Using SQL Server 2005 for 2008 exams

  • I am just wondering if this is possible? My laptop is much happier on SQL Server 2005. When I tried to fit 2008 on it, there was so much RAM and processor use, it took ages to start.

    Is it possible to use SQL Server 2005 to study for exams in 2008, for example, 70-433, or is there a big difference between these two applications? Otherwise, I must buy a new laptop, which I'm not too happy about doing, unless there is a magic way of limiting memory and processor use in 2008.

    Processor: Celeron M 1.50GHz

    Memory: 1GB

    Operating System: Windows XP Professional

  • You could if you really wanted to but since it would give you no practice on the new features and the exams do extensively cover the new features you may be setting yourself up for failure.

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • Oh well, will have to buy a new laptop then...

  • Or uninstall 2005 and install 2008. 2008 doesn't use more memory or CPU than 2005. Trying to run them both at the same time on that laptop would be a problem.

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • I tend to agree with Gail, though you could just install 2008 as a named instance, set both instances to manual, and only run the one you need.

  • Steve Jones - SSC Editor (8/5/2011)


    I tend to agree with Gail, though you could just install 2008 as a named instance, set both instances to manual, and only run the one you need.

    That too. I still do that (though with 2008 and 2008 R2) even on my super-powered desktop.

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • The last time I installed 2008 it used loads of RAM and the HDD was really churning on startup, but maybe I installed the version with Advanced Services etc, unless I need to put some things to manual in services.msc.

    Can I just have a minimal express version if I'm thinking of doing 70-433 or 70-432?

    Is there any way of actually getting 2008 to consume less CPU and RAM through its own settings?

    I'm thinking of using Access as a front end for a project of mine, although I don't think that SQL Server 2008 is compatible with Access 2003 (I have Access 2007 if that is a better fit).

    I tried to find the download link for 2008R2 and Management Studio Express, but got this:

  • meridius10 (8/5/2011)


    Can I just have a minimal express version if I'm thinking of doing 70-433 or 70-432?

    Express doesn't have a whole lot of features, again, you can, but then there is lots and lots that you won't be able to practice. You really need developer or evaluation if you want to practice for the exam

    Is there any way of actually getting 2008 to consume less CPU and RAM through its own settings?

    You can limit the memory, but it doesn't use any more than 2005 did, and you can install and set the service to manual and only run it when you need

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • I have installed it and it is using 100% CPU and 375 extra MB RAM. Even if I want to make further adjustments, it's probably going to be better for me to invest in another laptop anyway.

    What is the best level to limit CPU use to in 2008 R2?

    I have installed it on my main pc, but that has 4GB RAM and is Core2 Duo so no problems there.

  • SQL does not use excessive CPU when it's not active. Sure, it'll use that while queries are running, but it uses around 0 when it's idle.

    You can also (as has been repeatedly suggested) stop the service when it's not running.

    The only way to limit CPU usage of an instance is on a machine with multiple cores - change the affinity.

    Gail Shaw
    Microsoft Certified Master: SQL Server, MVP, M.Sc (Comp Sci)
    SQL In The Wild: Discussions on DB performance with occasional diversions into recoverability

    We walk in the dark places no others will enter
    We stand on the bridge and no one may pass
  • OK - thanks. I'm still going to get a new laptop anyway as it's about time to replace this one which is six years old...

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