Common user of Access, wishing to transfer over to Microsoft SQL, Please help

Can someone help me out with aquainting myself with Microsoft SQL Server.

I have never used it, but realise that Microsoft Access is good for the very limited requirements of database connectivity, basically is not as powerful in its functionaility or handling of data.

So I must get myself started with Microsoft SQL.

Please be patient. I have installed Microsoft SQL Server from the Microsoft site, but upon inspection think this is not the actual database itself, but rather a method in which I can run the database, I mean correct me if I am wrong as this is only a guess.

What would I need to do to get set-up and learning how to use it, are there areas that I must understand before using the software, is it friendly does it have a gui, if not is there a possible way of applying one, I have heard on some occasions a third party package allowing you to visualize what you are doing.

I would basically appreciate any direction, or useful links for the getting started person, as I dont think I have downloaded what I require or maybe I have.

Please please advice would be perfect.

Access makes a good front-end to sql server.

Look at the sql server books online for starters.

Doug that sounds interesting.

I would like to know what I have installed.

I downloaded MSDE2000A.exe from the Microsoft Site. Is there something else I require. If so is this free?, can I get my hands on a trial version? Sorry for all the questions.

Trev

You can get a developer version of sql server 2000 from MS for about $50.00 US. The MSDE you got doesn't include any of the sql server client tools like Enterprise Manager, Books Online, Query Analyzer, DTS, etc.