Blog Posts
- How to Run DBCC CHECKDB
How to Run DBCC CHECKDB – a beginners guide Ensuring the integrity of your SQL Server databases is essential to maintaining a healthy and reliable system. One of the most powerful tools for this purpose is DBCC CHECKDB. In this blog post, we’ll explain how to run DBCC CHECKDB, why it’s critical, and best practices for using it. What Is DBCC CHECKDB? DBCC CHECKDB is a Database Console Command that validates the structural and logical integrity … - SQL Server Cost Threshold For Parallelism
Understanding SQL Server Cost Threshold for Parallelism When tuning SQL Server for performance, one important configuration setting is the Cost Threshold for Parallelism. This setting directly affects when SQL Server decides to execute a query in parallel, potentially speeding up large operations or, if misconfigured, overloading system resources. In this post, we’ll explore what the Cost Threshold for Parallelism is, how it works, and best practices for configuring it in your SQL Server environment. What is … - SQL Server Performance Assessment
What is involved with a SQL Server Performance Assessment from Stedman Solutions A SQL Server Performance Assessment from Stedman Solutions is designed to uncover and resolve issues slowing down your SQL Server. Our in-depth analysis identifies performance bottlenecks and provides actionable recommendations to enhance the speed, stability, and scalability of your databases. Key Components of a SQL Server Performance Assessment Benefits of a Stedman Solutions SQL Server Performance Assessment Ready to Get Started? At Stedman Solutions, … - SQL Podcast featuring Database Health MonitorExploring Episode 6 of the Stedman SQL Server Podcast: New Features in Database Health Monitor In Episode 6 of the Stedman SQL Server Podcast, we took a closer look at the latest updates to Database Health Monitor (DBHM), a free tool designed to give SQL Server users clear insights into performance, reliability, and potential issues. We’re excited to cover several new features and bug fixes in this episode that enhance DBHM’s functionality, provide better diagnostics, and …
- SQL Server Isolation Levels
Understanding SQL Server Isolation Levels: Choosing the Right One for Your Needs SQL Server isolation levels are a crucial part of managing database transactions. They control how transactions interact with each other, particularly regarding locking behavior, data visibility, and concurrency. By adjusting the isolation level, you can fine-tune the balance between data consistency and performance to match your specific application needs. Let’s explore each isolation level in SQL Server, how they impact your transactions, and best-use … - CrystalDiskMark: How It Helps Assess SQL Server Performance
CrystalDiskMark: How It Helps Assess SQL Server Performance When managing a SQL Server environment, one key factor that often gets overlooked is disk performance. SQL Server relies heavily on the speed and throughput of the storage subsystem for database operations, making it critical to understand and measure disk performance regularly. This is where CrystalDiskMark can be a game-changer. What is CrystalDiskMark? CrystalDiskMark is a popular, free, and easy-to-use benchmarking tool that measures the performance of your …CrystalDiskMark: How It Helps Assess SQL Server Performance Read More »
- Understanding SQL Server Full Join vs. Cross Join
Understanding SQL Server Full Join vs. Cross Join: What’s the Difference? When working with SQL Server, understanding the different types of joins is crucial for building effective and efficient queries. Two commonly misunderstood joins are the Full Join and the Cross Join. Let’s break down what each join does, when to use it, and how they compare. Full Join: Including All Data from Both Tables The Full Join (or Full Outer Join) is used when you …Understanding SQL Server Full Join vs. Cross Join Read More »
- What is DTA?
