DBAs and the Fear Factor

Louis Davidson on why DBAs ought to do one thing, every day, that is scary.

Finding Unused SQL Server Stored Procedures With PowerShell

Tim Smith describes a number of ways to tell which Stored Procedures are in use, DMVs, a SQL Server Trace, and his preferred method, the Source Code and PowerShell.

SQLServerCentral.com 2014 Users Survey

We want to make sure we're covering the things that are relevant to you, so we're asking for some feedback on what you use on SSC, where we need to improve, and what you'd like to see.

It should only take a few minutes, and three randomly-selected people will win a $50 Amazon gift card for their efforts.

July 4, 2014

A holiday in the US and Steve is briefly writing something on his sabbatical.

Granular or Cell Level Encryption in SQL Server

Arshad Ali demonstrates granular level encryption in detail and explains how it differs from Transparent Data Encryption (TDE).

Do Other Departments Know What You Do?

Do other departments know what you do? One on one discussions is a great way to make sure.

Dynamic Management Views: Changes in SQL Server 2012

There were many new DMVs added in SQL Server 2012, and some that have changed since SQL Server 2008 R2. This is a brief overview of the biggest changes and what they mean to you!

SQL Bits - Telford, UK

SQL Bits is only two weeks away! Join us for the free community day on July 19th, there is also a paid-for pre-conference day on July 17, as well as a paid-for special training day on July 18. There are a whole host of great speakers, including Grant Fritchey, Steve Jones, and David Atkinson (and Brent Ozar, and Benjamin Nevarez, and Karen Lopez...you get the idea). Register while space is available.

SQL Server Tables - 11 Questions You Were Too Shy to Ask

There are some aspects of tables in SQL Server that a lot of people get wrong, purely because they seem so obvious that one feels embarrassed about asking questions. Robert Sheldon reckons that no questions about SQL Tables are off-limits, and deserve frank answers.

Stairway to Biml Level 5 - Biml Language Elements

In the next level of the Stairway to Biml, we breakdown the various elements in a Biml file to help you understand what parts of the files are used to control the package generation.