Installing SQL Server Agent is typically part of the larger process of installing Microsoft SQL Server itself. The provided reference outlines the initial steps for downloading and running the SQL Server installer, which is the first step towards installing SQL Server Agent.
SQL Server Agent is a Microsoft Windows service that executes scheduled administrative tasks, which are called jobs in SQL Server. For the Agent service to run, SQL Server must be installed.
Getting Started: Downloading the SQL Server Installer
According to the provided reference, the process begins with obtaining the SQL Server installation media.
Steps to Download SQL Server:
- Search Online: Go to your favorite browser, such as Chrome, and search for "Download SQL server" on the internet. This search will help you locate the official Microsoft download page for SQL Server.
- Find the Download Link: Open the official download link (usually from microsoft.com). Scroll down the page. The reference specifically mentions looking for the Developer “Download Now” button and clicking it. The Developer edition is a free, full-featured edition licensed for use as a development and test database, not for production.
- Run the Installer: Once the download is complete, Run the .exe file that you downloaded. This file is the SQL Server installer. Follow the instructions presented in the wizard that appears.
What Happens Next (Beyond the Reference):
The reference concludes after you run the .exe file and start following the wizard. During the SQL Server installation wizard, you will typically perform steps such as:
- Choosing the installation type (Basic, Custom, or Download Media). A custom installation allows you to select specific features.
- Accepting the license terms.
- Selecting the features you want to install. SQL Server Agent is a feature you would select during this step.
- Configuring instances (default or named).
- Configuring service accounts, including setting up the account for SQL Server Agent.
- Specifying authentication mode (Windows Authentication or Mixed Mode).
- Completing the installation.
Once the SQL Server installation wizard is complete and successful, the SQL Server Agent service will be installed. You might need to configure it further and ensure the service is running via the SQL Server Configuration Manager or Windows Services.
While the reference provides the essential first steps to get the necessary installer, the actual installation and configuration of the SQL Server Agent component happen within the installation wizard after running the downloaded .exe file.
