December 4, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Hello all,
I am a interested in becoming a SQL Server DBA. I have 7 years as a DB2 OS/390 DBA and want to increase my skill set. I have a copy of the MCITP books which has a copy of the Database to toy around with. I need to know more source to provide me with guidance to increase my skills in the use of the SQL Server 2005 database.
I have also been looking at a server to install Windows 2008 server on to run the database on. Is this a good idea?
Anthony K. Johnson
December 4, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Windows 2008 will work. I know there are some gotchas with SQL Server 2005 (List of known issues when you install SQL Server 2005 on Windows Server 2008). If you're just doing 2005, Windows Server 2003 will work, too. Developer Edition will install on any OS and allow you to use the features for Enterprise Edition.
As far as additional resources, check out the online labs MS has as well. There are great sites like this one for reading and discussing and research. Great books like the Inside SQL Server series. And if you can find a local mentor, especially one who works with DB2 as well, that can usually get you ramped up quickly.
K. Brian Kelley
@kbriankelley
December 4, 2008 at 2:19 pm
I'm assuming you've already got the basics, like normalization and table design, from DB2, so the main thing for you will be learning the specific features of T-SQL, and the differences from DB2.
The best way to get going on it would probably be to take some project you've done in DB2 and work out how to do it in SQL Server. That way, you will quickly pinpoint the differences, in code that you know what it's for.
As far as what software to get, I'd just install SQL 2005 Dev on a desktop machine and start from there. Costs about $50 to do that, and it's got all the features of Enterprise Edition. If you really want to play around with server issues at the same time, get a copy of Small Business Server with SQL. Last I checked, that would run a little over $1,000, and gets you SQL on a server platform. But really, I'd separate the two subjects. Either learn Windows Server, or SQL Server, then learn the other. If you want to focus on SQL Server, Dev Edition on a desktop PC will be more than adequate to the learning process.
The best thing I can recommend, beyond that, is spend as much time as you need on this site, and others like it. You'll get a lot of good advice here.
- Gus "GSquared", RSVP, OODA, MAP, NMVP, FAQ, SAT, SQL, DNA, RNA, UOI, IOU, AM, PM, AD, BC, BCE, USA, UN, CF, ROFL, LOL, ETC
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December 4, 2008 at 2:53 pm
While installing the database on a laptop I noticed that the options for the Report Services was not available. I think this is do to the IIS server not being on the laptop, is this true. And if so where can I get IIS server and what version will it need.
The version of the SQL Server I have is the EE.
Anthony K. Johnson
December 5, 2008 at 1:44 am
IIS installation is a part of windows installation.You can choose the option of adding windows comp and then add IIS from the Windows installation cds.
December 5, 2008 at 7:17 am
In Control Panel, under Add/Remove Software, you have the option of installing more/less Windows features. You would add IIS through that.
- Gus "GSquared", RSVP, OODA, MAP, NMVP, FAQ, SAT, SQL, DNA, RNA, UOI, IOU, AM, PM, AD, BC, BCE, USA, UN, CF, ROFL, LOL, ETC
Property of The Thread
"Nobody knows the age of the human race, but everyone agrees it's old enough to know better." - Anon
December 5, 2008 at 7:44 am
If you're running Windows XP, SSRS should go onto IIS without an issue. If you're running Vista, you'll need to do a few more things:
Getting Reporting Services to work on Vista
K. Brian Kelley
@kbriankelley
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