Blog Posts
- 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 »
- Understanding Common SQL Server Wait Types
Understanding Common SQL Server Wait Types: SOS_SCHEDULER_YIELD, WRITELOG, CXPACKET, CXCONSUMER, and LCK_M* In the world of SQL Server Performance tuning, understanding wait types is essential for diagnosing and resolving performance issues. Wait types indicate the specific resources SQL Server is waiting on during query execution, and identifying the predominant wait types can help in pinpointing performance bottlenecks. In this blog post, we’ll delve into some of the most common wait types: SOS_SCHEDULER_YIELD, WRITELOG, CXPACKET, CXCONSUMER, and … - Ensuring Security in Database Health Monitor
Ensuring Security in Database Health Monitor: How We Use Snyk for Weekly Vulnerability Analysis At Stedman Solutions, we prioritize the security and integrity of our software, particularly with tools like Database Health Monitor, which is crucial for SQL Server management. One key component of our security strategy is using Snyk, a powerful tool that helps us identify and address potential vulnerabilities in our codebase. What is Snyk? Snyk is a developer-first security platform designed to help … - Elevate Your Database Health with a Robust Backup and Recovery Plan: Limited-Time Offer on SQL Server Course
Hello! Steve Stedman here. Today, I’d like to emphasize the critical importance of maintaining the health of your SQL Server database through an unshakeable backup and recovery plan. Why? Because in our data-driven world, the absence of a comprehensive backup strategy can spell disaster for your organization. This is precisely why I’ve designed a specialized Backup and Recovery Course for SQL Server, and I am thrilled to shaer a limited-time 25% discount on this indispensable resource. … - The Five Most Popular Features of Database Health Monitor
The Five Most Popular Features of Database Health Monitor Wait Stats Monitoring: Quickly identifies performance bottlenecks by analyzing SQL Server Wait Statistics, helping you resolve issues before they impact users. Index Fragmentation Analysis: Detects Fragmented Indexes that can slow down your queries, with recommendations for rebuilding or reorganizing them to maintain optimal performance. Deadlock Analysis: Automatically captures and analyzes deadlocks, providing clear insights to resolve these conflicts and prevent them from recurring. Missing Index Recommendations: Identifies …The Five Most Popular Features of Database Health Monitor Read More »
- Best Tool for Monitoring SQL Server Performance
Why Database Health Monitor is the Best Tool for Monitoring SQL Server Performance In the world of SQL Server management, performance monitoring isn’t just a best practice—it’s a necessity. The right tools can be the difference between a smooth-running system and one plagued by bottlenecks, slowdowns, or even crashes. Enter Database Health Monitor: a tool designed specifically with SQL Server in mind, and one that stands out as the best option for monitoring SQL Server Performance. … - SQL Server Backup and Recovery CourseIn 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 …
- Why New DBAs Should Take Our Backup and Recovery CourseTake advantage of this 25% discount on my Backup and Recovery Course for SQL Server and learn how to implement a comprehensive backup and recovery strategy for your organization. Here are some reasons to check out this class. Immediate Return on Investment: By mastering backup and recovery skills, you reduce the risk of costly downtime, data loss, and business disruptions, ensuring that your investment in this training pays for itself many times over. Access to Exclusive …
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- Database Health Monitor OverviewDatabase Health Monitor Database Health Monitor is a comprehensive tool designed to help SQL Server administrators keep their databases running smoothly. Developed to provide deep insights into the health and performance of SQL Server environments, it’s particularly valuable for those who want to prevent problems before they occur. Key Features of Database Health Monitor: Performance Monitoring: Continuously tracks key performance metrics like CPU usage, memory utilization, and query execution times. It helps identify slow-running queries, bottlenecks, …
- Need More Help, Try Stedman Solutions Managed Services
If You Like Database Health Monitor but Need More Help, Try Stedman Solutions Managed Services If you’ve been using Database Health Monitor for a while, you already know the power it brings to SQL Server monitoring. With its comprehensive reports, performance metrics, and alerting features, it’s an invaluable tool for any DBA or IT manager. But what happens when you need more than just monitoring? What if you encounter a complex performance issue, a Corruption problem, …Need More Help, Try Stedman Solutions Managed Services Read More »
- Dangers of Removing Indexes