Database Engine Tuning Advisor (DTA) in SQL Server: Understanding its Use and Risks The Database Engine Tuning Advisor (DTA) in SQL Server is a built-in tool designed to help identify potential performance improvements. It analyzes your database workload and provides recommendations like adding indexes, partitioning tables, and optimizing statistics. While it can be valuable for tuning your SQL Server environment, it also poses a significant risk of over-indexing, which can hurt performance if not managed properly. … - Boost SQL Server Priority
Boost SQL Server Priority is dangerous and should not be used. Understanding the “Boost SQL Server Priority” Option in SQL Server Microsoft strongly advises against enabling this setting in production environments. When it comes to SQL Server Performance tuning, there are numerous settings and options to explore. One option that often sparks debate among DBAs is the “Boost SQL Priority” setting. While it sounds promising—after all, who wouldn’t want to “boost” SQL Server’s Performance?—the reality is … - How to Choose a SQL Server Performance Tuning Consultant
How to Choose a SQL Server Performance Tuning Consultant If your SQL Server is experiencing slowdowns or sluggish performance, it may be time to bring in a SQL Server Performance Tuning consultant. The right consultant can make a significant difference in getting your SQL Server back to peak performance. But with so many options available, how do you select the best one? In this blog post, we’ll cover the key criteria for selecting a SQL Server …How to Choose a SQL Server Performance Tuning Consultant Read More »
- The Risks of Patching vs. Not Patching SQL Server
The Risks of Patching vs. Not Patching SQL Server: Why It Matters and How Stedman Solutions Can Help Patching SQL Server can feel like a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s essential to maintain a secure, high-performing environment. On the other, there’s the fear that patching might introduce unforeseen issues, potentially causing downtime or breaking applications. So, what’s the right approach? In this post, we’ll explore the risks of both patching and not patching, and how …The Risks of Patching vs. Not Patching SQL Server Read More »
- SQL Server Long Running Queries
How to Monitor SQL Server Long Running Queries Monitoring long running queries in SQL Server is essential for maintaining optimal performance. When long running queries are not monitored and optimized, they can slow down the entire server, increase resource usage, and create bottlenecks that impact overall database efficiency. In this post, we’ll explore how to monitor SQL Server long running queries using the powerful features of Database Health Monitor, including the Long Running Query Report, Blocking … - 10 SQL Server Metrics to Monitor for Performance10 Essential SQL Server Metrics to Monitor for Optimal Performance When it comes to managing SQL Server Performance, there are many metrics that need to be monitored continuously to ensure smooth operations. Ignoring these critical metrics can lead to slow response times, bottlenecks, or even system outages. In this blog post, we’ll highlight the top 10 performance metrics you should track, and how Database Health Monitor can make this process easier. Top 10 SQL Server Performance …
10 SQL Server Metrics to Monitor for Performance Read More »
- Real Cost of SQL Server Management
Download “The Real Cost of SQL Server Management” White Paper Discover the real costs of SQL Server management by downloading our detailed white paper, “The Real Cost of SQL Server Management: In-House Team vs. Stedman Solutions.” This comprehensive guide delves into the financial, operational, and strategic implications of maintaining an in-house SQL Server team compared to outsourcing your database management to experienced specialists like Stedman Solutions. Building and maintaining a reliable in-house SQL Server team is … - SQL Server Deprecated Features
SQL Server Deprecated Features Over 25 Years Microsoft SQL Server has seen numerous features marked as deprecated over the past 25 years. Deprecated features are still functional but are planned for removal in future releases. Here’s a summary of major deprecated features across different versions: SQL Server 2000 (8.0) to SQL Server 2005 (9.0) SQL Server 2008 (10.0) and 2008 R2 (10.5) SQL Server 2012 (11.0) SQL Server 2014 (12.0) SQL Server 2016 (13.0) SQL Server … - Your SQL Server Consultant
Why Stedman Solutions Should Be Your SQL Server Consultant If you’re looking for a reliable SQL Server consultant to enhance your database environment’s performance, stability, and security, look no further than Stedman Solutions. Here’s why you should consider us: 1. True SQL Server Specialists Stedman Solutions is dedicated exclusively to SQL Server. Unlike general IT consultants, we focus 100% on SQL Server, enabling us to offer in-depth expertise across all areas, including Performance Tuning, Disaster Recovery, … - How to Monitor SQL Server Health
How to Monitor SQL Server Health: Best Practices and Tools Monitoring SQL Server health is essential for ensuring database performance, identifying potential issues early, and maintaining overall system stability. Neglecting this vital task can lead to system slowdowns, hidden Corruption, or even full-blown server crashes. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the best practices and tools for monitoring SQL Server health effectively. Why SQL Server Monitoring Is Critical SQL Server monitoring isn’t just about … - Blocking Query Monitor – Part of Database Health
