| I'm probably going to loose the few points I have left, but hey... If you have access to a Windows machine my two cents says get a copy of SQL Server Express. In addition to that you will want a copy of the AdventureWorks database and the SQL Server Books Online. SQL Server Express is a solid and free (as in beer) database engine. There are processor and file size limitations, but other than that it is pretty much the same as every other version they sell. The Books Online (available online or as an installable download) has tutorial style information on every level of the system; database engine, reporting services etc. The AdventureWorks database is a sample database that is used in the BOL and just about every other SQL Server tutorial I have seen. It is quite extensive and will save you from having to create your own data. I'm sure somebody here will try and pick this apart, but this is how I learned. If it means anything, I have been employed as a Databse Analyst for the past four years. They also offer "SQL Server 2008 R2 Update for Developers Training Kit", but I have not tried it. http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=FFF... SQL Server Express:
http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/R2Downloads.as... BOL: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?displaylang=... Adventure Works site:
http://sqlserversamples.codeplex.com/ |