When it comes to SQL Server backups, most folks think first about user databases — and rightly so, since that’s where the business data lives. But what often gets neglected are the system databases, the unsung heroes quietly keeping everything running behind the scenes. Neglecting to back up master, model, and msdb can put you in a tight spot during a recovery scenario. Let’s break down why each is important — and why tempdb doesn’t belong in your backup plans. …

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For more information on Database Health Monitor you can visit StedmanSolutions.com. You can download the free trial of Database Health Monitor at https://DatabaseHealth.com/download2. Mastering Database Insights with the Table Use Report in Database Health Monitor In the fast-paced world of data management, databases serve as the cornerstone of organizational success, quietly powering applications, storing critical information, and enabling seamless operations. However, not all tables in a database are created equal—some are bustling hubs of activity, while others may lie dormant, …

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Welcome 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 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 …

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Managing a SQL Server environment is no small feat, particularly for organizations that lack the resources or expertise of a dedicated Database Administrator (DBA) team. When left unchecked, SQL Server challenges can snowball into crippling downtime, insidious data corruption, and persistent performance bottlenecks—all of which erode productivity and profitability. At Stedman Solutions, we deliver specialized SQL Server managed services tailored to keep your systems running seamlessly, securely, and at peak efficiency. Our proactive approach takes the burden off your shoulders, …

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Need help with this, Stedman Solutions can help. Find out how with a free no risk 30 minute consultation with Steve Stedman. 3 Essential Checks for Diagnosing a Slow SQL Server Is your SQL Server running slower than usual? Pinpointing the cause of performance issues can feel overwhelming, especially with so many factors at play. Before diving into advanced troubleshooting or rewriting your entire database schema, start with three fundamental checks. These areas—hardware resources, process bottlenecks, and query efficiency—are often …

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How Critical Is Your SQL Server Performance? Understanding the Impact of Slowdowns When it comes to managing SQL Server, performance isn’t just a number on a dashboard—it’s the heartbeat of your organization’s data-driven operations. Having spent years immersed in the intricacies of SQL Server environments, I’ve seen how peak performance can propel businesses forward, streamlining processes and empowering decisions. But I’ve also seen the flip side: the chaos and frustration that erupt when slowdowns take hold. This isn’t a topic …

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Three Fantastic Ways to Master SQL Server Join Types Hey there, SQL enthusiasts and database professionals! It’s Steve Stedman from Stedman Solutions, LLC. Today, I’m excited to share with you three incredible ways to enhance your understanding of SQL Server join types. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to polish your skills, we’ve got something just for you! 1. Grab Your Free Join Types Poster First up, we’re offering a FREE downloadable poster that visually breaks down SQL join types. …

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I just wanted to let you know that the deadlock tracking has been extremely useful in tracking down issues. Without the tools, it’s was easy to see that one side of the process would fail occasionally, but it was hard to see what process won the deadlock. This is a gamechanger for me. I just wanted to say thanks to you and the team for adding this functionality. Eric – Database Health Monitor User Deadlock Tracking Reports in Database Health …

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The Queries Needing Params Advisor shows you a list of the queries that are simliar The Value of Parameterized Queries in SQL Server Parameterized queries are a crucial best practice in SQL Server development. They offer several advantages, including security, performance, and maintainability. Let’s break down the key benefits: 1. SQL Injection Prevention One of the biggest risks in SQL Server is SQL injection, where an attacker manipulates input data to execute unintended SQL commands. Parameterized queries help prevent this by ensuring …

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Here is a short video with an overview of SchemaDrift and how to get started comparing SQL Server Databases. The latest update of Database Health Monitor includes SchemaDrift for comparing databases. Steve Stedman here to talk about SchemaDrift and how we can use SchemaDrift to go and compare database schemas and find differences in your database. SchemaDrift is a program created by Stedman Solutions. This is something we’ve had internally in beta for a couple of years, and we’ve been …

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