Finding Your Best Starting Point in This Book

If you are:	Follow these steps:
New to Relational Databases	Install the sample files as described in the Sample Files section of this Introduction. Start at the beginning and work through the entire book for a quick introduction to the many capabilities of SQL Server 2005.
Planning to Set Up a Database in Your Shop	Install the sample files as described in the Sample Files section of this Introduction. Pay particular attention to Chapter 4, which will guide you through some of the analysis you'll need before beginning to design your system.
Familiar with Relational Databases or Migrating from an Earlier Version of SQL Server	Install the sample files as described in the Sample Files section of this Introduction. Skim Chapter 2 as necessary and then work through Chapter 3. Skim the remainder of the book to find the areas that might be new to you.
Migrating to SQL Server from Another Database Platform	Install the sample files as described in the Sample Files section of this Introduction. Work carefully through Chapters 2 and 3, skip (or skim) Chapters 4 and 5, and then work through the remainder of the book.
Familiar with SQL Server and Want to Enhance Your Understanding of the Capabilities in SQL Server 2005	Install the sample files as described in the Sample Files section of this Introduction. Focus on Chapters 3, 4, and 5 and work through the rest of the book depending on your areas of interest.
Wanting to Deepen Your Level of Expertise in Coding Database Applications	Install the sample files as described in the Sample Files section of this Introduction. Skim Chapters 3, 4, and 5, then work carefully through the remaining chapters.
Referencing the Book after Working Through the Exercises	Use the index or the table of contents to find information about particular subjects. Read the Quick Reference sections at the end of each chapter to find a brief review of the syntax and techniques presented in the chapter.
Interested in Learning More about Applying the Techniques Covered in This Book	See Microsoft SQL Server 2005: Applied Techniques Step by Step , Microsoft Press, 2006 (ISBN 0-7356-2316-3).