SQL Server Admin Guide

Installation Overview

This section guides you through the installation of Microsoft SQL Server on Windows and Linux platforms. Follow the steps below to prepare your environment, run the installer, and verify a successful deployment.

1. System Prerequisites

• Supported operating systems – see OS Support
• Minimum hardware requirements:
  • 2 GHz or faster processor
  • 4 GB RAM (8 GB recommended)
  • 6 GB free disk space for the engine
• Required software:
  • .NET Framework 4.8 (Windows)
  • glibc 2.28 (Linux)

2. Download the Installer

Obtain the latest SQL Server installer from the official download page. Choose the appropriate edition (Developer, Express, Standard, Enterprise).

3. Run the Installation Wizard

1. Launch the setup.exe (Windows) or run the ./install.sh script (Linux).
2. Select Installation → New SQL Server stand‑alone installation.
3. Accept the license terms and click Next.
4. Choose the Feature Selection you need (Database Engine Services, Full‑Text Search, etc.).
5. Configure the Instance – default or named.
6. Set the Server Configuration:
   • Service accounts (use NT Service\MSSQLSERVER on Windows or mssql user on Linux).
   • Collation (default: SQL_Latin1_General_CP1_CI_AS).
7. Define the Database Engine Authentication:
   • Windows Authentication (recommended) or Mixed Mode.
   • Create a strong sa password if Mixed Mode.
8. Optionally install SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) for Windows.
9. Review the summary and click Install.

4. Post‑Installation Tasks

• Verify the service status:

  systemctl status mssql-server   # Linux
  net start MSSQLSERVER            # Windows

• Run the SQLServerSetup diagnostics to ensure all components installed correctly.
• Connect using sqlcmd or SSMS to confirm you can log in.

5. Next Steps

Proceed to Configuration to set up databases, security policies, and backups.