Self Training in SQL Server

Question

Hi All,

Is there a way to train myself in the SQL server?. If yes, can anyone please tell me what to do.

Regards,

Harish

Answer 1

You can try virtual lab on SQL Server http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/virtual-labs.aspx. 

 

Madhu

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MCITP, MCTS, MCDBA,MCP-- Blog : http://experiencing-sql-server-2008.blogspot.com/

Answer 2

Hi,

You can go to microsoft e-learning portal, here you will get free cousres and list of books for each area

http://www.microsoft.com/learning/en/us/training/sql-server.aspx

-Chintak.

Answer 3

You can use the Self-Paced Training Kit for various Exams from Microsoft Press.

I used it myself for 70-448, 70-432 and 70-433

Answer 4

Get yourself SQL Server book (like discussed by different forum posters) and start installing the SQL Server on your machine. You will learn by time if you have the passion for it. Also, go to different forums (like this one and sqlservercentral.com) if you have queries. Ask people on the forums and around you. And don't ever feel shy of asking questions.

Good books;

Wiley.SQL.Server.2005.Bible

OR

Wiley.SQL.Server.2008.Bible

Answer 5

Harish,

You need to remember three things only when you are learning T-SQL: practice, practice & practice.

When learning from books, the web or training videos, always practice along.

Your objective is that T-SQL queries will "pour out" from your fingers even when the CEO is looking over your shoulder.

T-SQL practical example scripts:

http://www.sqlusa.com/bestpractices/training/scripts/

http://www.sqlusa.com/bestpractices

http://www.sqlusa.com/bestpractices2005

http://www.sqlusa.com/bestpractices2008

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Kalman Toth, SQL Server & Business Intelligence Training; BI TRIO 2008

Answer 6

Hi Harish,

I echo all the recommendations you have been given so far. All the recommendations you have been given have different strengths meaning the different recommendations compliment each other and are not either/ or choices.

You've not mentioned which version of SQL Server you need to get trained up in. I recommend that you focus on SQL 2005 and SQL 2008. Most live systems out there (certainly in the UK are running SQL 2005), most managers who line manage SQL Server professionals are aware of some of the advantges of upgrading to SQL 2008 such as improved Business Intelligence support. However I find when moving from client to client site that there is too much fear based on the past experience of migrating from SQL 2000 to SQL 2005, where in fact there is much less effort involved in migrating from SQL 2005 to SQL 2008. The end result is there will be live SQL 2005 systems out there for a while.

Decide which SQL Server job role emphasis you want to specialise in there are 3; - Database Administrator, Database Developer and Business Intelligence Developer (skill sets between these 3 roles over lap).

I recommend chipping away at Certification the following is the first one for an SQL Developer; -

MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-433): Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Database Development ; -

http://www.amazon.com/MCTS-Self-Paced-Training-Exam-70-433/dp/0735626391/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277577799&sr=1-4

(this is much more than a book which of course covers all the basics such as stored procedures and much more)

Purchase a copy of the developer's edition to put on your personal laptop; - SQL Server 2008, Developer Edition; -

http://www.amazon.com/SQL-Server-2008-Developer-Edition/dp/B001B8EZR4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=software&qid=1277577956&sr=1-1

Install AdventureWorks 2008R2 RTM; - http://msftdbprodsamples.codeplex.com/releases/view/45907

Please also check out; - http://sqlserverfaq.com/

I hope the above helps,

Kind Regards,

Kieran.

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If you have found any of my posts helpful then please vote them as helpful. Kieran Wood PGD SoftDev (Open), MBCS http://uk.linkedin.com/in/bileeds

Answer 7

Hi Harish,

I have started doing the same since I did not learn too much of SQL Server in my course. I have read through the whole thread and used some of the links provided in the answers. They are very helpful. I would also like too suggest one another website which provides tones of free video tutorials on SQL Servers.

Hope this helps!

Answer 8

I used the tutorials available on this website quite a bit

http://sqlserver2012tutorial.com/

http://sqlserver2012tutorial.com/sql-server-tutorials-details/