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| SearchSQLServer: Expert advice on database administration |
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| Change data capture in SQL Server 2008 improves BI reporting accuracy |
(Thu, 28 Aug 2008)
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| The change data capture feature in SQL Server 2008 allows you to update your data warehouse or data mart in near real time based on changes in the source transactional system. SQL Server BI expert Mark Kromer explains how to capture these changes for the most accurate data collection and reporting.
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| Track changes to SQL Server 2000 and 2005 with one simple utility |
(Wed, 27 Aug 2008)
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| As a DBA, you need to be aware of what's happening within your SQL Servers. This includes new objects, logins and even databases. But if you have dozens of SQL Servers -- both 2000 and 2005 models -- and permissions are shared, you'll have to go beyond the limits of triggers. SQL Server expert Michelle Gutzait shares some handy scripts in a utility she created that monitor changes in system tables and send email alerts if any changes are detected.
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| SQL Server 2008 backup compression pros and cons |
(Tue, 26 Aug 2008)
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| Backup compression is a shiny new feature in SQL Server 2008. When compared to methods in earlier SQL Server versions, it can speed up backups by 50% and reduce the size of the data file by 75%, decreasing storage requirements. But what are the drawbacks? While highlighting the benefits of data compression and illustrating how it works, SQL Server expert Roman Rehak also examines some tradeoffs, such as increased CPU processing time.
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| How to create a SQL Server linked server to DB2 |
(Thu, 21 Aug 2008)
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| Many SQL Server environments run DB2 servers, too, and often the two servers must be linked. Here's a step-by-step process that shows how to create a SQL Server linked server using Microsoft's DB2 driver, the OLE DB provider data access tools and the AS400 version of DB2.
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| Five sqlcmd features to automate SQL Server database tasks |
(Wed, 20 Aug 2008)
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| 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 variables, improved error handling and restoring a database.
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| Tuning SQL Server performance via disk arrays and disk partitioning |
(Tue, 19 Aug 2008)
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| As a DBA, much of your focus is on tuning SQL Server for peak performance. But have you spent any time tuning the hardware that supports your SQL Server system? Are you using the optimal disk array configuration? Are the disk partitions aligned? This tip discusses how to get your hardware performance in top shape – whether the system is already in operation or it's a new setup.
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| SQL Server clustered index design for performance |
(Mon, 18 Aug 2008)
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| Clustered index design choices are vital for system performance and future maintenance of your SQL Server database. Find out why clustered indexes should be narrow, static, increase over time and how they use many-to-many tables. Also explained in this tip is how the partitioned table concept in SQL Server 2005 affects clustered indexes.
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| Find size of SQL Server tables and other objects with stored procedure |
(Fri, 15 Aug 2008)
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| When determining SQL Server disk space used by an object, Microsoft's sp_spaceused has limits. Here's an original stored procedure, sp_SOS, that calculates specific object space in SQL Server. Use it to get an overview of user table sizes in a database, the summary of the total space owned by a group of tables and to see the top 10 biggest indexed objects.
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| Should you upgrade to SQL Server 2005 or SQL Server 2008? |
(Thu, 14 Aug 2008)
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| Even though SQL Server 2005 was released almost three years ago, many companies haven't upgraded yet. With last week's release of SQL Server 2008, it's time to put some serious thought into an upgrade. SQL Server expert Roman Rehak examines the options: to follow the sequential upgrade path or skip SQL Server 2005 altogether. Considerations include licensing costs, database size, benefits of the new features and confidence – or lack thereof – in the newest version.
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| Using the ORDER BY clause of the SELECT query in SQL |
(Wed, 13 Aug 2008)
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| Learn how to use the ORDER BY clause of the SELECT query to specify the sequence of rows in this excerpt from "SQL Queries for Mere Mortals: A Hands-On Guide to Data Manipulation in SQL, Second Edition." You'll find out how to properly sort your results, along with how to save your SELECT statements.
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