Tips
Breaking into the DBA space
I love helping people, I love to teach and I really love hearing about success stories from people in my past whom I've interacted with, had the chance to help out through with a course, tutorial or just a few helpful hints to get them started in the SQL space.
Building a SQL Server DBA Department
In a recent tip, a DBA explained that he has SQL Server Agent Jobs created without his knowledge on a regular basis. He indicated that setting up proper security and a change management process would be the solution to this issue. Is that really all it takes to tame a SQL Server environment? Check out this tip for some recommendations on turning a SQL Server environment considered the wild west into an orderly and efficient department.
Defining and Establishing SQL Server Policies and Procedures
As your IT team grows more and more people may have direct impact on your SQL Server databases. At the onset it may have been just a couple of developers and a DBA, but as your company becomes more successful and more resources are put on developing, maintaining and supporting a database driven application the potential for inconsistent processes and undocumented changes increases. Just when you need more control and structure things tend to sway the other way, because now there are more people and components that need to be managed. So what is the best process to put controls in now so when things grow beyond one or two people chaos does not follow?
How do I find a local SQL Server user group?
Researching SQL Server information on the internet and in books is very valuable and certainly good means to learn. But learning from other people in the same boat is extremely valuable. Unfortunately, many DBAs and Developers are not aware of the local user groups that are right around the corner.
How to find a SQL Server DBA Job
I am new to the SQL Server platform and want to break into the field. I have been doing IT work for a while now and I am looking to focus my career on SQL Server. Do you have any suggestions? Where should I start? What should I be prepared for during the interview process?
If it is on the Internet, it must be true
Among many other things, the Internet is a great resource and has revolutionized many things including troubleshooting SQL Server issues. Based on my observations, more often than not, when a SQL Server issue occurs DBAs, Developers or Network Administrators will ask their team if they have seen the issue they are experiencing and for the resolution. Depending on the answer, the next resource that is tapped is their favorite search engine i.e. Google. After a few different keyword searches, you may have your answer in a matter of minutes as compared to combing through book after book to find an answer. So once you have this information what should you really do?
Leaving a SQL Server DBA Job Gracefully
You’re leaving your current employer for a new opportunity and want to make the move as smooth as possible. You don’t want to burn your bridges and want to make sure that everything you’ve left behind can be managed by the people you’ve left behind or the DBA who is replacing you. So, you’ve done your handover documentation and trained up the new guy. You definitely don’t want to be that DBA who is cursed the week after they leave when their network account is disabled and a bunch of stuff ‘breaks’.
Managing SQL Server via Management Studio vs TSQL Commands
Over the last few months I have heard the terms 'typer' and 'clicker' related to how SQL Server DBAs manage SQL Server. Working with one specific customer, the customer came right out and asked me 'if I was a typer or a clicker'. I was surprised to hear that question, but I understood why they asked it as they observed me work. They noticed all of the T-SQL commands that I issued as opposed to using Enterprise Manager. They were also surprised to see how many SQL Server system tables that I accessed and the information that I gathered to troubleshoot the issue. This same distinction between DBA management preferences became crystal clear to me during a recent Northern Virginia SQL Server User Group session.
Project Management for SQL Server DBAs and Developers
When most DBAs and Developers hear the term 'project management', I am sure this is not a term that makes them jump for joy. Those emotions are probably from past experiences where they have had issues. To me "past performance does not always dictate future results" when it comes to a SQL Server DBA\Developer who wants to make a difference in their organization. DBAs\Developers are in a unique position in the IT department and overall organization because in many circumstances they work with Network Admins, SAN Admins, Reporting Groups, users, etc, which is not always the case with other groups in the organization. As a DBA\Developer you can consider yourself the hub that connects many spokes in the organization.
SQL Server Career Planning
I am looking for career advice. I would like to know how to get started with my career and plan for changes over time. Do you have any suggestions for building my career? Check out this tip for some valuable career advice for new and experienced SQL Server Professionals.
SQL Server DBA Telecommuting Tips
I've been working remotely (also known as Telecommuting) for over 8 years now. While it sounds great: "Hey I get to work from home!" telecommuting effectively takes a great deal of work. You can't just phone it in (sorry I could not resist the pun). Below are my Top 10 Tips on Telecommuting from someone who has been doing is since the days of dial-up and before VPN. Some are no-brainers, some you may not think about when starting out with your home office, but all are crucial.
SQL Server DBAs' Value to the Organization
In many organizations the SQL Server DBAs are among the unsung heroes in the IT Department and overall organization. Often times their contributions are unknown and overlooked. It this tip I would like to outline some of the value I have seen SQL Server DBAs contribute to the organization in business terms.
