Tips

Tips

• Generating column and line charts with Report Builder 3.0

  From a creation standpoint, line and column charts are very similar to bar charts in Report Builder. Still, there are certain nuances that can yield the best results for each type.  Continue Reading

• Utilizing shape charts with Report Builder 3.0

  Shape charts such as pies of funnels are perhaps the simplest chart types available in Report Builder, so it's important to know when (and when not) to use them.  Continue Reading

• Database encryption in SQL Server 2008: Improvements you finally need

  Is TDE in SQL Server 2008 really the Holy Grail of database encryption features?  Continue Reading

• SQL sprawl: Why is SQL Server Express installed everywhere?

  Too many installations of SQL Server Express can put your data at risk -- especially if admins aren't aware of where those installations live.  Continue Reading

• Configuring pointers, scales and ranges with Report Builder 3.0

  When working with gauges, three key components can influence the overall effectiveness of your reports. Understanding them can help you get the most out of Report Builder 3.0.  Continue Reading

• Adding gauges to reports with Report Builder 3.0 for SQL Server

  Report Builder 3.0 comes with several new data visualization features, including gauges for creating more effective reports with SQL Server Reporting Services.  Continue Reading

• Putting the final touches on gauges with Report Builder 3.0

  Even when your gauge is complete, there are still a few tweaks to be made in the name of data visualization. Learn how to add the right finishing touches with Report Builder 3.0.  Continue Reading

• Making sense of Parallel Data Warehouse for SQL Server 2008 R2

  SQL Server 2008 R2 will be released in two new editions, one of which has been dubbed Parallel Data Warehouse. But should organizations care?  Continue Reading

• Common oversights with SQL Server security audits

  Just because your SQL Server looks secure from the outside doesn't mean you are in the clear. Learn to dig deeper to find the hidden flaws just waiting to be exploited.  Continue Reading

• Combining result sets from multiple SQL Server queries

  More than one operator can be used to bring multiple queries together for a single result set, but be aware that each one will provide a different result.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server replication: How it works and when to say no

  Each form of SQL Server replication offers its own benefits, but sometimes the best option is to avoid replication altogether.  Continue Reading

• Top 5 SQL Server DBA tasks that are a waste of time

  While some DBA tasks are less important than most, others can be completely pointless. Could you be wasting valuable time without even knowing it?  Continue Reading

• Password cracking tools for SQL Server

  When performing SQL Server penetration tests and security audits, there is one probe you must not miss: password cracking. Check out which tools – some free – to use.  Continue Reading

• Programming report generation with SQL Server Reporting Services 2008

  Learn the fundamentals of programmatic report rendering in SQL Server Reporting Services 2008 with examples of when you might use such functionality.  Continue Reading

• SQL Server high availability: Options and caveats

  DBAs have several techniques to choose from for ensuring SQL Server availability. Deciding on the right one for you is all about evaluating the costs versus the benefits.  Continue Reading