How to install Microsoft SQL Server: installation process + introduction of different versions and editions

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How to install Microsoft SQL Server: installation process + introduction of different versions and editions

SQL Server It is a relational database management system (RDBMS) designed and developed by Microsoft. This advanced system is used for secure data storage and management and benefits from its high performance and scalability features. SQL Server It is capable of handling structured data, such as typical database tables and records, as well as unstructured data, such as files and text documents. Using new technologies and various features, this software allows its users to save and retrieve their information with confidence and high productivity.

In addition, SQL Server offers an extensive set of features and advanced tools for database management. These tools include data development, maintenance and support capabilities, as well as business intelligence and advanced analytics capabilities. For developers and database administrators, SQL Server It provides an integrated and efficient environment that can be used to manage complex and large programs easily.

This comprehensive guide walks you step-by-step through the SQL Server installation process, introducing the different versions of the software along the way. Each version of SQL Server has unique features and capabilities that should be selected based on the specific needs of the organization or project. Also, in this guide, the best security practices to protect data and ensure optimal system performance are also discussed. By following this guide, you can ensure a correct and problem-free setup of Microsoft SQL Server and benefit from all its features and facilities.

Microsoft Partner How to install Microsoft SQL Server: installation process + introduction of different versions and editions November 2024

Why install SQL Server?

Installing SQL Server can be a smart choice for several reasons. Below are some of the main reasons for installing this database management system:

  • High performance: SQL Server is designed to process large volumes of data and perform complex operations at high speed. This system has the ability to handle a large number of transactions and provides good performance in heavy workload environments.
  • Security: One of the strengths of SQL Server is the high security and extensive facilities it provides for data protection. Features such as data encryption, multi-step authentication and strict control of user access to data are among the security features of this system.
  • Scalability: SQL Server is highly scalable and can grow with your business. This system allows you to manage large databases and increase processing capacity.
  • Support for structured and unstructured data: SQL Server can not only manage structured data such as tables and records, but also can store and retrieve unstructured data such as files and text documents very well.
  • Business intelligence and analytics tools: SQL Server helps you analyze your data and use it to make strategic decisions by providing a suite of advanced business intelligence (BI) and analytics tools. Tools like SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS), SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) and SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) are very efficient in this regard.
  • Integration with Microsoft products: SQL Server integrates well with other Microsoft products such as Azure, Power BI, SharePoint, and Dynamics 365, which makes for ease of use and higher productivity.
  • Support and user community: As one of the largest technology companies in the world, Microsoft provides strong and ongoing support for SQL Server. In addition, there is a large user community of developers and database administrators who can help you solve problems and improve the use of this system.
  • Versatility and flexibility: SQL Server offers a wide range of possibilities to customize and adapt to the specific needs of any business. You can configure SQL Server to perform best for the specific needs of your organization.

With these benefits in mind, installing SQL Server can be the right choice for businesses and organizations looking for a powerful, secure, and scalable database solution.

SQL Server components

SQL Server includes a set of components and components, each of which plays an important role in the overall performance of the system. These components help users and developers efficiently manage and analyze data. Below we explain some of the main components of SQL Server:

  • Database Engine:

Main duties: processing transactions, executing SQL statements, managing data, and creating, modifying, and deleting tables and indexes.

Application: The heart of SQL Server which is responsible for data storage, processing and security.

  • SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS):

Main duties: Providing a graphical environment for SQL Server management and database development.

Application: The primary tool for database administrators and developers to manage and develop databases.

  • SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS):

Main duties: Creating, managing and presenting interactive and fixed reports.

Application: Generating complex reports and presenting them via web or email.

  • SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS):

Main duties: Performing ETL (data extraction, transformation and loading) tasks.

Application: Transferring and converting data between different systems.

  • SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS):

Main duties: Analyzing data and providing business intelligence services.

Application: Creation and management of data cubes and analytical models to support strategic decisions.

  • SQL Server Agent:

Main duties: Scheduling and automatic execution of management tasks.

