- The Evolution of Database Health Monitor: From SSRS Reports to a Complete SQL Server Monitoring Solution
Every great tool starts with a simple idea. For Database Health Monitor, that idea began in 2011 with a collection of SQL queries and a suggestion from a coworker to present the results… Read More »The Evolution of Database Health Monitor: From SSRS Reports to a Complete SQL Server Monitoring Solution - Database Health Monitor Class: Master Performance Optimization and Real-Time Monitoring
July is Database Health Monitor Month! July has arrived, and it’s time to turn our attention to the heartbeat of our digital world – our databases! As the founder of Database Health and… Read More »Database Health Monitor Class: Master Performance Optimization and Real-Time Monitoring - July is Database Health Monitor Month
It is July – Database Health Monitor tool Month! You only have until the end of the month to get this Database Health Monitor discount of 25% off. This month marks the anniversary… Read More »July is Database Health Monitor Month - SQL Server Corruption: NOLOCK and Corruption
One of the most satisfying parts of my job at Stedman Solutions is when we can help a customer repair a corrupt database that without our help would have put them out of… Read More »SQL Server Corruption: NOLOCK and Corruption - SQL Server Wait Type: PREEMPTIVE_OS_WAITFORSINGLEOBJEC
Wait statistics, in the context of SQL Server, refer to the amount of time that a query spends waiting to access data in the database. When a client application requests data from the… Read More »SQL Server Wait Type: PREEMPTIVE_OS_WAITFORSINGLEOBJEC - Early release – July is Database Health Monitor Month
This month marks the anniversary of Database Health Monitor, that I started building in 2011. To celebrate I am offering 25% off the licensing fee for the annual subscription for Database Health Monitor.… Read More »Early release – July is Database Health Monitor Month - SQL Server Error 18456: How to Fix Login Failed for User Issues
Encountering SQL Server Error 18456 can be a frustrating roadblock for anyone managing or developing with SQL Server databases. This error, commonly displayed as “Login failed for user ‘‘. Reason: . Error: 18456,”… Read More »SQL Server Error 18456: How to Fix Login Failed for User Issues - SQL School: SQL Server Interview Questions Course for DBAs and Developers
SQL Server Interview Prep Course for DBAs and Developers Preparing for a SQL Server interview? Whether you are interviewing for a SQL Server DBA role, a SQL Developer position, or a database administrator… Read More »SQL School: SQL Server Interview Questions Course for DBAs and Developers - Database Health: Wait Statistics and Blocking Queries
In addition to its customizable dashboard, intelligent alerting system, and powerful reporting capabilities, the Database Health Monitor also provides valuable insights into wait statistics and blocking queries. Wait statistics are a crucial component… Read More »Database Health: Wait Statistics and Blocking Queries - Securing SQL Server: Why do we need to secure SQL Server
Securing SQL Server is important because it helps protect your data and your system from potential security threats. Without proper security measures in place, your SQL Server instance and the data it stores… Read More »Securing SQL Server: Why do we need to secure SQL Server - sys.dm_os_performance_counters in SQL Server: Key Counters and Queries Explained
In the world of database management, maintaining optimal performance in SQL Server environments with sys.dm_os_performance_counters requires ongoing attention to system metrics that reflect real-time activity and resource usage. A key resource for gaining… Read More »sys.dm_os_performance_counters in SQL Server: Key Counters and Queries Explained - Top 10 SQL Server Wait Types Explained: Diagnose Performance Issues
SQL Server Performance Tuning can often feel like solving a complex puzzle, and one of the most critical pieces to understand is wait types. These wait types reveal where SQL Server is spending… Read More »Top 10 SQL Server Wait Types Explained: Diagnose Performance Issues - How to Choose the Right SQL Server Backup Strategy for Your Environment
Selecting an effective SQL Server backup strategy requires careful consideration of your specific environment, including database size, rate of change, and recovery expectations. A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works, as what succeeds in one… Read More »How to Choose the Right SQL Server Backup Strategy for Your Environment - How to Check if All Your SQL Server Databases Are Encrypted with TDE
In the realm of database security, protecting sensitive information is paramount, especially when managing SQL Server environments. Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) offers a robust solution by encrypting data at rest, ensuring that unauthorized… Read More »How to Check if All Your SQL Server Databases Are Encrypted with TDE - Why Hiding Copy-Only Backups Reveals the Truth About Your SQL Server Backup Chain
Why Hiding Copy-Only Backups Reveals the Truth About Your SQL Server Backup Chain Why Hiding Copy-Only Backups Reveals the Truth About Your SQL Server Backup Chain By Steve Stedman – Stedman Solutions, LLC… Read More »Why Hiding Copy-Only Backups Reveals the Truth About Your SQL Server Backup Chain - Database Health Monitor: A Lean DBA Tool for Speed and Efficiency
Database Health Monitor: A Lean DBA Tool for Speed and Efficiency Database Health Monitor: A Lean DBA Tool for Speed and Efficiency When I think about Database Health Monitor, one of the first… Read More »Database Health Monitor: A Lean DBA Tool for Speed and Efficiency - New SQL Update from Microsoft
Today Microsoft released a new update for SQL Server. SQL Server 2025 CU6 for 2025 (17.0.4055.5 – June 2026) CU4 + GDR (17.0.4040.1 – May 2026) 2026-06-17 Here are the latest updates for… Read More »New SQL Update from Microsoft - Have you seen our Managed Services offering?
