Features

Features

• SQL Server PerfMon counters for Windows operating system (OS)

  SQL Server PerfMon counters can help troubleshoot and even avoid bottlenecks on your Windows operating system. In part 2 of this screencast series on "PerfMon counters for the SQL Server DBA," SQL Server MVP Kevin Kline walks you through best ...  Continue Reading

• SQL OUTER JOIN sample statements for queries

  Discover sample SQL OUTER JOIN statements and result sets in this excerpt from "SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL, Second Edition." Using sample databases and complex JOINs, these examples will help you ...  Continue Reading

• Using the FULL OUTER JOIN in SQL

  Learn how to utilize a FULL OUTER JOIN, through sample queries, in this excerpt from "SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL, Second Edition."  Continue Reading

• How to construct and use SQL OUTER JOINs optimally

  Learn the basics of a SQL Server OUTER JOIN in this excerpt from "SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL, Second Edition." You'll discover how to construct LEFT, RIGHT and FULL OUTER JOINs with how-to examples ...  Continue Reading

• SQL OUTER JOIN sample uses

  Find out how OUTER JOIN is used in this excerpt from "SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL, Second Edition." You'll get samples of SQL requests solved with OUTER JOIN, such as testing for Null.  Continue Reading

• Spotlight on SQL Server Enterprise 2.0

  Get advanced features to optimize database performance monitoring, diagnostics and issue resolution activities within SQL Server with Spotlight on SQL Server Enterprise 2.0.  Continue Reading

• SQL Farm Combine 2.0

  SQL Farm Combine 2.0 is a scalable SQL Server deployment tool allowing administrators to execute scripts and push changes to many databases and servers at once.  Continue Reading

• Replication techniques in SQL Server

  The following list will educate you on the replication process in SQL Server and also guide you on how to enhance your techniques when replicating your database(s). If you have database servers that must be involved in various types of replication, ...  Continue Reading

• Top 10 T-SQL tips for improved SQL Server development

  Learn to script SQL Server backups, why T-SQL in SSIS has pros and cons and workarounds for T-SQL code causing SQL Server performance problems.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: Top 5 SQL Server backup and recovery problems

  Backup and recovery in SQL Server is another one of those 'do or die' areas. We've tallied your page hits and compiled a Top 5 list of frequently asked questions on the topic, so you'd have a quick reference.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: DTS packages in SQL Server

  Since the release of SQL Server 2005, the spotlight has been on SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) as it is the new and powerful ETL tool (short for extraction, transforming and loading). SSIS is making managing SQL Server data a more customized...  Continue Reading

• Basic Transact-SQL programming constructs: 15 tips, 15 minutes

  The programming language used in Microsoft SQL Server is called Transact-SQL (T-SQL). It complies with the ANSI SQL-92 standard, and you can use this ANSI SQL-compliant language to select, update, insert and delete records from tables.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server consolidation: Why, when and how to consolidate SQL Servers

  To get control of SQL Server sprawl, you must consider consolidation. This new SearchSQLServer.com expert e-book, Consolidate SQL Servers for availability, scalability and cost savings, by SQL Server MVP Hilary Cotter will introduce you to ...  Continue Reading

• Data cleansing techniques in SQL Server

  Data that is collected and used for decision-making purposes must be accurate from the start in your SQL Server environment. Refer to this checklist of data cleansing techniques and ensure data accuracy.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: SQL Server query errors and explanations

  Queries in SQL Server have many daunting components. To ease the pain of running a query we've compiled a dozen Frequently Asked Questions. Here, our experts address areas including how to fix code errors, speed up queries, show the query navigation...  Continue Reading

• Understanding database requirements for report server

  Disk space requirements can vary due to many variables. Learn to understand your disk space by ,over time and during high-use periods, monitoring the size of your report server database .  Continue Reading

• FAQ: SQL Server login and permissions troubleshooting

  Monitor failed logins, restrict account access or solve a permissions issue with these 10 SQL Server security FAQs.  Continue Reading

• Using the Mining Accuracy Chart

  Once data models are processed, you need to be able to explore, query and compare them. Learn how to use Analysis Services to understand your data mining efforts.  Continue Reading

• Working with named calculations

  SQL Server named calculations allow you to mine derived information in your data without having to change your source data. Get an overview of named calculations.  Continue Reading

