Is There a Best?
We all want the best. Whether it's a new stereo or a high availability solution for your database server. Steve Jones talks about the need for us to learn more in order to make the best decision for ourselves.
Linear Gauge Control: A Practical Use
SQL Server Reporting Services 2008 introduced several new features. One key feature was the inclusion of the Gauge Controls. I...
SQL Server Encryption Symmetric vs. Asymmetric Keys
I need to encrypt my data within SQL Server and I plan on using the built-in encryption functionality in SQL Server 2005 and 2008. However, I'm looking at symmetric and asymmetric key algorithms and while I see information saying to use symmetric keys, I don't understand why. What's the difference between the two and why is a symmetric key algorithm preferred over the asymmetric key ones?
Using Server Side Traces for Dynamic Performance Evaluation
This article describes a method of gathering and analyzing performance data using SQL Trace.
Why I Run SQLServerCentral
After the holiday, Steve Jones gives a little insight into his job, and what he likes about running SQLServerCentral.
Keeping Track of Virtual Databases
Are your database servers not performing well? Have you discovered two or more virtual servers running on the same node? Shailesh Khanal shows you how to generate a status report for multiple database servers and services, schedule it to run automatically and send it out via email.
Limit Your Data Liability
We aren't necessarily liable for data breaches at our company, but will that last forever? Steve Jones talks about some things that you might want implement to ensure that you aren't liable if there ever is a security issue.
Are You a Giver or a Taker?
A guest editorial from Brad McGehee today examines the way in which DBAs interact with the community. Do you take from the community, learning from others? Or do you give back more? Both are a part of many DBAs' careers. Brad talks about the importance of giving back when you can.
Best of SQLServerCentral, Volumes 1 - 4
Best of SQLServerCentral vols 1-4 pulls together some of the best contributions to SQLServerCentral.com between 2002 & 2006.
Get Rid of Duplicates!
This article contains instructions on how to use some of my favorite methods to remove duplicate fields from a table.
Blogs
Flyway Tips: AI Deployment Script Descriptions
By Steve Jones
With the AI push being everywhere, Redgate is no exception. We’ve been getting requests,...
A New Word: Fawtle
By Steve Jones
fawtle – n. a weird little flaw built into your partner that somehow only...
Post-quantum key exchange – Insurance policy for your packets
AWS recently added support for Post-Quantum Key Exchange for TLS in Application Load Balancer...
Forums
Where Your Value Separates You from Others
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Where Your Value Separates You...
Fixing the Error
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Fixing the Error
T-SQL in SQL Server 2025: Encoding Functions
Comments posted to this topic are about the item T-SQL in SQL Server 2025:...
Question of the Day
Fixing the Error
On SQL Server 2025, I have a database that has this collation: SQL_Latin1_General_CP1_CI_AS. I decide I want to run this code:
SELECT UNISTR('*3041*308A*304C*3068 and good night', '*') AS 'A Classic';
I get this error:Msg 9844, Level 16, State 4, Line 24 The char/varchar input type uses an unsupported collation. Only a UTF8 collation is supported with char/varchar input type in UNISTR function.What is the easiest way to fix this error? See possible answers