Try SQL Server 2005 Today
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You can now try out SQL Server 2005 in two ways—register to complete a SQL Server 2005 download for a 180-day trial, or complete a SQL Server 2005 Express Edition download.
The fully functional trial software offers you the opportunity to experience the features and functionality of SQL Server 2005. The trial software automatically expires 180 days after you install it on your servers.
Download SQL Server 2005 Trial Software
Choose the evaluation experience that is most relevant to your needs by selecting one of the two options listed below. The trial software is exactly the same while the supporting experience has been tailored to offer greater relevance for each profession.
| • | IT Professionals
Are you responsible for installing, configuring, administering, or troubleshooting database platforms and business intelligence applications? Do you manage IT resources and implement databases? |
| • | Developers
Are you are responsible for testing, designing, integrating, or developing Web sites and application software solutions? Are you the architect for enterprise solutions and information systems? |
Notes
| • | The SQL Server 2005 Trial Software is currently available only in English. |
| • | The download size varies from 890.9 MB to 1050 MB and can take longer than 30 minutes depending on the bandwidth of your high speed connection. Dial-up users are encouraged to order the dvd. |
Order SQL Server 2005 Trial Software DVD
You can order the SQL Server 2005 Trial Software on DVD. This DVD is available in English for U.S.$5.99. Orders placed from outside the United States are subject to additional shipping fees and may be subject to additional import duties and taxes.
Download a Pre-configured Version of SQL Server 2005 in a VHD for Evaluation
You can now get a free 30-day trial version of SQL Server 2005 pre-installed and pre-configured in a VHD.
NoteThe VHDs are currently available in English only.
Download SQL Server 2005 Express Edition
Complete a SQL Server Express download, free. There are no time limits and the software is freely redistributable (with registration). With a database size limit of 4 gigabytes (GB) and support for 1 CPU and up to 1 GB of RAM, the SQL Server 2005 Express download provides software that is suitable for application embedding or lightweight application development.
You can access the SQL Server Express download and register for distribution rights at the following locations:
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| • | Register for the SQL Server Express Edition Redistribution Rights - Register Now |
System Requirements
For information about hardware and software requirements for SQL Server 2005, visit the System Requirements page. If you need one of the required operating systems, visit the Windows Server 2003 Trial Software page.
Express Edition vs. Trial Edition
SQL Server 2005 Express Edition is free to download, free to redistribute, free to deploy, has a subset of the overall SQL Server 2005 features, and has no time limit on usage.
SQL Server 2005 Trial Edition has a comprehensive set of SQL Server 2005 features, has no limits on database size or scalability, and expires 180 days after installation.
| SQL Server 2005 Express Edition | SQL Server 2005 Trial Edition | |
Number of CPUs | 1 | no limit |
RAM | 1 GB | operating system maximum |
64-bit Support | Microsoft Windows on Windows (WOW) |
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Maximum Database Size | 4 GB | no limit |
For more detail about differences between SQL Server 2005 Express and SQL Server 2005 Trial Edition SQL Server Features Comparison page.
For More Information
To find additional information about SQL Server and other Microsoft Windows Server System integrated server software, visit the following pages:
| • | SQL Server Features |
| • | Windows Server System Trial Software |