Choose the server collation before installation by checking application comparisons, tempdb behavior, and the cost of changing an instance later.
SQL Server Express Limits: What the 10 GB Cap Really Means
Check SQL Server Express limits by version, separate data files from logs, and identify the memory, CPU, and scheduling limits that affect you.
What Breaks When You Upgrade, and How to Find It First
Prepare for a SQL Server upgrade by checking deprecated features, compatibility, collation, plans, and application behavior before moving.
Slipstreaming Updates Into a New Install
Slipstreaming Updates lets SQL Server Setup apply a selected CU during installation with UpdateSource and avoids a separate patch pass.
Installing SQL Server on Linux
Installing SQL Server on Linux involves supported packages, mssql-conf setup, service checks, and an understanding of Windows differences.
Standard Settings for a New SQL Server Install
Review standard settings for a new SQL Server install, including memory, MAXDOP, tempdb, backups, and alerts before users depend on it.
A Throwaway Virtual Machine for SQL Server Testing
Use a Throwaway Virtual Machine to test SQL Server setup, patches, and failures with snapshots and safe rollback away from shared servers.