Toad for SQL Server Freeware:

-	Product Features
-	Release Notes
-	FAQ
-	Beta Program

Downloads:

-	Download Freeware
-	Download Trial
-	Buy Now

Resources:

-	Toad Yahoo! Group
-	SQL ServerPedia
-	SQL Server Community
-	SQL Server Backstage

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Toad?

Toad™ for SQL Server is a database development and administration solution that provides productivity features/functions for rapidly creating and executing queries, automating database object management, developing SQL code, and instant access to SQL Server expertise.

Developers and administrators have access to a community of users, peers, and experts to help solve development and administration issues and assist in developing applications and feedback for improving Quest's products.

All of this comes with the backing of Quest Software, a healthy and growing corporate entity that can provide the necessary training, support, and superior customer service demanded by IT management

What are Toad's system requirements?

Client Requirements

Platform: 600 MHz minimum, 1 GHz recommended

Memory: 512 MB of Ram minimum, 1 GB recommended

Note: The memory required may vary based on the following:

Applications that are running on your system when using Toad
Size and complexity of the database
Amount of database activity
Number of concurrent users accessing the database

Hard Disk Space: 104 MB of disk space is required to run Toad.

Operating System:

Windows Server 2003 (32-bit or 64-bit)
Windows XP Professional (32-bit or 64-bit)
Windows Vista (32-bit or 64-bit)
Windows Server 2008 (32-bit or 64-bit)
Windows Server 2008 R2 (64-bit)
Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit)

Important: Toad uses the Microsoft Distributed Transaction Coordinator (DTC) when opening a SQL file to get Full-Text Search status, but DTC is disabled by default on Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. If you are using either operating system, ensure that Network DTC access is enabled on the Toad client. See http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc753510(WS.10).aspx for more information about enabling DTC access.

Note: Toad for SQL Server will not run on Linux, Unix, OS2, or Macintosh

Additional Requirements:

Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 (Service Pack 1)
Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0 or later

Server Requirements

Before installing Toad for SQL Server, ensure your server meets the following minimum hardware and software requirements:

Operating System:

Windows Server 2000 (Service Pack 4 or later)
Windows 2000 Professional Edition (Service Pack 4 or later)
Windows XP 32-bit (Service Pack 2 or later) and 64-bit
Windows Server 2003 32-bit or 64-bit (Service Pack 1 or later)
Windows Vista 32-bit and 64-bit
Windows Server 2008 32-bit or 64-bit
Windows Server 2008 R2 (64-bit)
Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit)

Supported Databases:

SQL Server 2000 (Service Pack 3 or later)
2005 (Service Pack 2 or later)
2008

Note: SQL Server Compact Edition is not supported.

Additional Requirements:

Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 (Service Pack 1)

One requirement is the Microsoft .NET framework v3.5. How do I know if it is on my system? If it isn't, how do I install them?

When installing Toad for SQL Server, if this prerequisite isn't met, the installer will direct you to a webpage that gives a link to download them. The installer will not complete until you have met this requirement.

How do I get started?

The following user privileges are required for installing and running Toad for SQL Server.

Only Power users and Administrators can install Toad.
If a Power user installs Toad, a Restricted user can run the application but will not be able to see the desktop icon or menu options in the Windows Start menu. Restricted users can create a shortcut to the application and place it on their desktop from the install directory.
If an Administrator installs Toad, they can share desktop icons and menu items with any user on the computer.

Please review important installation and upgrade information in the Toad for SQL Server Getting Started Guide available from the Windows Start menu under Program Files | Quest Software | Toad for SQL Server | Documentation.

Does the Toad for SQL Server freeware ever expire?

Your copy of Toad for SQL Server freeware never expires. When we release a new version of the freeware, you could choose to upgrade to it.

Why use Microsoft .NET?

Microsoft's .NET technology provides the ability to quickly build, deploy, manage, and use connected, security-enhanced solutions. Leveraging this technology, Quest can rapidly develop scalable applications that are agile enough to meet current and future needs.