>If I wanted to learn how to interact with a backside server like SQL Server, would it be a good idea to simulate this experience with VFP? (Seeing as though there are no SQL Server databases available at the moment.)
>
>If so, is there a white paper available that would provide the basics of how to set it up and understand it?
>
>Thanks for any input.
>-Don

You mean without installing any SQL server and tools? If so no. First install an SQL server version. ie: SQL server 2005 express (SSE) is free including its management tool (management studio). Download it from http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express (I suggest either advanced services or management studio). Then you can start to play with right away.
Installation is straight forward.
In VFP help or here search for SQLExec and you'd get plenty of samples for different tasks.
Cetin