>>>I have a msdn subscription
>>>no I want to explore using sqlserver with my vfp9.2 and I am wondering which SQLserver i should download
>>>win7/64
>>>
>>>thanks
>>
>>I've installed SQL Server 2012 Developer's edition (I also have SQL Server 2008 R2 Developer Edition SP1 installed). Both seem to work fine with VFP9. If you want to get the latest and the greatest, try SQL Server 2012.
>
>I don't think SS 2012 is good advice for a newbie who wants to learn the basics. It was just RTM last month. I've got stuff in my refrigerator older than that ;-) You have to be concerned about the stability, and it's not a product where you have to be up to the minute with the latest version. SQL Server shops are notoriously slow to upgrade (reasonably so IMO). I wouldn't be surprised if SS 2005 is still the most commonly deployed production version.

True, but on the other hand, if we need to learn, it's better to learn using the very latest version. Sat, MS Certification exams will be retired in July 2013 for SQL Server 2008.
http://beyondrelational.com/modules/1/justlearned/412/tips/14195/sql-server-2008-certification-exams-will-retire-in-july-2013.aspx