Getting Started: SQL Server Express
If you’re not sure what type of operating system you’re running, you can find out by reviewing your system properties (Figure 21-2). Note: The 32-bit and 64-bit operating systems have a different way of processing information. Although they look the same (and they work just as well for performing ordinary computer tasks), a 64-bit system can deal with large amounts of memory more efficiently. As a result, it can often give better performance with large, heavily trafficked databases.
Once you’ve clicked the button of your choice, Internet Explorer asks if you want to save or run the download file. The best choice is Save. 4. Click Save. Save is the better choice here, because if installation fails (for example, if you’re missing a required component), you can easily run the setup a second time without downloading it all over again. When you save the setup file, put it somewhere where you can easily find it later (for example, your desktop). Now you get to relax and wait for SQL Server Express to download. Figure 21-3: You can download SQL Server Express in several different packages. All of them are free, but the package you choose depends on the tools you need, the type of operating system you’re running (32-bit or 64-bit), and the maximum size of the file you’re willing to download.
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chapter 21: connecting access to sql server
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