Rating: 
Summary: Rebecca's first book was not a fluke!
Review: Any time someone writes a great book, you're always tempted to wonder if it was just dumb luck. But Rebecca has once again proven that she can not only use an effective writing style to get a message across. She can also leverage her vast knowledge of databases and the SQL Server product to produce a compelling way to get people into the product.I usually do not get excited about "step by step" books, but I made a promise to myself that I would look at this one. In the end I could not put it down until I had gone all the way through it. Her command of not just the subject matter but of the book's target audience and how to keep them interested and entertained while they are learning truly stunning. By the end of the book, you will know more than most of the people who claim to be SQL Server experts, but you will have learned most of under anesthesia since the pace of the book is not too daunting at all. Kudos to Rebecca! Her first book gave people the knowledge of how to design databases properly, and now her second book will take you through the important information about the world's most compelling database product!
Rating: 
Summary: Glad I didn't buy it!
Review: Having a reasonable background in Access, I thought this would be a good book to learn SQL Server. WRONG! About the only things she explains are the wizards - which I thought were supposed to be self-explanatory. I was about 200 pages into the book before I found something even remotely useful, and by then I had no patience left to finish the book. If you're really thinking about buying this book, save yourself some money... at least go to the book with a list of questions and try to answer them using just the book... I guess I should check out Andy Baron/Mary Chipman's book on Access/SQL Server/ADPs... This book would only be good for starting up the BBQ...
Rating:
Summary: Glad I didn't buy it!
Review: Having a reasonable background in Access, I thought this would be a good book to learn SQL Server. WRONG! About the only things she explains are the wizards - which I thought were supposed to be self-explanatory. I was about 200 pages into the book before I found something even remotely useful, and by then I had no patience left to finish the book. If you're really thinking about buying this book, save yourself some money... at least go to the book with a list of questions and try to answer them using just the book... I guess I should check out Andy Baron/Mary Chipman's book on Access/SQL Server/ADPs... This book would only be good for starting up the BBQ...
Rating: 
Summary: A waste of money...
Review: I am very new to SQL Server 2000 (or any SQL Server for that matter), so I wanted a book that was robust, but was easy to follow. "Step by Step" seemed to be the way to go, but this book leaves MUCH to be desired. It is WAY too basic. I mean, the language SQL Server uses is called TRANSACT-SQL, but not ONCE in the book does she go over TRANSACTIONS!! She reiterated the same points over and over, and used WAY too many screen shots. I would say at least 70% of the book is comprised of useless screen shots. You get hardly any actual content at all... and best of all, the examples are VERY weak. I am a big fan of WROX books, since WROX books are very complete and can be used as a desk reference. This book, however, is usless the second you finish it. I recommend it ONLY to people who have never programmed ANYTHING before, and to those who don't care about learning fundementals like transactions. The entire contents of this book can be learned from a 30 minute reading of some of the MSDN documentation.
Rating:
Summary: A waste of money...
Review: I am very new to SQL Server 2000 (or any SQL Server for that matter), so I wanted a book that was robust, but was easy to follow. "Step by Step" seemed to be the way to go, but this book leaves MUCH to be desired. It is WAY too basic. I mean, the language SQL Server uses is called TRANSACT-SQL, but not ONCE in the book does she go over TRANSACTIONS!! She reiterated the same points over and over, and used WAY too many screen shots. I would say at least 70% of the book is comprised of useless screen shots. You get hardly any actual content at all... and best of all, the examples are VERY weak. I am a big fan of WROX books, since WROX books are very complete and can be used as a desk reference. This book, however, is usless the second you finish it. I recommend it ONLY to people who have never programmed ANYTHING before, and to those who don't care about learning fundementals like transactions. The entire contents of this book can be learned from a 30 minute reading of some of the MSDN documentation.
Rating:
Summary: Worthless
Review: I have had a lot of experience with Access but none with SQL server. This book told me everything I needed to get up and running quickly with SQL server. The presentation is very clear and readable. I also learned me a few new things about relational databases. Thanks Rebecca.
Rating: 
Summary: From an Access background
Review: I have had a lot of experience with Access but none with SQL server. This book told me everything I needed to get up and running quickly with SQL server. The presentation is very clear and readable. I also learned me a few new things about relational databases. Thanks Rebecca.
Rating: 
Summary: Where is the XML
Review: I was somewhat shocked that a book on programming in SQL 2000 did not even mention XML in the index more or less provide a chapter on its use. Though the book may be beneficial if not an excellent resource to an absolute beginner a mid-level or experienced SQL developer will find it of little or no use. (I only read one chapter of which I gained little or no knowledge) I agree with other reflections here: For Beginners 5 stars For Mid-Range 3 stars For Experienced users - 1 star
Rating:
Summary: Good Introduction to SQL, Bad Programming Book
Review: If you have never used Microsoft SQL 2000 and would like an introduction to see if you want to get into MS-SQL Programming then this is the book for you. On the other hand if you already know that you want to learn MS-SQL Programming or have done some SQL programming don't waste your money, get Beginning SQL Server 2000 Programming by Robin Dewson ISBN: 1861005237 ! Each lesson of this book walks you through step by step performing basic SQL programming techniques. Filled with screen shots to go with just about every step it is a great way to find out something about Microsoft SQL 2000. Once you have finished with the lessons then you will have a better feel for if you want to go further into SQL Programming (It took me a weekend to finish!). If/When you are ready to learn the programming aspect pick up a copy of the book recomended above, you will not be disapointed. Having some experience already with SQL 7.0 from a pure admin support stance I found very little in this book useful for my skill level (I knew what most of the GUI interfaces looked like already). The repetition got old when the writer told you everytime how to go into Design Table View 1 to 5 times for 12+ Chapters strait!
Rating:
Summary: Worthless
Review: If you want 600 pages of screen shots with virtually no explanation of the underlying concepts being presented, then this book is for you. I cannot believe this book would be useful to anyone trying to learn SQL programming. A complete waste of money and time.
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