This section lists out resources that will be useful to DBAs and those developers, such as myself, who like to understand as much as possible about what is going on behind the scenes.
Note that there is some overlap with the Database Engine area.
Installation
Setting up a SQL Server for the first time, or looking for best practices?
- Setup Tips: From super DBA Brent Ozar
Logging
- Understanding Logging and Recovery in SQL Server: Technet article by Paul Randal
- Transaction Logs: Questions and Answers article.
Blocking
- Blocking, Blockers, and Other B Words: by db consultant Adam Machanic
Backups
- Backup Resources: When ever I need to know more about backups, I just head over to Kimberly Tripp’s backup resource list.
Storage
- Physical DB Design: Written for SQL 2005, provides a guide for physical storage design and gives recommendations and trade-offs for physical hardware design and file architecture.
TempDB
Optimising TempDB can make or break your installation:
- Working With TempDB: This white paper describes how SQL Server 2005 uses tempdb.
- File Structure: Explaining the myth behind one file per cpu
- Microsoft Article: Although this does suggest one file per CPU! (See above)
Recovery
- Database Corruption: What you should and shouldn’t do when faced with db corruption
SQL Server DBA Blogs
Here is a list of DBA Blogs. Do you think yours is good enough for inclusion? Get in touch.