Everything Dev needs to know about Downloading SQL Server 2014

Welcome Dev! In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about downloading SQL Server 2014. Whether you’re a developer, database administrator, or simply someone who wants to learn more about SQL Server 2014, this article has got you covered. So, let’s get started!

Understanding SQL Server 2014

SQL Server 2014 is a relational database management system developed by Microsoft. It is designed to help businesses manage data across various platforms and applications. SQL Server 2014 is known for its enhanced performance, scalability, and security features, making it the preferred choice of many businesses and organizations.

Before downloading SQL Server 2014, it’s essential to understand its features and capabilities. Some of the key features of SQL Server 2014 include:

Enhanced Performance

One of the key features of SQL Server 2014 is its enhanced performance capabilities. Let’s take a closer look at some of these capabilities:

In-Memory Capabilities

SQL Server 2014 includes in-memory capabilities that allow businesses to achieve faster transaction processing and real-time analytics. With in-memory OLTP, SQL Server 2014 can improve transaction performance up to 30 times faster than previous versions.

Columnstore Indexes

Another performance enhancement in SQL Server 2014 is the addition of columnstore indexes. Columnstore indexes improve query performance by storing column values together, allowing for faster data retrieval.

Enhanced Query Processing

SQL Server 2014 includes numerous enhancements to query processing, such as the ability to delay the execution of a subquery until it is needed, which can result in improved query performance.

Scalability

Another critical feature of SQL Server 2014 is its scalability capabilities. Here are some of the scalability features you can expect from SQL Server 2014:

Data Partitioning

SQL Server 2014 allows businesses to partition their data across multiple servers, making it easier to scale their databases as their data grows.

Resource Governor

The Resource Governor in SQL Server 2014 allows administrators to allocate system resources to different workloads, ensuring that critical workloads have priority when it comes to system resources.

Clustered Columnstore Indexes

Clustered Columnstore Indexes are a new feature in SQL Server 2014 that allow businesses to achieve faster data compression and improved query performance.

Security

Finally, SQL Server 2014 includes numerous security features to help protect your data. Here are some of the key security features you can expect:

Always Encrypted

Always Encrypted is a new feature in SQL Server 2014 that allows businesses to encrypt sensitive data at rest and in transit, ensuring that only authorized users can access it.

Row-Level Security

Row-Level Security in SQL Server 2014 allows businesses to control access to data at the row level, ensuring that only authorized users can access specific rows of data.

Auditing

SQL Server 2014 includes improved auditing capabilities, allowing businesses to track and report on database activity for compliance and security purposes.

Downloading SQL Server 2014

Now that we’ve covered the key features of SQL Server 2014, let’s move on to downloading SQL Server 2014. There are several ways to download SQL Server 2014, but the most common method is through the Microsoft website.

Step-by-Step Guide to Download SQL Server 2014

Here’s a step-by-step guide to download SQL Server 2014:

Step 1: Visit the Microsoft Website

The first step in downloading SQL Server 2014 is to visit the Microsoft website. You can do this by going to www.microsoft.com and searching for “SQL Server 2014.”

Step 2: Choose the Edition You Need

Once you’ve landed on the SQL Server 2014 page, you’ll need to choose the edition of SQL Server 2014 you need. There are several editions available, so choose the one that best fits your needs.

Step 3: Click “Download”

After you’ve chosen the edition of SQL Server 2014 you need, click the “Download” button. This will take you to the download page where you can choose the exact version and language you need.

Step 4: Agree to the License Terms

Before downloading SQL Server 2014, you’ll need to agree to the license terms. Once you’ve read and agreed to the terms, click the “Download” button again.

Step 5: Download and Install SQL Server 2014

Once you’ve agreed to the license terms, the download of SQL Server 2014 will begin. Once the download is complete, you can install SQL Server 2014 on your machine.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about downloading SQL Server 2014:

What are the system requirements for SQL Server 2014?

The system requirements for SQL Server 2014 vary depending on the edition you choose. However, the minimum system requirements for SQL Server 2014 are as follows:

Can I upgrade from a previous version of SQL Server to SQL Server 2014?

Yes, you can upgrade from a previous version of SQL Server to SQL Server 2014. However, the process may differ depending on the version you’re upgrading from.

Is SQL Server 2014 available for Mac?

No, SQL Server 2014 is not available for Mac. However, Microsoft does offer SQL Server for Linux.

Do I need a license to use SQL Server 2014?

Yes, you will need a license to use SQL Server 2014. However, Microsoft offers several licensing options, including per-core and server + CAL licensing.

Conclusion

Downloading SQL Server 2014 is an essential step for any business or organization that needs to manage their data effectively. SQL Server 2014 offers numerous performance, scalability, and security features that make it the preferred choice for many businesses. In this article, we’ve covered the key features of SQL Server 2014, how to download SQL Server 2014, and some frequently asked questions. We hope that this article has been informative and has helped you understand everything you need to know about downloading SQL Server 2014.