Hello everyone, today, I’m excited to share with you a feature of the Database Health Monitor software that I’ve developed: The Blocking Query Monitor. Watch this video by Steve Stedman to find out more. 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 …Blocking Query Monitor – Part of Database Health Read More »
- How to Monitor Database PerformanceHow to Monitor Database Performance with Database Health Monitor Ensuring that your SQL Server databases are running smoothly is critical for any organization. Consistent monitoring helps prevent performance issues before they escalate into bigger problems. One of the best tools available for this purpose is Database Health Monitor. It’s a free and comprehensive tool designed for real-time monitoring, performance analysis, and proactive diagnostics of SQL Server environments. In this post, we’ll guide you through the process …
- Database Integrity in SQL Server
Database Integrity in SQL Server: What It Is and Why It Matters Maintaining database integrity is one of the most critical aspects of managing any SQL Server environment. Simply put, database integrity ensures that the data stored in your SQL Server remains accurate, consistent, and reliable. However, when database integrity is compromised, it can lead to corruption, which can cause major headaches, data loss, and potentially catastrophic downtime for your organization. In this blog post, I … - Stay Ahead with Our Free SQL Server Newsletter
Stay Ahead with Our Free SQL Server Newsletter If you manage SQL Server environments, staying up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques is crucial. That’s why we created the SQL Server Newsletter—a free, weekly resource packed with expert insights and practical tips. Whether you’re a DBA, developer, or IT manager, our newsletter delivers valuable, actionable information. What’s Inside the Newsletter? Our newsletter keeps you informed and equipped to tackle SQL Server challenges. Here’s what you can … - What is a SubQueryWhat is a SQL Query Subquery? A subquery (also known as an inner select or nested query) is a query nested inside another SQL query. It allows you to build more complex queries by embedding one SELECT statement within another. Subqueries can help solve problems that require multiple steps or aggregations, and they enable you to retrieve data dynamically based on the results of the subquery. In this blog post, we’ll explore what a subquery is, …
- SQL Server Version Number List
SQL Server Version Number List: From SQL Server 7.0 to SQL Server 2022 Here is the updated blog post, including the pre-release code names for each major version of SQL Server: Understanding the version of SQL Server you’re working with is essential for troubleshooting, compatibility, and taking advantage of new features. Over the years, SQL Server has introduced many improvements, with each version being identified by a unique version number (or build number). During the development … - Colors in Database Health Monitor Charts
The Meaning Behind the Colors in Database Health Monitor Charts One of the key aspects of effective database monitoring is quick, visual insight into what’s happening with your SQL Server. The Database Health Monitor tool has always aimed to make database management easier and more intuitive, and a big part of that is in how information is displayed. A central feature of the tool is the color-coding used in its charts and reports, which help DBAs … - Large Differential Backups
Large Differential BACKUPs: Understanding the Risks and Solutions - Wait Types that Cause More Blocking
Understanding SQL Server Wait Types that Cause More Blocking In SQL Server, wait types can tell you a lot about what’s slowing down your system, but some wait types can actually contribute to or even cause blocking. Blocking occurs when one process holds a lock on a resource that another process needs, and that second process must wait until the first one releases it. While some waits are normal, excessive waiting can be a red flag, … - SQL Counters
SQL Counters: Understanding sys.dm_os_performance_counters in SQL Server In SQL Server, monitoring performance is essential for maintaining an efficient and well-optimized environment. One of the key Dynamic Management Views (DMVs) that can help you with performance tracking is sys.dm_os_performance_counters. This DMV provides a wealth of information on various system metrics, offering insights into how your SQL Server instance is operating. Understanding the columns and data available in sys.dm_os_performance_counters is crucial for database administrators who want to monitor, … - SQL Server Concerns for IT Managers
SQL Server Concerns That Keep IT Managers Awake at Night Managing SQL Servers effectively is critical to ensuring business continuity and performance. Here are some common concerns that often worry IT managers: 1. Performance Degradation Slow Queries and Application Latency: SQL Server performance slowing down, leading to delays in critical business applications. Unoptimized Indexes: Missing or outdated indexes causing performance bottlenecks. Resource Contention: High CPU, memory, or disk usage affecting server performance. 2. Unplanned Downtime Unexpected … - Automatic SQL Server Tuning
