How Big is Your Transaction Log?
If you are not managing the transaction log space used by a database, the transaction log might grow uncontrollably. With SQL Server 2017 there is a new dynamic management function (DMF) that exposes statistical information about a database transaction log. One of the things you can do with the information returned from this DMF is to determine how full a database transaction log file is.
Explaining Our Professions to Our Parents
Have you ever had a difficult time explaining what your job entails to your parents or other family members? You may be working in a field that didn’t exist 20 years ago, such as mobile device development, or your job may be so specialized that non-technical people will never understand. Now that my job title […]
Azure and Windows PowerShell: Using VM Extensions
In the third part of his series, Nicolas Prigent describes how to run post-deployment configuration and automation tasks on Azure Virtual Machines. Nicolas explains how to use Azure VM Extensions using the Azure PowerShell module to save time during the provisioning process.
5th annual “Seattle Freecon”
On Monday, November 5th, 2018, the 5th annual “Seattle Freecon” (a FreeCon in Seattle for those that might not be attending a pre-con before the PASS Summit) will be held. Put on by Jason Brimhall and Wayne Sheffield, there’s a set of 6 sessions you can attend for free that day. That’s right, absolutely FREE.
Index Tuning Week: How Many Indexes Are Too Many?
When you're not sure, start by aiming for 5 or less indexes per table, with 5 or less fields each.
Embrace Stored Procedures
Developers working with SQL Server should learn to embrace stored procedures. They really, really do work well.
HIPAA and Database Administration – Part 2
HIPAA was signed into law in the United States in 1996. In this article, Robert Sheldon discusses how the act affects the day-to-day responsibilities of database administrators.
Software Engineering in Practice
Is there a need for apprenticeships in the data world? Should we consciously seek to view our first year as an apprenticeship? Should companies provide learning paths for new hires?
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
We Are Eating Our Own Seed Corn
Comments posted to this topic are about the item We Are Eating Our Own...
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...
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