Application: Automation of tasks such as backups, running scripts and alerts.

  • SQL Server Profiler:

Main duties: Monitoring and recording server events.

Application: Performance analysis and troubleshooting of database problems.

  • SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT):

Main duties: Provide development tools for creating and debugging databases.

Application: Development and testing of database projects and reports in an integrated environment.

  • Full-Text Search:

Main duties: The possibility of fast and complex search in large texts stored in the database.

Application: Improving search capabilities in textual data and documents.

  • Replication:

Main duties: Replication of data and their storage in several servers.

Application: Improving accessibility and workload distribution between different servers.

  • Service Broker:

Main duties: Management of message-oriented communication between database programs.

Application: Implementing reliable and asynchronous communication between services.

Together, these components make SQL Server a powerful and comprehensive platform for managing, storing, and analyzing data. Each of these components plays a specific role in the system and allows users to meet their different data needs using a set of tools and facilities.

Supported versions

The various versions of SQL Server currently supported each come with unique features and enhancements. SQL Server 2022, as the last major release, introduces several new and improved features. These features include batch-mode processing to rowstore lists, improved query performance, and improvements to intelligent query processing features such as batch-mode adaptive binding and scalar UDF nesting. This version also performs cryptographic operations inside secure enclosures to increase data security. New features include Rapid Database Recovery (ADR), Data Virtualization with PolyBase, SQL Server with Azure Arc, Azure Synapse Link for SQL, Azure SQL Managed Instance, Available Availability Group, Microsoft Defender for Cloud Integration, Microsoft Integration Purview pointed out Ledger and Always with encrypted secure containers.

SQL Server 2019 also offers improvements in performance, security, and availability. By introducing features such as intelligent query processing, fast database recovery and big data clusters, this version allows users to manage their data in a more optimal way.

SQL Server 2017 supports Linux and Docker containers and offers new features such as adaptive query processing and auto-tuning, which give users more flexibility in developing and deploying applications.

In SQL Server 2016, features like Always Encrypted were introduced for more security of sensitive data. Also, this release includes extended database and query storage, and improvements to in-memory OLTP and analytics services.

SQL Server 2014 also introduced important features, including in-memory OLTP, buffer pool extensions, and improvements to always-on availability groups. This release also offers significant improvements in query performance and scalability.

These different versions of SQL Server cover the needs of different organizations and businesses by providing a diverse set of features and enhancements and help improve performance, security, and data availability.

Edits

Express version: This free, entry-level edition of SQL Server is designed for small-scale applications and development and learning purposes. It has limits on database size, memory usage, and CPU sockets. This version is suitable for users and developers who need a light and efficient database.

Standard version: This version is suitable for small to medium databases. It offers core database functionality along with basic business intelligence and reporting capabilities. The Standard Edition helps businesses effectively manage their data needs by providing key features.

Enterprise edition: This feature-rich edition of SQL Server is designed for large-scale, mission-critical applications that require high availability, performance, and scalability. It includes advanced features such as advanced security, data warehousing and advanced analytics. This version is suitable for organizations that are looking for maximum efficiency and reliability in managing their data.

Developer Edition: Similar in features to the Enterprise version, but licensed for use in development and testing environments only. This edition offers full functionality without production usage rights and is suitable for developers and development teams who need all the features of SQL Server, but do not intend to use it in production environments.

Web version: Optimized for web applications, this edition provides a low-cost option for web hosting providers and independent software vendors (ISVs) to host web applications and websites that require database backup. This version is especially suitable for businesses looking to provide web-based services.

Business intelligence edition: This edition is designed for organizations that require comprehensive business intelligence capabilities. It includes features such as advanced analytics, reporting and data integration. This version is suitable for businesses that need deep data analysis and the creation of complex reports.

Enterprise Core Edition: This edition is similar to the Enterprise edition, but instead of servers/CALs, it is licensed for the number of cores. Ideal for high-density virtualization and large-scale deployments on servers with multiple cores. This release allows organizations to be more productive in virtualized environments and optimize costs by using core-based licensing.

