Preventing Problems in SQL Server

It is never a good idea to let your users be the ones to tell you of database server outages. It is far better to be able to spot potential problems by being alerted for the most relevant conditions on your servers at the best threshold. This will take time and patience, but the reward will be an alerting system which allows you to deal more effectively with issues before they involve system down-time.

Tracking processes

This script quick tip for those who will accurately monitor sessions on SQL Server.

Using SQL Server to collect information from your Oracle server

Using linked connections you can collect system information on your Oracle server from SQL server.

How to centralize your SQL Server Event Logs

Learn how you can centralize the Event log data for your servers using a process that Geoff Albin has been using for over 10 years.

Under the ORM Hood: Revealing the SQL

Your application code may look neat and clean, and you are using a sound Object-relational Mapper, but when you put the pedal to the metal, you're not getting the performance. The time has come to lift the hood and see what SQL is being generated by the ORM, and what part of your code is causing the bottlenecks. The effect can be spectacular.

Using the UPTIME Utility to Monitor Servers

Learn how to use a free utility to quickly monitor the uptime of your SQL Server instances.

Light Weight Monitoring using Extended Events

Extended events provide DBAs with a new lightweight tool to monitor SQL Server performance.

SQL Overview VI - Monitoring Process Locks

In the sixth part of his series on monitoring your SQL Server, David Bird looks at process locks.

SQL Overview V - Monitoring Long Running Jobs

Continuing with his series on monitoring your SQL Servers, David Bird now looks a a way to fin those long running, active jobs.

Database Activity Monitoring Part 1 - An Introduction

We are inundated with new technologies and products designed to help make our organisations safe from hackers and other malcontents. One technology that has gained ground over the past few years is database activity monitoring. It makes sense to protect valuable databases, and by adding an intelligent monitor capable of sniffing out threats an additional level of protection can be gained.

But what is database activity monitoring and why should you care?