Beginning, Microsoft® SQL Server® 2008 Administration

Chapter 2. Installing SQL Server 2008

Installing SQL Server 2008 is deceptively simple. I say deceptively because although SQL Server includes several wizards and tools that make the installation process itself go smoothly, a good database administrator will have devised a thorough plan for installing SQL Server and its requisite components. This chapter will introduce you to the process of installing SQL Server, beginning with an overview of the planning process. Although it would be impossible to document every possible design decision for every possible scenario, the goal of this chapter is to help you understand the installation process, some key design considerations, and the various components and options available prior to and during installation.

SQL Server Installation Planning

"There is never enough time to do it right, but always enough time to do it twice." "Measure twice, cut once." How many times have you heard these sayings? There are a number of these clichés that point out that doing something right the first time means not having to do it over and over again. To avoid having to do it twice (or more!), you need to create a thorough plan. Too often installations are rushed and then must be uninstalled when technical issues arise. The questions that must be asked range from collation settings and named instances to the separation of log and data files. Will SQL Server be installed in a cluster? How about Storage Area Networks (SAN) or Network Attached Storage (NAS)? ...