SQL Server 2005 Express Editions and Downloads
I had a question from Martin at the roadshow in Birmingham. He had been given a copy of visual studio at an Microsoft Developer event. Now being a SQL DBA Martin was interested in evaluating SQL Express edition that came with it.
Everything installed ok and he could see he had a database but he could not find a tool to manage it. Not all editions have the new management studio.
So I thought I would just clarify what is available. In effect there are three editions of express that you will see, here is a link to the features of each.
Also when you go to the download page it gives you four choices which depends on which components you want to download
You can have just the database engine then add the management studio express.
Or you can have the advanced services edition; this includes the database engine plus the management studio express also you get reporting services and full-text search.
Additionally the toolkit gives you extra connectivity components, Business development studio and a software development kit.
Then you also can add the samples and the BOL as extra downloads.
Do read through the install information before you begin. You can check out SQL Server Express Weblog, for any issues there is the SQL Express Forum on MSDN and Simon also has some articles on SQL Express.