Have you seen our Managed Services offering? Managed Services for SQL Servers has become one of the largest parts of our business, and we have even expanded the managed services team now to… Read More »Have you seen our Managed Services offering? - Top 5 Must-Have Features of Database Health Monitor for SQL Server Optimization
Optimizing SQL Server performance is a critical task for database administrators and developers alike. With the ever-growing complexity of database environments, having the right tools to monitor and maintain database health is essential.… Read More »Top 5 Must-Have Features of Database Health Monitor for SQL Server Optimization - DBA on Vacation
There are 2 perspectives here to the DBA on vacation, typically in an organization with only a single DBA so there is no cross coverage when someone goes on vacation. The view as… Read More »DBA on Vacation - Understanding the Log Shipping Instance Report in Database Health Monitor
Understanding the Log Shipping Instance Report in Database Health Monitor Log shipping has been a staple in SQL Server for what feels like forever, and for good reason. It’s a reliable, time-tested solution… Read More »Understanding the Log Shipping Instance Report in Database Health Monitor - Unlock the Full Potential of Your SQL Server with Stedman Solutions Managed Services
Unlock the Full Potential of Your SQL Server with Stedman Solutions’ Managed Services In today’s fast-paced world, your SQL Server database is more crucial than ever. It’s the powerhouse behind your most critical… Read More »Unlock the Full Potential of Your SQL Server with Stedman Solutions Managed Services - SQL Server DBCC Commands: DBCC FREEPROCCACHE
DBCC FREEPROCCACHE is a DBCC command in Microsoft SQL Server that can be used to clear the procedure cache, which is a region of memory that stores the execution plans for stored procedures,… Read More »SQL Server DBCC Commands: DBCC FREEPROCCACHE - Login Auditing in SQL Server: SQL Server Audit vs. Extended Events
One of the most common questions I hear from clients is: “How can we track who is logging into our SQL Server environment?” Whether you’re dealing with compliance requirements, security reviews, troubleshooting, or… Read More »Login Auditing in SQL Server: SQL Server Audit vs. Extended Events - SQL Server Corruption: Corruption vs Drive Failure
Database corruption in Microsoft SQL Server can present serious challenges, causing data loss, disruption of services, and potential impact on business operations. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and potential solutions for such corruption is… Read More »SQL Server Corruption: Corruption vs Drive Failure - How Check 239 Catches Failing Database Health Monitor Jobs in SQL Server
Catching Failing Database Health Monitor Jobs with Check 239 In any SQL Server environment, background monitoring processes play a crucial role in maintaining visibility into performance, stability, and long-term trends. When these processes… Read More »How Check 239 Catches Failing Database Health Monitor Jobs in SQL Server - Features in Database Health Monitor: Job History, Problem Indexes, and Backup Reports
Features in Database Health Monitor: Job History, Problem Indexes, and Backup Reports At Stedman Solutions, we are always working to make SQL Server management easier and more effective. Database Health Monitor continues to… Read More »Features in Database Health Monitor: Job History, Problem Indexes, and Backup Reports - SQL Server Wait Type: FT_MASTER_MERGE
Wait statistics, in the context of SQL Server, refer to the amount of time that a query spends waiting to access data in the database. When a client application requests data from the… Read More »SQL Server Wait Type: FT_MASTER_MERGE - SQL School: Are you ready for that next SQL Server Interview
SQL Server Interview Questions Course from Stedman’s SQL School Are you ready for your next SQL Server Interview? Aspiring SQL Server DBA or Developer? Our SQL Server Interview Questions course prepares you for… Read More »SQL School: Are you ready for that next SQL Server Interview - The Ultimate SQL Server Backup Strategy: Protecting Your Data from Disaster and Corruption
The Ultimate SQL Server Backup Strategy: Protecting Your Data from Disaster and Corruption A reliable SQL Server backup strategy is one of the most important parts of protecting your environment from downtime, corruption,… Read More »The Ultimate SQL Server Backup Strategy: Protecting Your Data from Disaster and Corruption - Why Is My SQL Server Slow? 8 Common Causes and Solutions
Are you constantly wondering, “Why my Vary phrasing with synonyms like ‘SQL Server performance issues’ or ‘slow SQL Server performance’ in some instances to maintain natural language flow.?” You’re not alone in facing… Read More »Why Is My SQL Server Slow? 8 Common Causes and Solutions - Securing SQL Server: Disable Ad-hoc Distributed Queries
