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Microsoft SQL Server Performance Monitoring and Tuning

• Using a LEFT OUTER JOIN vs. RIGHT OUTER JOIN in SQL

  In this book excerpt, you'll learn LEFT OUTER JOIN vs. RIGHT OUTER JOIN techniques and find various examples for creating SQL queries that incorporate OUTER JOINs. Continue Reading

• Key features to create a SQL Server audit trail in databases

  SQL Server offers a set of built-in auditing tools that can help make the process of tracking logins and other database activities easier for database administrators. Continue Reading

• SQL Server performance tuning best practices for DBAs

  Tuning database performance is a complex process, but consultant Joey D'Antoni details a list of SQL Server performance tuning best practices that can make it easier. Continue Reading

• PASS Summit 2018 spotlights new demands on SQL Server DBAs

  This year's PASS Summit comes as SQL Server 2019 looms and the cloud becomes a bigger factor. PASS board member Tim Ford talks about key trends ahead of it. Continue Reading

• Five SQL Server maintenance steps you should take -- ASAP

  Putting off SQL Server administration tasks can lead to problems. Do these often-neglected database maintenance items to help keep your systems running smoothly. Continue Reading

• Microsoft technology refresh touches SQL Server, integration tooling

  Microsoft is at work on a delicate technology refresh affecting database tuning and architecture, as well as data integration and business intelligence.Continue Reading

• Configure SQL Server at database level with new scoping syntax

  SQL Server 2016 adds ALTER DATABASE SCOPED CONFIGURATION to its new T-SQL statements. The statement lets DBAs control database configuration at the level of a single database.Continue Reading

• SQL Server best practices for handling the post-installation blues

  The job isn't over after a successful SQL Server installation. These SQL Server best practices will help you optimize your new SQL Server installation from the start.Continue Reading

• SQL Server tempdb configuration simplified in 2016 release

  With SQL Server 2016, tempdb will get enhancements to help speed up applications. Find out about the changes and learn how to properly configure tempdb in SQL Server 2016.Continue Reading

• How to set up the SQL Server buffer pool extension feature

  SQL Server 2014 includes the buffer pool extension feature, which can speed up query performance. Ashish Mehta explains the benefits of the feature and how to enable and disable it.Continue Reading

• Built-in tools for monitoring and optimizing OLAP cubes

  Optimizing online analytical processing performance is critical. Fortunately, tools are available to help monitor and improve how OLAP cubes perform.Continue Reading

• Built-in tools troubleshoot SQL Server memory usage

  Having enough memory is critical to SQL Server's performance. To ensure optimum SQL Server performance, you need to monitor SQL Server memory usage regularly. This article describes built-in tools that can make the job easier.Continue Reading

• Mavis Tire goes SANless with SIOS DataKeeper

  With DBAs rewarded for server performance and SAN specialists rewarded for server capacity, there can be a tug of war. Mavis Tire goes SANless with SIOS DataKeeper. SIOS Technology releases a survey about high availability and SAN.Continue Reading

• When it comes to database security, beware lazy developers

  Don Jones discusses how database developers are taking the easy road for database security and going with the lowest common denominator instead of taking into account the unique security of each database platform.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

• Five tips to avoid a performance bottleneck or other SQL Server snares

  Basit Farooq provides five tips for SQL Server users, from avoiding a hardware performance bottleneck to dealing with database design.Continue Reading

• Dive deep into SQL Server 2014 in-memory OLTP

  Probably the biggest feature of the upcoming release, SQL Server 2014 in-memory OLTP has benefits that DBAs should know about. Learn how to set it up.Continue Reading

• Does SQL Server database size affect performance?

