Choose the server collation before installation by checking application comparisons, tempdb behavior, and the cost of changing an instance later.
SQL SERVER – Change Collation of Database Column – T-SQL Script
How to change collation of database column with ALTER TABLE ALTER COLUMN and COLLATE, then check it in sys.columns. A short test script shows each step.
SQL SERVER – Find Collation of Database and Table Column Using T-SQL
A quick tip to find the collation of database and table column in SQL Server with DATABASEPROPERTYEX and sys.columns, using AdventureWorks.
SQL Server – Good Articles on Database Collation
Database Collation defines default character comparison rules for a database. I also inspect the columns and expressions involved.
ASCII Versus UNICODE: Inspect the First Character
ASCII versus UNICODE asks different representation questions. Compare a first UTF-8 byte with a code point while preserving the complete input.
SQL SERVER – 2005 – Find Database Collation Using T-SQL and SSMS
Two ways to check database collation using T-SQL and SSMS in SQL Server 2005, and why DATABASEPROPERTYEX in T-SQL is the one I recommend.
SQL SERVER – 2005 Collation Explanation and Translation – Part 2
Collation Explanation and Translation, part 2: one query on sys.fn_helpcollations() lists all 1011 collations in SQL Server 2005 with a description of each.