>>>>>Hi,
>>>>>
>>>>>I bought a new PC (window 10). And I will be installing on the new laptop all (important) software I have on my Windows 7. The first thing I will need is a SQL Server Express. Right now, the Windows 7, has SQL Server 2008. I am pretty sure that this is already outdated. What version (year) do you recommend? I have to be careful to install something that will be compatible with the customers' SQL. As far as I know some customers still use SQL Server 2016. Should I get 2014 or go for 2016?
>>>>>
>>>>>TIA
>>>>
>>>>If they have 2016 you should use 2016.
>>>>Otherwise you can not get any data from them.
>>>>And BTW you can have SQL Server Developer edition instead of Express one.
>>>
>>>First, thank you for the reply.
>>>I understand the SQL Server Developer is not free (unlike SQL Express). Am I wrong? And what are the differences between the two versions?
>>
>>It is free.
>>Developer edition is Enterprise edition so you can test everything.
>
>I found a MS page describing different editions of the SQL Server. But it does not have any limitations (in size, for example) of the Developer edition. If there is no limitation and it is the same as the Enterprise edition, why would companies buy instead of getting it free?!

Because of EULA. You can use it ONLY for developing.