Author: Steve Stedman

Saying Thank You with Database Health Monitor Rewards At Stedman Solutions, we wanted to find a meaningful way to thank everyone who uses Database Health Monitor. The longer you use the tool, the more value you should get — without any additional cost. This idea came to me while working with a hosting provider that increased customer benefits each month as a loyalty perk. We decided to bring that same spirit to Database Health Monitor. Here’s an example: after three …

Database Health Rewards Program Read more »

One of the checks in the Database Health Monitor Quick Scan Report that often raises questions is check #243: data and log files on the same drive. At first glance, this might not seem like a big deal. After all, it’s just disk space, right? But in reality, placing your MDF/NDF files (data) and your LDF files (logs) together is a bad practice for two main reasons: Performance & I/O SQL Server accesses data and log files in very different …

Why You Should Not Put Data and Log Files on the Same Drive in SQL Server Read more »

One of the fundamental aspects of working with SQL Server is understanding how to get the number of rows affected by a query. Whether you’re working with SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, or DELETE statements, knowing the row count can provide critical insights into your database operations. In this blog post, we’ll explore different methods to retrieve the row count in SQL Server and discuss scenarios where each method is most effective. 1. Using COUNT(*) with SELECT Statements When you need to …

Various was To Count Rows in SQL Server Read more »

SQL Server Business Continuity Self-Assessment Ensuring the resilience of your SQL Server environment is critical in today’s data-driven world, where downtime can result in significant financial losses and reputational damage. Business continuity planning goes beyond just backup and recovery; it encompasses a comprehensive strategy to maintain operations during unexpected disruptions. Whether it’s a hardware failure, a cyberattack, or a natural disaster, your organization needs to be prepared to keep data accessible and systems operational. This self-assessment will guide you through …

SQL Server Business Continuity Self Assessment Read more »

Ensuring the optimal performance of your SQL Server databases is crucial for your business operations. Database monitoring plays a vital role in maintaining this performance, identifying issues before they escalate into significant problems. At Stedman Solutions, we specialize in SQL Server management, offering comprehensive managed services that elevate your database monitoring to the next level. Here’s how our services can help you achieve seamless and efficient database monitoring. Why Database Monitoring Matters Effective database monitoring is essential for several reasons: …

How Stedman Solutions Managed Services Enhances Your SQL Server Read more »

SQL Server is a powerful relational database management system that serves as the backbone for countless applications and data-driven solutions. Whether you’re a developer, database administrator, or student learning the ropes, having access to well-structured example databases can significantly enhance your understanding and proficiency. These sample databases provide a practical way to experiment with queries, test performance optimizations, and explore the intricacies of SQL Server’s features without the risk of impacting live data. In this post, we’ll dive into some …

Example Databases for SQL Server Read more »

The Importance of Managed Services for SQL Server: How Stedman Solutions Can Help In today’s data-driven world, businesses rely heavily on robust database systems to store, manage, and analyze critical information. SQL Server, one of the most widely used relational database management systems, plays a pivotal role in ensuring data integrity and accessibility for organizations of all sizes. However, maintaining and optimizing SQL Server environments can be a complex and resource-intensive task, often requiring specialized expertise and constant monitoring. This …

Importance of Managed Services for SQL Server Read more »

Hey there. If you have been putting off sharpening your database skills because of cost or timing, let me give you the nudge you need: November is here, and with it comes the annual tradition at Stedmans SQL School where I open the vault and make premium SQL Server training more accessible than ever. This is not a marketing gimmick. It is a deliberate month-long event designed to remove barriers for anyone serious about mastering SQL Server. For the next …

November Promotion Month at Stedmans SQL School Read more »

NOLOCK Hint in SQL Queries: Myths, Misconceptions, and Best Practices If you’ve ever worked with SQL Server, you’ve likely come across the WITH NOLOCK hint in queries. This powerful yet often misunderstood feature can appear to be a game-changer when dealing with large datasets or high-concurrency environments. However, its use comes with significant trade-offs that can impact data integrity and query reliability. In this post, we’ll dive into what WITH NOLOCK really does, when it’s appropriate to use it, and …

Understanding SQL Server WITH NOLOCK Read more »