Ad hoc distributed queries are a feature of SQL Server that allow you to execute a T-SQL statement against a linked server. A linked server is a server that has been defined in… Read More »Securing SQL Server: Disable Ad-hoc Distributed Queries - LEFT OUTER JOIN vs. RIGHT OUTER JOIN in SQL Server: Key Differences Explained
Diving into the world of SQL Server, understanding how to combine data from multiple tables is a critical skill. Among the various types of joins, LEFT OUTER JOIN and RIGHT OUTER JOIN stand… Read More »LEFT OUTER JOIN vs. RIGHT OUTER JOIN in SQL Server: Key Differences Explained - Honoring those who have died while serving
In observance of the US federal holiday Memorial day, and in memory of all who have died in service, Stedman Solutions, LLC will be closed for the last Monday in May. If you… Read More »Honoring those who have died while serving - Database Health: Monitoring Backups with Database Health Monitor
Monitoring backups is an essential part of database administration, as it ensures that you have reliable and up-to-date backups in case of data loss or corruption. The Database Health Monitor for SQL Server… Read More »Database Health: Monitoring Backups with Database Health Monitor - What Could You Do With $10 Per Month?
What Could You Do With $10 Per Month? When you think about $10 per month, it does not sound like much. It is the cost of a couple of coffees, a fast-food lunch,… Read More »What Could You Do With $10 Per Month? - SQL Server Performance Tuning Course: Master Optimization and Cut Costs with Steve Stedman
Database performance issues can drain resources and inflate costs for organizations relying on SQL Server. This course provides a focused path to mastering optimization techniques that address slow queries, inefficient designs, and scalability… Read More »SQL Server Performance Tuning Course: Master Optimization and Cut Costs with Steve Stedman - Exploring fn_dump_dblog: A Deep Dive into SQL Server Transaction Log Analysis
When it comes to managing and troubleshooting databases in SQL Server, the transaction log is a treasure trove of information. It holds the key to understanding database operations, recovering from failures, and ensuring… Read More »Exploring fn_dump_dblog: A Deep Dive into SQL Server Transaction Log Analysis - The Hidden SQL Server Performance Killer: Implicit Conversions
The Hidden SQL Server Performance Killer: Implicit Conversions When SQL Server Performance issues begin appearing, many companies assume the only solution is to add more hardware, increase cloud resources, or purchase additional SQL… Read More »The Hidden SQL Server Performance Killer: Implicit Conversions - SQL Server DBCC Commands: Shrinking Notes
This chapter refers to shrinking your database files (mdf, or ndf files), not shrinking the log file. The log file is a completely different conversation, however, shrink database does shrink the log file.… Read More »SQL Server DBCC Commands: Shrinking Notes - Mastering the T-SQL WAITFOR Command in SQL Server: A Guide to Timing Control
Delving into the intricacies of SQL Server, the T-SQL WAITFOR command emerges as a unique tool for managing the timing of script executions. Often overlooked, this command allows developers and database administrators to… Read More »Mastering the T-SQL WAITFOR Command in SQL Server: A Guide to Timing Control - Data Aggregation in SQL Server: Master SUM, COUNT, AVG, GROUP BY and More
Data aggregation techniques is one of the most practical skills any SQL Server professional can develop, turning raw tables filled with thousands of rows into clear, actionable summaries. Whether you are calculating total… Read More »Data Aggregation in SQL Server: Master SUM, COUNT, AVG, GROUP BY and More - SQL Server Performance Consulting: Boost Database Efficiency with Expert Solutions
Is your SQL Server dragging down your business with sluggish performance and inefficiencies? Poor database performance can lead to frustrated users, delayed operations, and missed opportunities. At Stedman Solutions, we understand the critical… Read More »SQL Server Performance Consulting: Boost Database Efficiency with Expert Solutions - New SQL Update from Microsoft
Today Microsoft released a new update for SQL Server. SQL Server 2016 CU17 + GDR for SP2 (13.0.5893.48 – June 2022) CU17 for 2016 SP2 (13.0.5888.11 – March 2021) CU15 + GDR for… Read More »New SQL Update from Microsoft - NOLOCK vs READ UNCOMMITTED in SQL Server: Key Differences and Best Practices
When working with SQL Server, database administrators and developers often encounter scenarios where SQL Server Performance Tuning performance and data consistency must be carefully balanced. Two approaches frequently considered for optimizing query performance… Read More »NOLOCK vs READ UNCOMMITTED in SQL Server: Key Differences and Best Practices - SQL Server Corruption: What Can Get Corrupted
