After speaking at SQL Saturday Jacksonville this year, I realized some folks might not know where to go and download a free developer version of SQL Server 2016, or that SQL Server Developer edition has the full functionality of an Enterprise edition; it’s a licensing thing not a functionality thing. Let me show you how to get up and running with SQL Server 2016, and learn some fun stuff in the process. I’m back from my blogging hiatus and we have much to cover.
It’s been a while since my last blog post; life and hurricanes have kept me busy. But now it’s time to get back to training basics; so let’s start with how to download and install SQL Server 2016 Developer edition. With upcoming blogs, I’ll show you how to build simple SSRS reports, how to use the new Mobile Report Publisher, and introduce you to SQL Integration Services. Sprinkled along the way, we’ll talk about some fab free learning sites for deeper technical training; you’ll not want to miss anything.
First let’s go download your free, fully functional Developer edition from Microsoft; you’ll see three options. Click the ‘Download now’ for the Developer edition, and I recommended you open the link with an Edge or Chrome browser; sometimes when you use IE you get a strange warning. One other thing, you’ll need to have Windows 8 or higher to run SQL Server 2016.
If you’re uncertain you have the correct hardware or software requirements, click here for all the specifications.
Once you know your current computer/operating system can handle the installation, use this link from Wise Owl to show a step by step installation. This ‘SQL Server 2016 Part 1- Getting Started and Installing SQL Server 2016 Developer Edition’ is presented by the fab guys at Wise Owl in London, England; I love Wise Owl and I think you’ll like their free training too.
By now you should have SQL Server 2016 installed on your computer, so what about a sample database? In times past, if you wanted to download the trusty AdventureWorks databases, you went to CodePlex; but alas, CodePlex is being fazed out, so head to this Microsoft link to get sample databases and scripts for SQL Server 2016.
Okay, enough for today. In the next blog we’ll become familiar with SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and write some code together. These code scripts will be our starting point for building out some simple reports in upcoming blogs. Let me know what you think, and I’ll see you next time.
Susan Schneider lives in Jacksonville, Florida with her wonderful husband Steve. She enjoys sailing and is a ‘wanna be fisherman’, and loves all things BI. See more information under the ‘About Me’ section. Remember to sign up for new blog notifications: Go to Subscribe2 on the sidebar and sign up!