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.
A Dedicated Space
Today Steve looks at one possible future of offices, which might be something we own.
Loading data in Azure Synapse Analytics using Azure Data Factory
This article shows a basic Azure Data Factory pipeline to load data into Azure Synapse.
Blogs
Moving On-Prem PostgreSQL to the Cloud: Picking the Right Path for Big Tables
Every PostgreSQL migration eventually hits the same fork in the road. The database is...
A Spread of Vacation
By Steve Jones
I’m off on vacation today. Which is a little weird as I just got...
How AgentDBA Identifies Backup Failures
By Arun Sirpal
Every DBA has a box like this. Sitting untouched for months. Nobody’s proud of...
Forums
Have you done a Mid year check in?
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From SQL Server On-Premises to Claude Desktop: How I built a Full MCP Pipeline
Comments posted to this topic are about the item From SQL Server On-Premises to...
Independence Day 2026
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Independence Day 2026
Question of the Day
Independence Day 2026
In the original Independence Day movie (1996), what type of computer did Jeff Goldblum use to connect to the alien mainframe? Take a guess, don't look it up or ask AI.
See possible answers