It’s About the Journey, Not the Exam
Achieving a certification is less about the actual accomplishment, and how you get there. Read some of Andy Warren's thoughts.
Terrifyingly Accurate Technology Predictions for 2014
The end of a year is a time for reflection, but it’s also a time for running full-pelt at the new year with some ill-thought-out predictions under ones belt. It’s with this in mind that I fire up my 100%-accurate Criswell-Brand crystal ball, and peer into next year’s world of technology.
Next-Level Parallel Plan Forcing: An Alternative to 8649
The trace flag 8649 is incredibly useful. Alas, the flag is undocumented, unknown, and its full impact difficult to understand. Adam Machanic presents an alternative which you might find useful.
Infographics
Today Steve Jones has a poll that asks about the visualizations or infographics that you find to be most effective.
Recognizing community leaders
Voting is open for the Tribal Awards finalists. Choose which community warriors you think went above and beyond the call of duty with their blog, presentation, advice, user group, and more.
Repairing a Broken Log Shipping Plan From a Differential Backup
This article details how to reinitialise a Log Shipping scenario from a primary differential backup
Creating a Table Warehouse to Retain Historical Data for a SQL Server Table
Brady Upton explains how to create a quick data warehouse to store all the data in a separate table so that it doesn’t get groomed.
Automation: Changing SQL Service Startup Parameters using T-SQL
Quick and efficent way to change SQL service startup parameters for 1000 instances!
The Challenge of Time Off
It can be a challenge for some people to get away from work. Today Steve Jones gives you some of his advice.
Primary Key Primer for SQL Server
Every database developer uses keys, but without always understanding all the ramifications. They come with few hard and fast rules, but if you get them right from the start with a database design, the whole process of database development is simpler, and the result is likely to perform better. We asked Phil for advice, little knowing that the explanation might take a while.
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