Author: Steve Stedman

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Tidying Up Your SQL Server: Removing Leftover DTA Tables SQL Server administrators and developers often use the Microsoft Database Tuning Advisor (DTA) to analyze and enhance database performance. While DTA is an effective tool, it tends to leave behind monitoring tables in the msdb database after its use. Identifying and Removing Leftover DTA Tables The Database Health Monitor tool offers a Quick Scan Report feature to help identify these leftover DTA tables. If you’re not actively using the Database Tuning …

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Enhancing SQL Server Performance with Cost Threshold for Parallelism In the world of SQL Server performance tuning, a critical factor is the efficient utilization of parallelism. This is where the “Cost Threshold for Parallelism” (CTFP) setting in SQL Server comes into play. CTFP is an essential configuration parameter that influences how SQL Server executes query plans in parallel, offering a balance between the benefits of parallelism and its potential overhead. Understanding Cost Threshold for Parallelism CTFP determines the minimum cost …

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By Posted on Posted in Files and IO

Unlocking SQL Server Performance: The Impact of Slow IO on TempDB and How Stedman Solutions Can Help I’ve seen a myriad of performance issues that can hamstring an otherwise well-optimized system. One critical area often overlooked is the performance of the TempDB database, particularly how slow IO for its data and log files can drastically impact the overall performance of your SQL Server. The Role of TempDB in SQL Server Performance TempDB is a workhorse in SQL Server. It’s used …

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Discovering the Hidden Impact of Large SQL Server Error Log Files: Insights from Stedman Solutions Author: Steve Stedman, Stedman Solutions, LLC In the realm of SQL Server performance tuning and maintenance, one often overlooked aspect is the size of the SQL Server error log files. These files, although crucial for diagnostics and troubleshooting, can grow unexpectedly large, impacting the overall performance and reliability of your SQL Server instance. At Stedman Solutions, we’ve discovered through our extensive experience that managing these …

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SQL Server Assessment: The Importance of Monitoring TempDB Growth As a seasoned expert in SQL Server since 1990, specializing in performance tuning, I’ve come to understand the critical role of TempDB in SQL Server’s functionality. Today, I want to delve into the importance of monitoring TempDB growth, a key aspect among the 150+ standard checks we perform at Stedman Solutions during our comprehensive SQL Server assessments. Why TempDB Matters TempDB, a system database in SQL Server, is essential for storing …

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By Posted on Posted in Wait Stats in SQL Server

Need help understanding Wait Statistics SQL Server, try a free no risk 30 minute consultation with Steve Stedman. SQL Server wait statistics are a critical aspect of performance monitoring and tuning in Microsoft SQL Server. They provide invaluable insights into what SQL Server is waiting on, which is crucial for identifying performance bottlenecks. Understanding and analyzing these wait statistics can significantly enhance database performance. What are SQL Server Wait Statistics? Common Problematic Wait Types Need help with this, try a …

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In the intricate realm of database management, a significant challenge that often flies under the radar is the effective management of indexes. While these indexes can be a boon to query performance, an overabundance can hinder operations like inserts, updates, and deletes. This blog post delves into the nuanced world of index management, offering strategies to trim the unnecessary without destabilizing your system. Need help with this, try a free no risk 30 minute consultation with Steve Stedman. Navigating the …

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The Importance of a SQL Server Performance Assessment by Stedman Solutions We start with a free 30 minute consultation to determine how to best help with your SQL Server needs. Keeping Your Server in Prime Condition In the fast-paced world of technology, the performance of your SQL Server is pivotal to the smooth operation of your business. Regular performance assessments are essential, and Stedman Solutions offers a service that can not only keep your server in shape but also help …

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Hello everyone, I’m Steve Stedman, and today, I’m excited to share with you a feature of the Database Health Monitor software that I’ve developed: The Blocking Query Monitor. Understanding and addressing performance bottlenecks in SQL Server is not always an easy task, and one of the biggest contributors to these bottlenecks is often blocking queries. That’s why I’ve built the Blocking Query Monitor. The Blocking Query Monitor is a powerful tool specifically designed to monitor, report, and help resolve blocking …

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