• Creating SQL Server data mining reports

  SQL Server Reporting Services allows you to create custom data mining reports containing text and graphics that can be distributed via HTML, email or in print or Microsoft Office documents.  Continue Reading

• Working with named queries

  A named query is a virtual view on your data source that allows you to change the data you are mining in SQL Server without making changes to your original data.  Continue Reading

• Using SQL Server Management Studio for data mining

  SQL Server 2005 Management Studio replaces Enterprise Manager and Query Analyzer. Find out what tasks can be performed in Management Studio with regards to SQL Server data mining.  Continue Reading

• Sample T-SQL stored procedure: P_DisplayProductDetails

  This sample T-SQL stored procedure to be debugged displays product details from the AdventureWorks database using a function to rank the unit price for each product subcategory.  Continue Reading

• Visual Studio debug windows

  Visual Studio provides you with many informative debug windows, which you can review in this T-SQL stored procedure debugging feature.  Continue Reading

• Equipment weight and tile strength

  The process of building a data-center facility appears to be simple on the inception but has several aspects that must be done correctly. In this book excerpt, find out how to get it done right the first time.  Continue Reading

• Characteristics of an outstanding data center design

  The process of building a data-center facility appears to be simple on the inception but has several aspects that must be done correctly. In this book excerpt, find out how to get it done right the first time.  Continue Reading

• Basic ADO.NET data objects

  Basic ADO.NET data objects are runtime data-access types that have ADODB counterparts. Learn more in this chapter.  Continue Reading

• Applying transactions to multi-table updates

  The SqlTransaction object provides clients with the ability to commit or roll back updates to SQL Server base tables. Here are steps to execute ADO.NET transacted updates.  Continue Reading

• ADO.NET Typed DataSet objects

  Learn the differences between DataSets and disconnected Recordsets, then get methods for generating ADO.NET objects with VS 2005 and SQL Server 2000 or 2005.  Continue Reading

• Checklist: How to archive SQL Server backups

  Be able to recover quickly from an archived backup. Edgewood Solutions' Greg Robidoux explains why and how to archive and recover SQL Server database backups.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server example: Heavy insertion process from OLTP and triggers

  This example demonstrates why and how to avoid locks when inserting a large amount of data from a file to a table row by row in Microsoft SQL Server.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server trigger example: Cursors in SQL Server triggers

  This example shows how cursors in triggers could degrade Microsoft SQL Server performance, and provides an alternative method.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server trigger example: INSTEAD OF triggers vs. AFTER triggers

  This example demonstrates when it's best to use INSTEAD OF triggers and when to implement AFTER triggers in Microsoft SQL Server.  Continue Reading

• Designing and implementing triggers in Microsoft SQL Server

  Learn tips on SQL Server trigger design, including how to boost performance by grouping commands.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server trigger example: One trigger vs. two for the same logic

  This examples explores if adding functionality to an existing trigger improves performance or if it's better to create a new SQL Server trigger.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server trigger example: Nested triggers in SQL Server

  This example shows how to use triggers to summarize data for a table in Microsoft SQL Server that is heavily updated.  Continue Reading

• Why use triggers in Microsoft SQL Server?

  The problem with triggers is they can't be seen. Learn how triggers work and get design considerations for SQL Server triggers.  Continue Reading

• Efficient indexing for performance

  Some databases allow different types of indexing. Get an overview of index types and efficient indexing in this book excerpt?  Continue Reading

• How to apply indexes in the real world

  The way an index is applied is generally dependent on the function of the table for which the index is created. Learn how to apply indexes in this book excerpt.  Continue Reading

• Writing efficient queries

  Database model tuning comes with one big stipulation. Find out what it is in this book excerpt.  Continue Reading

• Filtering with the WHERE clause

  There are many points to keep in mind when building efficient filtering for faster execution of SQL code. Read about them in this book excerpt.  Continue Reading

• Database modeling exercises

  Test what you've learned in this 'Building Fast-Performing Data Models' chapter with this collection of exercises.  Continue Reading

• When not to use indexes

  One of the most important questions is when should you create an index. This book excerpt will help you find the answer.  Continue Reading