SQL Server for Network Administrators
My job function is a Network Administrator, not a SQL Server DBA or Developer, but I work with SQL Server on a regular basis. I could use some pointers to improve my skills. What would be a good SQL Server primer for me? What are some high level SQL Server topics that I should be aware of for my regular tasks? Where can I get some additional information to brush up on my skills?
SQL Server Task Management Best Practices
Do you feel like all of your projects are going in circles with little progress being made on a weekly basis? Do these projects prevent you from working on the latest and greatest technologies? If so, consider taking the first step in trying to move forward with your projects in a more straight forward manner.
SQL Server Websites
Time is of the essence when SQL Server is down or when pressure is mounting from multiple project deadlines. So finding accurate information quickly is difficult at best. When you are not sure where to turn for valuable information stress levels only increase. This tip lists the major SQL Server websites that are available.
Starting a SQL Server DBA Job
I have been a SQL Server DBA at one organization for a number of years. I am moving on to another organization and I saw one of your tips about leaving a SQL Server job gracefully. I thought this was a good tip, but I could use some recommendations on starting a new SQL Server Job. In some respects, I am an old hand, but I do want to get some advice that can be helpful to a DBA at any level. Can you offer some suggestions? Check out this tip to learn more.
Starting your SQL Server Career Path
How did you learn SQL Server? This is a question that has been asked of me a few times over the last few months. I have also been asked how someone can get up to speed with SQL Server very quickly and become productive. Check out this tip to get some suggestions to learn SQL Server and help benefit your career.
Streamlining SQL Server Documentation
I work for a company that has auditing requirements and with those auditing requirements comes the need to document the environment, specific processes and policies in our organization. I read your Defining and Establishing SQL Server Policies and Procedures tip and found that it was a help with the policies that we needed to have for the audit. Although document is not a very exciting topic, it is something that I need to do for my job and for my organization to meet compliance. If we do not meet compliance, our organization can have some problems, problems that I would like to avoid. Can you provide me with some suggestions on how to document our SQL Server environment? I am having a hard time just getting the information down on pap
Vacation for a SQL Server DBA
There is something to be said for taking a vacation. The rest and relaxation, seeing new places, being exposed to new and exciting things. The other side of the coin is being on-call, answering pages at 3:00 AM then driving around a strange location hunting for available Wi-Fi. Hmm, one of these things is not like the others. When you want a vacation it is usually expected that you can truly relax and let the rigors of the DBA grind slip out of your brain's cache. However that is not always easy. I'm taking a two week vacation and I've never turned the keys for the Evil DBA Laboratory (pronounced lah BOR uh tory like all madmen do) over to an outsider. In the past 10 years...
What is SQL Server
I am new to SQL Server and I have heard the term used in a number of different capacities and in different contexts. So what exactly is it? What are the common components? How does it work? How do people use it? I am brand new to the technology, where do I get started?
Top 10
SQL Server DBAs' Value to the Organization
In many organizations the SQL Server DBAs are among the unsung heroes in the IT Department and overall organization. Often times their contributions are unknown and overlooked. It this tip I would like to outline some of the value I have seen SQL Server DBAs contribute to the organization in business terms.
SQL Server Career Planning
I am looking for career advice. I would like to know how to get started with my career and plan for changes over time. Do you have any suggestions for building my career? Check out this tip for some valuable career advice for new and experienced SQL Server Professionals.
How to find a SQL Server DBA Job
I am new to the SQL Server platform and want to break into the field. I have been doing IT work for a while now and I am looking to focus my career on SQL Server. Do you have any suggestions? Where should I start? What should I be prepared for during the interview process?
Project Management for SQL Server DBAs and Developers
When most DBAs and Developers hear the term 'project management', I am sure this is not a term that makes them jump for joy. Those emotions are probably from past experiences where they have had issues. To me "past performance does not always dictate future results" when it comes to a SQL Server DBA\Developer who wants to make a difference in their organization. DBAs\Developers are in a unique position in the IT department and overall organization because in many circumstances they work with Network Admins, SAN Admins, Reporting Groups, users, etc, which is not always the case with other groups in the organization. As a DBA\Developer you can consider yourself the hub that connects many spokes in the organization.
Starting your SQL Server Career Path
How did you learn SQL Server? This is a question that has been asked of me a few times over the last few months. I have also been asked how someone can get up to speed with SQL Server very quickly and become productive. Check out this tip to get some suggestions to learn SQL Server and help benefit your career.
Leaving a SQL Server DBA Job Gracefully
You’re leaving your current employer for a new opportunity and want to make the move as smooth as possible. You don’t want to burn your bridges and want to make sure that everything you’ve left behind can be managed by the people you’ve left behind or the DBA who is replacing you. So, you’ve done your handover documentation and trained up the new guy. You definitely don’t want to be that DBA who is cursed the week after they leave when their network account is disabled and a bunch of stuff ‘breaks’.
