Usually the trial version and full installation packages are the same, and you get the option to skip this step and use the trial. However, in SharePoint 2010 you get a rather bold screen that forces you to enter a key. If you are wandering, yes there is a Trial license key that you can use. In fact, there are about 4 to choose from.
If you are downloading the prerequisites for SharePoint 2010 manually, you will most likely pull your hair out (and scream a few times) trying to find the right version of Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Analysis Services ADOMD.NET. You have probably already tried several different versions and still cannot pass the check. What’s going on?!!
Here are the links to download the SharePoint 2010 prerequisites manually. This is useful if you don’t have an Internet connection during the SharePoint setup process and need the standalone installers.
Here is a basic overview of what a Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 1 upgrade to Service Pack 2 should look like. Download the ISO, mount it, and run the setup. – http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=5104.
If you are going to be working with SQL Server then you will need this for starters. The Express Edition is FREE and contains much of the functionality needed to experiment in a non-production environment. Download it and keep the setup files handy on your jump drive.
If you love being organized, then you might enjoy the storage and organization of information. We organize things so that we can locate and retrieve them faster. Where did I put my socks? In drawer number three. Every time we open that drawer, socks go in and out. We create our own rules for what types of socks can enter this drawer. Maybe you separate your colour socks from white socks? Databases also have ways to limit what type of information can be stored in a table in the same way one might organize clothes.
You need to know how to rank your output in TSQL. This may take a day or two to grasp, so make your own study notes. I made the following notes below as a way of learning it in the right order. The examples below were referenced directly from Microsoft but presented in my own words - http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms189798.aspx
Here is the cert path for SQL Server 2012. I am currently studying for the first exam and plan to take it within a few months.
If you ever have the opportunity to be around when a SAN implementation takes place, you may find yourself with an overflow of hard drive packaging. Fortunately the plastic containers that the hard drives come in make really good plant pots.