When it comes to selecting computer books, deciding which book to buy can sometimes be even more confusing than the software it is written about. However, if you are looking for a book to instruct you on the use of SQL Server 2000, Professional SQL Server 2000 Programming is an excellent choice.

In addition to providing a thorough treatment of SQL Server 2000 development, Rob Vieira's extensive reference also devotes quite a lot of space to covering SQL in general and issues relating to database design. Included is a complete introduction to Transact-SQL and an excellent chapter on normalization that will help demystify an over-referenced but much misunderstood database design concept. There is also in-depth information on the new features of SQL Server 2000, including indexed views, user-defined functions, and support of XML. Sadly, there's no accompanying CD-ROM, but source code for the book can be downloaded from the Wrox Web site.

While you don't need any knowledge of SQL Server or database administration to make the most of this book, you will need a reasonable understanding of programming fundamentals. That said, the author's down-to-earth style makes it possible for anyone with some programming background, and the will to learn, to really get comfortable with SQL Server 2000 development. If you are looking for a book that combines rich content with clear explanation, look no further. --Peter Lunn, Amazon.co.uk

Microsoft SQL Server 2000 will be a significant new revision of the fastest rising player in the RDBMS marketplace. Microsoft is actively encouraging a growing number of users onto the SQL platform, by making it cheaply available. The new release, SQL 2000, is tightly integrated with Windows 2000, offering more support for XML and much improved OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) services.

SQL Server is very strong in the market place, supporting both small and large Internet sites. Large users include Merryl Lynch, DELL Computer and HarperCollins Publishers. Commercial applications running on SQL Server range in size from small databases such as Sales Logix, to large ERP systems such as SAP, where it is now the SAP "preferred" database for NT based installations. SQL Server is now first choice for the developer wanting a powerful, reliable and sophisticated database.