  Of course SQL Server database size matters, but there are steps DBAs and IT managers can take to mitigate growing data and maintain good performance.Continue Reading

• Defining half a dozen daily SQL Server DBA responsibilities

  Being a SQL Server DBA means you have a lot on your plate. Find out six of the most important DBA responsibilities you should be doing every day.Continue Reading

• The SQL Server 2012 Fast Track Data Warehouse reference architecture

  Microsoft has released guidelines for a hardware-software configuration that maximizes SQL Server 2012 performance. Learn about what it entails.Continue Reading

• Top SQL Server stories of 2013

  Practical tips about SQL Server 2012 dominate the list of top SQL Server stories on SearchSQLServer this year.Continue Reading

• Pssdiag and Sqldiag Manager – the lifeblood of SQL troubleshooting

  What’s the most important part of SQL troubleshooting? Pssdiag and Sqldiag manager, says SQL Server professional Serdar Yegulalp. Find out what makes Pssdiag and Sqldiag so important.Continue Reading

• Three tips for a better SQL Azure migration

  A successful SQL Azure migration means picking the right migration tool and loading data into SQL Azure properly.Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2012 release approaches -- what you need to know

  Microsoft will soon come out with the long-awaited SQL Server 2012 release, but will your system be ready to take full advantage of the new version, also known as Microsoft Denali? Find out.Continue Reading

• Three monthly checks for managing database capacity

  Managing database capacity is something DBAs can’t take lightly. Find out what to look at to keep capacity at the proper levels.Continue Reading

• The most dangerous game: Hunting down bad SQL query performance

  SQL Server is faster when the queries behind your applications are faster. Learn how to spot bad SQL query performance, and then work with developers so you can improve throughput.Continue Reading

• Purchasing hardware for SQL Server: What not to do

  SQL Server performance depends on hardware, and what you buy can have a huge impact. Yet people make mistakes when purchasing hardware for SQL Server. Here are some of the worst.Continue Reading

• Solid-state storage devices for SQL Server: Are they worth the cost?

  Solid-state storage devices for SQL Server have been growing in popularity in recent years. But do their super-fast read speeds justify their super-high prices?Continue Reading

• Stylish SQL Server hardware every well-dressed computer is wearing

  You want your SQL Server computer in top shape, so dress it in the newest duds. Learn about the latest trends in SQL Server hardware and make your server the talk of the town.Continue Reading

• System Center Advisor promises configuration alerts for DBAs

  Microsoft System Center Advisor, formerly Project Atlanta, is a database-configuration system designed to help database administrators root out problems before they begin.Continue Reading

• Four tips on boosting SQL Server scalability

  SQL Server scalability is high on the list of system properties, and scaling up is easier than scaling out. Follow these four tips and you’ll be on your way to optimum performance.Continue Reading

• Gain insight with SQL Server dynamic management views

  Dynamic management views, a feature in SQL Server 2005 and newer, let users say goodbye to complex queries for retrieving database information. In the first of this two-part series, have a look at a sampling of SQL Server DMVs and the database info ...Continue Reading

• Three SQL Server hardware upgrades to enliven performance

  You’re contemplating SQL Server hardware upgrades and want a shortlist of easy steps to boost performance. You’re in luck. Read on for tips to make it move like never before.Continue Reading

• Reading a SQL Server query execution plan

  Query Optimizer is responsible for carrying out one of SQL Server’s biggest day-to-day duties: analyzing queries and executing them. It does this by producing a query execution plan, which can be interpreted to fine-tune execution times and spot ...Continue Reading

• Quick tips for monitoring SQL Server performance issues

  When it comes to performance, the most basic techniques can make all the difference. Learn which PerfMon counters to be on the lookout for when tuning your SQL Server environment.Continue Reading

• Getting set up for multi-server management with SQL Server 2008 R2

  One of SQL Server 2008 R2's most talked-about new features allows DBAs to monitor the performance of multiple instances with a single glance.Continue Reading

• Log shipping: Four tips to maintain RTO and RPO with SQL Server

  It's not uncommon for DBAs to be lulled into a false sense of security by log shipping, without realizing the negative effects it could have on disaster recovery.Continue Reading

• SQL Server Mailbag: Data restoration and DB property management

  In this edition of the SQL Server Mailbag, expert Denny Cherry tackles reader questions on recovering data after a disc crash, restoring databases with limited space and more.Continue Reading

• Working with IntelliSense in SQL Server 2008 Management Studio

  IntelliSense in SQL Server 2008 Management Studio provides easy access to language elements when writing T-SQL queries. Knowing the basics can simplify coding in a big way.Continue Reading

• Using dynamic management views to improve SQL Server index effectiveness

  Dynamic management views can improve the effectiveness of SQL Server's existing indexes. This guide outlines how to use DMVs to monitor fragmented indexes and retrieve currently executing SQL statements.Continue Reading