One of the most satisfying parts of my job at Stedman Solutions is when we can help a customer repair a corrupt database that without our help would have put them out of… Read More »SQL Server Corruption: What Can Get Corrupted - SQL Server Patching Risks: Why It Matters and How Stedman Solutions Helps
When it comes to maintaining a robust SQL Server environment, patching is a critical yet often daunting task. The decision to apply updates can feel like navigating a minefield—while patches promise enhanced security… Read More »SQL Server Patching Risks: Why It Matters and How Stedman Solutions Helps - How to Identify and Resolve Blocking Queries in SQL Server with Database Health Monitor
Navigating the complexities of database performance can be a daunting task, especially when blocking queries grind operations to a halt. In SQL Server, these bottlenecks can severely impact application responsiveness and user experience.… Read More »How to Identify and Resolve Blocking Queries in SQL Server with Database Health Monitor - SQL Server Wait Type:
Wait statistics, in the context of SQL Server, refer to the amount of time that a query spends waiting to access data in the database. When a client application requests data from the… Read More »SQL Server Wait Type: - Mastering SQL Server: Unleash the Power of Common Table Expressions (CTEs)
Welcome, SQL Server enthusiasts! If you’ve ever struggled with complex queries or sought a cleaner, more efficient way to manage your database operations, you’re in the right place. In this post, we’re diving… Read More »Mastering SQL Server: Unleash the Power of Common Table Expressions (CTEs) - Managed Service Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 8
Why SQL Server Managed Services Are the Smart Choice for Modern Businesses Managing SQL Server environments has become more complex than ever. Between performance tuning, backup management, security concerns, and around-the-clock monitoring, businesses… Read More »Managed Service Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 8 - SQL Server Differential Backups: Why Size Matters and How to Optimize Your Strategy
When managing SQL Server databases, differential backups are often hailed as a time and space-saving solution, capturing only the changes made since the last full backup. They promise efficiency, allowing database administrators to… Read More »SQL Server Differential Backups: Why Size Matters and How to Optimize Your Strategy - Securing SQL Server: Hide Instance Server Setting
The Hide Instance option in SQL Server allows you to hide a specific instance of SQL Server from the list of available instances on the network. This can be useful for security purposes,… Read More »Securing SQL Server: Hide Instance Server Setting - Master SQL Server Performance Tuning and Take Control of Your Database Performance
If you are responsible for maintaining, developing, or supporting SQL Server environments, Performance Tuning skills are no longer optional. Slow queries, blocking, deadlocks, TempDB contention, poor indexing strategies, and inefficient execution plans can… Read More »Master SQL Server Performance Tuning and Take Control of Your Database Performance - Exclusive SQL Performance Tuning Training
I have used my over 30 years of SQL Server experience to personally curate my favorite performance tuning tips and tricks into this training. I am excited to contribute and share with the… Read More »Exclusive SQL Performance Tuning Training - Introducing the Rewards Program for Database Health Monitor
Introducing the Rewards Program for Database Health Monitor At Stedman Solutions, we’ve always looked for ways to say thank you to everyone using Database Health Monitor. With the launch of the new Rewards… Read More »Introducing the Rewards Program for Database Health Monitor - Stedman Solutions Daily Monitoring Product
A great way to keep tabs on the overall health of your SQL Server. Pricing: $129.99 per month per SQL Server instance when paid month to month. Payment on a recurring payment by… Read More »Stedman Solutions Daily Monitoring Product - April Promo Join Types Poster
Welcome to April at Stedman Solutions, LLC! This month, we’re excited to announce that April is JOINS month, where all our promotions and activities will revolve around the fundamental concept of JOINs in… Read More »April Promo Join Types Poster - Database Health: Monitoring Backups with Database Health Monitor
Monitoring backups is an essential part of database administration, as it ensures that you have reliable and up-to-date backups in case of data loss or corruption. The Database Health Monitor for SQL Server… Read More »Database Health: Monitoring Backups with Database Health Monitor - My Join Types Course
Welcome to April at Stedman Solutions, LLC! This month, we’re excited to announce that April is JOINS month, where all our promotions and activities will revolve around the fundamental concept of JOINs in… Read More »My Join Types Course - Join Types Shirt
