmes though.

I think ill go with the 90 day trial soon, right after i get a good book to learn it from.

Thanks for your advice everyone.

[MarcusJT]

MSDE is not available for download, but it does come on the Office 2000/XP CDs...

[flutlichtjunky]

ah noooo. Only got 97

But it does sound interesting. So your saying if i get MSDE and d/l the trial version of ms sql and only install the tools, do i have virtually a developer version of ms sql?

i.e. would a book on ms sql and this setup teach me enough to be confident when applying for jobs where ms sql knowledge is desirable?

btw thanks for helping.Sitepoitn is definitely the best place to get fast quality answers!

[MarcusJT]

"Yes" to both your questions!

[flutlichtjunky]

EXCELLANT!!!!! Thats just what i wanted to hear, thanks alot.

BTW, does it matter that the trial is for win 2000, XP. The tools would still work wouldnt they?