Summary

SQL Server 2005 offers unprecedented ease of installation for a database server of its caliber. But you should understand your choices in terms of hardware, security, and sort order before you go too far down the path of a major application rollout. SQL Server installation is also fast and reliable. You need very little custom configuration because it configures itself as needed.

The SQL Server installation process offers options for unattended and remote installation, for installing multiple instances of SQL Server on the same machine, for installing a Desktop version, and for client toolsonly installation. Utilities are provided for changing many of the options chosen during the initial installation, but to add new components, you must keep your original CD handy or copy its contents to a network share.