To learn SqlServer, first get a copy of MicroSoftDataEngine that can be obtained freely from a number of sources.

Make sure the version you get has SQL2000 capabilities.

Then try to get a copy of SQLBooksOnline, which is a help file. If you cannot get it free using normal channels, then you have to obtain a free tutorial from the net, or something similar to help you overcome the learning barrier.

Also important is to get something similar to the SQL Enterprise''''''Manager tool, and I think clones exist somewhere on the net. The real version only comes with a package that costs money to buy.
 
----
'''SQLserver Resources'''

*client server performance checklist  http://www.databasejournal.com/features/mssql/article.php/1467641
*..

''Intermediate level''
*cursors types and locking http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/vsentpro/html/veconmanagingconcurrencywithcursorlocks.asp
*SQL ForXML interface http://www.sqljunkies.com/HowTo/296D1B56-8BDD-4236-808F-E62CC1908C4E.scuk