Resources for SQL Server Express

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SQL Server Express Demo

SQL Server Developer Center

Samples and Starter Kits. Fully functional, complete and well-documented sample applications to help you get started right away.

SQL Server Express Sample Applications. Rich client and Web applications designed to help you learn SQL Server and demonstrate Web and client development scenarios.

Starter Database Schemas. Learn the basics of managing and administering SQL Server 2005 Express Edition in real-world environments with these fully-functional starter Database Schemas.

SQL Server Express – Learn Demos. Whether you’re just a beginner or somewhat familiar with databases, these video lessons will help you get better acquainted with SQL Server 2005 Express.

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Recommended Books:

• Programming Microsoft SQL Server 2005

• Microsoft SQL Server 2005: Database Essentials Step by Step

• Inside Microsoft SQL Server 2005: T-SQL Querying

• Inside Microsoft SQL Server 2005: T-SQL Programming

• The SQL Server Express Administration Infocenter offers access to dozens of ebooks. Topics range from walkthroughs and how-tos, to manuals on administration, networking, and replication in SQL Server Express.

• For those users who register their copy of SQL Server Express, there are more free ebooks available online!

Other online resources:
There's lots of great information about SQL Server online for new developers.

• Writing SQL Server Queries

• Securing Your SQL Server 2005 Express Edition Server

• Web Development with Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition and SQL Server 2005 Express Edition – Three-part article on creating Web apps with Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition and SQL Server 2005 Express Edition. Set up a project, create a SQL Server Express database, work with data sources, create data-driven Web pages, and more.

• LearnVisualStudio.net - Sign up to get over 500 video tutorials!

• SQLServerCentral.com - SQLServerCentral.com offers you thousands of SQL Server articles, FAQs, scripts, and forums to help your professional development as a DBA, developer, or user of SQL Server.

• SQL Server Magazine - SQL Server Magazine is an independent source of technical, how-to information for SQL Server developers and administrators.

• PASS: Professional Association for SQL Server - PASS is the definitive global community for SQL Server professionals.

• SQL Server Worldwide User's Group - SSWUG provides grassroots database resources for users, administrators, and developers.

• SqlJunkies.com - SqlJunkies is an online community where developers can come to learn about building solutions by using SQL Server while being part of a collaborative community of peers.

• Microsoft.com SQL Server Community Site - Get a quick look at top SQL Server downloads, newsgroups, and discussions.

• SQLTeam.com - Find articles, current news, and forums to answer your SQL Server questions at SQLTeam.com.

• SQLAnswers.com - SQLAnswers.com offers useful freeware and shareware for common tasks, such as sending SQL mail over SMTP, formatting query results in PDF and HTML, and searching DTS packages. You'll also find forums and links to other SQL sites.

Webcasts

• ASP.NET 2.0 Webcast Series - Three webcasts in the series are specific to SQL Server Express and are based on the article Building Data Driven Web Applications with SQL Server Express. Click Learn More, and then click the Data Access tab to register.

Newsletters, Articles, and Whitepapers

• Upgrading MSDE to SQL Server Express - Still using Microsoft Desktop Engine? Learn what benefits there are to upgrading to SQL Server Express, Microsoft?s other free database offering. Learn about implementation, data migration, and redistribution licensing. Discover why SQL Server Express is just the upgrade you need.

• Managing SQL Server Express with SQL Server 2005 Management Studio Express Edition - Learn how to manage SQL Server 2005 Express Edition by using the free graphical management tool, SQL Server 2005 Management Studio Express Edition (SSMSE). Developers and administrators will learn how to use SSMSE features to simplify, automate, and reduce the complexity of database support and administration.

• SQL Server 2005 Express UPDATE - WindowsITPro publishes a free, twice-monthly eNewletter, featuring articles, reader discoveries, and events and resources.

• Writing SQL Queries: Let's Start With the Basics - Learn to be more productive with this quick introduction to the T-SQL language and the basics of getting information from the database using the SELECT statement.

• SQL Server 2005 Security – Learn how SQL Server security helps you protect data from unauthorized disclosure and tampering.

• SQL Server 2005 Express Edition User Instances - Understand user instances in SQL Server 2005 Express Edition and how you can use them to simplify adding database functionality to your Visual Studio projects.

• Embedding SQL Server Express into Custom Applications - Learn how to integrate and deploy Microsoft SQL Server Express-based applications by using configuration files and the ClickOnce deployment technology in Microsoft Visual Studio.

Help and Support

• SQL Server Express MSDN Forum - Visit the SQL Server Express Forum to ask questions and get answers related to SQL Server Express and SQL Server Express with Advanced Services.

• SQL Server Newsgroups

• Other SQL Server Forums

• SQL Server Express Blog - View announcements and get technical information on SQL Server Express.

• Community - Whether you're a novice or an experienced user, the SQL Server community is a great place for sharing ideas, getting answers to your questions, reading expert advice, and more.

• Training and Events - Get trained on SQL Server, find out about upcoming events, or learn about available online seminars.

• SQL Server Developer Center - Explore the SQL Server Developer Center on the MSDN Web site for the latest documentation, articles, and tools for SQL Server.

• SQL Server TechCenter - The Microsoft TechCenter Web site on TechNet hosts technical information and community resources for IT professionals.

• SQL Server Support Center - Review Knowledge Base articles and examine additional support material for SQL Server Express.

Microsoft Product Support Services Options

• Search the Knowledgebase - Get answers to your SQL Server questions from the Microsoft Knowledge Base. This is the database of technical articles used by Microsoft Support Professionals.

• Microsoft Professional Support - Contact a professional to help you to with SQL Server Express.

• Worldwide Support Options - Find out what support options are available if you are located outside the United States or Canada.