• Using dynamic management views to monitor and tune performance of SQL Server

  Dynamic management views help monitor SQL Server health and tune performance. Learn how to use DMVs to retrieve critical data on the internal workings of SQL Server.Continue Reading

• A guide to advanced new features in SQL Server Management Studio 2008, part 2

  SQL Server Management Studio 2008 has several new features, including the T-SQL Debugger for easier debugging and a new Object Explorer Details window that's easier to use.Continue Reading

• Top 10 SQL Server Tips of 2008

  Here are the top 10 SQL Server tips of 2008. From stored procedures that determine table and log file size to the basics of DATETIME and SMALLDATETIME in SQL Server 2005 and date/time value data conversions, these are the most viewed ...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

• Tutorial: SQL Server indexing tips to improve performance

  Significantly improve your SQL Server performance with this tutorial on proper indexing choices, configuration and design.Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2008 function types in T-SQL

  Functions in Transact-SQL can be either aggregate functions or scalar functions. This excerpt from "Microsoft SQL Server 2008: A Beginner's Guide" describes both and details the many numeric functions that can be accessed in SQL Server 2008.Continue Reading

• Additional T-SQL operations in SQL Server 2008

  Learn how scalar operators, global variables and NULL values can be used in Transact-SQL, with examples to gauge your understanding of SQL Server 2008 objects and operators, in this book excerpt from "Microsoft SQL Server 2008: A Beginner's Guide."Continue Reading

• Basic objects of T-SQL in SQL Server 2008

  Discover the basic objects that drive T-SQL in SQL Server 2008 in this excerpt from "Microsoft SQL Server 2008: A Beginner's Guide." Author Dusan Petkovic discusses how literal values, delimiters, comments, identifiers and reserved keywords are ...Continue Reading

• Tips for tuning SQL Server 2005 to improve reporting performance

  There are a few things you can do to tune SQL Server for improved reporting performance. Here are some generic and Reporting Services-specific techniques.Continue Reading

• Monitor database mirroring and replication after a SQL Server upgrade

  Part five in this series describing the case history of a database upgrade to a Windows Server 2003/SQL Server 2005 Active/Active cluster examines how to monitor database mirroring and replication to be sure all data is flowing following setup.Continue Reading

• Translating information requests into SQL SELECT statements

  Learn how to translate information requests into suitable SQL SELECT statements in this excerpt from "SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL, Second Edition." You'll learn techniques to create more complicated ...Continue Reading

• How to use the SELECT statement in SQL

  Learn the basics of the SQL SELECT statement in this excerpt from "SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL, Second Edition." You'll learn how to use SELECT to access almost anything contained in a SQL database, ...Continue Reading

• SQL Server PerfMon counters for access methods and buffer manager

  SQL Server MVP Kevin Kline focuses on PerfMon counters for SQL Server and shares best practices for tracking IO intensive access methods and buffer manager activity.Continue Reading

• SQL Server tempdb best practices increase performance

  Take your SQL Server tempdb's performance to new heights by making a few adjustments to the standard database settings. SQL Server expert Denny Cherry shares some best practices for tempdb, including physical file settings, storage array ...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

• Creating SQL Server tables and columns: Quick tips to know

  Performance of a SQL Server table can depend on how you've defined data types, indexes, partitions and other components. Use this best practices guide when creating tables and columns for large databases.Continue Reading

• Best practices for SQL Server backup maintenance

  Improve SQL Server performance by removing backup history from the msdb database and reducing its size. Database architect Denny Cherry shares some backup commands for optimal SQL Server maintenance.Continue Reading

• How to tune SQL Server query performance after upgrade

  Still have slow queries after upgrading to SQL Server 2005? Learn how to performance tune your queries by rebuilding indexes and updating statistics.Continue Reading

• Problems connecting to SQL Server via Enterprise Manager

  Connection problems when trying to register a SQL Server instance through Enterprise Manager could trace back to client tools. Learn more about how to connect to Enterprise Manager.Continue Reading

• Managing identity columns with replication in SQL Server

  Managing identity columns with replicated tables in your SQL Server 2005 database requires some TLC. In these scenarios, see how to replicate tables with identity columns and also get options to manage identity seeds for replicated tables. You'll ...Continue Reading

