If you're performing a penetration test or higher-level security audit of your SQL Server systems, there's one test you must not miss. It seems obvious, but many people overlook it: SQL Server password testing. Given the inherent weaknesses compared with more secure Windows authentication, you should especially test for password flaws if you're using SQL Server authentication in mixed mode. Password testing will help you determine how easily others can break into your database and help you ensure SQL Server users are being responsible with their accounts.

Find a Consulting Gig

by Press Release

SQLServerCentral.com

Miscellaneous

One of the hard parts of being a consultant, either full time or after hours for extra money, is finding a job. SQLServerCentral.com has a new partner that can help you solve this problem, find a job, and maybe a new career.

Outer Join Mystery

by Grant Fritchey

SQLServerCentral.com

Advanced Querying

Working with outer joins can be tricky since the syntax doesn't always appear to make sense. Grant Fritchey brings us a great example of how this confusion can cause issues if you use the old style syntax.

Services for SQL Server 2000

by Brian Kelley

SQLServerCentral.com

Installation

In this article, Brian Kelley focuses on learning the various services in SQL Server. He also covers the security needed to make them work.

SQL 2005 for the SQL2K Developer Part 2

by M. Choirul Amri

SQLServerCentral.com

T-SQL

Continuing with his series on SQL Server 2005 from the developer's perspective, M. ChoirulAmri examines the ROW_NUMBER function and gives a few examples of how you can use this in your application.

Clustering Reporting Services

by Zach Mattson

SQLServerCentral.com

Administration

Reporting Services is an add-on to SQL Server 2000, but most users would probably see it as a critical service that allows them access to their data. New authors Zach Mattson and Tom Lodermeier explain how to install Reporting Services on a cluster in an economical way.

Fast Text Processing in SQL Server

by Additional Articles

DevX

Advanced Querying

Processing text or long strings usually reduces SQL to a prosaic procedural language. Learn a few techniques for facilitating speedy text processing in SQL.

Complex Computed Columns

by Tim Chapman

SQLServerCentral.com

User Defined Function (UDF)

Computed columns in SQL Server 2000 allow you to have a calculated value available easily in a query. However by using a function instead of a simple formula you can build some very interesting solutions. New author Tim Chapman brings us a look at this technique.

Scaling Out SQL Server 2005

by Additional Articles

MSDN Communities

Advanced

This article explains the different technologies that are available for scaling out a SQL Server 2005 database application, focusing on the factors that go into deciding which solution(s) to use in your application.

The SQL Server Postal Service

by Sachin Dedhia

SQLServerCentral.com

Service Broker (SSSB)

One way to understand Service Broker is to think of it as a postal service. New author Sachin Dedhia brings us a fantastic introduction to the Service Broker including the code to setup and begin working with queues, conversations and contracts. If that doesn't make sense, you need to read this article.

Password cracking tools for SQL Server

Find a Consulting Gig

Outer Join Mystery

Services for SQL Server 2000

SQL 2005 for the SQL2K Developer Part 2

Clustering Reporting Services

Fast Text Processing in SQL Server

Complex Computed Columns

Scaling Out SQL Server 2005

The SQL Server Postal Service

Blogs

T-SQL Tuesday #197 Invitation – An impactful session or two from a conference

Did You Really Name That Default?

Monday Monitor Tips: A New Analysis Page

Forums

The day-to-day pressures of a DBA team, and how we can work smarter with automation and AI

The Problem Isn't Always Your Query or Schema... Sometimes It's Hidden Assumptions

Identity Defaults

Question of the Day

Identity Defaults