MycroSoft SQL Server (Express?)

[blueznl]

Gents, I've been playing with MySQL and PostgreSQL back in 2009 (see this page http://bluez.home.xs4all.nl/purebasic/p ... 13.htm#top). I have to do a little fooling around with 'the MS SQL thingy'.

I would like to do a test run back home, ie. install something like SQL Server Express, so I can a. play around with configuring the ODBC on the client (Windows XP and Windows 7) as well as fool around a little with a few queries.

What's the best candidate to set up in a VM? (Preferably but not necessary using Windows XP as the base OS on which to install the SQL package, haven't got any server editions around at the moment, and I have no intention to become a full fledged SQL specialist )

The final purpose is to write a little client which gets a bunch of data from some kind of industrial SQL server, after which I can produce a few very non-standard reports and graphs, stuff that takes too much time to do in Excel or some other reporting tool, by hand. I'd like to check some basic functionality on a box at home so I won't have to experiment on site.

Suggestions welcome!

[Kukulkan]

Hi,

the SQL Server Express editions are easy to setup on a Win XP VM and they offer the same SQL capabilities like the professional licences. It's perfect for some testing and development. What is the question in detail?

Kukulkan

[blueznl]

There are multiple versions of Express, which one should I take?

[X]

There are two 2008 express versions that I see. 32bit and 64bit. When in doubt, always go for the same bit as your OS

[Warmonger]

It really depends on your fancy. I personally hate the 2008 editions of MSSQL. I suggest you start with 2005 as its a bit easier to understand less bloated. It also resembles 2008 quite a bit. I will also mention the ODBC setup and drivers are all the same. A tool compiled to work for SQL 2000 will still work with SQL 2008. So really its whatever you prefer to use. I prefer SQL 2000 and 2005.

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download ... x?id=21844

And the studio (visual IDE for managing databases, tables, and data).

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download ... px?id=8961

[Foz]

if you want to keep things really compact, install SQL Server 2000 Developer Edition (if you can source it), as it's basically the complete enterprise edition without the licencing costs.

If you want to keep more modern, then get the latest and greatest express edition (2012)