Aviation Databases are using SQL Server as a data server in our latest programs. This is done due to the advantages this gives us to improve our applications. SQL Server is a more stable data platform and is faster when large files are processed by our programs. There are various other advantages to using SQL server and it is simply time to move from the old dBase environment.
Note that these instructions are only relevant to the server PC and is not required for other station PC’s that use our programs. These PC’s will simply link to the server, but does not require any installation of SQL Server components.
The minimum requirements does not require any SQL server management tools to be installed. Management tools are handy, should maintenance be required in the SQL server. The only other choice is to know if your server PC is a 32-bit or 64-bit system. The next step is to download the latest installation programs and to install. Please follow these simple steps to ensure a smooth installation.
We are using SQL Server 2008 Express as a minimum requirement. SQL Server Express is a free application for the typical database size that we normally require and can be downloaded from the internet. At the moment R2 is available and can be downloaded from these sites:
- Basic server installation
- Server with management tools installation
Experienced users can simply follow the installation dialog, but this might be challenging for new users. It is therefore recommended that users download this small configuration file from our ftp site to enable installation from the command line with no user information required.
Older PC’s might require other updates, before you will be able to install SQL Server. These requirements are defined on the web link and can also be downloaded from this page. These are: Microsoft .Net Frameworek 3.5 SP1 and Windows Installer 4.5 Note that the Server with management tools requires an extra program: Windows PowerShell 1.0 to be installed on the server PC.
Once your Server PC is up to date, proceed to install SQL Server. Copy the configuration file into the same directory as the SQL Server 2008 installation file. Open the command prompt window (Start –> Run > cmd). Change to the download directory and run the installation from the command prompt: (On a 32-bit installation)
SQLEXPR32_x86_enu.exe /ConfigurationFile=c:\sql\AvdataSQLConfig.INI
On a successful installation, it should be possible to see the server. This can be checked from the command prompt, by entering the command: “sqlcmd –L”
