I am an aspiring SQL Server DBA, and having just completed an IT undergrad degree, I am in the process of learning the “tools of the trade”. Recently I purchased a new PC running Windows XP Home Edition in order to train on my own time at home. However, I found out after the fact that only XP Professional (and not XP Home) supports IIS, which I need to run some of the apps I am training in.
Therefore, I have two questions, which I would appreciate some advice on. First, how important is having a good working knowledge of IIS to becoming a SQL Server DBA and why? Second, should I buy an XP Pro upgrade and go through the hassle of upgrading the OS on my PC, so that I can run and train on IIS-required apps like UltraDev? Or should I do any training that requires IIS at work and do the rest at home? (The second question might seem like a no-brainer, but I am genuinely concerned as how well I can learn IIS at work, since everything is already set up and pre-configured.)