How and where to start SQL DBA training

  • Hi All,

    I have been looking out on the net if there are any ebooks or any virtual server type of things that can help me to become a DBA.

    I am working in a Microsoft project which requires DBA skills. I am 23 yrs of age and this is my fisrt job. I would like to know a good book to refer and how to practise to be a DBA

    Any suggestion would be really appreciated

    Thanks

  • There's a whole lot of data on this site about getting started. Poke around a bit, you'll find plenty of articles and discussions on the subject.

    A lot of it's going to depend on whether you're building databases or administering them. Both jobs are called "DBA" quite often.

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  • Thanks a lot for the reply.

    I was thinking of buying the book Beginning SQL Server 2005 Administration by Dan wood, chris Leiter, Paul turley

    Would you recommend that or any other book

  • I haven't read that one. The one I started with was "The SQL Server Bible", by Paul Nielsen. I started with the version for SQL 2000, but you'll want to get the 2005 version, or wait till August and get the 2008 version.

    What I really recommend for picking out a technical book, is write down a list of questions you have. Things you really need to solve from work are best. Go to a bookstore, grab as many books as you can deal with at once, and go through them to see if you can find answers to your questions.

    Took me an afternoon to do that, going through about 20 or 30 books, and Nielsen's was the one that answered the most questions in a way that I could understand.

    But different people will read things different ways. Just because a book worked well for me doesn't mean it will work well for everyone. That's why I recommend trying out a bunch.

    - Gus "GSquared", RSVP, OODA, MAP, NMVP, FAQ, SAT, SQL, DNA, RNA, UOI, IOU, AM, PM, AD, BC, BCE, USA, UN, CF, ROFL, LOL, ETC
    Property of The Thread

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  • Hi,

    You can use MSDN Virutal Labs for SQL 2005 (http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/aa740409.aspx) instead of searching for virtual server images. There are good labs to start with.

    If you are interested to learn through video tutorials which will be quick and crispy way to learn then check out below stuffs

    Free SQL Server Video Tutorials 2005, 2008 - http://wtv.watchtechvideos.com

    Paid SQL Videos

    "App Dev" SQL Video Tutorials, "VTC" SQL Video Tutorials, "Training Spot" SQL Video Tutorials, "Total" SQL Server Video Tutorials, "LearnSQLServer.com" Video Tutorials

    You can also download whitepapers from Microsoft, bitpipe to get indepth learning on SQL Server. Also check out 100s of blogs (including MSDN), forums to become an expert.

    All these things are in addition to buying good books on SQL Server...

    Happy Learning!

    Regards,
    Sakthi
    My Blog -> http://www.sqlserverdba.co.cc

  • Track down a copy of Brad McGehee's "How To Be An Exceptional DBA." It's a great read. For a fantastic introduction to the concept of being a DBA, I recommend getting a copy of Craig Mullins book "Database Administration."

    Other than that, get a copy of SQL Express. It's free and you'll learn most of the basics right there.

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    SQL Server Query Performance Tuning

  • ALot of books for reference...

    SQL Server 2005 Bible by Paul Neilson can be one of the option.

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  • Thank you all for the suggestions

    I think I would learn a lot by staying in touch people in this forum, in addition to the knowledge i get by reading the books

  • I don't know where you're located, but I'd suggest also getting in touch with a local user's group, if any. Go to the Professional Association of SQL Server users to see if there are any in your area.

    "The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood"
    - Theodore Roosevelt

    Author of:
    SQL Server Execution Plans
    SQL Server Query Performance Tuning

  • Thanks Grant,

    I work in India.

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