Expiration Date on Database Backups
What does the expiration date mean on SQL Server database backups? In SQL Server Management Studio, there’s an option in the Back Up Database wizard… Read More »Expiration Date on Database Backups
On Best Practices
We hear a lot about “best practice”, but what does it mean in the context of SQL Server? Wikipedia describes best practice as follows: A… Read More »On Best Practices
Compressed and Encrypted Backups on the Cheap
We back up our databases regularly. We store them on a secure network location so that if the database drive fails, we can still satisfy… Read More »Compressed and Encrypted Backups on the Cheap
Is DBCC SHRINKFILE (filename, EMPTYFILE) fully logged?
Update: Paul Randal told me I had made a mistake in my post. The correction is below. On Wednesday last week, Kenneth Fisher (b |… Read More »Is DBCC SHRINKFILE (filename, EMPTYFILE) fully logged?
Speaking at SQLSaturday 507 this weekend in Edmonton
On Saturday 9 April 2016, four days from today, I will be speaking at the first ever SQLSaturday in the province of Alberta. Edmonton is… Read More »Speaking at SQLSaturday 507 this weekend in Edmonton
Cumulative Updates Are First Class
Since 27 January 2016, Microsoft recommends that Cumulative Updates be installed with the same confidence as Service Packs, and installed as they become available. The… Read More »Cumulative Updates Are First Class
Data Efficiency in SQL Server: DECIMAL
This is part two of a short series of posts about how I assign efficient data types when designing a new table or database. Use… Read More »Data Efficiency in SQL Server: DECIMAL
Data Efficiency in SQL Server: DATETIME
This is the first in a short series of posts about how I assign efficient data types when designing a new table or database. Use… Read More »Data Efficiency in SQL Server: DATETIME
What is your SQL Server 2005 Upgrade Plan?
SQL Server 2005 will no longer be supported by Microsoft as of 12 April 2016. One of the services I offer my customers is an… Read More »What is your SQL Server 2005 Upgrade Plan?
Lazy Loading and Tries
This post has nothing to do with SQL Server, but if you like performance tuning, stick around. I learn technology by using it, pushing it… Read More »Lazy Loading and Tries
The ongoing saga of a slow tempdb on a fast server
Last week, I wrote about what should have been a fast system but was performing very poorly, weighing heavily on tempdb I/O performance. Our original… Read More »The ongoing saga of a slow tempdb on a fast server
98% of I/O is taken up by tempdb
During a recent engagement, the customer explained that the performance on their relatively small system was especially slow on Monday morning, but generally bad that… Read More »98% of I/O is taken up by tempdb
Professionalism doesn’t mean a collared shirt and tie
Working from home, consulting with companies all over the world, has changed how I interact with customers. The last time I was physically on site… Read More »Professionalism doesn’t mean a collared shirt and tie
Max Server Memory Matrix
When we perform diagnostics on an existing SQL Server instance, or if we are setting up a new machine, it’s very important to make sure… Read More »Max Server Memory Matrix
Update to Azure Blob Storage Sync and Restore
Blob Storage Sync tool updated During a SQL Server migration this month, I found some inconsistencies in my Azure Blob Storage Sync tool, so I… Read More »Update to Azure Blob Storage Sync and Restore