When AUTO_UPDATE_STATISTICS Doesn't Happen

When your SQL Server database is set to have its statistics automatically updated, you will probably conclude that, whenever the distribution statistics are out-of-date, they will be updated before the next query is executed against that index or table. Curiously, this isn't always the case. What actually happens is that the statistics only gets updated if needed by the query optimiser to determine an effective query plan.

Do Less

One way to make code run faster is to have less of it. Or ensure the code you have does less work.

Fixing Maintenance Plan Error code 0x534

This article shows you how to resolve SQL Server maintenance plan execution failure error

The One 'Security' Feature in Oracle You Probably Shouldn't Use

Oracle offers a number of security-related settings, but one could definitely create more harm than good. David Fitzjarrell looks at which parameter that is, and why.

Byte Me: Database Migra(ine)tion

Step by Step Installation of SQL Server 2014 on a New Failover Cluster

Manvendra Singh gives a step-by-step guide to installing SQL Server 2014.

The Younger Generation

Should we worry about getting younger people involved in our profession?

Better Ways to Build a Database

The purpose of a database build is simple: prove that what you have in version control can successfully create a working database, and yet many teams struggle with unreliable and untested database build processes that slow down deployments and prevent the delivery of new functionality. Grant Fritchey explains how to achieve an automated and reliable database build that is only as complex as the database system it needs to create.

Do I Want to Design My Own Transaction Log?

The processing of the Transaction Log seems simple to reproduce, but be sure you consider all the possibilities.

On-Time, or Not

Today we have a guest editorial from Andy Warren that looks at the respect, understanding and compromise we might make with each other.