margo.taylor (9/19/2013)
I am new to the SQL world. My problem is that there are just too many choices. How do I know where to start? I have had no formal SQL training and am not a programmer, just a simple database administrator for a SQL server. Maybe someone could point me in the right direction.--Margo
Margo, you're off to a good start by just being here. Poke around the forums, read any topics that sound interesting. Hit up the articles and stairways, set up a personal "play" environment where you can try things out without fear of bringing down your production systems.
Also, the Technet SQL forums are quite good.
Download and read / skim the various free Red Gate books: http://www.red-gate.com/community/books/index#sqldba (disclaimer: I don't work for Red Gate)
Join PASS[/url], then look for local user groups and SQL Saturdays.
You don't need to be a programmer to manage SQL server, but you do need to have the drive to keep hammering away at a problem by continuous research, asking questions of others, and asking for help.
Jason
(Also not a programmer, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night! 😀 )