title: Connecting to a fresh SQL Server installation
body: <p>I know mysql, and I'd like to learn sqlserver.
  I'm currently stuck on the basics of basics:</p>
  
  <ol>
  <li>How to install and configure sql server</li>
  <li>How to connect to it</li>
  </ol>
  
  <p>I installed Sql Server through <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Web_Platform_Installer" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Web Platform Installer</a>, and have Visual Studio 2008 installed. Still, I can't understand how to connect to my server:</p>
  
  <ol>
  <li>I see that the SQL service itself (SQLEXPRESS) is running in both in services.msc and Sql Server Configuration Manager</li>
  <li>I try to connect to it via the Management Studio, but I don't understand what to do.</li>
  </ol>
  
  <p>Where do I begin?</p>