Simple SQL Server Questions Need advice

[maurices5000]

Guys my company has agreed to purchase SQL Server 2000 using one processor for an app i'm creating. this i hear is better than using MS Access.

Here are a few questions.

1) Does SQL Server Standard Edition only allow for 10 simultaneous users?

2) Is programming using ADO different from using MS Access? I have no experience with SQL Server and I will be doing all the work myself.

3) Will setting up the database be different from the basics I'm used to with MS Access? I will have to create the normalized database myself.

4) Can i install the software on my workstation to test before goign live?

Thanks guys. I hope this isn't taht difficult. I'm trying to reduce the learning curve as much as possible but hope to be able to expand my learning as time goes on.

[vb_dba]

Guys my company has agreed to purchase SQL Server 2000 using one processor for an app i'm creating. this i hear is better than using MS Access.

Here are a few questions.

1) Does SQL Server Standard Edition only allow for 10 simultaneous users?

2) Is programming using ADO different from using MS Access? I have no experience with SQL Server and I will be doing all the work myself.

3) Will setting up the database be different from the basics I'm used to with MS Access? I will have to create the normalized database myself.

4) Can i install the software on my workstation to test before goign live?

Thanks guys. I hope this isn't taht difficult. I'm trying to reduce the learning curve as much as possible but hope to be able to expand my learning as time goes on.

1) Depends on your Licensing Agreement. If you have a process license, then you have unlimited access. Otherwise it depends on the number of Client Access licenses you have.

2) They are very similar. There are some syntax differences in Access SQL and T-SQL(used by SQL Server). For instance, Access supports IIF while SQL Server doesn't. For the most part however, it will be the same. I would recommend looking into stored procedures. They offer better query performance and can be very powerful.

3) Setting up your tables will again, be very similar to what you do in Access, more so in SQL Server 2000 than in 7.0. One big adjustment from Access to SQL Server (unless you work with Workgroups in Access) is making sure your users have access to your objects (tables, stored procedures, views, etc.).

4)Not legally. You could however, download MSDE and install it. It is the same engine that SQL Server runs so everything is compatible.

There are lots of good resources for learning about SQL Server and VB(this being one of them). You might try SQLTeam.com, www.mssqlserver.com, or sswug.com. These places are more geared toward SQL Server than VB, and as such, they contain a wealth of knowledge for setting up SQL server.

[brucevde]

4) You can purchase SQL Server Developer Edition for only $50. To be used only for testing, development etc.

[techgnome]

3) you could also use Enterprise Manager to import you table from Access too.
After making a connection to the server, open the Databases section up, find your database, open it up and right click on "Tables" Select "All Tasks" then "Import Data".... it's got a wizard that will run you through the process of pulling in the tables. you can pull in the sctructure only or both structure and data.

TG

[maurices5000]

GUYS THANKS VERY MUCH!!! THIS IS GREAT!

One question:
What is SQL Server Developer Edition for only $50? Its not SQL Server, so....? How does this relate to Access and SQL Server?

Guys i see i have quite a few options to help me. thanks very much. this has been quite educational. any basic SQL book recommendations that will come in handy? I'm a beginner guys so i need something simple but also practical in a book.

I'm checking out the sites too. that was great! I'm very thankful for your help.

Thanks!

[brucevde]

What is SQL Server Developer Edition for only $50? Its not SQL Server, so....?

??? The SQL Server Developer Edition is a complete/full version of SQL Server.

Another link for you www.sql-server-performance.com

I get a page cannot be displayed error for mssqlserver.com

[Wen Lie]

agree with brucevde....

SQL Server Developer edition is also a complete SQL Edition.
As I know Developer edition is a special edition for developer(s). Can have 1 or more own instances (just like standard or enterprise edition of SQL 2K).

You can only install SQL 2K developer edition at client PC, since standard / enterprise edition can only be installed at Server.
And for develop purpose, I think it's better if you use Developer edition.

Hope will help.

[maurices5000]

Thanks guys. I was just shocked that a full version would be available for only $50.00. This is great as it will allow me to practice and get used to it on my own PC.

any book suggestions? Thanks guys.

[Wen Lie]

Speaking about good book(s) of SQL Server, I think it will be relative for each person. For me ? I'm using Microsoft 2K Administrator Companion, but for my friend, the book is hard to understand. When I look to my friend's SQL book, it's also hard to understand.

So, it will be better for you to find the best book that suit you.


Btw, if you've installed full feature of SQL 2K, there will be help available. you can also learn the basic from the help.... My first knowledge of SQL comes from SQL Help File.

[szlamany]

I've got 5 different books on SQL and T-SQL programming at the office - but the BOL (Books Online) that comes with the app is more informative than all of them combined...

The only book that has made a difference to me was "Inside Microsoft SQL Server" by Kalen Delaney. If you want to write large enterprise apps (tables with millions of tows, hundreds of concurrent users) you must know what's under the engine and this very technical book answered those questions for me.

BTW, I've got Developers edition on my laptop and when I copy a production DB to my laptop it performs just like the real server does. It is a fully functional, complete, database engine just like full blown MS SQL 2000.

[maurices5000]

Thanks for the information guys and reassurance!

szlamany:
Is it worth it to get your book "Inside Microsoft SQL Server" by Kalen Delaney if my DB will be small with only a few concurrent users? Or is it only for advanced types.

So there are books online? Those might be helpful. Can i access them with developer? My assumption is taht they are free and all i need is the link.

[szlamany]

Inside Microsoft SQL Server is probably more than you need, if you are concentrating right now on small app with small DB.

BOL is a nickname for the HELP FILES that come with the SQL product.

I use those - but I think this MS link is for access to it on-line:

http://www.msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp

[maurices5000]

Thanks very much!!!

[maurices5000]

guys i got SQL Server 2000 Developer at www.amazon.com for $39 while i await approval on the SQL Server 2000.

this has been a very beneficial thread.

I mentioned amazon because it seem cheaper here than anywhere else i've looked.

Thanks!