Hi Wayne,
>>I dont see a list of any new features included in the service pack<<
On the download page for the SP2 CTP, there's a link to an overview of all new features, conveniently labeled "review the What's New document". Clicking this link takes you to http://download.microsoft.com/download/2/B/5/2B5E5D37-9B17-423D-BC8F-B11ECD4195B4/WhatsNewSQL2005SP2.htm. As you can see, there are LOTS of new features.
>>Most importantly, I had only about 20 minutes of down-time.<<
That's way to much for many shops. And way more than necessary. Instead of stopping all SQL Server services and then some in order to avoid a reboot, why not leave SQL Server running during the install process and accept a reboot when the installation is finished? Or are you trying to tell me that rebooting your system would have taken more than 20 minutes?
Here you are asked if you would like to automatically send error reports and feature usage data to Microsoft. I always leave these options unticked.
Strongly suggest that you do check the checkboxes for reporting errors.
I do for all MS software, and several times the error report will come back with a KB article or link to a hotfix that corrects the specific problem. In the case of unattended software (service software), the helpful links will be in the event log.
Even if you don't care about fixing the problem, the data submitted to MS helps to record and analyze problems, and to help MS prioritize their worklist.
Mark, I too thought it was a great article to get the user an overview. I had forgotten about the Vista option altogether. You inspired me to produce a quick video about the new features and the installation process here in case anyone is interested: http://www.jumpstarttv.com/Media.aspx?vid=70
Brian Knight
