SQL Server 2008 Books Online update, January 2009, is available

An update to SQL Server 2008 Books Online has been published to TechNet and MSDN.  It will show up on Microsoft Update within a few weeks.  You can see the list of new and updated topics here:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd408738.aspx

And if you don't want to wait for Windows Update, you can download an installer to update your local copy here:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=765433F7-0983-4D7A-B628-0A98145BCB97

The MSI file is 144 MB.  When told that a lower version has been detected and asked if you want to update your existing version, say yes.  I can't think of any reason why you'd want to keep two different versions of SQL Server 2008 Books Online side-by-side.  Unlike a few previous BOL updates, the actual documentation date agrees with the download page and file name (the documentation seems to have been checked in January 23rd).  The download page says it was published January 30th, but I don't think the page was actually made live until February.  Which begs the question, why wouldn't they label the download and actual content as a February update?  Seems like it keeps it that much "newer" (remember when they released Windows 95 in October of that year, and then by the following March people were already asking where is Windows 96?).

Aaron Bertrand

I am a passionate technologist with industry experience dating back to Classic ASP and SQL Server 6.5. I am a long-time Microsoft MVP, write at SQLPerformance and MSSQLTips, and have had the honor of speaking at more conferences than I can remember. In non-tech life, I am a father of two, a huge hockey and football fan, and my pronouns are he/him. If I've helped you out, consider thanking me with a coffee. :-)

3 Responses

  1. AaronBertrand says:

    Chris, I have received several Books Online updates through Microsoft Update.  (Note this is not Windows Update, but the optional service that covers other products, including SQL Server.)

  2. Chris Wood says:

    Aaron,
    So Microsoft are going to post BOL updates on MU from now on? Have MS posted this info somewhere?
    Chris

  3. cinahcaM madA says:

    I think Kalen beat you to the punch by about 15 seconds 🙂