[tycoon]

Hi alll...I kindda new in this whole sql thing...so can all tell what..is sql server and how to configure it...please

[madmatt75]

SQL Server is a database engine. It doesn't need to be configured. Just install it, open the program called Query Analyzer and start writing SQL statements. If you don't know SQL then take a class on it or use Microsoft Access instead.

[Jeana]

I've downloaded and installed sql2kdesksp3.exe but cannot find the query analyzer program - where is it? do i need to install Visual Studio .NET too? Sorry for such a newbie question.

[madmatt75]

It should have installed query analyzer and enterprise manager for you. You don't need Visual Studio to use SQL Server. Visual Studio contains programming languages that you could use to create an application to connect to your database if you so desire. I know shelling out $50 for a book is tough, but it would make this experience much less frustrating.

Another option is MySQL (database) and PHP (programming lanquage). These are both free and there is a lot of free online help for these on the internet. A book isn't really needed to get started with these.

http://www.mysql.com/
http://www.php.net/