Tag: DBA

Thankful DBA

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This week is Thanksgiving in the United States, so I thought it fitting to write a quick blog on what I am thankful for as a DBA. These are in no particular order and feel free to respond with something you are thankful for. I’d love to hear it. Glenn Berry’s Diagnostic Scripts- (B|T) Used these for years. Really a great set of scripts and explanations that we all should be grateful for. Ola Hallengren’s (B) Maintenance scripts. Index Optimization, Backup, and Integrity Checks for all! They have become an industry standard and continue to get better and better. RCSI (Read… Continue Reading

Quick Model Database Tidbit

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Are you using your Model Database to its full potential? I am finding more and more that Database Admins are not using the Model database to its fullest potential and some not at all. What is that Model Database for? The model database is basically the default setup (template) for all other databases created on a SQL Server instance. All databases created after install will inherit the properties of this database. Why Configure It? Using the model can insure consistency within your environment and is a quick way to automate your database setups. Below is a list of things I’ve… Continue Reading

Synchronous VS Asynchronous Statistics Updates

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One of the things I’ve been able to implement to help with performance is changing from Update Statistics Synchronous to Auto Update Statistics Asynchronously. It’s a simple change that can have a big impact when implemented in highly transactional OLTP environments. Notice I said OLTP not OLAP, since data in an OLAP environment tends to not be as dynamic, so it’s rare to enable this in a data warehouse. So, what’s the difference between the two and why does it help? Synchronous (defaulted as AUTO_UPDATE_STATISTICS =TRUE) By default, when Auto Update Statistics is set to True, the SQL Server Query Optimizer… Continue Reading

Does Your Code Have a Preamble?

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Okay, here is a pet peeve of mine, I think every stored procedure, function, view etc. should all contain a block of code I refer to as a preamble. If yours doesn’t I strongly recommend you start adding it. It drives me crazy when I see code with no documentation of any kind telling me what it is for and when it was written or changed. Why? A preamble documents the use, need, and changes for the code. It also leaves bread crumbs as to how why and what you did. I don’t know about you but I may code… Continue Reading

Just Check ALL the Boxes – SQL Server Installs

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Today I ran into something on a client server I unfortunately see too often.  The DBA goes through the trouble of configuring and setting up alerts\operators but doesn’t really understand what the options in the configurations mean. So unfortunately, that means they take the CYA (cover your ass) approach and they check all of them. Now, not only have I seen this with alerts but also with things like security configurations as well. My advice is to always in to take a second and research what each option is before you check the little boxes, especially when it comes to… Continue Reading

VLFs the Forgotten Foe

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How many of you check the amount of Virtual Log Files (VLFs) your transaction logs have? Working as a consultant now, I see this as something that is often ignored by DBAs.  This is an easy thing maintain and yet so many don’t know how to. Keeping these in check can give you a performance boost not only on startup but with your insert/update/delete as well as backup/restore operations. SQL Server performs better with a smaller number of right sized virtual log files.  I highly recommend you add this to your server reviews. What is a VLF? Every transaction log… Continue Reading

Lone DBA Podcast

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I recently had the pleasure of being a guest on a Podcast episode with the SQL Data Partners Carlos Chacon (B|T) and Steve Stedman (B|T).  If you haven’t had a chance to attend one of my sessions on Survival Tips for the Lone DBA, this is great insight into it. I share via questions and answers how it is to be a Lone DBA. http://sqldatapartners.com/2017/03/28/episode-89-lone-dba/ Continue Reading

Run Book, Run!!!

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How many of you actually have a “Hit-by-the-Bus” handbook? What is that, you ask? It is a document that explains how to execute all your jobs and SSIS packages. In addition, I preference mine with all key elements someone might need, like where passwords are stored, architectures, backup times, where are backups stored, etc… then dig into the job steps. The purpose of this document is so that someone with some SQL skills could step in if needed. You never know when you will be hit by a bus or win the lottery and someone has to take over for… Continue Reading

This Idera ACE Has Been Busy

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This year has been a whirlwind so far, thanks to the Idera ACE program. For those that don’t know what that is … What is an Idera ACE? (According to Idera) “ACEs (Advisors & Community Educators) are active community members who have shown a passion for helping the community and sharing their knowledge. We help the ACEs pursue that passion by sponsoring travel to select events and offering guidance for soft skill training.” Requirements to become an Idera ACE: Enthusiastic members & leaders of the SQL community Accomplished contributors to the SQL community Good speaker, writer and presenter Demonstrated a passion… Continue Reading

Back to Basics: Why not parameterize?

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I think sometimes those of us that have been doing database administration/development for a while take it for granted that everyone knows the basics. One such basic is parameterizing stored procedures. This allows us to potentially consolidate multiple stored procedures into a single procedure.  It’s as simple thing to do that many don’t. I try to parameterize as many stored procedures as possible. This not only minimizes the amount of procedures I need to maintain, it in my opinion is a much cleaner way to code. It disturbs me when I see multiple stored procedures that pull the exact same… Continue Reading