Ways to save money on Microsoft Software

If you are a developer and are on your own, or working for a company that does not have an...

Analytic Functions – FIRST_VALUE / LAST_VALUE

This post is part of the series discussing the new Analytic functions in SQL Server “Denali”, CTP3.

Analytic Functions in SQL...

PowerShell for the Easily Frustrated N00b, or, “A Simple and Useful Command”

The stupid, stupid Windows search (Start Menu > Search) doesn’t work on one of my computers (running WinXP Pro).  Yes, I made...

Probe Residual on Hash Match

I have to say, I only recently noticed this on a tool tip:

and this in the property sheet:

The bad news...

SELECT COUNT(*) vs COUNT(1) vs COUNT(ColumnName)

What is the difference between COUNT(*), COUNT(1) and COUNT(ColumnName)? A mystery that will never be known… ok that was a...

ColoradoSQL in September

All ColoradoSQL user group meetings start at 5:30 p.m. and provide food and refreshments. There is no cost to attend...

How pure is your data?

It was a normal Monday. I was going over some HA designs and planning the joys of setting up log...

I Don’t Know

I wanted to write this because lately I say “I don’t know” a couple times a day to my client/boss....

Normalize your Linked Server Names

This is a technique I’m sure many people are already using in their environments.  Instead of using the actual name...

Speaking at SQL Saturday 89

With a late cancellation with one of our speakers a hole was opened on our speaker lineup.  I reached out...