Knowledge Base

SQL Server 2014 is a powerful relational database management system (RDBMS) developed by Microsoft. This comprehensive guide explains in detail how to install, configure, and start using SQL Server 2014 step by step. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced database administrator, this guide will guide you through the installation process and help you fully utilize the potential of SQL Server 2014.

1. Introduction to SQL Server 2014

1.1. What is SQL Server?

SQL Server is a database management system used to store, manage, and access data in an organized manner. It allows businesses to efficiently store, query, and analyze large amounts of data. SQL Server comes in various editions, each designed to meet different needs.

1.2. Why SQL Server 2014?

SQL Server 2014 offers a number of improvements that enhance performance, strengthen security, and introduce new features. Features such as In-Memory OLTP, AlwaysOn enhancements, and Cloud integration make SQL Server 2014 an attractive option for many organizations.

1.3. SQL Server 2014 Editions

SQL Server 2014 comes in various editions to suit different needs. The most common editions are:

• Enterprise Edition: Designed for large-scale businesses with the most comprehensive features.
• Business Intelligence Edition: Offers business intelligence and reporting features.
• Standard Edition: Suitable for medium-sized businesses.
• Web Edition: Designed for web hosting.
• Express Edition: Free and ideal for small projects and learning purposes.

You can review the following table to determine which version is right for you:

2. Pre-Installation Preparation

2.1. System Requirements

Before installing SQL Server 2014, make sure your system meets the minimum requirements. The basic requirements are:

• Operating System: Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 or later (64-bit recommended)
• Processor: At least 1.0 GHz processor (2.0 GHz or higher recommended)
• Memory: At least 1 GB RAM (4 GB or more recommended)
• Hard Disk Space: At least 6 GB of free space
• .NET Framework: .NET Framework 3.5 SP1 or .NET Framework 4.0

2.2. Hardware and Software Requirements

Before installation, check the following hardware and software requirements:

• A compatible operating system
• Sufficient disk space
• Required .NET Framework version
• A user account with administrator rights

2.3. Obtaining Installation Files

You can download the SQL Server 2014 installation files from Microsoft's website. Make sure you download the version appropriate for your license. If you are using a trial version, remember that this version will expire after a certain period.

2.4. Firewall Settings

If you want to access SQL Server remotely, you may need to open the appropriate ports (usually 1433) in your firewall. This will allow external access to your server.

3. SQL Server 2014 Installation Steps

3.1. Starting the Installation

Run the installation file you downloaded. The installation wizard will start.

3.2. Selecting the Installation Type

The installation wizard will offer you various installation options. You should usually select the "New SQL Server stand-alone installation or add features to an existing installation" option.

3.3. Entering the Product Key

If you are using a licensed version, you will be prompted to enter your product key. If you are using a trial version, you can skip this step.

3.4. Accepting the License Terms

Read and accept the license terms. Check the "I accept the license terms" box to continue.

3.5. Feature Selection

Select the features you want to install. You can select features such as basic database engine services, SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), and Reporting Services. You can also select different features according to your needs.

Important: SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is a tool used to manage SQL Server. It is strongly recommended that you install this tool.

3.6. Sample Code: Feature Selection (Powershell)

# Sample Powershell script for SQL Server installation
# This script installs the basic features

$ConfigurationFile = "C:\setup.ini" #Path to the installation file

Start-Process -FilePath ".\setup.exe" -ArgumentList "/ConfigurationFile=$ConfigurationFile" -Wait

3.7. Instance Name and Authentication

You can use the default instance name or specify a custom name. Choose the authentication mode. You can select Windows authentication or Mixed Mode (SQL Server and Windows authentication). If you choose Mixed Mode, you will need to specify a password for the "sa" (system administrator) account.

3.8. Server Configuration

Configure the account under which the SQL Server services will run. The "NT AUTHORITY\NETWORK SERVICE" account is commonly used. You can also configure Collation settings. Collation determines how data is sorted and compared.

3.9. Completing the Installation

Review your installation settings and click the "Install" button. The installation process will begin. The installation time may vary depending on the speed of your system and the features you have selected.

3.10. Post-Installation Configuration

After the installation is complete, connect to SQL Server using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) and perform basic configuration. For example, you can create new users, create databases, and configure permissions.

4. Using SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

4.1. Connecting to SSMS

Open SSMS and connect to your SQL Server instance. Enter the server name, authentication type, and username/password.

4.2. Creating a Database

To create a new database in SSMS, right-click on the "Databases" folder and select "New Database". Give the database a name and configure other settings.

