SQL Server Reference Guide

Mar 28, 2003

␡

⎙ Print

< Back Page 125 of 365 Next >

I give a lot of presentations. No, I’m not in marketing, I’m in a technical role, but there are many times that I have to explain some technology or concept to another technical audience.

To do that, I mix a discussion of theory, and an explanation of the architecture of the technical feature. Most of the people I deal with are very familiar and comfortable with this format, but there’s simply nothing like showing the concept or feature using a demonstration.

I also have a lot to learn. Any time a new feature comes out in SQL Server, or when I need to brush up on how to use a particular function, stored procedure or datatype. And from time to time I need to test a piece of code or a function I’ve written myself.

So in all these cases I need a test database. Sure, I can write and develop one of those myself, but happily Microsoft has several that they have created. The advantage of using one of these “sample” databases is that Microsoft puts a lot of thought into them, and they include most all of the supported datatypes, many sample stored procedures, lots of views and so on.

Another advantage is that the sample databases are well known. They are documented by Microsoft in Books Online, and they base most of the examples on the sample databases. Since Microsoft includes the sample databases on installation (if you select them), many other authors (yours truly included) use these databases for their examples as well.

You should take a little time to learn at least one of these databases thoroughly, and be on speaking terms with the rest of them. You probably have the same needs that I do, such as presenting, learning and testing. In the next few tutorials I’ll introduce you to these databases, show you where to get them and the options you have for installing them, and give you a few examples on working with them.

There are three main sample databases that you can use with SQL Server, starting with a small (and admittedly simplistic) sample database that shipped with the earliest versions of SQL Server all the way through a complicated set of databases built from a single, huge database in the latest versions that have almost every scenario covered. Which should you use? Well, I personally carry the smaller databases with me all the time and I install all of the sample databases on my testing and development systems.

So let’s get started. In this overview, I’ll list out the sample databases and what they look like, and how to install them. At the end of the article I’ll show you where you can get them.

Samples Available

As I mentioned earlier, there are three main databases you can download and install on your system. In general, the earlier versions install just fine on the higher version. I’ll explain that further in just a moment.

Here is a quick rundown of the samples you have available:

Database Name	Scenario	Comments
pubs	An Unnamed Book Publishing Company	Introduced in the oldest versions of SQL Server, this database was grandfathered in from the Sybase installation, when SQL Server was based on that engine code. Very small installation, easy to understand, and still my all-time favorite, but it is limited.
Northwind	A company called Northwind Traders, which imports and exports specialty foods from around the world	A larger database introduced in Microsoft Access and SQL Server 2000. I use this one periodically, especially if someone is upgrading from Access and is familiar with it.
AdventureWorks	An OLTP database that supports standard online transaction processing scenarios for a bicycle manufacturer called Adventure Works Cycles, including Manufacturing, Sales, Purchasing, Product Management, Contact Management, and Human Resources	Introduced in SQL Server 2005, and still in use. An extensive, huge, complex database with lots of datatypes, schemas, views, stored procedures, functions, and just about everything else you could want. I’m still learning to use it.
AdventureWorksDW	Same as above	Demonstrates how to build a data warehouse
AdventureWorksAS	Same as above	Used to build an AS database for business intelligence scenarios
AdventureWorksLT	Similar to above	A highly simplified version of AdventureWorks, much smaller and less complex, helpful for those who are new to databases. I still don’t use this one as much as pubs, but I have played with it a bit.

Installing

You can install the databases using several methods. The most straightforward method is to visit the links I’ve got at the bottom of this tutorial and use the MSI (Microsoft Installer) packages. The one drawback here is that not all of the installer packages work for the earlier databases (such as pubs) for the higher versions. In some cases, whoever wrote the installer thought the process through quite well. They queried the data directories and drives and automatically install the databases there, but in others, well, not so much. Some of the installers install the database, others just drop you off with a “Done” sign and you have to hunt the files down and use the sp_dbattach or RESTORE commands to get them. In the following articles I’ll make sure I perform an install on each of the databases to tell you the exact process.

In some of the later databases, you can download the Data Definition Language (DDL) and Data Manipulation Language (DML) statements to build the database for you. This avoids the whole problem of where the database gets installed and has the advantage of allowing you to change the installation options. I’ve also used this option to learn the DDL and DML myself.

The method I’ve used most often, however, is to install the databases and then back them up with a normal maintenance plan. Then I can just restore them to the newer versions, one up at a time. In other words, I restored pubs from 7 to 2000, and then from 2000 to 2005 and so on. This works great, but I have to remember the WITH MOVE part of the RESTORE command to place the files in the right place, and also I have to set the compatibility level to the new version once I’m done. I’ll show you how to do that as well in the next few tutorials.

InformIT Articles and Sample Chapters

An oldie but a goodie – This sample chapter from all the way back in SQL Server 7.0 talks about restoring the pubs database.

Books and eBooks

Here’s a great book that uses pubs to teach you about Visual Basic for Applications.

Online Resources

This is the link for the SQL Server 2000 sample databases (pubs and Northwind).

This is the link for the SQL Server 2005 sample databases (all the AdventureWorks flavors).

This is the link for the SQL Server 2008 sample databases.

< Back Page 125 of 365 Next >

🔖 Save To Your Account

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Privacy Notice

Overview

Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information

To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information

Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security

Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children

This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing

Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information

If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out

Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information

Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents

California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure

Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

As required by law.
With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links

This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact

Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice

We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020

Email Address