Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Internals

Working with sample databases

Prior to SQL Server 2005, the installation program automatically installed sample databases so you would have some actual data for exploring SQL Server functionality. As part of Microsoft’s efforts to tighten security, SQL Server 2012 doesn’t automatically install any sample databases. However, several sample databases are widely available.

AdventureWorks

AdventureWorks actually comprises a family of sample databases created by the Microsoft User Education group as an example of what a “real” database might look like. The family includes AdventureWorks, AdventureWorksDW, and AdventureWorksLT. Each new version has updated these databases (the originals were created for SQL Server 2005). So you might see databases called ...