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.
How Oslo can you go?
Some developers have reacted with dismay to the recent news that Microsoft’s Oslo project is being integrated into the SQL Server platform and renamed SQL Server Modeling. The overwhelming feeling seems to be that their DSL dream is being snatched away.
Blogs
Database AI Agents: The Read-Only Rule
By Arun Sirpal
Fourth in a series on Ai and databases. What Read-Only Advisory Actually Means A...
Creating a SQL Stored Procedure to Load a SCD2
By DataOnWheels
This is a blog that I am writing for future me and hopefully it’ll...
Funny Money: #SQLNewBlogger
By Steve Jones
While wandering around the documentation looking for some Question of the Day topics, I...
Forums
Backup Availability Group
Please I am hoping for some feedback Specifications: Windows Server 2022 SQL Server 2022...
How Do the Experts Become Experts?
Comments posted to this topic are about the item How Do the Experts Become...
Stairway to Reliable Database Deployments Level 4 – Preparing for Production Deployment
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Stairway to Reliable Database Deployments...
Question of the Day
Secure Communications
As of June 2026, what is the best version of TLS to use with SQL Server?
See possible answers