Can it be installed on a stand alone PC?

Hi,

I am new to sql server 2005.. Is it possible to install this on a win xp PC? I tried installing it and when I launch it it asks for a server name..

How do I point it to look in local databases?

Any help on getting started is appreciated..

Thanks

SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, and SQL Server 2005 Developer Edition will install on Windows XP.

The server editions (WorkGroup, Standard, and Enterprise) require a Windows Server OS -and will not install on the client OS (such as Windows XP).

Can I launch an application using T-SQL?

For example, before bulk insert, I should uncompress zip files (or untar) from remote machine.

yes possible use the following code...

xp_cmdshell 'Your Command'

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Thank you very much.

That is what I want.