Jan 22, 2008

Recovering database using proper Backup/Restore Strategy

Again I was asked to speak at the Sri Lankan SQL Server User group Meeting. This time it is on Recovering database using proper Backup/Restore Strategy.
It happened on January 16 2008. I was supposed to be the first speaker. Due to some technical difficulties I took the second slot.

The slides and examples will be published at http://sqlserveruniverse.com/ shortly.

Jan 11, 2008

Index /Clustered Index SCAN When Top 1 Is Used

One of my recent articles is published at SQL Server Worldwide User Group.

Even a simple statement which SELECTs the last (or first) row of a table may cause clustered index scan or index scan. But there are ways to make it a seek.

Interested?? Have a look at http://www.sswug.org/see/37061

The site may request you to be a member to read the article. But eventhough you may have to give your credit card details, You can have a free trial membership.

If you dont like the site, you can cancel the membership without paying any money.

Jan 10, 2008

MCITP Certification

Finally after a long time last month I decided to do MCITP certification. Even though I had the confidence that I have the knowledge and experience in the areas covered, I was lazy to make my mind towards this exam.
However, as December is usually a low work period as many take their annual leave during this period, I decided to do this exam and also to encourage other DBAs in my department to do the same.
As I was able to get MCTS certification in 2006, it is only a matter of two exams. I did the first exam (70-443) on December 26, 2006 and the next one (70-444) today. The exams were not difficult but it expects the candidates to have wide knowledge and experience on the topics covered. With this exam Microsoft will declare me as a Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional : Database Administrator.

70-443 had case studies and questions on case studies. It takes some level of concentration.
When compared to 70-443, 70-444 is a piece of cake. :)