SQL Server encryption vs. hashing for data security
Study encryption and hashing algorithm options for data security in SQL Server 2005 and use symmetric/asymmetric keys to encrypt and decrypt SQL Server data.
A SQLServerCentral.com Christmas
In the spirit of celebration at the end of the year, a break from the usual routine. Happy holidays to all and hopefully no one is working this weekend.
Compliance
Complying with software licensing is something you should do, but how far should companies take this?
Indexing in SQL Server 2005
How should you approach indexing your database? Do you have a good strategy for deciding which indicies to create and on which columns? Aaron Ingold brings us a great article discussing these very topics that is likely to become a must read for many DBAs.
SSMS Tricks
Steve Jones shares a few tricks that might make it easier and quicker for you to work with SQL Server 2005 Management Studio
Analysis Services 2005 Processing Architecture
Processing is the operation in which the Analysis server reads data from the relational data source and populates the cubes, dimensions, mining models, etc. This whitepaper describes the Analysis Services 2005 processing architecture in detail and provides guidance on how and when to use the various processing controls.
Gantt charting for the holidays
Gantt charts in SSRS aren’t included in the 2005 release. You can purchase a third-party add-on or, if you can wait, these powerful project tools might make it in the 2008 release. Alternatively, you can do this now with the native RS Chart control by using the methods David Leibowitz provides.
Overview of DTS Packages
While SQL Server 2005 is greatly changing the paradigm of ETL with Integration Services, SQL Server 2000 and DTS will be here for some time to come. New author Rama Nageshwara brings us an overview of this fantastic data movement toolset.
SQL Server 2005 Crossword No.1
Test your SQL Server 2005 knowledge with Ravi Nangunoori's first in a series of crossword challenges!
Blogs
Resetting on the AI hype train
By Brian Kelley
There's a great article from MIT Technology Review about resetting on the hype of...
A New Word: Etherness
By Steve Jones
etherness – n. the wistful feeling of looking around a gathering of loved ones,...
Vibe Coding a Login Tracking System
By Steve Jones
A customer was asking about tracking logins and logouts in Redgate Monitor. We don’t...
Forums
The Microsoft SQL Year in Review
Comments posted to this topic are about the item The Microsoft SQL Year in...
T-SQL in SQL Server 2025: The || Operator
Comments posted to this topic are about the item T-SQL in SQL Server 2025:...
Your Value from a Conference
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Your Value from a Conference
Question of the Day
UNISTR Basics
What does this code return in SQL Server 2025+? (assume the database has an appropriate collation)
SELECT UNISTR('Hello 4E16754C') AS 'A Classic';
A: 
B: 
See possible answers