There is a lot of advice out there about how to get more done and how to accomplish one's dreams. I know research has shown that when folks write down their goals, they are more likely to get them done, as I explained when I introduced my goals blog. However,… Read more

I had a need to export permissions to be run against the database once an older version was restored (but which didn't have the permissions yet). I'm sure there are 101 versions of the script out there, but here's mine:

SELECT
   CASE dp.state_desc
     WHEN 'GRANT_WITH_GRANT_OPTION' THEN 'GRANT'
     ELSE dp.state_desc … Read more

I'm reading through Brad McGehee's How to Be an Exceptional DBA and in chapter 4 he talks about having the right skill set. Brad starts right out of the gate talking about formal education. To be a DBA breaking in may be more difficult without a computer-related four year degree,… Read more

This is just a reminder that the call for nominations for the PASS Boards of Directors is open. The final date to submit a nomination is September 3rd, which is just over a week away, so there's not a whole lot of time left. However, if you're looking to give… Read more

In a recent forum thread, someone asked to see who created/altered a particular object. Starting in SQL Server 2005, this information is contained in the default trace, provided that the default trace is enabled and the information hasn't rolled out of the trace files. The catch is how to report… Read more

I meant to write this earlier, like in July, but I suppose it's better late than never. I'm halfway through this year as a Microsoft MVP for SQL Server and I certainly hope it won't be my last. I wanted to reflect a bit on what I've seen thus far… Read more

Another SQL Quiz started by His Evilness, Chris Shaw. Okay, Chris isn't evil; I just wanted to say "evilness" and these quizzes are of value to the community. I was tagged by Jorge Segarra, better known as @SQLChicken. So here goes.

Do you feel that you have a reliable… Read more

If you're not familiar with the reference, it comes from the movie Madagascar and the subsequent sequel and TV series (The Penguins of Madagascar). It's said by the leader of the penguins, such as in this YouTube clip. Basically, he says it when the penguins know something… Read more

Staying abreast of security vulnerability alerts can be a daunting task because there are so many each day. One source I use is Secunia. I'm subscribed to the free mailing list and it provides valuable information each and every day. When milw0rm.com shut its doors (it's back, by the way,… Read more

but I don't mean with respect to privacy. But I do mean with respect to the time it takes securing a system based on its usability. Here's a quote:

"What many fail to grasp is that security is a zero-sum game: the easier it is to use something, the… Read more

The other day a colleague and I were shadowing a vendor who was installing their 3rd party application on a hosted server. The vendor went ahead and created an alias for the application but initially created it with Named Pipes. Needless to say, the alias didn't work. Given that this… Read more

2009 PASS Summit Trip Contest:

If you want an opportunity to win an all expenses paid trip to the PASS Summit, check here for more information. There are two ways to win.

24 Hours of PASS:

24 straight hours of live webcasts from SQL Server experts. And it's all… Read more

I've started a blog to write down and track my personal goals:

The Goal Keeping DBA

Since Active August is part of reaching my goal of getting back into good physical shape again, my posts with regards to Active August will be there. For instance:

Active August Day 1

Others are doing the Active August challenge as… Read more