Absolute Beginner Questions

I just downloaded and installed Visual Basic Express Edition and SQL Server Express Edition. All I have in the Start menu is SQL Configuration Tools. My absolutely stupid question is, how do I get started with this?

I know a little bit about SQL from using SQL command line in Oracle, and I've built small databases before using Access. Where does this program fit into all of that? And what do I use and how can I get started with this program?
Hi there,
What you've probably installed is only the database engine and probably the command line utilities. You could connect and work with your databases via the command line but it's easier doing it via a GUI. Couple of options:
A) You can download SQL Server Management Studio Express Edition here:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/sql/download/
This'll give you a GUI where you can connect to the database server (which you have installed already) and you can work with and create databases in it.
B) It is also possible to create and work with your database using Visual Basic Express Edition. Generally you'll create a project first (e.g. a Windows Application) and then you'd create a database for your project. The steps are:

1) In the Solution Explorer right click on the name of the solution and select Add > New Item from the menu that appears
2) The "Add New Item" window will appear. In this window select the "SQL Database" template. Change the name of the database's .mdf file to whatever you prefer.
Click "Next>" after doing the above
3) Select whatever database objects you want in your dataset (I select everything that's available but it does depend on what you want). Click the "Finish" button
After doing all of this a database local to the project you are working with will be created. If you open up Database Explorer (View Menu > Database Explorer or View Menu > Other Windows > Database Explorer) you should see you database. You can then do things like create tables for your DB and make an application that connects to your database and does, well, stuff (sorry).

As for learning more about it, try reading some stuff at:
http://www.microsoft.com/sql/editions/express/default.mspx
http://msdn.microsoft.com/sql/express/
They should give you some overview of the product. The Developer Center (2nd link) might give you some ideas to get started in coding database apps with VB Express Edition.
There's also a white paper that might help get you going with Management Studio Express at:
http://download.microsoft.com/download/4/f/8/4f8f2dc9-a9a7-4b68-98cb-163482c95e0b/MgSQLExpwSSMSE.doc
Hope that helps a bit, but sorry if it doesn't