Hi everyone.
I've never upgraded SQL Server before, so I'm quite nervous (Maybe unnecessarily so?)...
When I started development of the software we use here, another product required that we use SQL Server 2000. That is no longer the case or an issue, so I wanted to upgrade SQL Server to a current version (That supports Windows Server 2003). From my research, it looks like I would be able to upgrade to SQL Server 2008.
I do have a few concerns though.
1) Will my database function the same as it currently does? Will my SQL Statements still work the same? I haven't read anywhere where people were complaining of breaking changes, but I wanted to ask. I would of course backup the database, but this database gets a lot of use, so I want to reduce headaches as best I can.
2) How do I upgrade SQL Server? I realize of course that this will be viewed as a ridiculously stupid question, but I genuinely have no idea and certainly don't want to botch that...
3) Will this automatically upgrade all databases on the current server?
4) Will I need to make any changes within my application, or will the upgrade be seamless from that aspect?
5) Would I need to purchase anything for the upgrade? I already have SQL Server as part of Visual Studio 2013...
I really appreciate the help.