An SQL Server download is available from two main sources: Microsoft and Sun. The Microsoft SQL Server is the most common closed system database program on the market today. It works well with other Microsoft Server and client programs and is a favorite among extremely large network systems. Their chief competitor is MySQL from Sun Microsystems. MySQL is a free and open source software package, well-known for its scalability.

SQL is a programming language specifically for writing network databases. The speed, small size and low expense of SQL allowed it to quickly catch on as the main online database system. Now it's possible to find an SQL Server download from several different companies, but Microsoft and Sun cover the majority of the market. Think about the following when looking into SQL:

1. Microsoft SQL Server has versions to cover everything from small systems all the way to enterprise servers.

2. It can be difficult to set up and run your SQL Server download without help.

3. MySQL is the leading competitor in the SQL Server market.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Download SQL Server from Microsoft

Microsoft's SQL Server is an industry leader. They offer it in several different varieties, some free and some not. One of the chief advantages of the Microsoft Server is the integration you enjoy with other Microsoft Server products. Their SQL server connects very easily with their entire suite of network programs.

I recommend: Microsoft has a page that explains the differences between the different editions of the SQL Server. As you research, visit the different pages to learn more about whether you want to download SQL Server Express or purchase SQL Server Standard or Enterprise.

Get help setting up and maintaining your SQL Server download

SQL Servers are a constantly changing system, and you need to stay on top of them or they quickly become unmanageable. On top of that, many of them are accessible from the Internet, leading to a whole new area of vulnerability and exploitation. Arming yourself with information is the best way to fight off these threats.

I recommend: Thankfully, there are many resources available to aid in setting up and maintaining a Microsoft SQL Server. Microsoft’s SQL MSDN page is a great place to start for any question or problem. For a third party viewpoint, the best source is SQL Server Magazine, an online publication devoted to all things SQL. Both of these sites have access to add-ons, patches, reviews and tutorials for getting them most out of your SQL Server.

Try the My SQL Server download from Sun

Sun's MySQL is the leading open source SQL database on the market. Their open roots allow for many additional programs and features that closed systems simply don't have. On the downside, their programming is available to any interested party making attacks easier and, as a consequence, their patching and upkeep cycle faster and more important than closed systems.

I recommend: MySQL can be downloaded from Sun’s MySQL page. For information on how MySQL works, patches, tutorials or any other information, look at Planet MySQL.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  SQL server downloads aren't for everybody. Database programming can be very difficult, even for someone with a lot of computer experience. If the database is available to the outside world, it simply makes the problem worse. Before you download, consider whether your business is ready for this step and if so, whether it might be better to hire somebody to help you.