Why Secure the Database?
You're behind a firewall, you have passwords. Why spend any great amount of time on extra database security? Steve thinks there are a few reasons why in this article.
SQL Server Notification Services Documentation
Microsoft has released the "Books Online" equivalent for Notification Services. Browse through and take a look to see if this service is useful to you.
Loading a Series of Flat Files
Andy Jones recently faced a requirement to load several flat files on a nightly basis. In this article, Andy Jones shows you how he accomplished this and shows plenty of code!
SQL Server Product Support Life Cycle
Microsoft has formally clarified the support life cycles for it's products. See where your products fall in and be sure to plan for upgrades.
Hidden Connections
Ever have strange DTS errors after moving a package? You changed all the connection strings, but still get connection errors. Steve Jones did and tracked down one potential culprit.
Alternatives to SQL Backups
All of do us regular backups. Ok, all of us SHOULD do regular backups. In this article Andy comments on why having a backup plan isn't enough and why you should look at some other options for when you need to fix data errors. This really speaks to the goal of minimizing down time using low tech, readily available solutions. If you're not interested yet, we'll add this - one of the alternatives he suggests is Microsoft Access!
Manage Multiple SQL Server Installations and Databases with OSQL
This article explains how to use a simple batch file and script file to manage multiple databases on multiple servers.
Open Source ASP Enterprise Manager in Design Phase
Andy relates some info he got from Wes Grant about his freeware and open source project to build a web based admin tool for SQL that is currently in the design/initial coding phase. Get the scoop and maybe write some of the code too!
Conflicting Instructions
Ever have problems following something from Books Online? There may be a reason. Microsoft has noticed as well and there are updates for this valuable DBA tool. Here's a sample of the changes and a link to get the update.
Designing a Flexible Task Management Database Part II
In this short article by Jamie Voss, he shows you the data model behind much of his task tracking system and the reasoning behind it.
Blogs
Troubleshooting SQL Server – Starting with the Error Log
By gbargsley
We’ve all been there. Someone walks up and asks, “Is SQL Server having issues?”...
From OLTP to Analytics: Bridging the Gap with Modern SQL Architectures
By Chris Yates
In the beginning, there was OLTP – Online Transaction Processing. Fast, reliable, and ruthlessly...
Free Online Sessions – Building the €100 DWH and Indexing for Dummies
I’m giving two online sessions soon on virtual events that are free to attend....
Forums
The Security of Old Tech
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Revisiting SQL Server Window Functions- A Practical Walkthrough
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Revisiting SQL Server Window Functions-...
Tables with a SPARSE Column and Consumption
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Tables with a SPARSE Column...
Question of the Day
Tables with a SPARSE Column and Consumption
True or False: Tables with a SPARSE column consume more space than regular columns if most values are NOT NULL.
See possible answers