SQL Server Indexing - KEY Information
Webcast Tomorrow:
Avoiding a SharePoint Disaster
Whether you've already implemented SharePoint, or are only preparing to, backup and recovery should be a priority. Discover how to use SharePoint's out of the box backup and restore capabilities to protect your data in case of calamity. This session will take a quick trip through the built in backup options available with SharePoint; suggest some tips, tricks, and best practices; and focus on some techniques concerning how to restore that data before disaster strikes. Presented by: CA Callahan
> Register Now
> Live date: 2/3/2010 at 12:00 Pacific
Troubleshooting BI Is Challenging!
BI puts all sorts of new types of loading on your SQL Server. It can touch on so many different aspects of your server and require all new sorts of insights when you're troubleshooting issues that come up. Think about it - SSAS, SSIS, SSRS and much more - all come into play. SQL Sentry BI Suite will help you dig into your systems and see where issues are, see where you need to look to tune your systems and troubleshoot performance and other issues. Check out all of the details and get your trial download - you'll quickly be seeing excellent information on your systems. Get it here.
Where is the Line Between Snooping and Enhancing Data Use?
I read this great post from Curt Monash about "Data-based snooping" -- and have to admit both the title and the content had me sitting back saying "hmmmm...." and thinking through exactly what we all do and what we expect to get out of it. Specifically, Web 3.0 or 4.0 or whatever we're calling it now is all about customization, using data bits to provide more meaningful experiences on the 'net and so-on.
Where is the line?
We expect more and more from our Business Intelligence systems and more and more from our work to customize online and application experiences. We expect systems to get smarter, to begin to recognize trends without our help and to use information to generate more information that's beneficial. I'm a strong believer in the idea that our systems can indeed be so much better at using the information they contain and provide more solid decision support. I'm not talking about "Terminator" type systems that are running our lives, but rather about systems that can provide us with the information to make better choices and help people faster.
I can't tell though where the line is between too much access to data vs. too many walls up needlessly protecting it.
Where do YOU draw the line? Do you agree with the article?
I don't know that legal means have the ability to really control or channel this. If you're looking through information on your databases, trying to find trends or other information, I'm not thinking that the legal ramifications of your honorable work are going to be foremost in your mind.
Drop me a note - what do you think is the trend? The answer? The problem?
Email me here...
Time is running out to register
SQL Server Indexing - KEY Information
Update: Kalen will be giving away a copy of her book to one lucky attendee! The drawing will be held from those answering the session survey!
Kalen Delaney will be presenting our next virtual workshop, all about SQL Server Indexes. You'll learn about key design considerations as you determine where, and what types of indexes will best support your queries. You'll also learn the value of unique indexes and included columns. You’ll find out about composite indexes, and how to determine the best indexes for your queries involving ANDs, ORs and JOINs. Last but not least, we’ll discuss best practices that you can put to use immediately as you review and update your designs to support the queries on your system.
Indexes can be the key to performance on your system. Kalen is one of the foremost authorities on SQL Server internals - and an expert on how indexes work and are applied. You won't want to miss this incredible workshop opportunity! You can even get a certificate after completing the workshop and passing the quiz! Kalen will be available during the workshop to answer questions live in the chat room and make sure you get all you can from the workshop. It's an incredible opportunity and we hope to see you there!
When: Feb 12, 2010 at 9:00a Pacific
[Get More Information] or [Register Now]
Webcast Next Week:
Optimizing Backup and Restore Performance
As databases continue to grow in size, the time it takes for backup and recovery grows in length of time. Attend this session and learn methods to minimize the time it takes for your backups to complete, as well as how to minimize the amount of time it takes to recover. Presented by: Thomas LaRock
> Register Now
> Live date: 2/10/2010 at 12:00 Pacific
Featured Script
admin db - sp_monitor history and historical performance report
Save regular samples from sp_monitor to help you know when it's time to beef up the hardware on your server.... (read more)
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2/2/2010
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Avoiding a SharePoint Disaster
Webcast Weds: Register ASAP
Avoiding a SharePoint Disaster
Whether you've already implemented SharePoint, or are only preparing to, backup and recovery should be a priority. Discover how to use SharePoint's out of the box backup and restore capabilities to protect your data in case of calamity. This session will take a quick trip through the built in backup options available with SharePoint; suggest some tips, tricks, and best practices; and focus on some techniques concerning how to restore that data before disaster strikes. Presented by: CA Callahan Sponsored by: EMC (www.EMC.com)
> Register Now
> Live date: 2/3/2010 at 12:00 Pacific
Featured Article(s)
The DBA Database (Watching Procedure Execution Times)
A common problem that I hear when I start a new contract is the performance. The performance not only of stored procedures but ad hoc SQL statements. A common problem that you may face when you look at these issues is the fact that you don’t know or don’t have a history of the code that has been running, unless you are fortunate enough where someone left that data for you
Have You Registered for the Virtual Conference Yet?