• Improve query performance with SQL Server 2005 execution plans

  SQL Server 2005 allows you to feed a full execution plan to your query. Outsmart query optimizer with a faster query plan. One new tool – the plan guide – allows you to inject query hints without changing the original stored procedure ...Continue Reading

• Top 5 SQL Server query tips

  SQL Server queries should guide you toward successful, trouble-free data retrieval. Our SQL Server experts have written tips on troubleshooting queries, to tips on how to run queries in Analysis Services.Continue Reading

• Top 10 SQL Server tips of 2006

  We've compiled a list of the Top 10 SQL Server tips of 2006 according to your visits. On the forefront undoubtedly was keeping your SQL Server system secure. But also piquing your interest throughout the year were the areas of stored procedures, ...Continue Reading

• SQL Server change management tools

  Database change management can be an agonizing task for SQL Server developers. Eric Brown, a SQL Server developer and expert, walks you through three useful tools. Learn why using database backup, Database Snapshot and Database Import and Export ...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

• Optimizing Report Performance

  To optimize your report performance, you'll need to know the right tools, and how to do things like create a performance log and tune your reporting solution. This book chapter highlights the importance of optimizing the peformance of your reporting...Continue Reading

• Using Performance console

  Performance console monitors specific performance counters enabling you to estimate system requirements, create a performance baseline, monitor application performance, and measure whether hardware upgrades and other changes to your system have the...Continue Reading

• Creating a performance log

  Performance console and Event Viewer can be used to create logs and alerts about report processing and resource consumption. This book excerpt shows you the steps to create a performance log.Continue Reading

• Monitoring report server performance

  Performance monitoring tools can follow server performance and gather data to help you determine whether the current system configuration is adequate. Microsoft Windows Server operating systems provides the folliwng performance tools: Task Manager, ...Continue Reading

• Configuring Reporting Services components

  Reporting Services components affect overall system performance. Get the basic knowledge of how to use these components in a large report, how to set their properties, and what to turn off so you'll optimize system performance.Continue Reading

• Strategy for performance tuning

  Reporting solutions have many aspects influencing the performance of the entire solution. Having a finely-tuned reporting solution is the key to great performance in terms of the speed of information retrieval. Use these strategies to tune your ...Continue Reading

• Reporting Services: Options and components to consider

  Reporting Services components affect overall system performance. Get the basic knowledge of how to use these components, how to set their properties, and what to turn off so you'll optimize system performance.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: 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

• Joins

  Learn about different join types and their tuning attributes 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

• Application caching

  Caching may provide you with an effective way to perfomance tune your database. Read about caching 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

• The HAVING and WHERE clauses

  A common programming error is to confuse the purpose of WHERE and HAVING clause filters. Don't make that mistake. Read about the differences 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

• Building fast-performing database models

  This chapter from the book Beginning Database Design describes various factors affecting database performance tuning, as applied to different database model types.Continue Reading

• The needs of different database models

  Understand the performance survival needs of different database model types -- OLTP, client server and data warehouse -- in this book excerpt.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

• 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

• Quick steps: 12 indexing tips in 12 minutes

  This collection of "quick steps" -- or mini step-by-step tutorials -- will help get your SQL Server 2000 indexing efforts up and running in a jiffy, whether you want to create, view, query or rebuild indexes.Continue Reading

• Top 10 SQL Server tips of 2005

  In spite of SQL Server 2005's big launch, tips on how to backup, secure and tune SQL Server 2000 were ranked 'most popular' for 2005. View our top 10 SQL Server tips of the year.Continue Reading

• System monitor alerts

  Learn what system monitor alerts can do from within SQL Server in this excerpt from "SQL Server 2000 for experienced DBAs" by Brian Knight.Continue Reading

• 15 SQL Server replication tips in 15 minutes

  This list of tips and tricks will help you enhance your replication techniques. It is broken up into three groups: performance, monitoring and miscellaneous.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

• Trace flags

  Learn what trace flags can do from within SQL Server in this excerpt from "SQL Server 2000 for experienced DBAs" by Brian Knight.Continue Reading

• System monitor logging

  Learn what system monitor logging can do from within SQL Server in this excerpt from "SQL Server 2000 for experienced DBAs" by Brian Knight.Continue Reading