I wanted disseminate some news to our DBA audience regarding the long anticipated release of Microsoft's new operating system, Windows 7, and what SQL Server Users can expect.
The New York Post reports in today's business section on the release of Windows 7, as we all get ready to say 'Hasta la Vista', to that not so popular predecessor. For more on it coverage of the 'PC Wars', you can see this business oriented article online:
http://www.nypost.com/p/news/business/it_the_pc_wars_Tl6ucEeg3VFZZXLkCjPnbJ
Microsoft which has launched a huge marketing campaign to tout the new OS, is expecting an October surprise! The official release date is October 22, 2009, and is expected to spark a new wave of pc buying well into the Christmas season. With Windows 7 hitting the shelves this fall, expect fantastic bargains on "older" computer models, and the appearance of new improved ones. Technically speaking, Windows 7 is considered to be a major improvement over its predecessors, Windows XP and Vista. Many early adapters are reporting there is a noticable performance increase in speed, and is optimal for both home pc use, and business. Claiming that this newest OS is "engineered by us, inspired by you", Microsoft has a lot riding on the success of this more user friendly and web-integrated version of Window. More information on features of Windows 7 can be found here:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/products/features
What does this mean for SQL Server Users:
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OK, so does Windows-7 play nicely with our beloved SQL Server, particularly 2008? As with any new release, there are always some bugs, hiccups, and hotfixes. Although there are some "warning messages" when installing SQL Server on Windows-7, it works just fine, but there are some things for DBA's and other techs to know and be aware. This is the purpose of today's blog, to bring you what you need to know when testing and deploying SQL Server on Windows-7.
Direct from the Global Release Services team blog at Microsoft on MSDN, take heart that all editions of SQL Server 2005 SP3 and SQL Server 2008 SP1 are supported on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. (http://blogs.msdn.com/sqlreleaseservices/archive/2009/05/14/sql-server-on-windows-7-rc-and-windows-server-2008-r2-rc.aspx)
However, as always, make sure your SQL Servers have the latest service packs applied, as required:
For SQL Server 2005, you need to be on SP3 to be compatible on Windows 7/WS08 R2, and for SQL Server 2008, you need to be on SP1 to be compatible on Windows 7/WS08 R2.
From here you will also find a most valuable link to the SQL Server Express WebLog (the full name for 'blog'), with important information on Installing SQL Server on Windows 7, and further links to all the available downloads for the various service packs needed.
More on the incompatibility and installation warning messages....
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To scare the 'bejeebers' out of our curious DBA types, Microsoft prompts you with a warning messages of incompatibility between SQL Server and Windows-7. Specifically, the message says that this SQL Server version has a known compatibility issues with Windows 7 RC.
This warning is genuine and applies to all SQL Server editions, including all Express editions. As stated, 'the incompatibility was fixed in SQL Server 2008 Service Pack1 and SQL Server 2005 Service Pack 3. You can safely continue the installation by clicking "Run program" button and apply the latest service pack afterwards.'
In some cases you may be presented with this warning message multiple times during the installation process. So, basically to quote the adage, 'Move along, nothing to see here', should be heeded when attempting to install SQL Server on MS's new kid on the OS block.
Finally, here is some additional information on another great blog I found for Installing SQL Server 2008 on Windows-7.
http://sqlblog.com/blogs/john_paul_cook/archive/2009/08/10/sql-server-2008-on-windows-7.aspx
I hope the above information is helpful. I have pointed you out to some helful links & blogs for critical information that you will need to know. So, spread the word far and near, Windows-7 is finally here! May SQL Server and Windows live happily ever after 🙂
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