70-450 Here I come!

So I've now got the 70-432, the MCTS exam on my CV, great.  I have to get one more to become MCITP certified in SQL Server 2008 Database Administration.  Let's check out the preparation materials...

Er, looks like I won't be doing this exam then.

SQL Server 2008 Exam - 70-432

I normally use the book and question CD to get through a Microsoft SQL Server exam, so far they have all been very good at matching the content of the exam.  However, I studied using the SQL Server 2008 Implementation and Maintenance Training Kit and although I thought it was a good book, it didn't really match the exam.  For example I had a couple of questions on Reporting Services.  And in the book, it has a 1 page overview on this topic.

I managed to pass though and am relieved to have done so, I had a free second shot voucher, but further revision wouldn't have solved my knowledge gaps as the book wasn't that relevant.  And this is very disappointing.  Let's hope this is because less effort went into the 2008 certifications rather than a future trend.  I enjoy the certification process and didn't enjoy this one.  It made my revision feel pointless. Rant over.

SQL Server 2008 Service Packs - Cant be uninstalled - oh yes they can

That's right, starting with SQL Server 2008, service packs can now be uninstalled.  Hurrah.  About time too!

Many thanks to Peter for this I didn't know tip. You know who you are.

SQL Server 2008 requires ...

.Net Framework 3.5

SQL Server 2008 is not supported on...

Windows Server 2008 Core Server because the .NET framework is not supported.

Installing SQL Server 2008 on Windows Server 2003

requires Service Pack 2 on Windows Server 2003

Installing 32-bit SQL Server on 64-bit Windows

can be achieved by using a technology called Windows on Windows (WOW). Apparently performance sucks, so don't do it.