Starting a SQL Server DBA Job
I have been a SQL Server DBA at one organization for a number of years. I am moving on to another organization and I saw one of your tips about leaving a SQL Server job gracefully. I thought this was a good tip, but I could use some recommendations on starting a new SQL Server Job. In some respects, I am an old hand, but I do want to get some advice that can be helpful to a DBA at any level. Can you offer some suggestions? Check out this tip to learn more.
Building a SQL Server DBA Department
In a recent tip, a DBA explained that he has SQL Server Agent Jobs created without his knowledge on a regular basis. He indicated that setting up proper security and a change management process would be the solution to this issue. Is that really all it takes to tame a SQL Server environment? Check out this tip for some recommendations on turning a SQL Server environment considered the wild west into an orderly and efficient department.
What is SQL Server
I am new to SQL Server and I have heard the term used in a number of different capacities and in different contexts. So what exactly is it? What are the common components? How does it work? How do people use it? I am brand new to the technology, where do I get started?
SQL Server Websites
Time is of the essence when SQL Server is down or when pressure is mounting from multiple project deadlines. So finding accurate information quickly is difficult at best. When you are not sure where to turn for valuable information stress levels only increase. This tip lists the major SQL Server websites that are available.
Last 10
SQL Server DBAs' Value to the Organization
In many organizations the SQL Server DBAs are among the unsung heroes in the IT Department and overall organization. Often times their contributions are unknown and overlooked. It this tip I would like to outline some of the value I have seen SQL Server DBAs contribute to the organization in business terms.
SQL Server Career Planning
I am looking for career advice. I would like to know how to get started with my career and plan for changes over time. Do you have any suggestions for building my career? Check out this tip for some valuable career advice for new and experienced SQL Server Professionals.
How to find a SQL Server DBA Job
I am new to the SQL Server platform and want to break into the field. I have been doing IT work for a while now and I am looking to focus my career on SQL Server. Do you have any suggestions? Where should I start? What should I be prepared for during the interview process?
Starting your SQL Server Career Path
How did you learn SQL Server? This is a question that has been asked of me a few times over the last few months. I have also been asked how someone can get up to speed with SQL Server very quickly and become productive. Check out this tip to get some suggestions to learn SQL Server and help benefit your career.
Project Management for SQL Server DBAs and Developers
When most DBAs and Developers hear the term 'project management', I am sure this is not a term that makes them jump for joy. Those emotions are probably from past experiences where they have had issues. To me "past performance does not always dictate future results" when it comes to a SQL Server DBA\Developer who wants to make a difference in their organization. DBAs\Developers are in a unique position in the IT department and overall organization because in many circumstances they work with Network Admins, SAN Admins, Reporting Groups, users, etc, which is not always the case with other groups in the organization. As a DBA\Developer you can consider yourself the hub that connects many spokes in the organization.
Building a SQL Server DBA Department
In a recent tip, a DBA explained that he has SQL Server Agent Jobs created without his knowledge on a regular basis. He indicated that setting up proper security and a change management process would be the solution to this issue. Is that really all it takes to tame a SQL Server environment? Check out this tip for some recommendations on turning a SQL Server environment considered the wild west into an orderly and efficient department.
Starting a SQL Server DBA Job
I have been a SQL Server DBA at one organization for a number of years. I am moving on to another organization and I saw one of your tips about leaving a SQL Server job gracefully. I thought this was a good tip, but I could use some recommendations on starting a new SQL Server Job. In some respects, I am an old hand, but I do want to get some advice that can be helpful to a DBA at any level. Can you offer some suggestions? Check out this tip to learn more.
Leaving a SQL Server DBA Job Gracefully
You’re leaving your current employer for a new opportunity and want to make the move as smooth as possible. You don’t want to burn your bridges and want to make sure that everything you’ve left behind can be managed by the people you’ve left behind or the DBA who is replacing you. So, you’ve done your handover documentation and trained up the new guy. You definitely don’t want to be that DBA who is cursed the week after they leave when their network account is disabled and a bunch of stuff ‘breaks’.
What is SQL Server
I am new to SQL Server and I have heard the term used in a number of different capacities and in different contexts. So what exactly is it? What are the common components? How does it work? How do people use it? I am brand new to the technology, where do I get started?
Breaking into the DBA space
I love helping people, I love to teach and I really love hearing about success stories from people in my past whom I've interacted with, had the chance to help out through with a course, tutorial or just a few helpful hints to get them started in the SQL space.
