Mark, Not quite an answer to your question, but the first thing I would do would be to get your client to set up an MSDN subscription. The library will help you loads once you get past the initial learning curve and need to see how to do things, and has sample applications to check out. Remember that if you want to 'play', you can load a copy of the MSDE (Microsoft Data Engine) which is fully SQL server compatible (available with professional versions of Office, Visual Studio 6 and .Net) but has a smaller footprint and no licence requirements. As well as SQL Server, (SQL and TransactSQL) you will probably need to know about the various interfaces, so the MSDN is a good choice for reference materials on subjects such as OleDB (ADO).
I don't know what the various editions cost - we get the Enterprise edition which is pricey, but not for what you get, and includes a 10 user SQL server licence as well as licences for all the MS platforms, office versions, development tools etc. If your client wants to retain you this could be a very good investment on their part. Regards, Brian Leach -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mark Johnson Sent: 11 February 2004 12:17 To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: SQL Server and Crystal Reports I would like to know the best beginning books for either of these two topics. I don't yet want a reference, rather to know if 'Dummies' Books are appropriate or if anyone else has better beginning selections. My UD client migrating to these wants to keep me and this is the environment. thanks. -- u2-users mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.oliver.com/mailman/listinfo/u2-users ________________________________________________________________________ This email was checked by MessageLabs SkyScan before entering Microgen. ________________________________________________________________________ This email was checked on leaving Microgen for viruses, similar malicious code and inappropriate content by MessageLabs SkyScan. DISCLAIMER This email and any attachments are confidential and may also be privileged. If you are not the named recipient, please notify the sender immediately and do not disclose the contents to any other person, use it for any purpose, or store or copy the information. In the event of any technical difficulty with this email, please contact the sender or [EMAIL PROTECTED] Microgen Information Management Solutions http://www.microgen.co.uk -- u2-users mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.oliver.com/mailman/listinfo/u2-users