• Part 2: Cursor advantages

  When and why should you consider using cursors? Contributor Hilary Cotter spotlights cursor advantages.  Continue Reading

• Part 1: How cursors work

  T-SQL cursors are like skyscraper window washers traveling up and down the skyscraper to stop at each window. Here Hilary Cotter explains exactly how cursors work.  Continue Reading

• Part 3: Cursor disadvantages

  Cursors have been called memory hogs, poor performers and various other unflattering names. Contributor Hilary Cotter explains the cons of cursors.  Continue Reading

• Part 4: Cursor example

  Contributor Hilary Cotter reviews a poorly rewritten cursor.  Continue Reading

• Pitfalls of using T-SQL cursors

  Cursors have a bad reputation: They're considered poor performers, resource hogs and a favorite tool of every inexperienced DBA. But they do have a place. Contributor Hilary Cotter explains how cursors work and their pros and cons.  Continue Reading

• Return only the date from a SQL smalldatetime field

  Get code to return only the date part of the SQL datetime field in this ITKnowledge Exchange discussion.  Continue Reading

• Top five T-SQL stored procedures

  From finding columns and tables to executing code from a file, Brian Walker's top five stored procedures will offer the simple tricks you need to get routine tasks done.  Continue Reading

• T-SQL code to create stored procedures

  Contributor Brian Walker provides the code you need to create six system stored procedures to support a surrogate key architecture.  Continue Reading

• What are surrogate key values

  Contributor Brian Walker emphasizes that surrogate key values have no intrinsic meaning in this feature.  Continue Reading

• Managing Tables Using Object Explorer

  Learn how to create tables belonging to your new database in this excerpt from the book SQL Server 2005: A Beginner's Guide.  Continue Reading

• Managing Databases Using Object Explorer

  Object Explorer allows you to inspect objects in a server and manage your server and databases. Get started in this excerpt from SQL Server 2005: A Beginner's Guide.  Continue Reading

• Introduction to SQL Server 2005 Management Studio

  Get started understanding and working with SQL Server 2005 Management Studio in this excerpt, from the book SQL Server 2005: A Beginner's Guide.  Continue Reading

• Using Management Studio with the SQL Server Database Engine

  Learn how SQL Server Management Studio works in this excerpt from the book SQL Server 2005: A Beginner's Guide.  Continue Reading

• Authoring Activities Using SQL Server Management Studio

  SQL Server Management Studio gives you an authoring environment for all types of queries. Read more in this excerpt from SQL Server 2005: A Beginner's Guide.  Continue Reading

• Management Studio Exercises

  Wrap up your lesson on SQL Server 2005 Management Studio with a few exercises to test what you learned, excerpted from SQL Server 2005: A Beginner's Guide.  Continue Reading

• A typical data warehouse design review

  W.H. Inmon offers a thorough list of steps for a typical data warehouse design review in this excerpt from his book "Building the Data Warehouse," courtesy of Wiley.  Continue Reading

• Data Warehouse Design Review Checklist

  To ensure a quality data warehouse, you need a thorough design review. This chapter from the W.H. Inmon book "Building the Data Warehouse," offers steps for an effective review.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2005: A Beginner's Guide: Chapter 2, 'SQL Server Management Studio'

  Get lessons on working with SQL Server 2005 Management Studio in this collection of excerpts from the book "SQL Server 2005: A Beginner's Guide".  Continue Reading

• Quick steps: Viewing index information using sp_helpindex

  Get a routine to view index information in this book excerpt from MCAD/MCSD/MCSE Training Guide (70-229): SQL Server 2000 Database Design and Implementation.  Continue Reading

• Quick steps: Rebuilding all indexes using DBCC DBREINDEX

  Learn how to rebuild indexes in this book excerpt from MCAD/MCSD/MCSE Training Guide (70-229): SQL Server 2000 Database Design and Implementation.  Continue Reading

• Quick steps: Creating an indexed view

  Learn how to create an indexed view in SQL Server 2000 in this book excerpt from MCAD/MCSD/MCSE Training Guide (70-229): SQL Server 2000 Database Design and Implementation.  Continue Reading

• Creating an index with Index Tuning Wizard

  Get steps to create an index with Index Tuning Wizard in this book excerpt from "MCAD/MCSD/MCSE Training Guide (70-229): SQL Server 2000 Database Design and Implementation."  Continue Reading

