PASS Update #20
On the Friday at the end of the Summit we had a 4 hour Board meeting, welcoming new board members...
Exporting to Excel Using a CLR Stored Procedure
The inclusion of the CLR in SQL Server has been controversial, but some people have come up with great ways to take advantage of this feature. New author Anders Pedersen brings us a technique to export data from SQL Server into Excel using the CLR.
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.
Blogs
Claude AI Convinced Me Not to Build an iPad App
By Steve Jones
I coach volleyball and I do a lot of stat stuff on paper. I...
A New Word: Dolorblindness
By Steve Jones
dolorblindness – n. the frustration that you’ll never be able to understand another person’s...
Claude Code Helps Analyze Test Data Manager Log Files
By Steve Jones
I had a customer ask about analyzing their Test Data Manager (TDM) usage to...
Forums
Data Warehouse Toolkit meets Star Schema: The Complete Reference
Is there a good syllabus for reading these two together? (Yes, it's called the...
GPX distance and time analysis in SQL Server
Comments posted to this topic are about the item GPX distance and time analysis...
The DBA is Dead; Long Live the DBA
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The DBA is Dead; Long...
Question of the Day
Changing the AG Listener
In SQL Server 2025, if I want to remove an IP from a listener, what do I do?
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