External Article

Automating Image-Based Deployment of SQL Server on Azure IaaS VMs - Preparing OS Image

There are several different approaches to automating deployment of SQL Server Infrastructure-as-a-Service virtual machines in Microsoft Azure. Marcin Policht examines an approach that involves uploading or creating a custom operating system image which is well suited for scenarios where you want to deploy a custom-configured SQL Server instance to multiple virtual machines with minimal effort and maximum consistency.

External Article

How DBAs Can Adopt the Craftsman Mindset

The job of a DBA requires a fusion of skill and knowledge. To acquire this requires a craftsman mindset. Craftsmen find that the better they get at the work, the more enjoyable the work gets, and the more successful they become. Deliberate practice, Specialization and an appetite for overcoming difficulty are good habits to deliberately adopt to successfully grow those craftsmanlike skills to the point that you become “so good they can’t ignore you”.

SQLServerCentral Editorial

QA for Data

Often DBAs and developers might make quick data changes to correct user problems or application shortfalls. Steve Jones notes that we can make mistakes, and perhaps we should ensure we QA, or at least log, our changes.

External Article

Selecting Data Using the TOP Clause

There are times when you don’t what to return a complete set of records. When you have this kind of requirement to only select the TOP X number of items Transact SQL (TSQL) has the TOP clause to meet your needs. In this article Greg Larsen explores how to select a subset of data from a record set.

Stairway to SQL Server Security

Stairway to SQL Server Security Level 8: Data Encryption

This stairway level will explore data protection through encryption, both when the data is in motion across the network or in memory and at rest in a table. You’ll learn about the encryption key hierarchy and the various kinds of keys you can use to encrypt data, as well as how you can manage the keys or let SQL Server do it for you.

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Forums

GPX distance and time analysis in SQL Server

By Cláudio Tereso

Comments posted to this topic are about the item GPX distance and time analysis...

The DBA is Dead; Long Live the DBA

By Steve Jones - SSC Editor

Comments posted to this topic are about the item The DBA is Dead; Long...

Changing the AG Listener

By Steve Jones - SSC Editor

Comments posted to this topic are about the item Changing the AG Listener

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Question of the Day

Changing the AG Listener

In SQL Server 2025, if I want to remove an IP from a listener, what do I do?

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