Not everyone who is tasked with the job of ensuring that databases are backed up, and easily restorable, consider themselves to be database administrators. If you are one of these 'Accidental DBAs' then Grant Fritchey has some good straightforward advice for you to ensure that things go well when a database has to be restored from backups
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If you are part of a team that is required to ensure that an application stays running at all hours, then you're likely to experience that 3AM-callout feeling. Grant knows all too well what is required, and gives hard-won advice on the best way of keeping on top of the task of keeping the IT services running, no matter what time of day the problems occur.… Read more
Ever restored a corrupted database from the backup, only to find that the backups are corrupted too - All the backups? Sure it can happen and it isn't nice when it does. To check that a database backup is internally consistent you have to use DBCC CheckDB. On a huge highly-loaded live system? Grant Fritchey has, as usual, a practical solution.… Read more
When database documentation is mentioned in an IT Department, everybody nods wisely, yet everyone does their best to avoid doing it. Attention to the database documentation can be the best invertment in time a development group can make. It is essential, and no system can be properly maintained without it. Feodor gives a sensible explanation and guideline for the unloved task of creating database documentation.… Read more
If you keep your data according to its version number, but need to work only with a particular version, what is the best SQL for the job? Which one works best? Which one do you use and when?
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Although switching between different RDBMSs can be the cause of some culture shock for the Database Administrator, it can have its advantages. In fact, it can help you to broaden your perspective of relational databases, refine your problem-solving skills and give you a better appreciation of the relative strengths of different relational databases.… Read more
Both Performance Monitor and SQL Server Profiler provide valuable information about your server. However, if you combine the data from the two sources, then this correlated information can help find some of the subtler bugs. Brad explains how.… Read more
There can be a great difference in the performance of a particular routine in a test database, and in a fully loaded production system. When you hit performance problems in a database under load, and there is excessive locking and blocking, how can you determine exactly where the problems lie, in order to fix them? Read on...… Read more
Whilst it may be more exciting as a DBA to rush around fixing broken databases, it is far better to forestall problems by making sure that your servers conform with best-practices. It is even better if you can also manage your servers centrally, and monitor that they are all adhering to company policies.… Read more
Index fragmentation can cause problems with query performance. Indexes therefore need to be occasionally rebuilt. the Rebuild Index task of the SSMS Database Maintenance Wizard drops and rebuilds every index in a database. It is effective but an off-line activity that is resource-intensive, so it not always the best way of avoiding index fragmentation in a production database. Brad explains...… Read more
In the first of a series of in-depth software reviews, Brad investigates a newcomer, SQL Virtual Restore. What does it aim to do? How does it achieve it? Why is it safe to use? What are the benefits? Brad aims to answer a range of questions fairly and squarely.… Read more
One irritating thing for the occasional SQL Server Developer is that the experts assume that you are familiar with the use of number tables when they write about techniques. We therefore asked Greg Larsen to spell it out in a way that would help the beginner and intrigue those already familar with the technique. … Read more
If you ever feel uneasy when you set about handcrafting database maintenance jobs for SQL Server, it may be the voice of your conscience saying 'Ola, Ola!'. Follow your conscience. Ola Hallengren has already crafted a superb set of routines to do this for you. Why reinvent something that does it all, safely and well. Brad McGehee explains....… Read more
When you have to routinely collect data from Performance Monitor Counters, it soon becomes easier and more convenient to use PowerShell. SQL Server MVP Laerte Junior was inspired to create a script, and guides us through its useful functions.… Read more
To learn PowerShell, Laerte suggests that you just start using it. To encourage you to start, he provides a series of tips on using PowerShell with SQL Server to solve various everyday problems. With a little patience, a good IDE, and a bit of help and advice, "the lion is dead".… Read more
You know how to set up a SQL Server instance, but it is great to have a list of all the necessary checks and procedures: even better is to have the link to in-depth explanations for every stage by the renowned SQL Server Expert Buck Woody.… Read more
Even with a task you're entirely familiar with, it is always great to have a checklist to make sure it is all done. No? Have you never forgotten your car-keys?… Read more
There is nothing like a checklist to make sure you've completed all the tasks in designing a database, and there is absolutely nothing like Buck Woody's military-style Critical Task List… Read more
There is a certain paradox in being advised to expect the unexpected, but the DBA must plan and prepare in advance to protect their organisation's data assets in the event of an unexpected crisis, and return them to normal operating conditions. To minimise downtime in such circumstances should be the aim of every effective DBA. To plan for recovery, It pays to have the mindset of a pessimist. … Read more
Even an experienced DBA finds it safer to double-check that all the tasks have been done, and in the right order. Buck Woody continues his series with another handy checklist, army-style.… Read more
