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Related Resources • SQL Fundamentals • Microsoft SQL Server • Choosing a Database

Microsoft recently released Service Pack 1 for their new SQL Server 2000 product. This update corrects a large number of issues in the various SQL Server components.

Unlike previous Microsoft service packs, SP1 is offered as three separate downloadable files. Each file addresses one of the three updated SQL Server components: Database Components, Analysis Services, and the Desktop Engine (MSDE). This division of the SP enables you to download only the parts necessary to maintain your installation. For more details on which components apply to your specific situation, read the SQL Server 2000 SP1 README file.

Concurrent with the release of SP1, Microsoft announced a security flaw in their English Query product. This particular bug is not addressed by SP1, but an alternative fix is available. For full details, please visit the Microsoft Knowledge Base and request article Q297105.

Don't underestimate the importance of this service pack. In fact, it addresses over 250 individual issues raised by the initial users of SQL Server 2000. That's a tremendous number of bug fixes!

If you're running SQL Server 2000, I strongly recommend applying this update. In fact, I often encourage computing professionals to hold off on the deployment of any Microsoft product until the first service pack has been released and accepted by the market. The contemporary software industry is dominated by the "rush to market" syndrome that encourages products to be put on the store shelves before successful completion of a thorough testing regimen. Waiting for the first service pack gives some level of assurance that, at the very least, the most glaring bugs and security issues have been addressed.

To download the service pack, visit Microsoft's site.