Practical Microsoft SQL Server 7

The use of the word "Practical" in the title is very appropriate for this book. Most computer books that focus on one software package seem to only focus on the features of the product rather than on practical ways to use it. But the chapters in this book always explain why you have to do something before telling you how to do it. The authors do an excellent job of organizing the topics, focusing on what's important, and including practical tips. This book is focused toward people who will be administering SQL Server 7.0, not people who will be developing databases or applications with database backends. The authors have obviously used SQL Server for many years and are clearly experts. Whether you are new to SQL Server or even if you have used previous versions, you will find this book worthwhile. The only fault I have with the book is not the content, but the editing - there are dozens, if not hundreds, of spelling and grammar errors that could be picked up with a spell/grammar checker (e.g. "cou7ld" for "could"). Huh?! But this is a small problem and doesn't detract from the quality of the work.

I thought the book was very good for beginning users. I found especially useful the Introduction to SQL Chapters and the planning chapters. Including a CD with some sample tutorials would be very beneficial. Overall, if feel the book did a good job on SQL.

I thought the book was very good for beginning users. I found especially useful the introduction to SQL chapters and the planning chapters. Including a CD with some sample tutorials would be very beneficial. Overall, I feel the book did a good job on SQL.

This is my first book on Microsoft SQL servers and I read half of the book in two days. The book is well written with clear explanations. The discussion in Chapter 3 on Planning a SQL Server Installation is very helpful. While some readers may find this book elementary, I would recommend the book to anyone new to the subject of database servers as the issues raised are applicable to other database servers. The book would have been more useful if it had included some application examples of using SQL 7 server. Will the authors be coming out a sequel on development using SQL 7 server as there are very few application books available? Or, will we get one on Microsoft SQL Server 2000? I am looking forward to reading both.I only wish someone will write books on other database products in similar easy to understand manner.