SQL Server vs Oracle: Data Masking
In this article, we look at how to mask/hide data for users using Dynamic Data Masking in SQL Server and Data Redaction in Oracle
How to setup multi-subnets Azure SQL VM AG group based WSFC (Windows Server 2019)
In this article, we will learn how to set up Azure SQL VM AOAG based on Windows Server 2019 Failover Cluster step-by-step, it is a detailed supplement to the Microsoft official articles and it is a beginner's guide for people who have no experience to do that, please read this article closely with Mircosoft's guide: […]
Three Mile Island And Your Databases
Grant takes a few lessons for database DR from a nuclear accident in the US.
How to Format Dates in SQL Server (Hint: Don’t Use FORMAT!)
Here's why you should NEVER use the FORMAT() function in SQL Server.
What Do We Want to See in SQL Server?
Microsoft reads your feedback, but doesn't always build it. However, your votes can sway them at times. Today Steve asks what you'd like to see added to SQL Server.
[From the archives] 5 things to look for in a 3rd party database monitoring tool
Are you evaluating the effectiveness of your homegrown database monitoring tool or looking at investing in a 3rd party one? This helpful blog post suggests 5 things to look for in your evaluations.
Generate Random Dates in T-SQL
In this article we look at how to generate random dates in SQL Server to build a sample dataset along with code and examples
Digging into an AI Algorithm
One place where Artificial Intelligence systems might shine is the medical field.
Tracking Configuration Changes Against a Baseline
One of the great things about SQL Server is that the platform has grown to include a number of configuration options and switches that allow a DBA to get the most performance from their instance that is possible. One of the downsides of the platform, however, is that any sysadmin can make changes (or db_owner […]
Identify and Correct a Large SQL Server Error Log
Learn how to find and remove a large SQL Server Error Log file when it consumes a lot of space on your drive
Blogs
March 2026 SQL Server Security Updates
By Brian Kelley
On Patch Tuesday, in addition to OS and Office security patches, Microsoft also released...
How Fabric Mirroring Transformed with SQL Server 2025
When mirroring was first released for Azure SQL Database, it used Change Data Capture...
The DIY Cost of Masking Test Data For Smaller Organizations
By Steve Jones
One of the things I’ve tried hard to do in database development situations if...
Forums
XACT_ABORT being set to ON by web services
We have two "identical" instances of an ASP.NET web service (or so I have...
OPENQUERY Flexibility
Comments posted to this topic are about the item OPENQUERY Flexibility
A Full Shutdown
Comments posted to this topic are about the item A Full Shutdown
Question of the Day
OPENQUERY Flexibility
Which of these are valid OPENQUERY() uses?
See possible answers