If you've been to other virtual conferences, you may be a bit (!) surprised at our Virtual Conferences. 75 Sessions. 20 Speakers. Scripts, transcripts of the presentations, slide downloads, interactive chat with presenters during the sessions and so much more. Don't take my word for it - check out the sessions, the speakers and the conference information pages. You won't be sorry! It's coming in April, but you can register now and save nearly $100 (that's almost 50%) - early bird rate at this level expires *Friday*.
[Get More Information Here]
Are We Learning to "Settle"?
I fear my family must think by now that "oh jeez, there he goes again, talking about some random thing and wanting to related it to databases..." The latest came from listening to music and it has me thinking that we're slowly getting numb and not even realizing it - and yes, it ties to what we do with databases. I know, go figure, right?
So, here's the bit, then the database stuff. I was listening to some music on a certain satellite radio service. Liking the music, turned it up, it didn't sound good - sound hollow, low-quality, etc. Was disappointed, thought "hmmm... that's odd. Should be excellent quality - paying for it and all that...just never realized it wasn't so hot." Switched to broadcast radio. Better - but... yeah. Not fabulous, just better. Tried the trusty MP3 player. Better again, but still... not fabulous. I'm not talking "I want to feel like I'm at a concert" - just that in each case, it wasn't what you might call the "full" music. Some would clearly be off on the high-end, some on the low-end. Popped in a CD. Now THAT's the ticket. Perfect.
I'd become used to the fact that these other sources of music weren't as true to the music. Numb to the lesser quality, used to the fact that I wasn't getting the full picture, just that it was "good enough." Ask anyone that works with me, "good enough" is a pet peeve. It never is good enough once you shine light on it. It's just settling. I even showed my guinea pig daughter what I was talking about with the music - she noticed it when we put them back to back to. See? The Dad does make at least a little sense. I felt great until I told her it was like databases. Then I got the full eye-roll and moan with a grin.
This does relate though, and it's important. I think we've become numb and accept the easy answers, the "good enough" approach too easily. It sort of goes back to last weeks notes on IT being too simple, but really it moves beyond that. We accept that if we add an index, we can bump up performance and things will be better. Not that we've tried to figure out if the design is right and look to correct things and really kick performance up, just that we can make it OK. We accept that rebooting a server can clear up an issue. The system comes back alive, things seem OK. We don't see any clear issues remaining, so we clap our hands, smile and walk away. All better. We don't necessarily take the time to figure out what's really happening. Must have been a one-time issue. Yeah, that's it.
I think we've learned to settle in working with our systems, in understanding what's happening. I think it's like the music - it's good enough, we've not heard the clear music in long enough that the differences aren't clear. We've not seen the database running in top shape, making information available in top form, with top performance in long enough that the incremental things we do are good enough.
Don't settle. Learn. Listen to a CD. Pump it up. Compare it. Look at the performance on your servers. Look at issues that come up and really dig in. Don't settle.
"Good enough" isn't.
SQL Server 2008 Indexes - Internals and Best Practices
Kalen Delaney will be presenting our next virtual workshop, all about SQL Server Indexes. You'll learn about key design considerations as you determine where, and what types of indexes will best support your queries. You'll also learn the value of unique indexes and included columns. You’ll find out about composite indexes, and how to determine the best indexes for your queries involving ANDs, ORs and JOINs. Last but not least, we’ll discuss best practices that you can put to use immediately as you review and update your designs to support the queries on your system.
