SQL Server Backup Monitoring with PowerShell
In this part of the series we look at how to use the PowerShell monitoring scripts to collect backup information from your monitored instances.
SQL Server MSDB Database Tutorial
In this tutorial we will cover common questions related to the SQL Server msdb database. This is one of the standard system databases that are part of every SQL Server installation. This tutorial will give you a better idea of what the msdb database.
Hacking the Admin
A Twitter hack brings into the question of who can make changes in production for Steve.
Stairway to Columnstore Indexes Level 13: Improvements in SQL Server 2016
This stairway series was started in 2015. As such, the focus was on SQL Server 2012 and SQL Server 2014 only. When SQL Server 2016 was released, with lots of improvements in the columnstore technology, I decided to finish the planned levels with the original focus on SQL Server 2012 and 2014, and add one extra level with a brief overview of the improvements available in SQL Server 2016.
Automate Database Restore for SQL Server
In this article we look at how to automate a SQL Server database restore using a PowerShell script.
TDE BYOK and Geo-Replication in Azure SQL DB
Recently a customer asked me for help with setting up a test of an Azure SQL Database in the single database tier with Geo-Replication to work with Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) with a customer-managed key, also known as Bring Your Own Key (BYOK). It is very simple to do it when you use service-managed keys, […]
Power BI Incremental Refresh for SQL Sources
In this article we look at the incremental refresh feature when working with Power BI data sources and how to implement for your reports.
Blogs
ISACA AI Material/Exam Prep Discount (May 18 – June 30, 2026)
By Brian Kelley
If you are considering any of the ISACA AI certs like the Advanced Artificial...
A Fabric solution can be very cost effective
By ChrisJenkins
Are you currently using Microsoft Fabric or considering migrating to it? If so, there...
Track SQL Server Configuration Changes Using the Error Log
By SQLPals
Track SQL Server Configuration Changes Using the Error Log If you...
Forums
Before Using AI with Business Data, Read This
Artificial intelligence tools are quickly becoming part of daily business operations, from document analysis...
Designing SQL Server ETL Pipelines That Don't Break at Scale
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Designing SQL Server ETL Pipelines...
Detecting Deadlocks Quickly
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Detecting Deadlocks Quickly
Question of the Day
Detecting Deadlocks Quickly
In the Database Engine, when a deadlock is detected, what does the detection interval shrink to (in time)?
See possible answers