How many connections are available in SQL Server...

Are Your Database Backups Current and Available?

It is an interesting question and one I hope every DBA can answer positively. New author Thomas LaRock brings us his method for ensuring that the backups have occurred and the files are still on disk.

Cycling the ERRORLOG file and Deleting Backup History Information

Every DBA needs a few tricks up his/her sleeves to help them better manage their SQL Server 2000 environment. In this article I will explore a couple of such tricks. I will first explore how to cycle the SQL Server error log, and why you might want to do this. Secondly I will discuss backup history information and why you would need to periodically remove some of the older history information.

In SQL Server 2000, what is the maximum...

Differential Backup Prediction

SQL Server 2000 has a rock solid backup scheme , but do you really need to run full backups every day? What if you could decide on the fly if it was more efficient for a full or a differential backup? Darwin Hatheway brings us the basis for a scheme that can predict the size of a differential backup by examining how much of the database has changed.

When does recovery occur on a SQL Server...

System Tables and Catalog Views

When a new version is released or when existing software is upgraded there is always a learning curve and getting used to new ways of doing things. This article demonstrates how to use SQL Server 2005's catalog views in comparison with using system tables in SQL Server 2000.

SQL Server Job Scheduling

The scheduling system in SQL Server is quite flexible and powerful, but can be confusing at times. Peter He looks at some of the advanced options you have in automating the various jobs on your server.

You are debugging a SQL Server 2000 application...

SQL Server 2005 DB Snapshot: Imperfect Yet Useful?

SQL Server 2005 offers a new tool, Database Snapshot, which helps protect against user errors. It's a great feature, in some ways. But Ravindra Okade cautions against relying on it as an all-purpose rescue device.