Indexes can be the key to performance on your system. Kalen is one of the foremost authorities on SQL Server internals - and an expert on how indexes work and are applied. You won't want to miss this incredible workshop opportunity! You can even get a certificate after completing the workshop and passing the quiz! Kalen will be available during the workshop to answer questions live in the chat room and make sure you get all you can from the workshop. It's an incredible opportunity and we hope to see you there!
When: Feb 12, 2010 at 9:00a Pacific
[Get More Information] or [Register Now]
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2/1/2010
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Key Questions for Your Systems?
New SelectVIews Show
The new show is live on the site today - it includes information about SQL Server industry happenings, SharePoint happenings, the SQL Server tip of the day and upcoming IT Pro events. You'll also find out about some new SSWUG.ORG features, an announcement about SharePoint, site discussions and much more.
[Watch the Show]
SQL Server 2008 Indexes - Internals and Best Practices
Kalen Delaney will be presenting our next virtual workshop, all about SQL Server Indexes. You'll learn about key design considerations as you determine where, and what types of indexes will best support your queries. You'll also learn the value of unique indexes and included columns. You’ll find out about composite indexes, and how to determine the best indexes for your queries involving ANDs, ORs and JOINs. Last but not least, we’ll discuss best practices that you can put to use immediately as you review and update your designs to support the queries on your system.
Indexes can be the key to performance on your system. Kalen is one of the foremost authorities on SQL Server internals - and an expert on how indexes work and are applied. You won't want to miss this incredible workshop opportunity! You can even get a certificate after completing the workshop and passing the quiz! Kalen will be available during the workshop to answer questions live in the chat room and make sure you get all you can from the workshop. It's an incredible opportunity and we hope to see you there!
When: Feb 12, 2010 at 9:00a Pacific
[Get More Information] or [Register Now]
Key Questions for Your Systems?
Do you have a favorite set of questions that you ask as you bring up new systems or even just answer requests for new reports, new databases or new systems overall? In a previous life, I worked at a local medical center and we had a justification process that people used when they requested new computer systems (this was at a time when the hospital was doing early, initial computer deployments to the departments). When we started the justification process, it was with the intent to get departments to stop and think about their requests and how the new computer would be used and, of course, how it would pay off for the department.
We came up with standard questions that were typically part of the justification process. It seems to me that, as a community, we might be able to author some standard questions that get the juices flowing when considering a database system (sure, any software for that matter, but we're database/SharePoint folks here). What would be on your short list? Here are a few that I often end up coming back to -
1. What is the OUTPUT you want/need from the system? What is the report, application or information you'll be looking to pull out of the system?
2. Is there an automation process you're trying to accomplish? If so, what is it, what does it do?
3. Who are the stakeholders in the project and what do they expect to get out of it?
4. What is "success" for the project? What benefit is foremost in the project? What is failure?
5. Do other projects touch this project? If so, are there interchange expectations? What is a successful joining of the projects? What does it look like?
It seems so often that the questions don't revolve around the one thing that so many people go to initially - the data design. For me at least, it seems like projects have a better chance of success when you start with the end in mind - the output - to paraphrase a famous saying. Start there, then work your way back to make sure your systems will support the end-goals.
What questions do you find yourself starting with? Do you start with the output, rather than the inputs? When would that NOT be the case? When IS it the case?
Drop me a note here, let me know...
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1/29/2010
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Virtual Workshop - SQL Server 2008 Indexes - Internals and Best Practices
Announcement: Indexing Virtual Workshop
SQL Server 2008 Indexes - Internals and Best Practices
Kalen Delaney will be presenting our next virtual workshop, all about SQL Server Indexes. You'll learn about key design considerations as you determine where, and what types of indexes will best support your queries. You'll also learn the value of unique indexes and included columns. You’ll find out about composite indexes, and how to determine the best indexes for your queries involving ANDs, ORs and JOINs. Last but not least, we’ll discuss best practices that you can put to use immediately as you review and update your designs to support the queries on your system.
Indexes can be the key to performance on your system. Kalen is one of the foremost authorities on SQL Server internals - and an expert on how indexes work and are applied. You won't want to miss this incredible workshop opportunity! You can even get a certificate after completing the workshop and passing the quiz! Kalen will be available during the workshop to answer questions live in the chat room and make sure you get all you can from the workshop. It's an incredible opportunity and we hope to see you there!
