Run MS SQL Server on Your Mac for Free with Parallels M1 Mac

Are you looking for a way to run MS SQL Server on your Mac without breaking the bank? Look no further than Parallels M1 Mac, which allows you to install and run Windows on your Apple device. In this article, we'll show you how to download and install the latest MS SQL Server image using Docker.

Step 1: Download Docker on Your Mac

To get started, you need to download and install Docker on your Mac. You can do this by clicking on the 'Download' button on the official Docker website. Once downloaded, drag the '.dmg' file into your Applications folder.

Step 2: Download the MS SQL Server Image to Docker

Next, open a terminal window on your Mac and run the following command:

`docker pull /mssql/server:2022-latest`

This will download the latest MS SQL Server image from the web and install it on your local machine. Once the download is complete, you can launch the image using the following command:

`docker run -d -name sql_server_test -e 'ACCEPT_EULA=Y' -e 'SA_PASSWORD=reallyStrongPwd123' -p 1433:1433 /mssql/server:2022-latest`

Step 3: Launch the SQL Server Image in Docker

Once you run the above command, Docker will start extracting the image and downloading it into your local machine. You can then launch the SQL Server image by clicking on the 'Apply & Restart' button.

Increasing Memory Settings for Better Performance

By default, Docker allocates 2 GB of memory to each container. However, an SQL server requires at least 3.25 GB of memory to run smoothly. To increase the memory settings, go to the Docker settings, then preferences, and select the 'Resources' screen. Slide the memory slider up to at least 4 GB for better performance.

Installing Azure Data Studio for a Graphical Interface

Microsoft provides Azure Data Studio as a graphical user interface to run SQL Server on your Mac. You can download and install this application from the official Microsoft website. This will give you a more intuitive way to manage your SQL Server instance.

In conclusion, running MS SQL Server on your Mac is now easier than ever with Parallels M1 Mac and Docker. By following these simple steps, you can have a fully functional SQL Server instance up and running in no time. With Azure Data Studio providing a graphical interface, managing your SQL Server instance has never been more convenient.

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