• Stored procedures: Create and delete constraints and indexes

  This collection of six stored procedures will help you create and delete constraints and indexes.  Continue Reading

• Why use surrogate keys

  Contributor Brian Walker explains the benefits of using a surrogate key database architecture, such as stability, performance, simplicity and consistency.  Continue Reading

• A surrogate key architecture

  Contributor Brian Walker offers a surrogate key architectur that will allow you to perform many powerful operations on the database schema or the data itself.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server security test checklist

  SQL Server security should be tested regulary. Here is a security checklist by expert Kevin Beaver on how to find vulnerabilities before an intruder does.  Continue Reading

• Checklist: How to maintain an effective SQL Server DR strategy

  You may not classify hardware and application failures as disasters, but fail to prepare for such problems and you could have a system meltdown on your hands. This checklist will help you develop the documentation and best practices you must have ...  Continue Reading

• Vulnerable stored procedures

  Learn about security vulnerabilities in SQL Server Stored procedures in this excerpt from "The Database Hacker's Handbook: Defending Database Servers" by David Litchfield, Chris Anley, John Heasman and Bill Grindlay.  Continue Reading

• How SQL Server hackers cover their tracks

  Learn how a SQL Server attacker can cover their tracks in this excerpt from "The Database Hacker's Handbook: Defending Database Servers" by David Litchfield, Chris Anley, John Heasman and Bill Grindlay.  Continue Reading

• SQL injection

  Learn about SQL Server injection in this excerpt from "The Database Hacker's Handbook: Defending Database Servers" by David Litchfield, Chris Anley, John Heasman and Bill Grindlay.  Continue Reading

• System-level SQL Server attacks

  Learn about system-level SQL Server attacks in this excerpt from "The Database Hacker's Handbook: Defending Database Servers" by David Litchfield, Chris Anley, John Heasman and Bill Grindlay.  Continue Reading

• Time delay SQL injections

  Learn about time delays in this excerpt from "The Database Hacker's Handbook: Defending Database Servers" by David Litchfield, Chris Anley, John Heasman and Bill Grindlay.  Continue Reading

• Seeking a SQL Server stored procedure editor

  If you are searching for a T-SQL stored procedure editor, look no further. Find out which editors other SQL Server users recommend in this ITKnowledge Exchange of the Week.  Continue Reading

• Check subscriber status with Replication Monitor Group

  Find out how to use Replication Monitor Group to glance at the status of subscribers and their agents in this tip, one of 15 tips in 15 minutes.  Continue Reading

• Check number of commands to be replicated

  Pinpoint replication performance problems with the view noted in this tip, one of 15 tips in 15 minutes.  Continue Reading

• Change your polling interval

  Learn how to change your polling interval to make your Log Reader Agent and Distribution Agent read more frequently in this tip, one of 15 tips in 15 minutes.  Continue Reading

• Prevent updates, inserts and deletes from being replicated

  Business requirements may require that inserts, updates and deletes are not replicated. Find out how to prevent replication in this tip, one of 15 tips in 15 minutes.  Continue Reading

• Replicate tables without primary keys

  Get steps to convert your table without a primary key in this tip, one of 15 replication tips in 15 minutes.  Continue Reading

• Managing messages

  Learn how to manage messages from within SQL Server in this excerpt from "SQL Server 2000 for experienced DBAs" by Brian Knight.  Continue Reading

• Performance counters

  Learn about SQL Server performance counters in this excerpt from 'SQL Server 2000 for experienced DBAs' by Brian Knight.  Continue Reading

• Transactional replication

  Excerpted from the McGraw-Hill/Osborne Media book SQL Server 2000 Administration, this tip explains how transactional replication works by sending changes to the subscriber as they happen.  Continue Reading

• Snapshot replication

  Excerpted from the McGraw-Hill/Osborne Media book SQL Server 2000 Administration, this tip explains why snapshot replication is the simplest to set up and understand.  Continue Reading

• Checklist: Backing up SQL Server

  SQL Server backup and recovery procedures must be in place before a database crash occurs -- or precious data and company time will be lost. This comprehensive checklist will help you set up, safeguard and test your backups.  Continue Reading