Each of these editions is designed for specific uses and diverse needs, from light and free editions for development and learning to advanced editions for large organizations and mission-critical applications. Choosing the right version depends on the specific needs of your business or project.

Hardware and software requirements

To install and run SQL Server, there are certain hardware and software requirements that must be met to ensure optimal and reliable system performance. Below are detailed hardware and software requirements for SQL Server 2022:

You can see the hardware requirements for installing and running SQL Server in the following table:

itemat leastrecommended
CPUx64 processors with a minimum speed of 1.4 GHz2.0 GHz or faster multi-core processors
memory (RAM)2 GB4 GB or more
Disk space6 GB for the main database installationAdditional disk space for data and log files
Network adapterNetwork adapter with a minimum speed of 1 Gbps
Screen1024x768 resolution or higher

This table contains the minimum and recommended hardware requirements that must be met to install and run SQL Server to ensure optimal and reliable system performance.

You can see the software requirements for installing and running SQL Server in the following table:

itemDetails
Operating systemSupported: Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows 10 (Professional and Enterprise), Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, Ubuntu and other similar Linux distributions.
.NET FrameworkVersion 4.8 or higher for some features and functionality
Windows PowerShellVersion 5.1 or higher for management scripts and automated installations
Web browserTo use web-based management tools (such as SQL Server Reporting Services): Internet Explorer 11, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Mozilla Firefox
SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)Newer version for database management and development

This table contains the software requirements that must be met to install and run SQL Server in order to take advantage of its features and capabilities.

Required software

To install and run SQL Server, the following software is required:

SoftwareDetails
Operating systemWindows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows 10 (Professional and Enterprise)
 Some Linux distributions like Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, Ubuntu and other similar Linux distributions.
.NET FrameworkVersion 4.8 or later for some features and functionality in SQL Server
Windows PowerShellVersion 5.1 or higher to run management scripts and automated installations
Web browserTo use web-based management tools such as SQL Server Reporting Services: Internet Explorer 11, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox
SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)Newer version for database management and development

This table includes the software that must be installed in your system to install and run SQL Server in order to use its full capabilities and features.

Types of installation

To select the appropriate SQL Server installation type based on the deployment environment, usage, and required features, there are the following options:

  • Initial installation:
    Suitable for users who need to quickly install SQL Server with default settings for a standalone instance, such as development, testing or small-scale deployment.
    Initial installation of database engine services and necessary support components with default server settings.
  • Custom installation:
    This option provides the flexibility to select specific components and features based on your needs.
    You can customize the instance configuration, instance properties, instance root directory, and data directories, suitable for production environments or specific scenarios.
  • Independent installation:
    This option allows you to install a new instance of SQL Server as a standalone database server on a single machine.
    It supports basic and custom installation types.
  • New installation of SQL Server Failover Cluster:
    This option installs a new instance of SQL Server as a Failover Cluster in a Windows Server Failover Cluster (WSFC).
    It is suitable for high access to several machines and increasing the reliability of access.
  • Adding nodes to a SQL Server failover cluster:
    This option allows you to add a new node to an existing SQL Server failover cluster to increase availability and scalability.
  • Upgrading from previous versions of SQL Server:
    This option allows you to upgrade an existing instance of SQL Server to a newer version while preserving databases, settings, and configurations.
    It supports in-place upgrade or lateral upgrade.
  • Install SQL Server command line:
    This option allows for automated or scripted installation, providing flexibility and efficiency for unattended installations on multiple machines using a single configuration file (INI file) with predefined settings.
  • Installation on the main server:
    This option is a minimal installation of Windows Server without a GUI, suitable for server environments that do not require a GUI.

Choosing the right type depends on your specific needs and requirements, which can range from quick and easy-to-use installations to complex and customized installations with high flexibility.

Steps to install SQL Server 2019

To install SQL Server 2019, follow these steps:

Download the SQL Server 2019 installation ISO file from the Microsoft Download Center.

