Power BI Bubble Map, Shape Map and Filled Map Examples
In this tip we look various map visualizations like Bubble, Shape and Filled Map visualizations you can use with Power BI.
Some T-SQL INSERTs DO Follow the Fill Factor! (SQL Oolie)
With origins from the world of “Submarine ‘Dolphin’ Qualification” questions, an “Oolie” is a difficult question to answer, or the knowledge or fact needed to answer such a question, that may or may not pertain to one's duties but tests one's knowledge of a system or process to the limit. Introduction Contrary to what many […]
Timing is Everything
A phishing attack is directed at engineers, but it could easily be pointed at IT pros.
PolyBase in SQL Server 2019 – The End of ETL?
PolyBase has been around since 2016, but Microsoft is enhancing it in 2019 with the ability to connect to more data sources. You can now use PolyBase to connect to other SQL Server instances, and it’s easy to set up with a wizard. In this article Benjamin Weissman explains what’s new in PolyBase and walks you through setting it up and connecting to an external table.
Problems Caused by Use of the SQL_VARIANT Datatype
Phil Factor illustrates the 'quirks' of the SQL_VARIANT datatype and why it's best to investigate when SQL Prompt alerts you to its use. It is only safe to store data as a SQL_VARIANT, if you explicitly convert it to its true type before you use it.
Stairway to SQL Server Security Level 1: Overview of SQL Server Security
The ubiquity of databases and the potentially valuable information stored in them makes them attractive targets for people who want to steal data or harm its owner by tampering with it. Making sure that your data is secure is a critical part of configuring SQL Server and developing applications that use it to store data.
Data privacy next steps: Compliant Database DevOps
Over the last year we’ve seen a shift in customer concerns around personal data, as well as new legislation. Now is the time to implement a robust process to safeguard your data and your business, without hindering your DevOps journey. Read this blog post to find out the next steps for data privacy
Relational Databases vs Graph Databases
In this tip we will address questions that will help relational database developers understand the various considerations for using a graph database.
Blogs
Upgrading SQL Server Containers on the Laptop
By Steve Jones
I don’t have SQL Server installed on my laptop. In an effort to keep...
How to Find Expensive Queries in Amazon Redshift
Slow-running queries can degrade your Redshift cluster’s performance and lead to increased costs. Identifying...
The Notification Trap: How Input Fatigue Is Killing Deep Work in Tech
By gbargsley
If you've been here before, you know this blog is usually about SQL Server,...
Forums
SQL 2019 instance with AG, across 2 Windows 2016 OS servers - OSin-place upgrade
Hi all Can I get some perspective from the community please on performing in-place...
How Long is a Long I/O?
Comments posted to this topic are about the item How Long is a Long...
T-SQL Trigonometric Functions in SQL Server
Comments posted to this topic are about the item T-SQL Trigonometric Functions in SQL...
Question of the Day
How Long is a Long I/O?
In SQL Server 2025, a long I/O is recorded in the error log with message 833. How long much an I/O request be outstanding before this message is written to the log?
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