Ports that DBAs Need to Know
This article lists the essential TCP/UDP ports that an administrator running SQL Server or a cluster should know.
“QUOTED_IDENTIFIER” causes Unexpected Query Plan for Persisted Computed Column query
In this blog, you will see the reproducible steps that reveal the following observation: “If the table has a persisted computed column*, the query optimizer will choose a clustered index scan over a clustered index seek.”
Identify SQL Server TCP IP port being used
How do I find out what TCP/IP port SQL Server is using for a specific SQL Server instance? In this tip we look at different ways a database administrator can identify the port used by instance of SQL Server.
Extract multiple files from multiple directories with a data flow task
This article shows how to extract multiple files from multiple sub-directories into a destination table using a single Data Flow Task created by the Import/Export wizard.
Red Gate Acquires Cerebrata
Red Gate announced today that it has acquired Cerebrata, the maker of user-acclaimed tools for developers building on the Microsoft Windows Azure platform. The agreement brings together two companies that share a user-first philosophy and a passion for tools that transform the way developers work.
Virtualization for Security
This editorial was originally published on Nov 7, 2006. It is being re-run as Steve is at SQL in the City today. Today Steve talks about security using virtualization.
Identify location of the SQL Server Error Log file
How do I find out where the SQL Server Error Log file is located for a specific SQL Server instance? In this tip we look at different ways a DBA can identify the location of the SQL Server Error Log file used by an instance of SQL Server.
Stairway to MDX - Level 9: Member “Family” Functions: .LastSibling and Cousin()
BI Architect Bill Pearson concludes his introduction to the MDX Members functions. In this Level we wrap up our exploration of the “family” group with the .LastSibling, and Cousin() functions.
The Good Job
Today Steve Jones talks about jobs, and how life is too short to stick with a crappy job.
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
Vectors in SQL Server 2025
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Vectors in SQL Server 2025
Odd Sequences
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Odd Sequences
Everything is the right question away
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Everything is the right question...
Question of the Day
Odd Sequences
What values are returned from this code?
CREATE SEQUENCE NumericSequence
AS NUMERIC(5,1)
START WITH 1.0
INCREMENT BY 0.1;
GO
SELECT NEXT VALUE FOR NumericSequence
GO
SELECT NEXT VALUE FOR NumericSequence
GO See possible answers