Thank you for the reply and insight Sean.

Pluralsight is a Lynda.com for developers, has been a solid segment of my regiment. I believe it is the creation of Pinal Dave.

I've had an instance of SQL Express Advanced installed for a while now. I meant setting up an environment where instead of just working locally I can practice deploying to a server, more real world scenarios. I have an extra computer sitting around. Im workout out of books and online lessons, I want to practice working in a server environment.

Regarding the Access comment. I totally understand. What I meant is that as an analyst having to often capture data that the ERP and/or existing business process doesn’t, I build a-z solutions in Access. Now in post SQL Server awareness era for myself, I often wonder “how would I build this (or something like it) as a developer?”. So, programming languages and string, I see, thank you. In my position what is a worthy programming language to learn that will continue to be the standard in dev? .NET? How can I practice? In Visual Studio? Another reason why I ask about an “environment” at home. BTW, is visual basic worth learning?

Thank you, this is what I thought. I would say the development side but there’s the inherent desire to have the rudimentary and serve some sort of utility on the admin side. Although I have an earnest desire to know a little of this and a little of that I need to stay focused on the niche I chose. I get distracted in my study when I come across new concepts and the domino effect in looking into those.

Stairway article, yes, as I type I have 3 open in my browser.

Thank you for taking the time SSCertifiable.