When updating to SQL server 2008, running the update advisor is a good start. However, there are a few issues that the advisor does not properly identify. The purpose of this article is to list these types of issues. As you find more, please add to this document.

Prior to starting an upgrade, make sure that the existing instances have the newest service pack applied. At this time, SQL Server 2000 sp4 and SQL Server 2005 sp2 are the latest service packs. If you install a service pack, you will have to reboot the server prior to upgrading to SQL Server 2008.

Please see the Microsoft SQL Server Security pages and the SQL Server Security Checklist from SQLsecurity.com for more information on securely administering Microsoft SQL Server. Also, a detailed analysis of one worm which exploits this vulnerability is available from the Incidents.org site maintained by the SANS Institute

Here are nine "secret" tips that you can use to ensure your SQL Server environment is performing in the most efficient manner possible.

You can increase this option through Enterprise Manager under client connections.

Since Microsoft does not distribute MS SQL client (with Enterprise Manager and Query Analyser) tools individually, they are bundled with MS SQL Server installation.

You can download a evaluation copy of the software from Microsoft's web site:

http://www.microsoft.com/sql/evaluation/trial/