Prior to installing SQL Server 2012, you must have version 3.5 SP1 of the Microsoft .NET Framework installed. On servers running Windows Server 2008 R2, the .NET Framework can simply be enabled ...

SQL Server 2012/2014 delivers compelling new capabilities that make an upgrade worthwhile. However, along the upgrade path, companies have also discovered key obstacles to achieving the new ...

Microsoft seems to recommend installing SQL Server 2012 RC on a system running Windows 7 Service Pack 1 or Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 (including the Server Core version).

Microsoft has issued a release candidate version of SQL Server 2012 for download and testing.