Double Checks
Many of us have checks in place on systems or processes, but would we be aware of tampering with the operation of our computer systems? Steve Jones notes that auditing can be important to ensure things are working well.
New SQL Monitor Custom Metric: Default User Service Account
Using a default account for SQL Server services can be a security risk for two reasons. Firstly, it can give the service a higher level of permissions than it needs. Secondly, isolation is compromised by several services running under the same account. This metric checks whether SQL Server services are running under any of the default accounts, such as localsystem.
SQL Enlight for SQL Server Management Studio
The process of doing SQL code-reviews used to be tedious and error-prone. Until SQL Enlight, it was a process that was difficult to automate for release and deployment. As it is now both a Command-line utility and an SSMS add-in, the database developer can see immediately the parts of the code that would raise eyebrows with the vigilant production DBA.
No Bosses
The idea of not having a boss appeals to many of us, but is it really what you'd like? Steve Jones notes that Zappos is trying this, by eliminating many of the manager roles at the company.
The Art of Performance
Tuning a SQL Server instance and improving the way it performs is a complex task that many people struggle to complete. In this piece, Steve Jones talks about the idea that it is a science as much as an art.
Agile Database Development
Agile methodologies work well with database developments only if great care is taken to do things right. It requires good judgement and leaves little room for error. Dev Nambi, in an extract from the book Tribal SQL, argues that Agile works for smart, curious, and experienced software engineers.
Cleveland, OH - SQL in the City Seminar - Deployment Stairway
Grant Fritchey and Steve Jones will be hosting a free seminar in Cleveland on February 7 2014. Join fellow database professionals to learn tips and best practices for SQL Server version control, continuous integration and deployment.
Fuzzy-String Search: Find misspelled information with T-SQL
An optimized Damerau-Levenshtein Distance (DLD) algorithm for "fuzzy" string matching in Transact-SQL 2000-2008
The Desktop Setup
This Friday Steve Jones asks about how you set up your hardware and software environment for work. Are there things you recommend?
Stop & Start Your VM’s on Azure with Powershell
This is a very simple script can be used as a framework for you to stop and start your VM’s on Azure with Powershell.
Blogs
A New Word: los vidados
By Steve Jones
los vidados – n. the half-remembered acquaintances you knew years ago, who you might...
In-Person CISA Training – April 13-16, 2026
By Brian Kelley
I will be leading an in-person Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam prep class...
EightKB 2026
EightKB is back again for 2026! The biggest online SQL Server internals conference is...
Forums
query to track time spent on individual tasks in SSIS
Hi everyone I am looking at building a query to determine how much time...
SQL Server Transactional Replication from Always On Availability Groups to Azure SQL Database
Comments posted to this topic are about the item SQL Server Transactional Replication from...
Hidden Heroes
Comments posted to this topic are about the item Hidden Heroes
Question of the Day
Identities and Sequences I
When thinking of the Identity property for auto incrementing columns and sequences for the same action, which are explicitly linked to increment a number in a table when a new row is added?
See possible answers