Which version of SQL Express should I install on my laptop for learning and practicing

[Pack10]

I just got a Surface laptop. Its wonderful to take on the train. I want to install SQL Server Express so I can practice t-sql.
However, I am unsure on what to install. They have so many flavors. Like I said, I want to use the GUI, study t-sql code, create some stored procs etc.
Which version should I install.

 

[gmmastros]

I would recommend SQL Server 2012 Express.

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35579

It's the only version that is free. There are limitations, but there's a ton of things to learn before you are ready for a higher version.

This is, of course, just my opinion.

-George
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
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"The great things about standards is that there are so many to choose from." - Fortune Cookie Wisdom

 

[Pack10]

Thanks George

Does it have the GUI...so I can build and study t-sql and build stored procedures?
That would be great.

 

[Pack10]

There several downloads to choose from, i dont know which one to install...

 

[Pack10]

Hope someone can help me with this, I installed 2008 Express and was trying to import some data so i can play. First i tried
to import an access table, no the wizard tool didnt like it...then i tried some excel sheets....didnt like them either,
I remember an older version maybe 2000, importing was a breeze...this isnt working. What could i be doing wrong.

 

[SQLScholar]

I would suggest that depends on what errors your getting....

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[DougP]

I "think" it wants the old version of Excel and Access, not .accdb but .mdb
not .xlsx but .xls. so "save As" the older versions and try that.

DougP

 

[Pack10]

Hey DougP

The Access db I was trying to import tables from was an .MDB
I am going to install my old MSDE with the client tools. That worked for me a few years ago.
All I want is the GUI so I can play with T-SQL. I got it with a Murach Book. I can install that onto
my Surface and have it all the time.

Does that make sense?

 

[gmmastros]

Let me try this again....

The link I showed you earlier was for SQL 2012 SP1. When you click on the download link near the top, there are various options to choose from. I would suggest either of these:

SQLEXPRWT_x64_ENU.exe
SQLEXPRWT_x86_ENU.exe

The x86 version is for computers with 32-bit processors and operating system.
the x64 version is for computers with 64-bit processors and operating system.

If you are unsure about this, then go with the x86 version since it will still work on 64-bit systems.

As for importing... I suggest you read this blog:

http://blogs.lessthandot.com/index.php/DataMgmt/DBAdmin/title-12

It will show various ways to import data. Since you primarily want to learn, I would suggest that you pay particular attention to the SSIS method. I believe the blog came out before SQL 2012 did. However, I suspect that it will be similar enough to help you learn.

I would actively discourage you from installing MSDE. There have been many enhancements to SQL Server since MSDE came out 13 years ago. It's not just about the enhancements though. Much of the information about SQL server that you will find on the internet will assume a version of SQL server that is newer than sql2000/msde. You'll likely find yourself working harder at finding TSQL for sql 2000.



-George
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
My Blogs
SQLCop
twitter
"The great things about standards is that there are so many to choose from." - Fortune Cookie Wisdom

 

[Pack10]

Thanks very much. I will install 2012 64 bit (Windows 8)
Again thanks for the info.

 

[Pack10]

Well, I installed 2012 express with the GUI...and the server continuously times out when I try to
import an access db or even an excel sheet. I have a pretty clean I-5 notebook with 8 gigs ram and 650 gigs space on the drive. Any ideas/

 

[Pack10]

what about installing this localdb piece

 

[Pack10]

I need some help. I installed SQL Server 2012 express on two different machines with no
errors. I would like to bring in some of my access data so I can write some t-sql and stored procedures. However, when I run the 32 bit import wizard, it does not find the server in the drop down. The message is "Failed to connect to server". The server name is blank.
It does import from access upsize wizard either, same thing happens, and this happens on
both my machines, what am I doing wrong, or what do I need to configure.

thx

 

[gmmastros]

well.... let's see. Sounds like you cannot connect to the sql server database engine.

Are you able to start up the SQL Server Management Studio? Once it starts up, can you log in to it and connect to the server?

-George
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
My Blogs
SQLCop
twitter
"The great things about standards is that there are so many to choose from." - Fortune Cookie Wisdom

 

[Pack10]

OK, i got it to work. Seems I had to go in using mixed mode...so i had to enter admin without a password...and
it worked. I did try that at an earlier point....but hey it works. I have added some access databases and the
Adventureworks tables. All is good. Thanks for all the support.

 

[SQLBill]

Pack10....

It sounds like you never set up accounts or passwords on the database instance. I really suggest you give the admin account a strong password....hackers know that SQL Server's admin account's password is usually blank by default.

Once you've done that, create a login for yourself that has a strong password and appropriate permissions.

-SQLBill

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