SQL Server 2008: The New Data Types
Brad continues his helicopter-level view of the most important new features of SQL Server 2008 with a look at the new data types, their use and their significance.
2008-10-31
3,819 reads
Additional Articles
Constraint Yourself!
In his first article for Simple-Talk, Joe Celko demystifies the use of Constraints, and points out that they are an intrinsic part of SQL and are a great way of ensuring that a business rule is done one way, one place, one time.
2008-10-30
2,846 reads
Database Recovery Models in SQL Server
This article discusses in detail the three database recovery models and how to choose the appropriate recovery model
2008-10-30
2,867 reads
Database Mirroring adjusting the automatic failover time
One of the configuration options for Database Mirroring is the High Availability mode. With this option three servers are put in place the principal, mirror and witness servers. This is the only option that allows for automatic failover. One of the things that I have noticed is that when there are periodic network issues a failover occurs even though there are no issues with the Principal server. Are there any options to delay the failover?
2008-10-29
3,626 reads
Encryption Alternatives
Databases often contain sensitive information and cell-level encryption is a very effective method to protect this information from those who should not have access to it. Although, encryption is not without its challenges.
2008-10-29
3,815 reads
Help! My SQL Server Log File is too big!
Over the years, I have assisted so many different clients whose transactional log file has become "too large" that I thought it would be helpful to write about it. The issue can be a system crippling problem, but can be easily avoided. Today I'll look at what causes your transaction logs to grow too large, and what you can do to curb the problem.
2008-10-28
6,699 reads
Compare Dates
The following article shows how to compare dates in an iterative manner for a particular set of records in a single query
2008-10-27
4,953 reads
SQL Server Management Studio customized startup options
SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is now the primary tool that we all use to manage SQL Server. Whenever I open up SSMS I always go through the same steps to connect to a server and open certain query files. Are there any shortcuts or alternative ways of starting SSMS?
2008-10-27
4,716 reads
Introduction to New T-SQL Programmability Features in SQL Server 2008
This paper introduces key new Transact-SQL programmability features in Microsoft SQL Server 2008 as well as SQL/Common Language Runtime (CLR) enhancements.
2008-10-24
6,178 reads
MSSQL Analysis Services - Attribute Member Names
Business Intelligence Architect Bill Pearson continues his exploration of Attribute Members, in another member of a subseries surrounding significant components of the Analysis Services dimensional model. In this article we examine the attribute member Name property, whose appropriate use is important to good model design and overall system performance.
2008-10-24
2,199 reads
Blogs
Shifting Mindsets: Why FinOps is Essential for Cloud Efficiency
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As a DevOps practitioner, I’ve always focused on performance, scalability, and automation. But as...
March 2026 SQL Server Security Updates
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Forums
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Upgrading Admin Queries
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Question of the Day
Upgrading Admin Queries
I have a query from a former DBA that we run on SQL Server 2025 to check on database metadata. This query references sys.sysaltfiles. I want to refactor this code to be more modern. Which DMV should I reference instead?
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