I had to travel to the UK recently for work, and it was a bit of an extended trip. In preparing for the trip, I ended up installing quiet a few software packages on there that I thought I would need for a long trip out of the office, and it got me thinking about what software a DBA ought to carry.
While I was writing this editorial, I actually saw this note:
I know quite a few DBAs feel similary about SQL Prompt, but what about other software. I thought this might make an interesting Friday poll to see what other DBAs really think they need.
What software is essential on a DBA's computer?
I'm wondering what you consider to be essential in your work. I'm sure QSL Server and SSMS is on the list, but for me I'll add in a few more:
- SQL Prompt
- Edit Plus (quick text/html editing)
- Quick Screen Capture - tend to use this more than Snagit
- OneNote
- Excel
- Virtual machine software
- Live Mesh - for syncing scripts
- Data Generator
- Live Writer
That's my SQL list. There are a few other pieces of software I use for editorials, but these tend to relate to how I use SQL Server. I'm an author as well, so the writing software helps me out, but I would encourage everyone to blog a little, or capture some notes about your job, so I think they apply.
But are there other tools you need? Even generic ones, like compare tools, backup tools, etc. Is there something else that would be make working with databases easier? Let us know on this Friday.
Steve Jones
The Voice of the DBA Podcasts
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