What is this course about?

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Microsoft SQL Server 2005. You learn how to use the various administrative and development tools included with SQL Server. The extensive hands-on exercises provide you with valuable experience leveraging the capabilities of SQL Server and its accompanying components. This course provides the stepping stone to begin your SQL Server 2005 career.

Who will benefit from this course?

Typical participants include:

• Programmers, application designers, developers and system architects who design and write Microsoft SQL Server applications and who require an introduction to the big picture of what SQL Server can do
• Database administrators looking to explore the capabilities of SQL Server
• Project managers who will be leading a team of developers in constructing a database
• Data processing professionals who may have many years of experience working with traditional database systems (hierarchical or network) and who are now moving to the client/server world
• Evaluators of database servers who will be making a decision about whether SQL Server 2005 is right for their organisation

What background do I need?

Tools used in the hands-on exercises assume a familiarity with the Windows user interface. Familiarity with relational database constructs such as tables, rows, columns and referential integrity is helpful. Prior experience with SQL Server is not required.

What is SQL Server 2005?

SQL Server 2005 is the latest version of Microsoft's full-featured relational database management system (RDBMS) with support for robust server-side development and data replication. It is part of the Windows Server System.

I am currently a database developer/administrator working in SQL Server 7/2000? Is this course right for me?

No. This course is designed primarily for those with little or no experience working with SQL Server 7 or 2000.

I am currently a database developer/administrator working in SQL Server 6.x? Is this course right for me?

Yes! There are significant differences between SQL Server 6.x and SQL Server 2005 that make a migration potentially problematic. This course is an essential part in creating a smooth transition, providing you with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to take full advantage of the enhanced feature set of SQL Server 2005.

How much time is spent on each topic?

What kind of hands-on exercises will I perform?

Approximately 45 percent of class time is spent in hands-on exercises. Hands-on exercises provide immediate reinforcement of the material covered. Exercises include:

• Installing SQL Server 2005
• Creating databases with SQL Server Management Studio
• Retrieving and joining data form tables
• Securing database objects
• Recovering a damaged database
• Synchronising databases with merge replication
• And much more!

Why should I take this course instead of one offered by Microsoft?

Learning Tree is dedicated to accelerating the careers of our clients by providing them with world-class technology and management training. Our independence from Microsoft (and every other vendor) allows us to give an unbiased view of what works and what does not. This course is objective in its approach, having been developed independently from Microsoft by industry experts who bring their real-world experience to the classroom.

How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses?

Learning Tree offers a complete SQL Server 2005 curriculum. The courses you may take depend on the role you play in your organisation. Please refer to The Learning Tree SQL Server 2005 Curriculum Q&A for more details.

Those courses directly related to Course 131 include:

• 132, SQL Server® 2005 Database Administration: Hands-On provides extensive experience using SQL Server 2005 tools to perform real-world administrative tasks. This course is designed for administrators new to SQL Server or coming from versions prior to SQL Server 7.

Other courses of interest include:

• 382, Relational Database Design, Tools and Techniques: Hands-On emphasises the concepts and addresses what relational databases are, why they are used, and how to design and set them up
• 595, Windows Server® 2003: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction provides the essential foundation for managing your Windows Server 2003 environment
• 598, Troubleshooting Windows Server® 2003 Environments offers the skills needed to efficiently optimise and troubleshoot your Windows Server 2003 operating system in order to minimise downtime and maximise system availability
• 134, SQL Server® Integration Services: Hands-On provides the skills necessary to solve data management problems by creating dynamic packages for migrating, processing and reporting on data for business intelligence.