The SQL Server Native Client contains the SQL Server ODBC driver and the SQL Server OLE DB provider in one native dynamic link library (DLL) supporting applications using native-code APIs (ODBC, OLE DB and ADO) to Microsoft SQL Server.

The SQL Writer Service provides added functionality for backup and restore of SQL Server through the Volume Shadow Copy Service framework. The SQL Writer Service is installed automatically. It must be running when the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) application requests a backup or restore. To configure the service, use the Microsoft Windows Services applet.

“VSS is a framework consisting of a set of interfaces and structures that allow applications to back up volumes, while other applications use the data in these volumes. VSS is included with Microsoft Windows XP and Microsoft Windows Server 2003. A backup application is any Windows application that requests a snapshot taken backup using VSS. For example, the backup application Windows NT that is included with Windows is an application to ...”

Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio Express (SSMSE) is a free, easy-to-use graphical management tool for managing SQL Server Express Edition and SQL Server Express Edition with Advanced Services. SSMSE can also manage instances of the SQL Server Database Engine created by any edition of SQL Server.

“Books Online contains the task descriptions and reference documentation that describes how to perform data management and business intelligence work by using SQL Server.”

SQL Server 2005 introduced SQLXML 4.0, which continues to deliver the same functionality as SQLXML 3.0 plus additional updates provided to accommodate new features introduced with SQL Server 2005. SQLXML provides client-side XML functionality and enhancements to existing features, such as annotated XSD schemas, XML bulk load, Web services (SOAP) support, and updategrams.

“The Feature Pack is a collection of standalone install packages that provide additional value for SQL Server 2005. It includes the backward compatibility components for SQL Server 2005.”

“The SQL Writer Service provides added functionality for backup and restore of SQL Server through the Volume Shadow Copy Service framework. The SQL Writer Service is installed automatically. It must be running when the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) application requests a backup or restore. To configure the service, use the Microsoft Windows Services applet. The SQL Writer Service installs on all operating systems. When running, Databa...”