Help! How do I create an SQL database on my machine? + Access -> SQL ?

According to my technical support for web hosting, for database format they only use "MS SQL" operating on a windows system, usualy clients create they're sites on their local machines using "MS SQL".

I'm just wondering....

Is 'MS SQL' free? where can I get it?

I also have the option of creating the site round an access databse but I'm worried about the security issues,

do you think it would be wise to use access?

Is it easy to convert a site written in ASP.NET&ACCESS into a site using ASP.NET&"ms sql"?

because then I could code a site in the former on my machine and then change the code to link to an sql server.when my suport persons talking about "MS SQL" does he actually mean "msde"?

I've been having some trouble with that too:

http://www.gotdotnet.com/Community/MessageBoard/Thread.aspx?id=181961&Page=1#183129|||'MS SQL Server' is not free. The good news are that MS has released a scaled down version of MS Sql Server which is. It's called MSDE (MS Desktop Edition) and is ideal for developing on your local machine, as well as OK for low traffic production servers. Download ithere.|||thanks for the reply andre,

that last post went up before I read your replied,

MSDE wont install because it says I need a strong SA password but I have no idea how to set one up for my account.|||more info, I think i downloaded the wrong package file before "sql2kdesksp3" I'm now downloading sql2ksp3 is that the right onw? is the other stuff I need to download to?|||downloading msde2000a now aswell|||its still having the same SAPWD option,

Is there a detailed explanation anywhere on using the SAPWD switch or have I goy my wires crossed.