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Problem solve

Get help with specific problems with your technologies, process and projects.

• hashing

  Hashing is the process of transforming any given key or a string of characters into another value. Continue Reading

• 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

• SQL Server vs. MySQL: Learn the differences

  MySQL and Microsoft SQL Server relational databases have their pros and cons. Weigh the differences between SQL Server and MySQL features, costs, functionality and more. Continue Reading

• How to resolve and avoid deadlocks in SQL Server databases

  Deadlocks are a real hindrance to SQL Server users, but database administrators can avoid them by taking steps to limit them and stop them from recurring. Continue Reading

• Using SQL DATEPART, GETDATE, DATENAME functions

  SQL datetime functions DATEPART, GETDATE and DATENAME can retrieve the date and time or other individual parts of a value. Here's how to master these T-SQL tools. Continue Reading

• DATEADD and DATEDIFF SQL functions for datetime values

  DATEADD and DATEDIFF SQL functions allow you to easily perform calculations, like adding a time interval from a datetime value. Here's how to use those functions for that and more.Continue Reading

• Migrating SQL Server to Microsoft Azure SQL Database as a service

  Microsoft Azure SQL Database compatibility problems disappeared in V12, clearing the path for a SQL database migration to the cloud. Here's how to make the move.Continue Reading

• How DH2i container management software can lower licensing fees

  Asante and Eversheds both cut SQL Server licensing costs using the new DH2i container management software, DxEnterprise. DH2i plans to compete with Microsoft.Continue Reading

• Four points to consider for a SQL Server 2014 installation

  Upgrading to a SQL Server 2014 installation isn't always easy, but it has the features to make it worth your time. Here are some tips for avoiding the pitfalls along the way.Continue Reading

• Troubleshoot SQL Server database performance with T-SQL

  Basit Farooq provides eight tips for optimizing T-SQL code to prevent SQL Server database performance bottlenecks and to tune database applications.Continue Reading

• Top four tips for virtualizing your SQL Server instance

  The increasing need for SQL Server instances is raising costs. Basit Farooq shows you how to control the costs through effective virtualization.Continue Reading

• The top three SQL Server third-party tools

  Basit Farooq presents his top three SQL Server third-party tools for identifying and resolving SQL Server bottlenecks.Continue Reading

• Create a user-defined server role in SQL Server 2012 with T-SQL, SSMS

  Ashish Mehta shows two ways – with T-SQL and with SSMS -- to make a user-defined server role in SQL Server 2012.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

• What to consider when deploying In-memory OLTP in SQL Server 2014

  In this expert answer, Michael Steineke from Edgenet talks about what to consider when deploying In-memory OLTP in SQL Server 2014.Continue Reading

• Using Power BI to enhance SQL Server self-service business intelligence

  SQL Server DBAs and developers should be familiar with Power BI for Office 365. Here's an overview of what it does and how to use it.Continue Reading

• Managing data with Enterprise Integration Management and SQL Server

  Microsoft tools for SQL Server can help build a comprehensive enterprise integration management platform.Continue Reading

• Five Windows Azure alternatives for SQL Server

  Just because you're an SQL Server shop doesn't mean you can't explore the cloud. Check out these five Azure alternatives to see what's out there.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

• SQL Server encryption features in SQL Server 2014

  Learn about SQL Server encryption features and enhancements in SQL 14, including Transparent Data Encryption and encrypting backups.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

• Five SQL Server 2012 business intelligence features

  The BI Semantic Model and Data Quality Services: These are two of the five SQL Server 2012 BI features that highlight this database release.Continue Reading

• Digging through SQL Server OLAP storage models

  Learn how to distinguish among the three SQL Server OLAP storage models and decide which one is best in different use cases.Continue Reading

• Eight key SQL Server 2014 features

  In-memory OLTP and columnar storage are just two of the eight key SQL Server 2014 features, according to this tip.Continue Reading

• SQL PIVOT helps merge results into a single row

  SQL Server expert Denny Cherry shows how code can be used to the same effect as a SQL PIVOT statement.Continue Reading

• Five steps for a successful backup of a stored procedure in SQL Server

  Follow these steps to use Management Studio for SQL 2005 for a successful SQL Server stored procedure backup.Continue Reading

• SQL Server backup best practices

  Backup compression and using differential backups are just two of the important SQL Server backup best practices described in this tip.Continue Reading

