What is this course about?

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Microsoft SQL Server 2008. 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 2008 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 2008 is right for their organization

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 2008?

SQL Server 2008 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 have taken Course 131, SQL Server^® 2005: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction. Should I take this course?

This course covers material not covered in Course 131, including deeper coverage of SQL and expanded business intelligence. However, the majority of the topics are too similar to make this course valuable for you.

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

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

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 2008
• Creating tables and constraints
• Manipulating data with SQL
• Integrating SQL Server with Office
• Securing access to SQL Server from intruders
• Backing up databases to prepare for disasters
• Running the Maintenance Plan Wizard to handle routine administrative tasks
• Replicating data between multiple databases
• Rendering a report to Excel

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 and 2008 curriculum. The courses you may take depend on the role you play in your organization. Please refer to The Learning Tree SQL Server 2005 and 2008 Curriculum Q&As for more details

Those courses directly related to SQL Server 2008 and SQL Server 2005 include:

• 136, SQL Server® 2008 Skills Upgrade: Hands-On 
• 138, SQL Server® 2008 Database Administration: Hands-On 
• 139, SQL Server® Analysis Services: Hands-On 
• 534, Developing SQL Queries for SQL Server®: Hands-On 
• 532, SQL Server Transact-SQL® Programming: Hands-On 
• 132, SQL Server® 2005 Database Administration: Hands-On