We bought a new NT server with SQl Server 2000 pre-installed. Our network administrator gave me a CD to supposedly install the 'client' portion of SQL server on my local PC (XP). I installed what was on the CD: something like : install components (then it tells me that my operating system only allows me to install client components -- which is what i thought what I need anyways). After the installation on my local PC, . . . I do not know what to do next.

I'm not even sure if I need to do anything on the NT server to 'start' the SQL server? How do I find out if SQL server is up & running on the NT server? Can I check that out from my local PC? How? Can I start & stop SQL Server from my local PC? How? Under my Start/Program Files/Microsoft SQL Server, I do not see Service Manager to start/stop the SQL server. Did I install the wrong CD on my local computer? What I do have is the Enterprise Manager (& if I start the Enterprise Manager, and right click on the SQL Server Group, then 'register': I can see the name of the NT server).

Please help start me off in the right direction.

I'm also now looking for a good book for a newbie like me, for taking care of the SQL server: assign users + passwords, assign rights to database & tables, how to keep SQL server running smoothly, how to backup, etc., but most importantly for now: what to do once the SQL server is installed, how to set up my local PC so I can manage all that + create database & tables, etc. from my local PC. Please recommend me a book.

Thanks all.