A question was posted to #SQLHelp on Twitter asking, if disabling an Index would clear the index usage counters stored in the SQL Server Dynamic Management Views(DMVs)? Great question! Not one that is straightforward to answer via the Twitter medium though, so I wanted to share some more detail here. Consider that the action of disabling a SQL Server Index […]
Using sys.dm_os_ring_buffers to Troubleshoot Connectivity Issues
I encountered an interesting question over on the MSDN forums concerning a poster that was reporting experiencing an issue whereby the “sa” account kept being locked out. In scenarios such as this the SQL Server Error Log is your friend, as it can be configured to record failed login attempts for an instance. Of course […]
PowerShell – Change SQL Server Login Password
Here’s a quick post detailing a PowerShell script that can be used to change the password for a SQL Server Login. Regular readers know that I practice the philosophy of Automate Everything and DBA administrative tasks are no exception. I don’t want to be doing the same task by hand twice, if I can help […]
The Secret to Keeping Your Cool Like an Experienced Production DBA
Your actions as a Database Administrator can make the difference between a disaster being a minor nuisance or a major problem.
In this post I share with you what I have learned about keeping your cool in a crisis and what I believe is the most vital component to effective incident response.
The World’s Leaking Data
I’m becoming increasingly concerned that security has fallen from the forefront of peoples minds. Data Professionals just don’t seem to be giving security the attention that it deserves. The threat to you, your company and your customers is very real.
SQL Server Management Data Warehouse (MDW) – Why it Rocks
Ensuring excellent performance for users and customers is a high priority for Database Administrators.
Here I share a free and easy way for you to get valuable insight into the performance of your Microsoft SQL Server instances.
Restart the SQL Server Agent Service using PowerShell
Just a quick one today chaps, to show how you can restart the SQL Server Agent Service using PowerShell.
Script SQL Server Agent Jobs Using PowerShell
Here’s a handy PowerShell script to script-out all SQL Server Agent jobs for a given instance.
Top 10 Free SQL Server Tools
I know you all love talking about your favorite tools and maintenance scripts. Whether your pleasure is problem diagnosis, query tuning, index analysis or performance monitoring. These sql server tools are all available absolutely free and with the common goal of making your life easier.
PowerShell Script to Configure SQL Server Storage
Following on from the popularity of my last PowerShell post Script SQL Server Agent Jobs Using PowerShell, I thought I would share another script I created to make life being a DBA that little bit easier, in the hope that you too may enjoy the benefits. You regular readers will know that I’ve been endeavouring […]
Something for the Weekend – SQL Server Links 08/07/11
I hope you’ve had a great week! Make sure you catch all my posts by Subscribing to the Blog Feed. You can also receive posts via Email. This week I had the opportunity to work on an interesting SQL Server reporting solution. The environment in question was using a combination of Database Mirroring and Database Snapshots in order to offload reporting from […]
Too Many Disasters To Choose From (T-SQLTuesday)
I’m ashamed to admit that somehow this months T-SQL Tuesday has completely blindsided me, which is kind of ironic really when you consider the theme. It’s a brilliant topic this month, hosted by Allen Kinsel (Blog|Twitter), who calls for participants to Blog about Disasters. More specifically preparing for or recovering from disasters. Rather than completely miss the boat on this […]
SQL Server Instant File Initialization (PQW)
Bluntly put, this is something that you always want to be taking advantage of. As a Database Administrator I’m always on the look out for Performance Quick Wins(PQW). Simple tweaks and changes that I can make to the SQL Server servers in my care that deliver immediate and measurable payback. PQWs are a great way […]
What Are You Waiting For?
I know what I am waiting for. I know exactly what every SQL Server instance in my care is waiting for. Why? Because it’s my job to make SQL Server go faster. Identifying what your SQL Server Instance is waiting on will show you exactly where to look in order to make your server go […]
7 Essential Habits of Successful DBAs
There are many different paths you can travel on the journey to success. There is no precise route that everyone can or should follow. The environments we manage are different, our customers are different, we are each different. There are many different ways of performing our art. It’s one of the most enjoyable and rewarding […]
5 Things Every DBA Should NOT Do
Earlier in the month I shared with you 10 Things That Every DBA Should Do and so it only seems natural to also consider some things that every Database Administrator should NOT be doing right. I’m going to let you in on a little secret here, I have actually done some of these things myself once […]
The DBA Ultimate Fitness Workout Plan
If you plan to stay on top of your DBA game then you have to workout regularly. Those of you that know me well know that I like to hit the gym on average 4 times a week and to go running 2-3 times a week. The primary goal of course being to impress the […]
10 Things Every DBA Should Do
Recently I spoke about how The Best Database Administrators Automate Everything, as well as Document Everything and this got me to thinking in general about things that every Database Administrator (DBA) should be doing. No two Database Administration jobs are the same that’s for sure but there are definitely things that I believe every DBA […]
Your Lack of Documentation is Costing You More Than You Think
You’ve got a mountain of work to get done and not enough time to do it in. There’s simply just not enough time for you to worry about documentation right now but that’s ok though because you plan to come back to it later. Let me guess, you’re still working on that part. The task itself […]
Why Every DBA Needs a Buddy
If you truly desire to be an effective SQL Server Database Administrator then you absolutely must have a buddy. SQL Server is a huge product that is packed full of features to the extent that no one individual can be an expert in all areas. You’re going to need help! The Incredible Value of Peer […]