SQL Server Database Activity Based on Transaction Log Backup Size
In this tip we look at some scripts you can use to monitor your database activity and usage based on the size of the SQL Server transaction log backups.
A Self-Tuning Fill Factor Technique for SQL Server – Part 2
Introduction Fill Factor is a parameter most of us have ignored because there is no definitive way to calculate what the correct value should be. Part 1 of this series describes a new technique to dynamically determine index fill factors for all indexes within a database. Part 2 covers an analysis of the data collection […]
Should Salary Information Be Confidential?
Today we have a guest editorial from Andy Warren as Steve is away from the office. Salary is a difficult topic for many, but Andy shares some thoughts.
Fast and Reliable Development with Redgate Solutions for SQL Server
Thursday August 29 18.00-19.00 BST / 10.00-11.00 Pacific - Register for this Microsoft hosted webinar to learn how Redgate tools for SQL Server help deliver software quickly.
Graphical Tools for Accessing Azure Cosmos DB
While the most common methods of interacting with Azure Cosmos DB involve programmatic access, there are times when you might want to perform a quick change or take a peek at some of documents in a collection. In such instances, it is typically more convenient to rely on the graphical interface. Fortunately, there are several options you can use to accomplish.
Azure Stretch Database, Part I: Getting Going
With most innovative new technologies, Azure Stretch Database demos make it look completely easy. Here is a step by step to get going, with examples. Part One of a Two-Part series.
Growing and Changing
It can be hard to let go of old knowledge and try something new, but we need to find a balance.
4 Pillars of SQL Server Monitoring
Five SQL Server experts have brought their collective years of experience working with and maintaining SQL Server data systems to identify the four strategies required for a successful estate-wide SQL Server monitoring solution.
Cracking DAX – the EARLIER and RANKX Functions
So far in this series, Andy Brown of Wise Owl Training has shed light on functions like CALCULATE, VALUES and FILTER, but it’s only when you understand the idiosyncrasies of the EARLIER function that you can claim to have genuinely cracked DAX. This article gives four examples of the use of this peculiar function, in the process explaining why it has such a misleading name. Using the EARLIER function properly all boils down (as is so often the case with DAX) to understanding row and filter context. The article also shows how to use the RANKX function to sort data into your required order.
SQL Tamagotchi! Mini-Servers as Database Pets
If you've ever stuffed SQL Server onto a Raspberry Pi 4 and given it a pet name, don't worry, you're not alone…
Blogs
Funny Money: #SQLNewBlogger
By Steve Jones
While wandering around the documentation looking for some Question of the Day topics, I...
Why Database AI Agents need Layers?
By Arun Sirpal
Third part in my Ai series with databases. When building AI solutions within the...
Un-Migrating From the Cloud: T-SQL Tuesday #199
By Steve Jones
This month we have a very interesting invitation from Koen Verbeeck. He has hosted...
Forums
Backup Availability Group
Please I am hoping for some feedback Specifications: Windows Server 2022 SQL Server 2022...
How Do the Experts Become Experts?
Comments posted to this topic are about the item How Do the Experts Become...
Stairway to Reliable Database Deployments Level 4 – Preparing for Production Deployment
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Stairway to Reliable Database Deployments...
Question of the Day
Secure Communications
As of June 2026, what is the best version of TLS to use with SQL Server?
See possible answers