In the world of database management, maintaining optimal performance is an ongoing challenge. One crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is the management of indexes. While indexes can significantly enhance query performance, having too many of them can lead to issues when it comes to inserts, updates, and deletes. In this blog post, we’ll explore the delicate balance of index management and discuss strategies to identify and remove unnecessary indexes without compromising system stability. The Dilemma … - Free Ransomware Awareness Class
Free Ransomware Awareness Class – Essential Protection for Your Business | Stedman Solutions Watch this video by Steve Stedman to find out more. For additional informative videos, visit my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@SteveStedman. There, you’ll find a wide range of content covering various topics, all designed to provide valuable insights and help you stay informed. What You’ll Learn: The basics of Ransomware: What it is and how it works. Real-world examples of Ransomware attacks and their … - FAQ: Why You Shouldn’t Use the System Admin Account SA on Microsoft SQL Server1. What is the SA account in SQL Server? The SA (System Administrator) account is the default administrative account in SQL Server, granting unrestricted access to the entire SQL Server instance. It has full permissions to perform any action on the server, making it the most powerful account. 2. Why is using the SA account a security risk? Using the SA account is a significant security risk because it is a well-known target for attackers. If …
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- Remote Query Timeout FAQWhat is Remote Query Timeout? For the pupose of this article we will abbreviate Remote Query Timeout as RQT. RQT is a setting in SQL Server that specifies the maximum amount of time a remote query can run before timing out. It is defined in seconds and helps ensure that long-running queries don’t hold up resources indefinitely. Why is Remote Query Timeout important? This setting is crucial for maintaining performance and resource allocation in SQL Server. …
- SQL Server 2019 CU 27 Bug: “WARNING Long asynchronous API Call” Error Log FloodingIntroduction With the release of SQL Server 2019 CU 27, some users have encountered a bug that causes the error log to be flooded with the following warning message: source This issue results from an incorrect code change during the build process of CU 27. If you experience this issue and prefer not to uninstall the CU, there are several steps you can take to resolve it. Understanding the Issue The warning message indicates that an …
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- FAQ: Low Disk Space in SQL ServerWhy is low disk space a concern for SQL Server? Low disk space can cause several issues in SQL Server, including: What immediate steps can I take to free up disk space? How can I prevent low disk space issues in the future? What tools can help monitor and manage disk space? Stedman Solutions offers the Database Health Monitor, a comprehensive tool for monitoring SQL Server performance, including disk space usage. Learn more at DatabaseHealth.com. How …
- Understanding SQL Server Database SnapshotsWhat are Database Snapshots? A Database Snapshot is a read-only, static view of a SQL Server database (the source database) at a particular point in time. It allows you to quickly create a version of your database that you can refer back to, ensuring that you have a consistent state of your data for reporting, auditing, or recovery purposes. Key Characteristics of Database Snapshots: How Database Snapshots Work: When a database snapshot is created, SQL Server …
- Data Aggregation with SQL Server
Aggregating Data in Your SQL Server Are you ready to take your SQL skills to the next level? Our Aggregating Data in Your SQL Server course offers a comprehensive guide to mastering aggregation, grouping, and windowing functions in SQL Server queries. In This Course This detailed course covers everything from basic aggregation to advanced windowing functions using the OVER clause. Here’s what you will learn: Basic Aggregation: Understand how to use aggregate functions like SUM, AVG, … - Multiple Plans and How to Find Them
Reasons for Queries with Multiple Execution Plans and How to Find Them SQL Server Performance Tuning often involves identifying and optimizing problematic queries. One common issue that can impact performance is when a single query generates multiple execution plans. Understanding why this happens and how to detect these queries can significantly improve your database performance. Let’s delve into the reasons behind multiple execution plans, including the impact of non-parameterized queries, and the methods to identify them. … - Understanding the Risks of User-Defined Assemblies in SQL ServerUser-defined assemblies (UDAs) in SQL Server provide a powerful way to extend the capabilities of your database. However, they also introduce potential issues and security risks that must be carefully managed. This help page aims to elucidate why UDAs can cause problems and pose security risks. What are User-Defined Assemblies? User-defined assemblies are custom code written in .NET languages like C# or VB.NET, which are then compiled into assemblies and loaded into SQL Server. These assemblies …
