Can I install and run SQL Server locally to develop legally for free?

Question

I'm developing a database-driven web application. I'm not always connected to the network so I'd like to setup a development environment on my laptop with a SQL Server database. The database won't be hit hard or anything, I just mainly need it so I can make sure my queries are setup correctly for my web pages.

I'm running Windows 7 locally. The actual database production environment is running SQL Server 2000. The web application is being built on Coldfusion8.

Answer 1

Visit SQL Server Downloads and download the Express edition

Answer 2

Yes, you can use Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 RTM - Express with Management Tools.

If you want to run SQL Server 2000, find an old copy of SQL Server 2000 Developer Edition.