SQL Server 2008 (and 2005) contain five special databases: master, model, tempdb, msdb, and mssqlsystemresource (aka Resource). These databases are used by SQL Server for its own maintenance and management.
master The master database contains all of the system level information for SQL Server – all of the logins, linked servers, endpoints, and other system-wide configuration settings. The master database is also where SQL Server stores information about the other databases on this instance and the location of their files.
SQL Server Less Than Dot – Blog – How to Monitor Database Mirroring – Monitoring database mirroring is more than just running scripts to email you ever X minutes. Paul Theriault shows how to monitor mirroring (and other aspects of performance) using alerts. How to get the whole group of duplicate rows – CTEs are great for more than just replacing views. Mladen Prajdic shows how they can be used to find duplicate data quickly and efficiently.
What is the Error Log? SQL Server maintains its own error logs that contain messages describing informational and error events. These are simple text files stored on disk, but it’s best to view them using the facilities provided by SQL Server to prevent any SQL operations from being blocked by opening one of these files in a text editor. Also, the error log files can become quite large – SQL Server will stream the files into the Log File Viewer whereas notepad will open the file into a single buffer and consume a great deal more memory.
SQL Server Why I prefer surrogate keys instead of natural keys in database designMladen Prajdic put together a great article about using surrogate keys in database design. The best part is that a lot of bright people sounded off in the comments. Donald Farmer Discusses the Benefits of Managed Self-Service BI I spoke with Donald Farmer about this topic when I was at the Richmond Code Camp last weekend. This is an incredible topic that has a lot of promise for the future of Business Intelligence.
From the moment I started reading this book, I had a hard time putting it down. I read it far into the night. I read it waiting for oil changes, tattoos, and computer reboots. I re-read parts of it while I was still reading it. Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I took a lot away from it.
Overview First of all, what is this book all about?
Have as many mobile devices with connectivity available as possible. Have a camera ready and charged. Charge everything every night. Even if it’s at 95% charge: charge it. Pick sessions that challenge you. Pick sessions you know nothing about. Make back up plans for sessions you want to see, just in case. Don’t make plans. Be flexible. Don’t trust the wi-fi. Pack light. Don’t be afraid to ask vendors for swag.
SQL SERVER Developers, use Profiler to profile yourself John Sterrett goes over how to use profiler to profile your own SSMS session. Toys and Tools Mike Hillwig put together a list of great SQL Server tools. The ABCs of Management Studio Shortcuts Glory be to keyboard shortcuts
DEVELOPMENT ASP.NET MVC 2 Preview 2 New MVC hotness has been released. Yes, it’s a preview, but this contains some interesting features. Better get it while the getting is good!
I found out this morning that I am a SQL Server MVP. Well, I’m assuming that I’m a SQL Server MVP since that’s pretty much all I blog about. I actually found out via twitter when fellow inductee Brent Ozar re-tweeted Suzanna Moran. There’s a lot I could say about this, but most of it would be babbling. In the end, here’s what I’ve got: The last year and a bit of my life has been phenomenal.
SQL SERVER There’s a three part series (one two three) on migrating databases. I’m sure many people have been through this before. I know I have. About a week before these three posts were published. Ever wonder when you should use a filtered index and when you should use an indexed view? Yeah, I have too. The distinction hasn’t been all that clear (to me). Andrew Fryer clears that up a bit in this blog post.
That’s right. Here at PASS we’re working on ways to virtualize everything. Not only can we virtualize away your web server and SQL Server, but now we’ve found a way to virtualize your user group! We’re pleased to announce that PASS has several new Virtual Chaptersdedicated to providing you with the finest quality SQL Server content made with the freshest virtual ingredients available on the market today. So, what is a Virtual Chapter?