jpSQLDude (5/14/2013)
Thank you all, these are very helpful!This is a production server, so I can't make *any* changes like installing software, not even Who is Active.
But what I can do is include such software/scripts when I write my build documents. No one actually ever reads them, so that's how I can sneak in basically whatever I want. The document is approved, I build the production server, and presto! My tools are included.
I will make another post showing what I include in my builds, and ask what others include. Could be helpful for all.....
You should be able to query from the management views without installing anything. However, you either need SYSADMIN membership (which you probably don't and shouldn't have) or special VIEW SERVER STATE permission.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms188754(v=sql.90).aspx
"Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Instead, seek what they sought." - Matsuo Basho