Guest Columnist: Gail Shaw

This level takes a deeper look at how log fragmentation can affect the performance of operations that need to read the log, such as log backups, or the crash recovery process.  Read more...

When a SQL Server database is operating smoothly and performing well, there is no need to be particularly aware of the transaction log, beyond ensuring that every database has an appropriate backup regime and restore plan in place. When things go wrong, however, a DBA's reputation depends on a deeper understanding of the transaction log, both what it does, and how it works. An effective response to a crisis requires rapid decisions based on understanding its role in ensuring data integrity.  Read more...

This level will examine the most common problems and forms of mismanagement that lead to excessive growth of the transaction log.  Read more...

A DBA may consider switching a database to the BULK_LOGGED recovery model in the short term during, for example, bulk load operations. When a database is operating in the BULK_LOGGED model these, and a few other operations such as index rebuilds, can be minimally logged and will therefore use much less space in the log  Read more...

This article looks at the bulk-logged recovery model in depth and examines how it affects disaster recovery and logging.  Read more...

Learn the basics of recovery models in this short article from SQL Server guru and MVP, Gail Shaw.  Read more...

A wrap up from MVP and expert Gail Shaw on her experiences of training with SQLskills.  Read more...

Why does the transaction log fill up? There are a variety of reasons, and MVP Gail Shaw walks you through the various things to check.  Read more...

Part 3 of a great series on the basics of indexes. Learn the structure, definition, and how to examine the use of these indexes in your queries.  Read more...

In the second part of her series on indexing, MVP Gail Shaw examines clustered indexes. Learn what this index is, how it differs from a heap, and how it can help your queries.  Read more...

Indexes are critical to good performance. However many people don't understand how indexes well. MVP Gail Shaw provides us with an introductory article on the basics of indexing.  Read more...

How do you get help? You can post a question on SQLServerCentral, but to get the most help you can, read this article from MVP Gail Shaw.  Read more...

The stuff of nightmares, a corrupt database. However Gail Shaw gives you some advice about how to handle this situation.  Read more...

A great article that should answer all your questions about the transaction log from MVP Gail Shaw. A must read for all DBAs.  Read more...

Books online mentions that performance may be reduced when using database snapshots. I decided to investigate how severe that reduction could be.  Read more...