• Nine T-SQL best practices

  Choosing the right data type and avoiding dynamic SQL are two of the nine T-SQL best practices that author Basit Farooq explains here.Continue Reading

• SQL Server views: Creating indexes and adding base data

  SQL Server views allow you to give information to users without compromising security. Find out how to create indexes on them and add base data.Continue Reading

• SQL Server views: What they are and how to create them

  SQL Server views can help DBAs provide information to users while still controlling data access. Find out how.Continue Reading

• SQL CONSTRAINT clauses: FOREIGN KEY, CHECK and DEFAULT

  In SQL Server, SQL CONSTRAINT clauses let you control values entered into a column. Learn about FOREIGN KEY, CHECK and DEFAULT constraints here.Continue Reading

• SQL CONSTRAINT clauses: PRIMARY KEY and UNIQUE

  In SQL Server, SQL CONSTRAINT clauses let you control the kinds of values that get entered into a column. Learn about two of them here.Continue Reading

• Set database constraints using SQL Server Management Studio Table Designer

  In addition to creating tables and adding columns, SQL Server Management Studio Table Designer can also set constraints.Continue Reading

• How to work around Azure database migration limitations

  Performing a successful Azure database migration is no easy task. There are plenty of limitations and missing features, and this is how you make do.Continue Reading

• Using SQL Server Management Studio Table Designer to create a table

  Creating a table correctly in SQL Server can be pretty tricky, but using SQL Server Management Studio Table Designer makes it easier.Continue Reading

• Manage your SQL Server databases with SQL DMVs

  SQL DMVs (dynamic management views) can help simplify administration of SQL Server databases. Find out how with detailed examples.Continue Reading

• Six SQL Server management tools you can't live without

  Expert Ashish Kumar Mehta lists six important SQL Server management tools, including BIDS, SSMS and SSDT.Continue Reading

• SQL 2014 features: Partitioned indexes and memory-optimized tables

  In this second of a two-part series on SQL 2014 features, Bob Sheldon dives into partitioned indexes and memory-optimized tables.Continue Reading

• SQL 2014 features: Extended buffer pool and columnar indexes

  Two major SQL Server 2014 features are its ability to extend the buffer pool and its implementing of clustered columnar indexes for improved querying.Continue Reading

• Configuring and implementing a SQL Server contained database

  Learn how to implement and configure contained databases in SQL Server 2012.Continue Reading

• SQL Server upgrade paths: What to do before, during, after upgrading

  Planning your SQL Server upgrade is probably the most important step if you want to avoid problems.Continue Reading

• How to start and set up SQL Server Audit

  Get an overview of the SQL Server Audit process, and check out the details for defining a target, setting up specifications and reading logged events.Continue Reading

• The lowdown on SQL Server auditing tools

  Learn about the various components of SQL Server auditing tools such as server and database audit specifications as well as action groups.Continue Reading

• Microsoft SQL Server security best practices checklist

  Authentication, complex passwords and limiting permissions are three of the top bullet points on this SQL Server security best practices checklist.Continue Reading

• SQL Server virtualization: When it's just not a good idea

  Virtualizing SQL Server is a good idea for many IT shops, but it's not for everyone. Robert Sheldon explains when it might not be a good choice.Continue Reading

• Database index design and optimization: Some guidelines

  What are the latest tips and tricks for database design and optimization? Check out this tip from Basit Farooq to learn more.Continue Reading

• xVelocity Columnstore Indexes in SQL Server 2012

  Curious about how xVelocity can help with your columnstore indexes? Check out this tip from Basit Farooq to find out.Continue Reading

• Six top SQL Server 2012 management tools you should know about

  Read this tip from Basit Farooq to learn which time-saving and job-improving SQL Server 2012 management tools you need to know about.Continue Reading

• Splitting SQL Server backups to multiple files

  Splitting database backups helps save space and run your SQL Server backups more efficiently. Get tips for executing this from Ashish Kumar Mehta.Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of virtualizing SQL Server environments

  What are the pros and cons of virtualizing SQL Server environments? Basit Farooq takes you through the potential good, bad and the ugly.Continue Reading

• SQL Server editions: Is Microsoft SQL Server Express right for you?