Automatic SQL Server Tuning: The Pros and Cons Automatic SQL Server tuning is designed to streamline query optimization by automating performance improvements. It’s a compelling feature for many organizations, promising time savings and faster resolution of performance issues. However, like any technology, Automatic SQL Server Tuning comes with both advantages and limitations, which should be carefully considered before relying on it entirely. What is Automatic SQL Server Tuning? Automatic SQL Server tuning involves using tools within … - The True Cost of Unplanned Downtime
How to Calculate the True Cost of Unplanned Downtime: Every Business is Different Unplanned downtime can wreak havoc on any organization, but the true cost is often far greater than what meets the eye. Whether it’s caused by hardware failure, data Corruption, or system crashes, the financial impact varies widely from business to business. However, understanding how to calculate downtime costs is crucial for making informed decisions about investments in infrastructure, monitoring, and Disaster Recovery. While … - Why SQL Still Shines: Advantages of SQL Over NoSQL
Why SQL Still Shines: Advantages of SQL Over NoSQL In the database world, there’s often a debate about whether to use SQL or NoSQL technologies. Both have their place, but it’s important to understand where SQL outshines NoSQL and why it remains the go-to choice for many applications. With years of working with SQL Server, I’ve seen how SQL databases evolve to meet modern demands, while still maintaining advantages that NoSQL struggles to match. Let’s dive …Why SQL Still Shines: Advantages of SQL Over NoSQL Read More »
- SQL Agent Jobs
What Are SQL Agent Jobs? If you’ve been managing a SQL Server environment for any amount of time, chances are you’ve come across SQL Server Agent Jobs. But what exactly are they, and why are they so critical to efficient database management? In this blog post, I’ll break down what SQL Agent Jobs are, how they work, and why they’re a key tool in any DBA’s toolkit. Understanding SQL Server Agent Jobs At its core, an … - Understanding SQL Server Error 18456
Understanding and Resolving SQL Server Error 18456 If you’ve been working with SQL Server for a while, chances are you’ve encountered the dreaded “Login failed for user” error, known as Error 18456. This error is one of the most common authentication issues in SQL Server, and it can be frustrating because it doesn’t always give a clear explanation of the root cause. In this blog post, I’ll dive into what SQL Server Error 18456 is, why … - Severity Levels 19 through 25
Understanding SQL Server Error Severity Levels 19 through 25 SQL Server uses error severity levels to indicate the nature and seriousness of an error. These severity levels range from 0 to 25, with each level indicating a different type of issue, from informational messages to catastrophic failures. In this post, we’ll focus on severity levels 19 through 25, which are typically the most critical errors that can occur in SQL Server. Severity Level 19: Critical Error … - Inner Select in SQLWhat is an Inner Select in SQL? An inner select (also known as a subquery or nested select) is a query within another SQL query. It allows you to build complex queries by embedding one SELECT statement inside another. These inner selects can be highly useful for solving problems that require multiple steps or Aggregations and enable you to retrieve data dynamically based on the results of the inner query. In this blog post, we’ll break …
- SQL Server Backup and Recovery Course
In the wise words of Benjamin Franklin, “If You Fail to Plan, You Are Planning to Fail.” This timeless adage holds particular relevance when it comes to safeguarding your SQL Server databases. A failure to adequately prepare for data loss scenarios—be it due to hardware malfunctions, data corruption, or increasingly prevalent ransomware attacks—can have devastating consequences for your business. The Common Problem: Lack of Preparedness Despite the rising risks, it’s shocking how often we encounter businesses … - Wait Statistics Monitoring
What is Wait Statistics Monitoring in SQL Server? For more informationon Database Health Monitor you can visit StedmanSolutions.com. You can download the free trial of Database Health Monitor at http://DatabaseHealth.com/download2. Wait statistics monitoring in SQL Server is the process of tracking how long SQL Server tasks are waiting to access system resources (like CPU, disk I/O, or memory) before they can execute. SQL Server tasks don’t always run immediately; sometimes they’re forced to wait due to … - Mastering Disaster Recovery with Our SQL Server Backup and Restore Course
In the digital era, a robust disaster recovery plan focusing on data backup and restore is more crucial than ever. A simple error, hardware failure, or a crippling cyber-attack could spell disaster for your invaluable SQL Server data. Businesses that rely heavily on data face the most substantial risks. Stedman’s SQL Server Backup and Recovery Course is here to offer a comprehensive solution to these challenges. Read on to learn how this course provides a bulletproof …Mastering Disaster Recovery with Our SQL Server Backup and Restore Course Read More »
Enroll Today!
Steve and the team at Stedman Solutions are here for all your SQL Server needs.
Contact us today for your free 30 minute consultation..
We are ready to help!
Contact Info
Stedman Solutions, LLC.PO Box 3175
Ferndale WA 98248
Phone: (360)610-7833
Download this page in PDF format