Be aware that anything that accesses the SQL database must have proper authorization, or authentication.. In AirVision, all database access is through the AirVision Service that runs wherever the AirVision Server application has been installed. The AirVision Service, like any windows service, uses an account (username / password) to log into the local machine to run the service. The default installation uses the "Local System Account," which grants general administrative rights.

As we have mentioned in other application notes, this causes problems when the SQL database is not on the same machine- the AirVision Service tries to use the local system account of Computer X to log into SQL Server on Computer Y, which doesn't work. The fix is to use a SQL admin ("sa") account user/password in AirVision's Server Settings Editor to permit the database access, or have the AirVision Service modified to use a local domain account.

So, back to SQL 2008 installation. There are two screens to consider, the first screen is the "Server Configuration" screen which will require you to enter an account for the SQL Services to run under. Generally, you can select the local System account, and that is sufficient. The installer will not let you proceed unless you define the account for all the services you have requested.

The second screenis the "Database Engine Configuration" screen. Here, you will be asked for the authentication mode for SQL server to use. You can choose to use Windows Authentication Mode, or Mixed Mode (which allows you to also set up a SQL administrator or "sa" account). If you're not an IT guru, I'd suggest selecting Mixed Mode, as it gives you more options for the future.

On the bottom of this screen, you will be given the option to add local accounts as SQL Administrators. If you are running the SQL 2008 system locally, add whatever accounts you may use to access the SQL admin tools (Enterprise Manager), otherwise you may be locked out of using the admin tools once SQL is finished installing.