Thank you all.

All the responses very very helpful.

At this point i have decided to go towards 2008, plan is to start from learning about SQL language, transact and general querying...

Thanks,

MsSQL is in demand, i can see lots of jobs on the job boards, so if i go for MCTS 2008 does that mean someone looking for 2005 would discount...

Nice link.

So if i am buying books or enrolling myself on a training course and aiming for some certification (MCTS eventually before i get my first dba job i guess)...

Definetly helpful.

on the first bit, yes i am interested in actual administration and maintenance side of things, if i like my work then in future i may think about BI...