Are you new to SQL Server databases? Have you just been assigned your first SQL Server task or project? Maybe you're already database literate - but accustomed to working with another database such as Oracle, IBM's DB2 or MySQL. No matter what the case - if you must "hit the ground" running with SQL Server, then this book is for you. From non-technical or more business centric end users to the even the most technically oriented information systems professionals, this book can serve as your sole source for an introduction to and ongoing reference for successfully working with SQL Server databases. It covers every aspect required for getting you quickly indoctrinated and very productive, including SQL Server terminology, Windows PC configuration issues, SQL Server client configuration issues, Database connection methods, and much more. Plus this book offers a painless yet thorough introduction to and explanation of "Structured Query Language" or SQL. Finally, it shows clear examples just how to access and work with your SQL Server database using popular tools such as Microsoft Excel, SQLCMD, SQL Server Management Studio, TOAD for SQL Server, and many others.
Bert Scalzo is a Database Expert for Quest Software and a member of the TOAD dev team. He has worked with Oracle databases for well over two decades. Mr. Scalzo's work history includes time at both Oracle Education and Oracle Consulting. He holds several Oracle Masters certifications and an extensive academic background - including a BS, MS and PhD in Computer Science, an MBA, plus insurance industry designations. Mr. Scalzo is also an Oracle ACE. He is an accomplished speaker and has presented at numerous Oracle conferences and user groups - including OOW, ODTUG, IOUG, OAUG, RMOUG and many others. His key areas of DBA interest are Data Modeling, Database Benchmarking, Database Tuning & Optimization, "Star Schema" Data Warehouses, Linux and VMware. Mr. Scalzo has written numerous articles, papers and blogs - including for the Oracle Technology Network (OTN), Oracle Magazine, Oracle Informant, PC Week (eWeek), Dell Power Solutions Magazine, The LINUX Journal, LINUX.com, Oracle FAQ, Ask Toad and Toad World. He also has written nine books - inlcuding Oracle DBA Guide to Data Warehousing and Star Schemas, Database Benchmarking: Practical Methods for Oracle & SQL Server, Oracle on VMware: Expert Tips for Database Virtualization. K. Brian Kelley is a SQL Server author, columnist, and Microsoft MVP focusing primarily on SQL Server security. He is a contributing author for How to Cheat at Securing SQL Server 2005 (Syngress) and Professional SQL Server 2008 Administration (Wrox). Brian currently serves as a database administrator / architect for AgFirst Farm Credit Bank where he can concentrate on his passion: SQL Server. He previously was a systems and security architect for AgFirst Farm Credit Bank where he worked on Active Directory, Windows security, VMware, and Citrix. In the technical community, Brian is president of the Midlands PASS Chapter, an official chapter of the Professional Association for SQL Server (PASS), as well as a regional mentor for the Mid-Atlantic chapters of PASS. Brian is also a junior high youth minister at Spears Creek Baptist Church in Elgin, SC.
