is sql server 2005 a standalone install? Or do you have to install windows server

I have never installed sql server before and I didnt know if I just take the sql server 2005 standard edition media and boot off it and do a fresh install that way or do I have to install Windows server

SQL Server is "just" a database*. You need an underlying operating system in place before you attempt to install it. For SQL Server 2005, supported operating systems are Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003. Not all versions of SQL Server 2005 are supported on all these operating systems, but I believe the standard edition of SQL is.

Paul

*Well, a database and tools and report server and... But it's not an operating system.

|||thanks, that exacty what i needed to hear.