Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2008 All-In-One Desk Reference For Dummies®

I.5.1. Menu Structure and Icons

SQL Server Management Studio follows the standard style and structure for Windows menus. Here's a quick summary of each major menu:

• File: Here's where you connect to database servers, create new projects or open existing ones, and save your work.

• Edit: If you've used any Windows-based software, you'll be comfortable on this menu. It allows you to select, copy, and paste text as well as search for terms within your files. You can also set helpful bookmarks.

• View: This menu allows you to switch among all the major SQL Server Management Studio objects, including all the explorers and toolbars.

  If you're looking for a particular window or tool that seems to have disappeared, carefully explore the View menu, and you should be able to locate it.

• Tools: SQL Server ships with some extremely useful assistants designed to help you analyze and optimize performance. You'll find links to these tools on this menu. You're also free to link external tools, set preferences, and customize SQL Server Management Studio's behavior.

• Window: You come to this menu whenever you want to cycle among your open SQL Server windows or configure how they're displayed.

• Community: No database is an island. Visit this menu to connect to other SQL Server developers and administrators.

• Help: When all else fails, drop by this menu to search for assistance.

A collection of helpful icon-based ...