June 2008 - Posts

SQL Server 2008 Express RC0

I'm blogging about SQL Server Express? Oh my! Smile

Truth is I would have never done this before...SQL Server 2008 Express
This new version is, in a word, Sweet!
http://blogs.msdn.com/sqlexpress/archive/2008/06/10/sql-server-2008-express-rc0.aspx

This is by far the best Express version yet.
My favorite feature by far is the added ability to Import and Export data to and from Local and Remote SQL Servers.
Just like big brother SQL Server has been able to do all along, but the Express versions had to work with scripts.
Well no longer, you now get total control and I can hardly believe it.

Today I installed SQL Server 2008 Express on my XP Pro SP3 machine to give it a spin.
I'm already using SQL Server 2008 on my Vista box for my Developer Evangelism. (With SQL Server 2005)

Let me warn you, well, let me make a quick note about the requirements on XP if you want to install this.
You will need the latest .NET Framework v3.5, but not the older FX version, the new SP1 3.5 version is what you'll need.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=8c36aca4-e947-4760-9b05-93cac04c6f87

You'll also need to install Windows Installer 4.5, don't even try to install SQL 2008 Express without this, won't work.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5a58b56f-60b6-4412-95b9-54d056d6f9f4

Finally you'll need to install Windows PowerShell 1.0, odd but true, SQL Server 2008 Express needs it, even on XP.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/technologies/management/powershell/download.mspx

If you get stuck please try the forums:
http://forums.microsoft.com/MSDN/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=1621&SiteID=1

Everything has changed in SQL Server 2008 and the Express version installs just like big brother.
With the exception of the Product ID, the Express setup will enter an Express FREE PID for you. Nice.

When you get to the User credentials section of the Install process for the Engine you may get stuck, it's all new and a bit confusing.
On Vista you can type "N" in each edit box and you'll be given choices to pick from.
For XP I had to use the dropdown option for each editbox, but it still allowed me to choose the account I wanted to use. Handy

If you have trouble with the .NET Framework on XP I'd recommend un-installing v3.0 and v3.5 then reinstalling from the link above.
This version of SQL Express is very large, over 500MB. (For the advanced features version.)
Allow yourself a few hours to get this downloaded and installed.
In the end you'll be very happy with the best SQL Express yet.

UPDATE: Received a little feedback from Mike Wachal on the SQL Server Express team:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey Mark,
  Great post and great to see that you're happy with SQL Express.
I'm forwarding your comments to the team that did the work to put Input/Export into Express so they feel the love!
I notice from the size you mention that you're using SQL Express with Advanced Services.
It might be worth pointing out to the home viewers that there are actually two editions of Express: SQL Express and SQL Express with Advanced Services.
The core SQL Express is smaller and doesn't require PowerShell before installing, but it also doesn't have Management Stuido, BIDS or Reporting Services.
(It does have the I/E Wizard though)
If all you need is the core db engine - this is a smaller alternative.

Thanks for the kind words,
  Mike Wachal
  SQL Express team
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks Mike! Big Smile


Note: DiscountASP.NET is testing SQL Server 2008 and will be adding it for Developer accounts soon.

If your ready to try IIS7 / Windows Server 2008 and need an honest incentive...
Go to https://www.discountasp.net/signup
Use this promotion code: WISEMX
(You'll get an entire year for the price of just 6 months.)
I promise to help you with whatever is needed, I'll be there for ya. Wink
  Salute,
    Mark Wisecarver
    Technical Evangelist for http://DiscountASP.NET

Star Note: I am not paid for my endorsements or for my Developer Evangelism.

Share this post:                                       
Posted by wisemx | 1 comment(s)

SQL Server 2008 rocks!

Goodies from Dan the man, of Channel 9 fame, my favorite person to pick on for using the word "so", even by itself. Big Smile

 
SQL Server 2008 
SQL Server 2008 RC0 is now available for download!

What's new in SQL Server 2008
If you're not familiar with what's new for developers in SQL Server 2008, check out this video with Christian Kleinerman showing off new T-SQL statements, SQL IntelliSense, Geo-location, File stream support, and more.  SQL Server Books Online has also been updated and it shows the most up-to-date and comprehensive information on new features in SQL Server 2008.

Upgrade Advisor
Make sure to run the SQL Server 2008 Upgrade Advisor that analyzes your SQL 2000 and SQL 2005 database instances to identify any issues which would require feature or configuration changes.

Download Links

Visual Studio 2008 Service Pack 1 Beta Required
Note: SQL Server 2008 RC0 requires that you install Visual Studio 2008 SP1 to work.

SQL Server 2008 RC0 Feature Pack
In addition to the product bits, the SQL Server team has also released a Feature Pack that includes a set of redistributable components and additional features like Command-Line utilities, SQL Server Compact 3.5 SP1, Add-ins for Microsoft Office 2007 and Reporting Services for Sharepoint, SQL Server CLR Types, and more. 

Share this post:                                       
Posted by wisemx | 2 comment(s)

Windows Search 4.0 released!

Great news from Brandon!!!

Windows Search 4.0 released!


Windows Search 4.0 was released this afternoon.  This release focuses on performance and reliability improvements.  Here are some highlights:

  • Faster queries, often several times faster
  • Faster indexing / reduced resource usage
  • Support for EFS (encrypted folders)
  • Support for indexing delegate mailboxes
  • Fixes for all the top reported Watson crashes / errors
  • New group policy options

 

This release also adds the following Vista / Server 2008 features to Windows XP / Server 2003 systems:

  • Remote query support (using the server’s indexed when querying a network share)
  • Support for Vista-style preview handlers (Office 2007 documents, etc)

 

Read the KB article here for more details and complete feature list.

Download Links

Vista / 2008                    32-bit    |    64-bit

XP                                   32-bit    |    64-bit

2003 / WHS                    32-bit    |    64-bit

Vista users - don’t forget to grab the indexer status gadget!
http://brandonlive.com/2008/06/03/windows-search-40-released/

Share this post:                                       
Posted by wisemx | 1 comment(s)