Access vs sql server

[GaryWilsonCPA]

I am a strong user of visual basic, access and foxpro. The question I have is general - access and foxpro have pretty decent interfaces that help novices - When using sql server do you find the similar interfaces?

When using sql server is it just the database part and you need to use visual basic to build forms and ect?

Is there a way to get experience using sql server without spending a fortune on a server. I am considering my next computer to be XP professional and would like to begin learning my way around SQL server.

Thanks for any input.

 

[fluteplr]

SQL Server is just the database part. MSDE (Microsoft Data Engine) is code compatable with SQL server and comes with Visual Studio. The developer version of SQL Server will also run on XP. For development I run that and VFP which I use for my front end on my laptop.