If you want to know about SQL Server - BUY THIS BOOK. I have read a few SQL Server books and NOTHING comes close to this book. The descriptions are clear, the examples precise. Page after page are littered with valuable, hard won, information. The authors has extensive knowledge of SQL Server and it shines though. A man who understands the subject matter and can explain it ... a rare thing in my experience. If you read one book about SQL Server, make it this one. Also, if you are using SQL Server 7, don't be put off, most of what is said applies to '7' and most differences between '7' and '2000' are clearly explained.