Getting Started
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We'll begin our Business Intelligence journey by acquiring the necessary tools.
We’ll install SQL Server Developer Edition. There are many options along the way. These can be configured afterwards should you choose to go with the default options initially.
SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is easy to install. We will be installing this on your local machine. Needless to say, SSMS is an essential part of querying and managing your databases.
SQL Server Data Tools is relatively straight forward to install, it is a shell version of Visual Studio. It allows you to access BI tools such as; Analysis Services, Reporting Services and Integration Services.
The Adventure Works database is a sample Database of a fictitious multinational manufacturing company called Adventure Works Cycles. It can be used to help you learn business intelligence through practice.
Installing Power BI Desktop is really easy, just make sure your computer meets the minimum requirements. The minimum requirements are outline on the download page. Please note that Power BI is not available on macOS.
Azure offers a 30 day free trial account with £150 of free credit to use up within the trial period. There are also many services and features that remain free for 12 Months after your trial ends.
