Import Data from PDF to SQL Server
In this article we look at how we can use R and SQL Server to import lottery numbers from a PDF document into a SQL Server table.
Masking Data in Practice
Phil Factor takes a strategic look at common SQL data masking techniques, and the challenges inherent in masking certain types of sensitive and personal data, while ensuring that it still looks like the real data, and retains its referential integrity, and distribution characteristics.
Easy Data Access Plus Security
As I type this, I've got my right leg propped up on a stool. That's because if I sit for any length of time with the knee bent, I have a great deal of pain on standing. Seems there's something horribly wrong with my knee. I still don't know what yet. I've had an MRI […]
How to Decipher @@Options
This article will show how you can read the @@OPTIONS variable and determine your settings.
Picking a Goal for 2021
If you have set any new goals for your career this year, Steve is asking you to let him know.
SQL Server Error Log
The SQL Server error log is a great source of information for DBAs for monitoring errors and the operation of the server. In this article, Greg Larsen explains the details and how to configure the SQL Server error log.
The Joy of Realistic Generated Fake Database Data
Have you ever had to demonstrate a database-driven application, and longed to have the real data to do so? To do what, precisely? Well, so you can then scroll through the customers who have used the system, demonstrate the accounting and audit, browse through the products, maybe even demo the customer tracking system with comments, complaints and so on. All this is possible, using realistic, fake data.
PostgreSQL DML Statements
DML, or Data Manipulation Language, statements are used to manipulate the data present in a database. The most important DML statements are INSERT, UPDATE & DELETE. This tutorial covers the various PostgreSQL DML statements and how we can use them with SQL shell as well as pgAdmin. Assuming you are familiar with table creation in PostgreSQL, […]
The Best Way to Protect Sensitive Data
Steve has a thought on the best way to protect sensitive data.
What is a Relational Database Management System
This article covers the relational database system evolution and covers terms used in relational models such as relation, tuple, attribute, domain, schemas, and key.
Blogs
Monday Monitor Tips: Virtual Machine Usage and Cost
By Steve Jones
One of the things I’ve been requesting for a number of years is cost...
Advice I Like: Respect
By Steve Jones
“Don’t aim to have others like you; aim to have them respect you.” –...
Blue Sky Programming – The Optimism Trap
Many years ago, before I joined Oracle, I was working on a major modernisation...
Forums
SQL Art, Part 4: Happy 4th of July — A British DBA's Guide to Celebrating a War We Don't Talk About
Comments posted to this topic are about the item SQL Art, Part 4: Happy...
SQL Server Still Wins
Comments posted to this topic are about the item SQL Server Still Wins
DBCC CHECKDB Limits I
Comments posted to this topic are about the item DBCC CHECKDB Limits I
Question of the Day
DBCC CHECKDB Limits I
When running DBCC CHECKDB on SQL Server 2025, can I include the Resource Database?
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