I just installed Win7 on a fresh laptop and want to put a lightweight MS Sql Sever on it. VS2010 already installed SS2008 Express. So now I just need a management studio for it.
What would you recommend? I see there is a Management Studio Express, and have also read that you can install Management Studio from the SS2008 full discs. Is there a preferred route to take?
Best Answer
If you are licensed to use the full Management Studio, I would install that. It has more features that will come in handy if you ever need to manage other SQL Server instances other than your local development/Express version. If you're not licensed or you know this is not a requirement, you can download Management Studio Express from here:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms365247.aspx
Yes, that's for 2008 R2; probably better to get the most recent release, which will work just fine with 2008.
Whether you end up using the full version or the Express version, can't hurt to install Service Pack 1 once SSMS is installed:
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/details.aspx?id=26727
(Probably more appropriate for the full version, since there is a greater chance that issues are fixed since it includes more features.)