Try Microsoft SQL Server 2005 TodayOn This PageYou can now try out SQL Server 2005 in two ways: register to download SQL Server 2005 for a 180-day trial or download the SQL Server 2005 Express Edition.
The fully functional trial software offers you the opportunity to experience the features and functionality of SQL Server 2005. The trial automatically expires 180 days after you install it on your servers.
Download SQL Server 2005 Trial SoftwareTo receive the free trial software, fill out the quick registration form. After you submit the form, you will be directed to the download as well as receive links to other helpful resources. The SQL Server 2005 Trial Software is currently available in the following languages: Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Spanish. Order SQL Server 2005 Trial Software DVDYou can order the SQL Server 2005 Trial Software on DVD. This DVD is available in English for U.S. $3.50. Orders placed from outside the United States are subject to additional shipping fees and may be subject to additional import duties and taxes. Download a Pre-configured Version of SQL Server 2005 in a VHD for EvaluationYou can now get a free 30-day trial version of SQL Server 2005 pre-installed and pre-configured in a VHD. Note: The VHDs are currently available in English only. Download SQL Server 2005 Express EditionSQL Server 2005 Express Edition is free to download, has no time limits, and is freely redistributable (with registration). With a database size limit of 4 gigabytes (GB) and support for one CPU and up to 1 GB of RAM, SQL Server 2005 Express Edition is suitable for application embedding or lightweight application development. You can download the Express Edition and register for distribution rights at the following locations: System RequirementsFor information about hardware and software requirements for SQL Server 2005, visit the System Requirements page. If you need one of the required operating systems, visit the Windows Server 2003 Trial Software page. Express Edition vs. Trial EditionSQL Server 2005 Express Edition is free to download, free to redistribute, free to deploy, has a subset of the overall SQL Server 2005 features, and has no time limit on usage. SQL Server 2005 Trial Edition has a comprehensive set of SQL Server 2005 features, has no limits on database size or scalability, and expires 180 days after installation. | | SQL Server 2005 Express Edition | SQL Server 2005 Trial Edition | Number of CPUs | 1 | no limit | RAM | 1 GB | operating system maximum | 64-bit support | Microsoft Windows on Windows (WOW) | 
| Microsoft Windows on Windows (WOW) | 4 GB | no limit |
For more detail about differences between SQL Server 2005 Express and SQL Server 2005 Trial Edition, check the SQL Server Features Comparison page. For More InformationTo find additional information about SQL Server and other Microsoft Windows Server System integrated server software, visit the following pages: |