>>>>>I am assuming these 2 statements are functionally equivalent. Am I correct?
>>>>>Thanks
>>>>>

>>>>>select * ;
>>>>>from test_financing ;
>>>>>inner join tip on test_financing.tip_id = tip.tip_id ;
>>>>>where between(_year,tipyear,tipyear+4) ;
>>>>>order by lead, st_name, _year 
>>>>>
>>>>>select * ;
>>>>>from tip ;
>>>>>inner join test_financing on test_financing.tip_id = tip.tip_id ;
>>>>>where between(_year,tipyear,tipyear+4) ;
>>>>>order by lead, st_name, _year 
>>>>>

>>>>
>>>>Yes. You will get the same result from both.
>>>>But abouth to speed you should check Actual Execution Plan.
>>>
>>>What is AEP?
>>
>>Run both queries in SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio)
>>Before you run them just click on "Include Actual Execution Plan" button from the toolbar.
>
>Is that a VFP tool or is this some additional software I will have to install?

SQL Server Management Studio is included with SQL Server Standard edition and higher.