Chapter 1. Introducing SQL Server 2000

O BJECTIVES

This first chapter gives you a birds-eye view of Microsoft SQL Server 2000, the various programs installed with the product, and the basic concepts you should know before continuing in the book. You will be interested to see what is actually included in the product and the facilities that are available.

Use this chapter to begin your preparation for passing the 70-229 exam; right from the start you will be gaining valuable exam tips. Each chapter begins by introducing the exam objectives and then follows by fleshing out the details. The following represents the specific Microsoft exam objectives that are covered in this chapter:

Knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server 2000 features and characteristics.

• Standard features

• Features new to SQL Server 2000

• As with all certification exams, you really have to spend time with the product. Often a good starting point to learning any technology is to simply know what it is and what it does. This objective provides a springboard to many topics covered in detail later in the book.

Be familiar with the programming environment and industry-standard coding language.

• Transact SQL

• Command Language

• Methods of Execution

• The Query Analyzer

• There should be no secret that this is a programming exam that will test your ability to provide working code. This objective will give you a starting point in understanding how to use the SQL coding language and SQL Server's coding environment.

Identify and manage environment restrictions.

• SQL Server Limitations

• SQL Server as a Shared Resource

• Back Office Integration

• Important Numerical Restrictions

• Knowledge of SQL Server limitations and installation requirements is a necessity for anyone attempting a SQL Server deployment, administration of a SQL Server, or implementing a database design for an existing server.

Familiarity with SQL Server tools, utilities, interface, and procedures.

• There are a lot of nooks and crannies in SQL Server and this version is no different then those of the past. With this objective you familiarize yourself with all the components of the software. SQL Server is much more than just a place to put databases, and knowledge of its intricacies will be an important part of attaining any certification goal.

Design for a medium to enterprise computing environment that uses SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition.

• Candidates for this exam work in a medium to enterprise computing environment that uses SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition. Therefore, you must know what separates the Enterprise Edition from the other editions.

O UTLINE

Getting to Know SQL Server 2000

Features of SQL Server

New Features in SQL Server 2000

SQL Server Implementation Requirements

Structured Query Language ( SQL )

Transact-SQL Language Elements

Executing a Program

The Complete SQL Server 2000 Software

SQL Server Databases

Default Databases

Contents of a Database

Client Network Utility

Server Network Utility

Service Manager

Profiler

Enterprise Manager

Bulk Copy Program

Books Online

Using Books Online

SQL Server 2000 Limitations

SQL Server 2000 as a Resource

SQL Server 2000 Back Office Integration

SQL Server by the Numbers

SQL Server 2000 Versions

SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition

SQL Server 2000 Standard Edition

SQL Server 2000 Personal Edition

SQL Server 2000 Developer Edition

SQL Server 2000 Windows CE Edition

SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Evaluation Edition

Apply Your Knowledge

Exercises

Review Questions

Exam Questions

Answers to Review Questions

Answers to Exam Questions

S TUDY S TRATEGIES

• Go to the SQL Server web site http://www.microsoft.com/sql and read up on white papers, case studies, and the product information available.

• Frequently consult SQL Server Books Online. This is an immense resource included with the product. Everything you need to find out about SQL Server and the related technologies are in this resource.

• Practice, practice, practice. Learn by doing. There is no better learning tool than the time spent in front of the software itself. Use the exercises in this book and create additional ones of your own. Never be afraid to experiment and explore (though not every activity is recommended on a production machine).