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- Backup and Recovery Course
Welcome to our Backup and Recovery Course! Watch this video by Steve Stedman to find out more. In today’s digital age, data is the lifeline of any business. Ensuring its safety and availability is paramount. Our comprehensive Backup and Recovery Course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to safeguard your data effectively. For additional informative videos, visit my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@SteveStedman. There, you’ll find a wide range of content covering … - Overview of Classes at Stedman SQL SchoolWelcome to Stedman’s SQL School! In this video, we provide an in-depth overview of all the classes we offer to help you master SQL Server. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional, our courses cover a wide range of topics tailored to enhance your SQL skills and knowledge. Watch Steve Stedman’s video to learn more about this exciting topic. You’ll gain valuable insights and detailed information directly from an expert in the field. For …
- Blocking Query Monitor – Part of Database Health
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, …Blocking Query Monitor – Part of Database Health Read More »
- Mastering SQL Server Replication
Mastering SQL Server Replication: A Comprehensive Class by Stedman Solutions Are you ready to take your SQL Server skills to the next level? Join us in this detailed video where we dive into our comprehensive SQL Server Replication class. Whether you’re a database administrator, data architect, or IT professional, this class is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of SQL Server Replication techniques to ensure data consistency and availability across different servers or locations. Watch Steve … - SQL Server Performance Tuning CourseBoost Your SQL Server Performance with Expert Guidance! In this video, Steve Stedman from Stedman Solutions introduces his comprehensive SQL Server Performance Tuning course. Learn essential techniques to optimize your SQL Server, enhance query performance, and ensure efficient database management. Perfect for DBAs and IT professionals, this course covers everything from indexing strategies to performance monitoring. Enroll today and transform your SQL Server skills: https://stedman.us/performance-class. Watch this video by Steve Stedman to find out more. For …
- Understanding UPDLOCKUPDLOCK Hint in SQL Queries: Reasons to Avoid and Best Practices The UPDLOCK hint in SQL Server is used to indicate that the lock obtained on the selected rows is to be held until the end of the transaction. This lock ensures that no other transaction can obtain an exclusive lock on the rows while the transaction is in progress. Essentially, it upgrades a shared lock to an update lock, which is a precursor to an …
- Just past the midpoint of Database Health Monitor Month
As we cross the midpoint of July, it’s time to shift our focus onto the life force of our digital existence – our databases! Being the founder of Database Health and Stedman Solutions, it brings me immense joy to pronounce July as Database Health Monitor Month! This is our yearly chance to acknowledge our largely invisible data protectors, and to plunge into the heart of our systems, rich with intricate data structures and complex relations. The …Just past the midpoint of Database Health Monitor Month Read More »
- Discover Stedman Solutions
Discover Stedman Solutions: Your Go-To for SQL Server Management In today’s data-driven world, managing your SQL Server environment efficiently and securely is crucial for any business. If you’ve never heard of Stedman Solutions, LLC before, this blog post will introduce you to what we do and explain why we are the best choice for your SQL Server needs. Customer Challenges and Why Stedman Solutions Managing SQL Servers comes with several challenges, including: Staffing Challenges: IT managers … - SQL Server Corruption Class – Learn How to Prepare and React
SQL Server Corruption Class – Learn How to Prepare and React Course Link In this video, we introduce our comprehensive SQL Server Corruption class designed to help you prepare your SQL Server environment to reduce the impact of corruption and react effectively if corruption strikes. What is Database Corruption? Corruption in a SQL database occurs when the database becomes damaged or corrupted, making it inaccessible. Causes can range from hardware failures and software bugs to human …SQL Server Corruption Class – Learn How to Prepare and React Read More »
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