  Which SQL Server edition is right for your IT shop? In this article by Bob Sheldon, find out if SQL Server Express is an option.Continue Reading

• Preparing for your SQL Server scale-out

  It's never too early to prepare for a SQL Server scale-out. Read this tip from Roman Rehak to learn three popular ways to scale out SQL Server.Continue Reading

• Essential SQL Server security tools

  Read this tip where writer Ashish Kumar Mehta shares his all-time favorite native and third-party SQL Server security tools.Continue Reading

• SQL Server 2012 security: Changes for the newest version

  SQL Server 2012 is here, and many DBAs wonder what kinds of changes to expect in SQL Server security. Basit Farooq explains what we can anticipate.Continue Reading

• Why SQL Server security matters: A case study

  With a DBA's multiple responsibilities, it's easy to neglect SQL Server security. This case study by Basit Farooq explains why this is so dangerous.Continue Reading

• Eight ways that SQL Server developers hurt performance

  Application developers who access SQL Server can affect server performance without knowing it. Here are eight things SQL Server developers often do wrong.Continue Reading

• SQL Server stored procedures vs. CLR stored procedures: Time to migrate?

  Should you use SQL Server stored procedures or CLR stored procedures? Expert Serdar Yegulalp helps you decide which is more appropriate for you.Continue Reading

• Managing linked server security in SQL Server

  What do you need to know to effectively manage your linked server? Find out in this tip from SQL Server expert Roman Rehak.Continue Reading

• T-SQL analytic functions in SQL Server can help solve problems quickly

  With the help of T-SQL analytic functions, we can quickly solve complex analytical tasks. Learn more from SQL Server expert Basit Farooq.Continue Reading

• Best practices for preventing a SQL injection attack

  One of the sneakiest ways for a hacker to invade your system is via a SQL injection attack. Expert Robert Sheldon explains how to keep hackers out.Continue Reading

• Further SSIS tips: Parameters and undoing operations

  Learn more new tips and tricks for SSIS from expert Robert Sheldon. Check out the last of a three-part series on changes to this important tool.Continue Reading

• Great new SSIS features for BI developers

  SQL Server 2012 has many features, but a few make SSIS much easier for BI developers. Check out this tip by expert Robert Sheldon to learn more.Continue Reading

• Different ways to audit SQL Server security

  Strong SQL Server security has become a more important part of a robust defense. But what are your options for security auditing?Continue Reading

• T-SQL tricks for SQL Server 2012: T-SQL statements

  In the final part of Robert Sheldon's series on features and tricks in T-SQL, learn about important T-SQL statements like LAG, LEAD and more.Continue Reading

• Microsoft SQL Server tools: Native is nice

  What are the SQL Server tools provided by Microsoft? Expert Denny Cherry explains what the native tools are and why they’re useful.Continue Reading

• SQL Server Power View makes BI reporting look simple

  SQL Server 2012’s business intelligence tool puts report building in users’ hands. Read this tip from expert Robert Sheldon to how to get started.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

• ODBC drivers replacing OLE DB? Say what?

  After years of telling SQL Server users to avoid ODBC in favor of OLE DB, Microsoft has suddenly reversed its position and advised going back to ODBC. Why? And what should you do about it?Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of SQL Server 2012

  Performance and support top the lists of pros for going to SQL Server 2012. But application compatibility and “the unknown” might keep you away for now.Continue Reading

• No-risk SQL Server upgrade for SSRS no problem

  Worried about mishaps during your next SQL Server upgrade? What if you could perform an upgrade that is virtually risk free? It is possible, database architect Roman Rehak writes.Continue Reading

• Oracle vs. SQL Server face-off: Microsoft SQL cheaper, simpler than Oracle DB

  SQL Server expert Denny Cherry argues that SQL Server is better than Oracle Database because it is cheaper, simpler and has a better supportive community.Continue Reading

• Speed up execution times in Microsoft SQL Azure

  Compare the time cost of database calls to SQL Azure versus calls to a local server and get recommendations for improving the speed of database calls to SQL Azure.Continue Reading

• Microsoft SQL Server 2012 pricing, licensing packed with changes

  SQL Server 2012 pricing includes some significant adjustments, including a reduction in the number of editions and the change from processor- to core-based licensing.Continue Reading

• SQL Server database capacity planning: A head-on approach

  IT administrators often don’t give a lot of thought to SQL Server database capacity planning -- until the database fills up. But managing database capacity now can help cure headaches later.Continue Reading

• When up isn’t enough: Techniques for scaling SQL Server out

  Scaling SQL Server out is not easy; that’s why most businesses choose to scale up their databases instead. But some applications give you no choice: You’ve got to look at options for scaling out.Continue Reading

