How to Install SQL Server 2018 on Windows, Linux, or Docker
How to Download and Install Microsoft SQL Server 2018
Microsoft SQL Server is a relational database management system (RDBMS) that allows you to store, manage, and analyze data for various applications. SQL Server offers many benefits such as performance, security, scalability, availability, and cloud readiness. It also supports a wide range of data types, languages, and platforms.
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SQL Server 2018 is the latest version of SQL Server that introduces many new features and enhancements. Some of the key features include data virtualization using PolyBase, intelligent query processing, accelerated database recovery, always encrypted with secure enclaves, data discovery and classification, and Kubernetes support.
SQL Server 2018 comes in different editions that cater to different needs and budgets. The main editions are Enterprise, Standard, Web, Developer, and Express. You can compare the features and pricing of each edition on the Microsoft website.
How to Download SQL Server 2018
To download SQL Server 2018, you need to get the installation media from the appropriate source. The download location depends on the edition you want to install.
How to Get the Installation Media
If you want to install the Enterprise or Standard edition of SQL Server 2018, you need to contact your software vendor or Microsoft partner for the installation media. You can also download it from the Volume Licensing Service Center if you have a volume licensing agreement.
If you want to install the Web edition of SQL Server 2018, you need to contact a web hoster or a web VAP that provides this option. You can also choose to use pay-as-you-go billing through Microsoft Azure if you have an active Azure subscription.
If you want to install the Developer or Express edition of SQL Server 2018, you can download them for free from the Microsoft website. The Developer edition has all the features of the Enterprise edition but is licensed for development and testing purposes only. The Express edition is a free entry-level database that is suitable for small applications.
How to Install SQL Server 2018 Using Graphical User Interface
The easiest way to install SQL Server 2018 is by using the graphical user interface (GUI) of the Installation Wizard. Here are the steps to follow:
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Insert the SQL Server installation media or locate the setup.exe file on your network share or local drive.
Double-click setup.exe to launch the Installation Wizard.
Select Installation in the left navigation area and then select New SQL Server standalone installation or add features to an existing installation.
On the Product Key page, select an option to indicate whether you are installing a free edition or a production version that has a PID key.
On the License Terms page, accept the license terms and privacy statement.
On the Microsoft Update page, choose whether to use Microsoft Update to check for updates.
On the Install Rules page, review and resolve any issues reported by the rules.
On the Feature Selection page, select the features you want to install. You can also specify the installation directory for each feature.
On the Instance Configuration page, specify whether to create a default or a named instance. You can also change the instance ID and root directory.
On the Server Configuration page, specify the service accounts and startup types for each service. You can also configure collation settings for your instance.
On the Database Engine Configuration page, specify the authentication mode and administrators for your instance. You can also configure data directories, tempdb settings, filestream settings, and memory settings.
If you have selected other features to install, such as Analysis Services, Reporting Services, or Integration Services, you will see additional configuration pages for each feature. Follow the instructions on each page to configure the settings for your feature.
On the Ready to Install page, review the summary of your installation choices and click Install to begin the installation.
On the Installation Progress page, monitor the status of your installation. You can also view the detailed log files by clicking the link at the bottom of the page.
On the Complete page, review the results of your installation and close the wizard.
How to Install SQL Server 2018 Using Command Prompt
If you prefer to install SQL Server 2018 using command prompt, you can use the setup.exe file with various parameters and options. This method allows you to automate and customize your installation process. Here are the steps to follow:
Open a command prompt window as an administrator.
Navigate to the location of the setup.exe file on your installation media or network share or local drive.
Type setup.exe followed by a space and then the parameters and options you want to use. For example, setup.exe /q /ACTION=Install /FEATURES=SQLEngine /INSTANCENAME=MSSQLSERVER /SQLSVCACCOUNT="NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM" /SQLSYSADMINACCOUNTS="BUILTIN\ADMINISTRATORS" /AGTSVCACCOUNT="NT AUTHORITY\NETWORK SERVICE" /IACCEPTSQLSERVERLICENSETERMS.
Press Enter to execute the command and start the installation.
You can check the status and results of your installation by viewing the log files in %programfiles%\Microsoft SQL Server\150\Setup Bootstrap\Log\.
Conclusion
In this article, you learned how to download and install Microsoft SQL Server 2018 on your computer. You also learned about the different editions and features of SQL Server 2018 and how to choose the best one for your needs. SQL Server 2018 is a powerful and versatile database system that can help you store, manage, and analyze data for various applications.
If you want to learn more about SQL Server 2018, you can visit the official documentation or check out some of the online courses available. You can also join the SQL Server community and connect with other users and experts. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, SQL Server 2018 has something for everyone.
FAQs
What are the system requirements for SQL Server 2018?
The system requirements for SQL Server 2018 depend on the edition and features you want to install. However, some of the minimum requirements are:
An x64 processor with a minimum speed of 1.4 GHz
A minimum of 512 MB of RAM (recommended 4 GB or more)
A minimum of 6 GB of hard disk space
A Windows operating system that supports SQL Server 2018 (such as Windows 10, Windows Server 2019, etc.)
How do I update SQL Server 2018?
To update SQL Server 2018, you can use one of the following methods:
Use Windows Update to automatically download and install the latest updates for SQL Server 2018.
Use Microsoft Update Catalog to manually download and install the latest updates for SQL Server 2018.
Use SQL Server Installation Center to download and install the latest service packs or cumulative updates for SQL Server 2018.
How do I uninstall SQL Server 2018?
To uninstall SQL Server 2018, you can use one of the following methods:
Use Control Panel to uninstall SQL Server 2018 from your computer.
Use setup.exe with the /ACTION=Uninstall parameter to uninstall SQL Server 2018 from command prompt.
Use msiexec.exe with the /x parameter to uninstall individual components of SQL Server 2018 from command prompt.
How do I connect to SQL Server 2018?
To connect to SQL Server 2018, you need a client tool that supports SQL Server 2018. Some of the common client tools are:
SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS): A graphical user interface tool that allows you to manage and query SQL Server instances and databases.
SQL Server Data Tools (SSDT): A development tool that allows you to create and deploy SQL Server projects, such as database, analysis services, reporting services, and integration services.
SQL Server Configuration Manager (SSCM): A management tool that allows you to configure and manage the SQL Server services, network protocols, and client aliases.
SQL Server PowerShell: A scripting tool that allows you to automate and perform various tasks on SQL Server using cmdlets and scripts.
SQL Server Command-Line Utilities: A set of command-line tools that allow you to perform various operations on SQL Server, such as backup, restore, bulk copy, query, etc.
To connect to SQL Server 2018 using any of these tools, you need to provide the following information:
The name or IP address of the computer that hosts the SQL Server instance.
The name or port number of the SQL Server instance.
The authentication mode and credentials for the SQL Server instance.
The name of the database you want to connect to.
How do I backup and restore SQL Server 2018?
To backup and restore SQL Server 2018, you can use one of the following methods:
Use SSMS to backup and restore SQL Server databases using graphical user interface.
Use Transact-SQL statements to backup and restore SQL Server databases using query editor.
Use PowerShell cmdlets to backup and restore SQL Server databases using scripts.
Use sqlcmd utility to backup and restore SQL Server databases using command prompt.
To backup and restore SQL Server 2018 using any of these methods, you need to specify the following information:
The name and location of the backup file or device.
The name and state of the database you want to backup or restore.
The type and options of the backup or restore operation.
The recovery model and point in time of the database you want to backup or restore.