Hardware and Software You ll Need

Hardware and Software You'll Need

As a self-paced study guide, MCSE Training Guide (70-229): SQL Server 2000 Database Design and Implementation is meant to help you understand concepts that must be refined through hands-on experience. To make the most of your studying, you need to have as much background on and experience with Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition as possible. The best way to do this is to combine studying with work on Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Enterprise Edition. This section gives you a description of the minimum computer requirements you need to enjoy a solid practice environment.

• Windows 2000 Server, Advanced Server or DataCenter Server, or NT 4.0 SP5 or better. Note: Non-enterprise editions of SQL Server run on Windows 2000 Professional and Windows 98. These will satisfy most of the requirements for the book, with the exception of indexed views and distributed partitioned views.

• A server and a workstation computer on the Microsoft Hardware Compatibility List.

• Pentium 166MHZ (or better) processor.

• Hard disk space: SQL Server database components (95-270MB, 250MB typical); Analysis Services (50MB minimum, 130MB typical); English Query (80MB); Desktop Engine only (44MB); Books Online (15MB).

• VGA (or Super VGA) video adapter and monitor; 800x600 or higher resolution required for the SQL Server graphical tools.

• Mouse or equivalent pointing device (not required, but useful).

• CD-ROM drive.

• Network Interface Card (NIC) or modem connection to Internet.

• Internet access with Internet Explorer 5.0 or later.

• 64MB of RAM minimum, 128MB or more recommended.

You can obtain 120-day evaluation versions of the product as a download from Microsoft's product download page http://www.microsoft.com/sql/evaluation/trial/2000.

It is easier to obtain access to the necessary computer hardware and software in a corporate business environment. It can be difficult, however, to allocate enough time within the busy workday to complete a self-study program. Most of your study time will occur after normal working hours, away from the everyday interruptions and pressures of your regular job.