Sample SQLServer Databases

2005 and 2008 Sample SQLServer Databases are available here: MSFTDBProdSamples
Northwind and pubs databases are available here: Northwind and pubs

These are useful for testing .NET Data objects by using SQLDatasource as the DataSource.

SQL Server 2005 database diagram support objects error

Sql 2005 Database diagram support objects cannot be installed because this database does not have a valid owner...

Solution:
1. Right Click on your database, choose properties
2. Goto the Options Page
3. In the Dropdown at right labeled "Compatibility Level" choose "SQL Server 2005(90)"
4. Goto the Files Page
5. Enter "sa" in the owner textbox.
6. Hit OK

Reference: http://geekswithblogs.net/shahed/archive/2007/11/19/116940.aspx

The Difference Between NVARCHAR and VARCHAR

The main difference between NVARCHAR and VARCHAR is that NVARCHAR extra space allows for easier multi-language support. Therefore, I switched my database's VARCHARs to NVARCHARS.

References: http://july-code.blogspot.com/2008/03/differences-between-varchar-and.html