general

I have several year of experience with SQL 7.0 and was looking for the resource to tell me the distinct difference between 7.0 and 2000. The book reads well and has plenty of hands on step-by-step labs (if needed). Really the book is two books in one. The second part of the book is preparation for the exam with scenario-based questions. Additionally, the book comes with the usual 120 day Evaluation Edition of SQL 2000 server. Plus a second CD with supplemental course material, electronic version of the book (part 1), scripts for the lab, a test engine ("Electronic Assessment"), ect.

I used the book as the primary source for studying for the 70-228 exam (passed the first time)along with BOL for fine points mentioned in each chapter. I found reading the book forward and then backward increased overall coverage due to interrelationships between chapters (don't worry the book reads fast). Even if you have no experience with SQL server, I think the book will do the trick.

If you have no experience with relational databases, I would suggest picking up a source on database design.