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Microsoft SQL Server Performance Monitoring and Tuning

• Pros and cons of using SQL Server audit triggers for DBAs

  Using triggers to capture audit information in SQL Server can be instrumental in keeping track of database use and changes. But they aren't a perfect fit for all cases. Continue Reading

• A quick tutorial on SQL Server maintenance plans

  SQL Server maintenance plans get a bad rap, but for DBAs who need a simple way to maintain databases, Microsoft's built-in tools are a good place to start. Continue Reading

• Four free SQL Server tools every DBA can use

  Various performance issues can arise in the day-to-day grind of managing databases. We've rounded up four free SQL Server tools that can help make DBAs lives a little bit easier. Continue Reading

• SQL Server SSD technology becoming a solid storage choice

  With recent improvements in solid-state drive technology, it's time to consider SSD devices for SQL Server storage uses. SSDs can address I/O performance problems, but wear is a worry. Continue Reading

• Comparing memory-optimized tables and disk-based tables

  In all tests performed by expert Basit Farooq, memory-optimized tables outperformed disk-based tables by running faster and generating less disk I/O. Continue Reading

• The dark side of Microsoft SQL Server Express

  Don Jones explains why Microsoft SQL Server Express can be more dangerous than you'd think and why it might be worth it to invest in the paid edition.Continue Reading

• Third-party tool for SQL Server outshines IntelliSense in SSMS

  IntelliSense in SSMS is Microsoft’s answer to developer pleas. But there is competition from a third-party tool for SQL Server -- SQL Prompt.Continue Reading

• Three third-party tools for SQL Server you need to have

  SQL Server is packaged with an array of management tools, but it’s not complete. Several third-party tools for SQL Server can help with monitoring, backup and capacity management.Continue Reading

• A guide to basic new features in SQL Server Management Studio 2008, part 1

  SQL Server Management Studio 2008 comes packed with the new features that have been on your wish list, including syntax help, word completion and a list of stored procedure parameters.Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2008 backup compression pros and cons

  Backup compression is a shiny new feature in SQL Server 2008, but what are the drawbacks? Here, SQL Server expert Roman Rehak examines some tradeoffs, such as increased CPU processing time.Continue Reading

• Five sqlcmd features to automate SQL Server database tasks

  Make your life easier with the sqlcmd tool in SQL Server 2005 that automates administration and maintenance via scripting. In this tip, you'll get five useful features and examples to execute sqlcmd commands, such as for utilizing and populating ...Continue Reading

• Detect performance bottlenecks with these tools

  Detect performance bottlenecks in SQL Server with these four tools: Task Manager, System Monitor, SQL Profiler and Dynamic Management Views (DMVs).Continue Reading

• Performance analysis tools for SQL Server

  Just being equipped with SQL Server tools is not enough. Database administrators and developers need to know how to use and ultimately optimize SQL Server tools like Query Analyzer, Index Tuning Wizard and SQL Profiler. Serdar Yegulalp explains how ...Continue Reading

• SQL Server cursors pros and cons

  SQL Server cursors can be useful despite their reputation as poor performers, resource hogs and an overused tool by junior developers. This tip explains how cursors work and their pros and cons.Continue Reading

• SQL Profiler: Features, functions and setup in SQL Server 2005

  SQL Profiler is often considered the best native SQL Server resource because, for one thing, it understands micro-level processing on any SQL Server. Edgewood Solutions' Jeremy Kadlec introduces you to SQL Server 2005 Profiler and explains how to ...Continue Reading