To learn SqlServer, first get a copy of MicroSoftDataEngine that can be obtained freely from a number of sources.
Make sure the version you get has SQL2000 capabilities.
Then try to get a copy of SQLBooksOnline, which is a help file. If you cannot get it free using normal channels, then you have to obtain a free tutorial from the net, or something similar to help you overcome the learning barrier.
Also important is to get something similar to the SQL EnterpriseManager tool, and I think clones exist somewhere on the net. The real version only comes with a package that costs money to buy.
SQLserver Resources
- client server performance checklist http://www.databasejournal.com/features/mssql/article.php/1467641
- ..
Intermediate level
- cursors types and locking http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/vsentpro/html/veconmanagingconcurrencywithcursorlocks.asp
- SQL ForXML interface http://www.sqljunkies.com/HowTo/296D1B56-8BDD-4236-808F-E62CC1908C4E.scuk