• Microsoft SSIS basics: Tying it all together

  SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS) is designed to make data integration between disparate systems easy. SQL Server expert Don Jones covers the Microsoft SSIS basics.Continue Reading

• New to SQL Server PDW? First, tinker with client tools

  Stepping into the SQL Server PDW environment means learning a whole new set of client tools. Learn about each as you take on Microsoft’s Parallel Data Warehouse.Continue Reading

• With SQL Server data warehouse tables, think big

  Along with the popularity of SQL Server data warehouses come huge data warehouse tables. To handle them, database administrators may need to tweak the traditional approach.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

• Top five features in SQL Server Developer Tools

  SQL Server Developer Tools, also known as Project Juneau, made its debut in this summer’s Denali preview. Read up on five SSDT features.Continue Reading

• Parallel Data Warehouse has speed, space, special requirements

  Microsoft Parallel Data Warehouse is not like other software. The appliance for SQL Server 2008 R2 allows for mammoth workloads; it also has some specific data loading procedures.Continue Reading

• Five mistakes companies make in SQL Server upgrades

  Think your SQL Server upgrade will be a cinch? Well, it can, but thing can -- and do -- go wrong. Learn what not to do when moving from one SQL Server version to another.Continue Reading

• SSRS best practices for a trouble-free deployment

  Running SQL Server Reporting Services requires skills ranging from administration to analytical. Get advice on how to keep deployments in top shape.Continue Reading

• Getting the most out of SQL Server information schema views

  SQL Server information schema views let you access metadata about database objects such tables and columns. Learn how you can access the views to retrieve relevant information.Continue Reading

• How to execute scheduled tasks in SQL Azure: Use SSIS packages

  Without SQL Agent in SQL Azure, it can be challenging to execute schedules tasks. But it’s not impossible. Learn how using SSIS packages to simulate SQL Agent functionality can help.Continue Reading

• Sizing up SQL Azure limitations: There are workarounds

  Considering Microsoft’s cloud database? There several SQL Azure limitations, especially on database size and how many databases you can have, but there are ways of handling them.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

• Bedeviled by SQL Server lock escalation? Trace flags can help

  SQL Server lock escalation can save on memory when working with a table strewn with locks, but it also can lead to blocking. Use SQL Server trace flags to disable lock escalation.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

• Top 5 buying criteria for packaged SQL Server BI systems

  Small and medium-sized businesses have a lot to choose from when looking for a BI system, so shopping around for the right one is a must. Find out what SMBs need to keep in mind when searching for a SQL Server BI system.Continue Reading

• Virtualizing SQL Server: Myth or reality?

  With benefits such as cost savings and high-availability options, SQL Server virtualization is taking the IT world by storm. Here are a few things to keep in mind.Continue Reading

• On the server level with SQL Server dynamic management views

  The pantheon of dynamic management views (DMVs) extends beyond the database-related views covered in the first of two articles focusing on this SQL Server feature. Learn about DMVs that operate at the server level and provide information about a SQL...Continue Reading

• Are SQL Server BI systems compatible with virtualization?

  As SQL Server BI catches on among small businesses, questions about whether SQL Server virtualization is compatible are bound to follow. Get an expert take on what you need to know for virtualized BI to work.Continue Reading

• Finding your way around SQL Server data preservation

  Need to know what a table looked like before changes were changes were made? There are several tools for SQL Server data preservation -- SQL Server change tracking and SQL Server database mirroring among them -- each with its own uses and ...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

• SQL Server business intelligence performance baked in for most SMBs

  Get expert advice on the challenges that small and medium-sized businesses with SQL Server business intelligence systems can face in trying to improve their BI performance.Continue Reading

• Firing up AlwaysOn for high availability in SQL Server Denali

  Microsoft was aiming for high availability in SQL Server Denali, and SQL Server AlwaysOn is the company’s latest design. Get an expert take on the steps necessary to configure AlwaysOn, available in the first community technology preview of the ...Continue Reading

• Putting SQL Server catalog views to work

  SQL Server catalog views are system views that provide an interface to a wide range of catalog metadata, including information about security objects, full-text search, database mirroring, partitions and more. Read on for an in-depth look at several...Continue Reading

• Three tips on choosing hardware for your SQL Server BI system

  So, you want to optimize SQL Server BI performance. If it’s partly prebuilt, you’re somewhat limited in providing input, but keeping these three things in mind when choosing your hardware will keep things running smoothly.Continue Reading