Right click on the downloaded ISO file and select "Mount". This will mount the installation media to your DVD drive and open the installation folder that contains the installation files.

In the installation folder, run the setup.exe file.

Microsoft Partner How to install Microsoft SQL Server: installation process + introduction of different versions and editions November 2024

After running setup.exe, the SQL Server Installation Center page will open.

Microsoft Partner How to install Microsoft SQL Server: installation process + introduction of different versions and editions November 2024

On the Planning page on the left, click on “Installation”. Then on the right side, click on the option "New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation" and go to Next.

Microsoft Partner How to install Microsoft SQL Server: installation process + introduction of different versions and editions November 2024

If you have a product key, enter it. Otherwise, choose the free evaluation version to get the Enterprise edition of SQL Server 2019 for a period of six months. Then click on Next.

Microsoft Partner How to install Microsoft SQL Server: installation process + introduction of different versions and editions November 2024

Accept the license terms and click Next.

Microsoft Partner How to install Microsoft SQL Server: installation process + introduction of different versions and editions November 2024

Select the SQL Server 2019 features you want to install. You can get more details from the installation guide for each feature. Then click on Next.

Microsoft Partner How to install Microsoft SQL Server: installation process + introduction of different versions and editions November 2024

Choose whether to install a default instance or a named instance. If installing a named instance, specify the name of the instance and click Next.

Microsoft Partner How to install Microsoft SQL Server: installation process + introduction of different versions and editions November 2024

Configure service account settings, including the startup type and the SQL Server Agent and SQL Server Browser service accounts. Click Next.

Microsoft Partner How to install Microsoft SQL Server: installation process + introduction of different versions and editions November 2024

Select the authentication mode, such as Windows authentication mode (recommended) or mixed mode (SQL and Windows authentication mode). Configure SQL Server administrators and add Windows users/groups. Then click on Next.

Microsoft Partner How to install Microsoft SQL Server: installation process + introduction of different versions and editions November 2024

Select server mode for analytics, multidimensional, and data mining services. Specify permissions for administrators who can manage Analytics Services. Then click Next.

Microsoft Partner How to install Microsoft SQL Server: installation process + introduction of different versions and editions November 2024

Check out a summary of all the selected options. When you are ready to install, click Install to begin the installation process.

Microsoft Partner How to install Microsoft SQL Server: installation process + introduction of different versions and editions November 2024

Monitor the installation progress. It may take some time depending on the selected features and system resources.

Microsoft Partner How to install Microsoft SQL Server: installation process + introduction of different versions and editions November 2024

After the installation is complete, check the installation summary for any errors or warnings. Click Close to exit the installation wizard.

Microsoft Partner How to install Microsoft SQL Server: installation process + introduction of different versions and editions November 2024

These steps will help you properly install and configure SQL Server 2019 based on your needs and environment.

How can I tell which version of SQL Server is installed?

To check and report which version of SQL Server is installed, you can use the SQL Server Installation Center. Here are some simple steps to create a report:

Open SQL Server Installation Center: This center is usually located in the Start menu under the SQL Server programs group. For example, you can find it by searching for “SQL Server Installation Center” in the Start menu.

After opening the SQL Server Installation Center, go to the Tools tab.

Using the Installed SQL Server features discovery report option: In the Tools tab, find the "Installed SQL Server features discovery report" option and click on it.

Microsoft Partner How to install Microsoft SQL Server: installation process + introduction of different versions and editions November 2024

Clicking on the above option will generate a report of the installed version and features of SQL Server. This report contains details like version name, revision, installed features and other useful details.

Microsoft Partner How to install Microsoft SQL Server: installation process + introduction of different versions and editions November 2024

 

Here's an important point about SQL Server to keep in mind: Choosing and installing the right version of SQL Server is very important because it can have a huge impact on the performance, security, and costs of your projects. Therefore, I suggest that you carefully evaluate your needs before each installation and familiarize yourself with the features and limitations of each version in order to make a better choice.

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