Hi, Need help requiring database problems

Hi to all u helpful developers. I'm currently having problems with database. I'm running on Vista on my laptop which i want to do my server on. But Vista doesn't allow the installation of microsoft Sql 2000. I've tried using microsoft sql 2005 but it cant seem to connect to my colinux server. I'm hoping someone can help me solve this problem or give me a push in the right direction as i've been pulling my hair off trying to get my server to work. Thanks in adavance =)