Sample SQL Code:

-- Creating a new database
CREATE DATABASE MyDatabase;

-- Using the database
USE MyDatabase;

-- Creating a table
CREATE TABLE Customers (
    CustomerID INT PRIMARY KEY,
    FirstName VARCHAR(50),
    LastName VARCHAR(50)
);

4.3. Creating a Table

To create tables in your database, right-click on the "Tables" folder and select "New Table". Define the table's columns, data types, and constraints.

4.4. Adding, Updating, and Deleting Data

Use SQL queries to add, update, and delete data in tables. For example:

-- Adding data
INSERT INTO Customers (CustomerID, FirstName, LastName)
VALUES (1, 'Ahmet', 'Yılmaz');

-- Updating data
UPDATE Customers
SET FirstName = 'Mehmet'
WHERE CustomerID = 1;

-- Deleting data
DELETE FROM Customers
WHERE CustomerID = 1;

5. Security Configuration

5.1. Authentication Modes

SQL Server offers two authentication modes: Windows authentication and Mixed Mode (SQL Server and Windows authentication). Windows authentication uses Active Directory users. Mixed Mode supports both Windows users and SQL Server users.

5.2. Creating User Accounts

To create new user accounts in SSMS, go to the "Security" folder, right-click on the "Logins" folder, and select "New Login". Specify the username, authentication type, and password.

5.3. Configuring Permissions

To grant users access permissions to databases and tables, go to the "Databases" folder, right-click on the relevant database, select "Properties", and go to the "Permissions" tab. You can grant users permissions such as SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE.

5.4. Addressing Security Vulnerabilities

To keep SQL Server secure, regularly check for security vulnerabilities and apply patches. Also, use strong passwords and disable unnecessary services.

6. Monitoring and Improving Performance

6.1. Performance Monitoring Tools

SQL Server offers various tools for monitoring performance. SQL Server Profiler can be used to analyze the performance of queries. Performance Monitor can be used to monitor system resources. Dynamic Management Views (DMVs) provide information about the internal workings of SQL Server.

6.2. Improving Query Performance

To improve slow-running queries, create indexes, optimize queries, and update statistics. You can also influence SQL Server's query plan by using query hints.

6.3. Memory Management

Monitor SQL Server's memory usage and adjust memory settings as needed. Insufficient memory can negatively impact performance.

6.4. Disk I/O Optimization

You can improve disk I/O performance by placing database files and log files on different physical disks. You can also use RAID configurations to provide protection against disk failures.

7. Real-Life Examples and Case Studies

Example 1: E-commerce Site Database: An e-commerce site can manage product information, customer information, orders, and payment transactions using SQL Server 2014. Due to high traffic and transaction volume, it is recommended to use the Enterprise Edition.

Example 2: Hospital Management System: A hospital can manage patient records, medical histories, appointments, and billing information using SQL Server 2014. Since security and data integrity are critical, it is important to perform frequent backups and configure firewall settings correctly.

Case Study: A retail company improved its inventory management and sales analysis by switching to SQL Server 2014. Thanks to the in-memory OLTP feature, order processing time was significantly reduced and customer satisfaction increased.

8. Visual Explanations (Textual)

Schema: SQL Server Architecture - A schema showing the data flow between user applications, client tools (SSMS), database engine, storage engine, and operating system.

Graph: Performance Monitoring - A graph showing key performance metrics such as CPU usage, memory usage, disk I/O, and network traffic.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

• Which operating systems does SQL Server 2014 support?
• Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 and later (64-bit recommended).
• What is SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)?
• It is a graphical user interface (GUI) tool used to manage SQL Server.
• Which authentication mode should I use?
• It depends on your security requirements and existing infrastructure. Windows authentication provides integration with Active Directory. Mixed Mode supports both Windows and SQL Server users.
• How do I back up SQL Server?
• You can back up your databases in SSMS or using T-SQL commands. Regular backups are important to prevent data loss.
• How can I improve SQL Server performance?
• You can improve performance by creating indexes, optimizing queries, updating statistics, and configuring memory settings.

10. Conclusion and Summary

SQL Server 2014 is a powerful and reliable database management system. In this guide, you learned in detail how to install, configure, and start using SQL Server 2014. We covered essential topics such as pre-installation preparation, installation steps, SSMS usage, security configuration, and performance monitoring. Using this information, you can successfully install SQL Server 2014 and meet your database needs.

Key Points:

• Ensure that you meet the system requirements.
• Install SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
• Configure firewall settings correctly.
• Perform regular backups.
• Monitor and improve performance.