A guide to SQL Server for beginners and beyond

 

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Introduction 

This article was created in response to the many repeat questions in the TechNet forums on where to begin with SQL Server. The article is designed to be a single resource that an individual can view to quickly find links, references, free training, videos, and free books for those just beginning and those wanting to advance their knowledge of the product.

 

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SQL Server Express and trial software

• SQL Server Express - Microsoft.com
• SQL Server Evaluation Software - Microsoft.com

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Getting the basics

SQL Server Management Studio tutorials

• https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb934498(v=sql.110).aspx
• https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms167593(v=sql.100).aspx

Writing SQL Queries: Let's Start with the Basics

• https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb264565(v=sql.90).aspx

SQL Server Tutorials

• https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh231699(v=sql.120).aspx

 

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Community

SQL PASS Virtual Chapters

• http://www.sqlpass.org/PASSChapters/VirtualChapters.aspx

SQL PASS Local Chapters

• http://www.sqlpass.org/PASSChapters/LocalChapters.aspx

Recorded user group sessions

• http://usergroup.tv/

Find a SQL Saturday in your area

• http://www.sqlsaturday.com/events.aspx

SQL Saturday sessions

• http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=sql+saturday+past+session+videos&qpvt=sql+saturday+past+session+videos&FORM=VDRE

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Online training

Microsoft Virtual Academy

Packed with great video content from beginner to advanced.

• http://www.microsoftvirtualacademy.com/product-training/sql-server

TechNet SQL Server video archive

Loaded with hours upon hours of high quaility free content!!

• https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/dn912438.aspx

Pluralsight

Requires subscription; but, has a free trial.

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Books and e-Books

Free e-Books from Red Gate

• SQL Server Hardware
• Accidental DBA
• How to become an exceptional DBA
• SQL Server Tacklebox
• Transaction log management
• SQL Server concurrency
• SQL Server backup and restore
• SQL Server backup maintenance plans
• SQL Server performance tuning
• SQL Server statistics
• Execution plans
• Query optimizer
• SQL Server stumpers - daily questions to challenge your knowledge
• SQL code smells

Microsoft e-Books

• Microsoft virtual academy e-Books
• Microsoft e-Books

Top 10 highly recommended SQL Server Books

• http://sqlmag.com/database-administration/top-10-highly-recommended-sql-server-books#slide-0-field_images-18121

Microsoft Press books

• https://www.microsoftpressstore.com/store/browse/programming/sql-server

 

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Publications and forums

• SQL Server Books Online - One of the most important resources for a SQL Server professional
• SQL Server Customer Advisory Team (CAT) blog
• SQL CAT on Twitter
• #sqlhelp on twitter - a quick and easy way to get help
• http://sqlmag.com
• Microsoft white papers
• http://sqlteam.com
• http://www.sqlservercentral.com/

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Exams and exam training

• Microsoft Learning

 

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