title: PHP to SQL Server connection
body: <p>I want to connect to a <strong>SQL Server 2000</strong> from <strong>PHP</strong> installed in a unix platform (<strong>CentOs</strong>) and to be able to run queries (SELECT and UPDATE). The solution must support <strong>UTF-8</strong> data.</p>
  
  <p>As search through the web, I find out that there exists many different approaches (freeTDS, unixODBC, ODBTP, Easysoft ODBC, Easysoft ODBC-ODBC Bridge, PDO).</p>
  
  <p>Could someone point me to the best solution for the specific connection?</p>