Installing SQL server for Dummies

Wormey

I'm trying to learn SQL code for my job so I can help spot basic errors and so forth, I've already gone through the w3 schools free course, but would rather be in a position where I can have a play with some of my own practice databases at home. So, installing SQL... easy right?


Apparently not, i'm going to the incredibly helpful Microsoft site and downloaded various sorts of SQL (2008 would be ideal, but at this stage anything that works) and attempted to utilise, but SQL server management studio doesn't complete the install (i get to an area where i need to select features and no options show up) so i'm assuming i need to download some other things too.

Its a Vista PC if it makes any difference. Assuming I have nothing downloaded already (which is the part where a quick google fails, as guides already assume i'm a couple of steps ahead of where i need to be.) what are the prerequisites for installing SQL server to on my PC to the extent that I can create my own databases (or download examples) and use both DML and DDL to search and alter the data? What do I need to install and in what order?

Kind Regards,
Wormey

Maguano

WAMP or XAMPP if you want to use mySQL...

Ruckus

What version of SQL Server are you try to install? I recommend 2008 Express, as it's free and basically allows you to do anything a person learning SQL needs to do.

http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/en/us/editions/express.aspx

BigBadWolf

If you want to go the Microsoft route it sounds like SQL Server Express is what you need.

The only prerequisites I'm aware of it needing is the .net framework - although I'm pretty sure it will install it for you if needed.

Wormey

So far so good on the link Ruckus sent. It has installed... do I click something to actually open it?
What should the icon look like?

In the new programs bit of my start menu the only available option is import and export data (64 bit) - is that right?

Is there no other 'launch' icon that I should be able to find?

Wormey

Do I need to install SQl server management studio separately? Or should that have installed as part of the link provided?

BigBadWolf

Hmm... its obviously been a while since I've installed it. It looks like there are 3 versions of SQL server express:

SQL Server 2008 Express
SQL Server 2008 Express With Tools
SQL Server 2008 Express with Advanced Services

From this blog, it looks like you need to download the 'With Tools' (or advances services) edition to get management studio.

It looks like the big difference between the 2 is that advanced services has full-text search and reporting services, which you may not need yet.

Wormey

Thank you kindly all - i've got some version of SQL up and running now, which I think is 2008 as I followed the steps provided here. One of my friends was looking into doing a SQL Server course and was advised to try installing it first and then come back if he was still interested. I can see why now, this process was slightly painful considering that, as you say BigBadWolf, there are a lot of features I probably won't even be interested in for some time now

Thank you for all your help Penny Arcadians