Customer Reviews
The gate for the beginner 
2006-05-02
SQL Server, this is the topic that I think it is very hard for me to learn. But after I have try this book, it is really make really funny to learn SQL server. I learn a lot of basic things such as table, query, rule, user define function... from this book and now I could SQL Server to manage my own database. There are two advantage that I found in this book:
1. Each chapter is guide you from the basic and have many screen shoot for you to learn. You do not need to have any previous knowledge about SQL server. What you need is the basic task with windows operating system, such as shut down, restart, moving windows dialog box, resize windows dialog box, copy/cut or paste file...
2. The author use a very simple word to explain to the reader and very easy to follow each step.
Whether this book is design for the beginner, you will need to read additional book after you read this book. This book just give you a starting point only, if you want to master sql server 2000 you should try to find another resource which guide you deeply in this technology.
Don't waste your money 
2005-02-23
When I first started to read this book, I wanted to learn more about SQL, but this book failed. As the title says, it's pretty much just a bunch of step-by-step exercises and screen shots, but doesn't really get into too much detail, or give any reasons or explanation.
The only reason why I am writing a review now is that I now have something to compare this book against.
If you want a great book on SQL programming, I suggest you pick up "Profession SQL Server 2000 Programming" by Robert Vieira (Wrox Press), which is a great book even for novices.
IF you really want to buy this book, I have a copy that I'd be willing to let go for dirt cheap.
Worthless 2003-11-07
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.
From an Access background 
2003-01-23
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.
Glad I didn't buy it! 2002-06-01
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...
Elegant and Powerful 2002-01-26
CBT MS SQL SVR 2000 PROG STEP BY STEP
Weak and Worthless 2001-11-21
Pathetic doesn't begin to describe this book. I've used Step by Step before and was very pleased but I'll never buy another book from this author. There are way too many screen shots. The examples have NO EXPLANATIONS of why you are changing the SQL statements. She repeats simple steps over and over that you can grasp in the first chapter or two. It seems to me that this book is nothing but worthless filler (screen shots) and no thought was given to provide explanations of the instruction. (...)
Too little content 2001-11-09
Unfortunately this book does a very poor job of explaining the necessary concepts of SQL Server. It does an o-kay job of showing you how to find a wizard to complete some basic tasks, but is seriously lacking in offering the necessary theoretical foundation to becoming a proficient SQL Server developer. I'm surprised this is the best Microsft could do for an entry level book.
Good Introduction to SQL, Bad Programming Book 
2001-09-18
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!
Very Little Substance 2001-08-03
It seems that the author was more interested in page count than substance. This book is filled with screenshots on how to navigate through SQL Server without the slightest explanation of why. Its a "how to" book with out the "why to". The back cover of this book states that this is a "must have resource". For who? Wrox owes it's readers an apology.
