Representing uncertainty in difficult times
The Covid-19 pandemic has provided examples of how uncertain data can eventually be presented to the public as certainty. How, as data people, should we represent uncertainty in our data?
An Introduction to PowerShell for a DBA
An introduction to PowerShell that covers basics alone with some more advanced features. It will walk you through from the very beginning to the writing of a few useful scripts.
Are You Ready To Change Your Work Environment?
With many of us working from home, Steve wonders if you want to change anything.
Export SQL Server Tables to Excel
Sometimes there is a need to export data for a lot of different SQL Server tables into an Excel file. In this tip we look at how we can quickly export several tables into one Excel workbook where each table is stored in a different worksheet.
A Security Regression
Marriott has had another security breach. Does this mean they aren't taking security seriously? Steve has a few thoughts.
DAX for SQL Folks: Part II - Translating SQL Queries to DAX Queries
Introduction In response to my approach in the popular MDX Guide for SQL Folks series, I am using SQL as a good frame of reference for starting or developing a new approach for improving your Data Analysis Expression(DAX) language learning experience. This is useful for developers starting to learn the DAX language to more advanced developers who […]
Free Training Week: How I Use the First Responder Kit – sp_Blitz
When you’re first approaching a SQL Server, start with sp_Blitz. We’ll cover my favorite parameters and what I look for in the results, and then start building our notes in Markdown for our eventual health check recommendations for the rest of our team.
Where AI Shines
Artificial Intelligence hasn't always worked well, but there is one place that is seems to have lots of potential.
SQL Server 2019 New Performance Features
SQL Server 2019 has introduced several new features that offer improved performance. The optimizer continues to evolve and get smarter.
Keeping Unique Aliases
Steve prefers having standards, and today notes that aliases should be included in your standards document.
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?
See possible answers