Microsoft SQL Server 2008 All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies [Paperback]

Robert D. Schneider (Author), Darril Gibson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 29, 2008 | ISBN-10: 0470179546 | ISBN-13: 978-0470179543 | Edition: 1

If you’re in charge of database administration, developing database software, or looking for database solutions for your company, Microsoft SQL Server 2008 All-In-One Desk Reference For Dummies can help you get a handle on this extremely popular relational database management system. Here you’ll find what’s new in the latest version; how to choose and install the right variation for your needs; how to monitor, maintain, and protect your data; and what it takes to keep your database healthy. You’ll discover how to:

• Build and maintain tables
• Design a database and communicate with it
• Retrieve, analyze, and report data
• Build solid, robust database applications
• Use the SQL Server Optimizer and Query Designer
• Navigate SQL Server with Visual Studio
• Develop useful reports with the Report Builder and Report Designer
• Create Business Intelligence solutions with Business Intelligence Development Studio
• Configure your server and perform major administrative tasks

To help you quickly find what you need, Microsoft SQL Server 2008 All-In-One Desk Reference For Dummies is divided into nine minibooks:

• Essential Concepts
• Designing and Using Databases
• Interacting With Your Data
• Database Programming
• Reporting Services
• Analysis Services
• Performance Tips and Tricks
• Database Administration
• Appendixes

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 All-In-One Desk Reference For Dummies gets you started, helps you solve problems, and will even answer your questions down the road!

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

9 books in 1 — your key to SQL Server 2008 success!

Your one-stop guide to the SQL Server 2008 database management system

You already know that SQL Server 2008 is a blockbuster relational database management system. And because you want to get rolling with it right away, this book is the place to come. Here you find what's new in this version and how to build and maintain tables; retrieve, analyze, and report data; and keep your database healthy.

Discover how to:

• Choose the right version of SQL Server

• Install SQL Server quickly

• Design a database and communicate with it

• Monitor, maintain, and protect your data

• Build solid, robust database applications

About the Author

Robert D. Schneider is a database optimization consultant who has been delivering software solutions for 15 years. Darril Gibson is a professional trainer specializing in certification and Microsoft technologies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 768 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (September 29, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470179546
• ISBN-13: 978-0470179543
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.3 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #83,045 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #40 in Books > Computers & Technology > Microsoft > Development > SQL Server
  • #70 in Books > Computers & Technology > Databases > SQL
  • #76 in Books > Computers & Technology > Microsoft > Networking

More About the Author

After a 22 year Navy career working with computers and electronics, I've turned my attention to computers, teaching and writing, especially related to IT certifications.

I've been focused on IT-related security quite a bit in the last few years, teaching, writing, and editing. I have written security related books including books on Security+, SSCP, MTA Security, Risk, and more.

Current security certifications include Security+, CASP, SSCP, and CISSP. Additionally, I've passed 37 Microsoft tests and earned 19 Microsoft certifications (maybe more by the time you read this) and a few non-Microsoft certifications. Check out my Microsoft transcript here: mcp.microsoft.com/authenticate/validatemcp.aspx.
Transcript ID: 660310
Access Code: DarrilGibson

I understand how the Microsoft testing and certification process works. As an MCT since 1999, I've helped countless students learn Microsoft products and become certified. Additionally, I've helped hundreds of students earn the Security+ certification over the years, and thousands have passed the Security+ certification using one of my books.

One of the treasured joys in my life is getting emails from past students and readers letting me know they've become certified and/or moved up in their job status. Feel free to contact me through GetCertifiedGetAhead.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All in all A great book to have., April 26, 2009

By 

Mujahid Khan "mkmd555" (Princeton USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies (Paperback)

I bought this book from Barnes and Noble because I could not wait. To my delight I found this book to be well written in a lucid style. This book, mercifully, leaves out the BS that clutter most computer books. On the first day I was able to install the MS SQL server - beware it is not that simple! It is very easy to miss the Full Text search and the Filestream install.

I would have been lost if I had only this book to teach me SQL. However, I had some background in SQL, imparted by the Head First SQL book, and the famous Ben Forta SQL book.

I will suggest that you get your feet wet by the HeadFirst SQL book. Surely, it will be money well spent because learning SQl from this Dummy book will be difficult. SQL is a language which needs time and effort, and this book spends only a fraction of pages teaching SQL. Having said that, the fraction of pages is very well written.

Before I discovered MS SQL Server I was using MySQL programs to write queries, programs like MySQL query browser, Navicat and SQLYOG. MS Sql Server, on the other hand, was a Eureka moment, for example, among other things, the query builder is phenomenal. It will help you get results from multiple tables in a few minutes as compared to writing code (although you must know how to write SQL code for fine tuning the queries. Besides, writing SQl code is not that difficult, thanks to Head First and Ben Forta books).

The current Dummies book 'Microsoft SQl server 2008' is a breath of fresh air. Many a times it gave me insights into the SQL language which made things simpler.

IMHO, if you are a beginner, you MUST start with Head First SQL AND Ben Forta SQL books before you plunge into this book, but this book won't disappoint you, in fact you will be able to write a working DB.

All in all, a great book to have in your library - a good resource and a good friend. Highly recommended.

M Khan

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Does not work with present "AdventureWorks" database, July 21, 2011

By 

Walter A. Byrd (Denver, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies (Paperback)

I had the same problem with the MSDN tutorials. Apparently, there are many versions of the AdventureWorks database package. I have the official AdventerWorks2008R2_SR1 84MB version. I tried other versions, and they had other problems. The entire situation is a FUBAR mess. For example, the tutorial instructs me to use the AdventureWorks2008 database, I find the following databases included with the package: AdventerWorks, AdventerWorksDW, AdventerWorksDW2008R2, AdventerWorks2008T, AdventerWorksLT, AdventerWorksLT2008R2, but no "AdventerWorks2008." I try the "AdventureWorks" database, but cannot find a person.person table. I am giving up in frustration. I will send the book back, if I can.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Book, October 31, 2011

By 

Sammy "sam" (Lawrence KS USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Microsoft SQL Server 2008 All-in-One Desk Reference For Dummies (Paperback)

I was looking for a book to learn about SQL Servers, and I found this book in Amazon. It is a good book so far from what I have read.