[Mangore]

I'm using vb2008 and DataBase Ms access 2007
I want to use Microsoft sql server DataBase, but I don't know any thing about it.
I have A cd Visual studio 2008 professional edition. I downloaded the Sql server expression 2005 as it show in the pic. is this a DataBase Microsoft sql server?

Attached image(s)

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[Atli]

If you don't know anything about it, why do you want to use it? Is this an educational thing or more of a job requirement?


In any case, Microsoft SQL Server is just that: A server. There is no actual application you run like with access. It just runs in the background. - You can start and stop it in the Windows Computer Management window. It's listed under "SQL Server" in the Services list.

The programs listed in your picture allow you to manage the server. "SQL Server Configuration Manager" gives you tools to configure the server. - I must admit, though, that I am not really an expert on the MSSQL tools, so I can't really explain in detail how they work. (I've only ever used is as a developer, not an administrator.)

There is, however, a program called Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio that lets you connect to and use the server; create users, set up databases, execute queries, etc...


One thing that I don't get though. Why did you download the 2005 version? There is a new version available, SQL Server 2008, which seems more fitting for use with VB.NET 2008... (Get the "/w tools" version for the Management Studio as well.)

P.S.
I moved this to the MS SQL Forum. MSSQL is short for Microsoft SQL Server.

[Mangore]

I have some questions
1- is there Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio 2008
and is it 2005 and 2008 free don't need to licence or register
2- may I used Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio for creat database ( table,field) an save it ..etc as I did in Ms access without using sql server 2005 that I downloaded
and thank you for help!

[Atli]

• The 2005 and 2008 versions both come with their own Management Studio. (See: 2005 and 2008.)
  It wouldn't surprise me if the 2008 version could connect to 2005 servers, but I doubt it works the other way around.
  
  Microsoft SQL Server Express edition is a free, scaled down version of the more powerful commercial editions. See the Wikipedia list or Microsoft's own 2008 R2 Editions page for more details on the different editions. - The Management Studio software is also free to use.
  
  
• You need a running MSSQL Server to use a MSSQL Server databases. You can't "save" the database like you do with Access. - The server handles the data. There is no data file for you to pass around. Your software just connects to the SQL Server and ask it to store or retrieve data.
  
  The exception to this is the SQL Server Compact edition. It's rather poorly named, as it is in fact not a SQL Server, but rather an embed, single file database engine.

[Mangore]

thank you for help!!