Forwarding Pointers in Heaps
When no clustered index is defined on a table, that table is said to be a Heap. Heaps are not ideal when it comes to performance but there are lots of instances where you have heaps.
2013-05-15
3,128 reads
Additional Articles
How to Synchronize Two SSAS Servers
Unfortunately SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) does not support differential backups and creating full backups for the servers might take too much time. In this tip we are going to show how to synchronize two SSAS servers in order to have a failover server in case something goes wrong with one of the servers.
2013-05-14
3,409 reads
2013-05-13
5,019 reads
The Ten Commandments of SQL Server Monitoring
It is easy to get database monitoring wrong. There are several common-sense rules that can make all the difference between a monitoring system that works for you and helps to avoid database problems, and one that just creates a distraction. Adam Machanic spells out the rules, based on his considerable experience with database monitoring.
2013-05-13
8,102 reads
SQL Server Simple and Forced Parameterization
I have heard about parameterization for SQL Server queries, but what is Forced and Simple Parameterization and which one should I use for my SQL Server database?
2013-05-10
5,199 reads
Monitoring Transactional Replication in SQL Server
If you are using replication in SQL Server, you can monitor it in SSMS, but it makes sense to monitor distribution jobs automatically, especially if you can set up alerts or even set up first-line remedial action when a problem is detected. Francis shows how to do it in T-SQL as an agent job.
2013-05-09
2,775 reads
Using Policy-Based Management to Check Number of SQL Server Data and Log Files
To meet our database configuration standards we want to make sure that we have only one database transaction log file and more than one data file. In this tip we look at how this can be done using a policy.
2013-05-08
2,280 reads
Managing Slowly Changing Dimension with Slow Changing Transformation in SSIS
The easiest ways to maintain and manage slowly changing dimensions is using Slowly Changing Dimension Transformation in the data flow task of SSIS packages.
2013-05-07
3,098 reads
Introduction to SQL Server Filtered Indexes
SQL Server filtered indexes can save space and improve performance if they are used properly. Under what circumstances can they be used? When are they most effective, and what sort of performance gain or space-saving is likely? How does a filtered index affect the choice of execution plan? Seth Delconte explores these questions with practical experiments.
2013-05-06
4,926 reads
Monitor SQL Instance Balance across Windows Cluster Nodes Using PowerShell
This tip will demonstrate how to monitor SQL Failover Cluster Instances if they become unbalanced using Windows PowerShell.
2013-05-03
2,597 reads
Blogs
A New Word: los vidados
By Steve Jones
los vidados – n. the half-remembered acquaintances you knew years ago, who you might...
In-Person CISA Training – April 13-16, 2026
By Brian Kelley
I will be leading an in-person Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam prep class...
EightKB 2026
EightKB is back again for 2026! The biggest online SQL Server internals conference is...
Forums
query to track time spent on individual tasks in SSIS
Hi everyone I am looking at building a query to determine how much time...
SQL Server Transactional Replication from Always On Availability Groups to Azure SQL Database
Comments posted to this topic are about the item SQL Server Transactional Replication from...
Hidden Heroes
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Question of the Day
Identities and Sequences I
When thinking of the Identity property for auto incrementing columns and sequences for the same action, which are explicitly linked to increment a number in a table when a new row is added?
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