MSDE SQL & The SQL That Is For VS

[irasmith]

My VS.NET package is enroute to me but I wanted to ask this question at this time so I could be prepared for the proper way to handle the SQL install.

 

I have been using MSDE trial copy and the trial period is almost up. I have been using it on its own for SQL research and projects as well as with my VB.NET Standard version.

 

I purchased and have received the 'real' MSDE, not the trial copy.

 

I realize VS.NET developers get a version of SQL that permits them to distribute it with their applications for desktop use.

 

If I install my MSDE purchased copy of SQL, I am sure I can use it with VS.NET, but does this affect me in being able to distribute a desktop database application I develop in VS.NET? Do I absolutely need to install the version of SQL that comes with VS.NET? Or can I install both on my WinXP workstation and have two instances of SQL running?

 

Your thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated.

[Nerseus]

I'm a bit confused by your use of the term "MSDE". MSDE is the free engine from microsoft - you shouldn't have to pay for it. You can download the engine from MS directly as well as receiving it on CD/DVD as part of Visual Studio (enterprise only maybe?).

 

Distributing this to clients is free as well.

 

-nerseus

[irasmith]

I do apologize for what I must have mixed up in terms. I'm rather new to the MS development arena and so I don't think I had my terms correct.

 

Since my initial posting I became aware of the download that is available to VS.NET developers and gave that an attempt. The install of it went pretty good but there were apparently some issues along the way as it just didn't seem to work quite right.

 

Given that I need to spend my time working on learning my way around VS.NET and in particular C#, I opted to order this version of SQL instead. The package arrived and installed like a charm with no issues like I had encountered with the downloadable version for VS.NET developers. True, I might not have needed to spend the money on it but the time saving was worth it. Compared to the price of VS.NET it was also very cheap.

 

I am now working wtih VS.NET, learning as I go and the install of SQL is doing me very nicely as well. :)