Workshop Date:
February 12, 2010 at 9:00a Pacific
[Get More Information] or [Register Now]
Do You Know SQL Server or SharePoint?
If so, we'd like to talk with you! We're interested in what you've learned in the trenches - from techniques to tips to frustrations, product and book reviews and more. As we begin to roll out several new features, we'd also like to invite you to join us and write for and participate in SSWUG.ORG. We offer a unique payment plus royalties system and we work with you to make writing for the site easy and straightforward. Have a video submission? Great! Podcast? Excellent. We support each of these, plus articles, scripts and more. Just drop me a note at swynk@sswug.org and let me know you're interested and we'll be on our way.
Check Those Instances!
As you install software, whether it's SharePoint, third-party applications or those developed in-house, many times they install new instances or databases on your systems. While new databases can be seen by traditional maintenance plans, if you end up with new instances on your SQL Server, you may be surprised to find out that those instances aren't necessarily covered by maintenance plans.
Take a few minutes, fire up your SQL Server and determine the instances that are running.
Next, check those instances and make sure they have appropriate recovery and maintenance plans running and that you're covered as you need to be. You may be surprised to find out that some applications will install SQL Server Express instances on your server as you install the software. You may not even realize they're there.
Take a bit of time and audit your servers, make sure you know what's running SQL Server-wise, and make sure you have the operations in place to protect those installations.
Featured Script
GetRowCountAllTables.sql
Returns the rowcount for all tables in the database. (requires fn_getrowcount.sql)... (read more)
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1/28/2010
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Have You Checked Your Service Accounts?
Have You Checked Your Service Accounts?
When you set up SQL Server, you also set up services that support various features. From Analysis Services to Reporting Services to SQL Agent and other features and functionality, these features get established with accounts that they use to login to the server.
It's important to review those accounts after you've brought up your SQL Server and had some time to settle in with it a bit - especially if SQL Server isn't your full-time gig. It's not that the service accounts are tied to your experience with SQL Server, it's that many times when setting up SQL Server, these accounts are set up with more access than needed to make things a bit easier during installation. Just a couple of things to consider:
1. Make sure the service accounts are NOT user accounts. The reasoning for this is two-fold. First, you don't want to have the processes have too much access to your systems. Typical access for a "real" user login often provides far more access than is needed for these services, giving a back-door login (if someone knows the service login, they get more access than they should). Second, many times the service accounts need more low-level access to directories and files than is typically allocated to a user account. This means that if the service logs in with the user account, that user account will have too liberal access to possibly key system files. In short, break them apart, allocate privileges as needed, and *only* as needed to both the user account and the service account.
2. If you associate a different service account with each service (rather than a single account for all services), you can add an additional level of security. If someone gets in on one account, they won't automatically get the access associated with the other user accounts. Limited access on "proper" use, limited access on improper use is a good approach.
Take a few minutes and look over the accounts associated with your systems. Make sure you have things as closely defined as possible.
More information: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283811
Featured Article(s)
Undocumented SQL Server 2008 Full-Text Search Stored Procedures
In this article, Alexander Chigrik looks at three undocumented full-text search stored procedures that shipped with SQL Server 2008.
Last Call -
Can You Help? We're Considering Some SSWUG Features...
...but need to know if you think they would help in your work with SQL Server. These would be open-access features.
I'd like to add the ability to start tracking trend-type items on your servers. We'd provide you with a quick script to run that would return a few bits of information. We'd provide you with a place to log the stats (things like CPU utilization, disk space, other performance and growth type things) and then provide you with some online tools to forecast out in the future based on your actual values entered. Over time, the trends would be evident, and we could help with articles, resources, scripts, video how-to and such - all the stuff on SSWUG - that relates to the growth of your systems, or just plan ongoing support of your systems.
You end up with some nice trending and support tools - available online. You'd also end up with related materials - articles, scripts and so-on - that would pertain to the things that are happening on your system.
Would this be interesting? Would you potentially use it?
It's the start of online utilities (I'll have a lot more on this going forward) based on the site so you have access to them anywhere, anytime and with backup resources to explain and explore what's happening on your systems.
But I need to know what you think. If you could, could you drop me an email and let me know your thoughts?
Email me at swynk@sswug.org and let me know what you think.
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1/27/2010
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