SQL Server 2000 Black Book by Patrick Dalton and Paul Whitehead 3 Stars -

A friend of mine has the Windows 2000 Black book and really likes it. The format of

that book is a large number of problems that commonly occur and the solutions to

them. For many of the items listed, these solutions provide quick solutions. Not always,

but often.

With the experiences from that book, I was really looking forward to the SQL

Server 2000 Black Book. When I finally got this book and started digging in, I

was surprised.

This book describes itself as a reference for intermediate to advanced DBAs or

developers who need to research a problem or find out what tools can be used to

solve a problem. As an experienced SQL Server user (10+ years), I was really

disappointed. I found this book to be light in covering most topics and

would most likely not start researching a problem using this book. This is quite

unlike the Windows 2000 Black Book. That book I might very likely start looking

through to solve a problem.

The book is organized with the beginning of each chapter discussing a topic in

fairly standard textbook form. the end of each chapter has an Immediate Solutions

section with step by step instructions to completing exercises that relate to the

topic of the chapter.

I cannot comment on the Clustering chapter, as I have not setup any SQL Server

clusters, but the rest of the chapters are well organized and written. I like

the style of the book and it is laid out well with graphics placed well to

assist with understanding the subjects. The step by step exercises are accurate and

easily followed.

My complaint with these chapters is that they are fairly light treatment of

the topics. Most of the subjects are those that even intermediate DBAs would

likely be familiar. I did learn a few things, but not enough to make me want to

use this book on a daily basis. I think my expectations were for something different

based on the Windows 2000 Black Book and that tainted my view of this book.

If you are new to SQL Server then this might be a good book for you to read to

learn about different features and tools available. For an experienced DBA, however,

I think there are other books that are more valuable and better suited to everyday

references.

Steve Jones

©dkRanch.net May 2001

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