Recently I have had few emails asking about how to get hands-on in SQL Server 2008. As of now still July 2008 CTP is available to download as per this OtherBlogPost. Further as usual I would suggest the SQL 2008 'newbie' to review the books online about Getting started with this latest version...
By now you are aware that July 2007 CTP for SQL Server 2008 is available to download, if you are not ready to test this installation even you can take a tour by referring to the BOL for July CTP. Exclusive Link to download BOL only. As you can see above that if you have installed Katmai books online...
One of our Developer asked me this question that they are unable to find complete informaiton about the compatibility between SQL 2000, 2005 and 2008 versions. The answer is yes, its obvious and don't worry this is a temporary feature as the current CTP for SQL 2008 release documentation aka BOL...
Few out there are still not comfortable to install or test the SQL 2008 (Katmai) as SQL 2005 is still new in the field and users are getting eventually hands-on experience. So in order to get hands on for the documentation 'only' for SQL 2008 (katmai) then you can download the documentation files...