Welcome to April at Stedman Solutions, LLC! This month, we’re excited to announce that April is JOINS month, where all our promotions and activities will revolve around the fundamental concept of JOINs in… Read More »Join Types Shirt - SQL Server DBCC Commands: DBCC CLONEDATABASE
DBCC CLONEDATABASE is a DBCC command in Microsoft SQL Server that can be used to create a copy of a database on the same server. It is primarily used for testing and debugging… Read More »SQL Server DBCC Commands: DBCC CLONEDATABASE - Join Types on your wall
Welcome to April at Stedman Solutions, LLC! This month, we’re excited to announce that April is JOINS month, where all our promotions and activities will revolve around the fundamental concept of JOINs in… Read More »Join Types on your wall - SQL Server Database Integrity: Importance and Corruption Prevention Tips
In the world of SQL Server management, ensuring database integrity is a cornerstone of reliable and efficient operations. Database integrity refers to the accuracy, consistency, and trustworthiness of data stored within your SQL… Read More »SQL Server Database Integrity: Importance and Corruption Prevention Tips - Don’t Miss Out With Join Types Month
Welcome to April at Stedman Solutions, LLC! This month, we’re excited to announce that April is JOINS month, where all our promotions and activities will revolve around the fundamental concept of JOINs in… Read More »Don’t Miss Out With Join Types Month - Why SQL Server Managed Services Are Essential for Your Business Success
In today’s fast-paced business landscape, data is the backbone of decision-making and operational efficiency. As a business leader or IT professional, you rely heavily on your SQL Server to store, manage, and retrieve… Read More »Why SQL Server Managed Services Are Essential for Your Business Success - Fighting back against Ransomware
In the last year I have seen far too much ransomware. I have seen some people lose their databases with no way of getting them back, and I have seen others who have… Read More »Fighting back against Ransomware - Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 6 Database Health Monitor Recap and Updates
If you’ve been around SQL Server long enough, you know one thing for sure—monitoring tools either make your life dramatically easier… or they become just another noisy dashboard you ignore. In the latest… Read More »Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 6 Database Health Monitor Recap and Updates - Demystifying SQL Server Join Types: A Guide to Mastery
Welcome to April at Stedman Solutions, LLC! This month, we’re excited to announce that April is JOINS month, where all our promotions and activities will revolve around the fundamental concept of JOINs in… Read More »Demystifying SQL Server Join Types: A Guide to Mastery - SQL Server Corruption: When Did It Happen
Navigating the landscape of Microsoft SQL Server, one may occasionally encounter the formidable issue of database corruption, which can jeopardize vital data and disrupt business processes. Drawing upon one’s experience in diagnosing and… Read More »SQL Server Corruption: When Did It Happen - SQL Server Wait Type: PREEMPTIVE_OS_CLOSEHANDLE
Wait statistics, in the context of SQL Server, refer to the amount of time that a query spends waiting to access data in the database. When a client application requests data from the… Read More »SQL Server Wait Type: PREEMPTIVE_OS_CLOSEHANDLE - Join Types Shower Curtain
Welcome to April at Stedman Solutions, LLC! This month, we’re excited to announce that April is JOINS month, where all our promotions and activities will revolve around the fundamental concept of JOINs in… Read More »Join Types Shower Curtain - Our Free Joins Poster
Welcome to April at Stedman Solutions, LLC! This month, we’re excited to announce that April is JOINS month, where all our promotions and activities will revolve around the fundamental concept of JOINs in… Read More »Our Free Joins Poster - Securing SQL Server: Patching your SQL Server
Keeping your SQL Server up-to-date with the latest patches and updates is an important part of maintaining the security and stability of your system. Here are a few reasons why it is important… Read More »Securing SQL Server: Patching your SQL Server - Master SQL Server Aggregation: Boost Your Data Query Skills
Mastering SQL Aggregation: Elevate Your Querying Skills If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to make sense of large datasets in SQL Server, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced DBA,… Read More »Master SQL Server Aggregation: Boost Your Data Query Skills - Mastering Anti Left Join in SQL Server: A Comprehensive Guide
SQL Server is a powerful tool for managing and querying data, but mastering its intricacies can be a game-changer for developers and database administrators. One such advanced concept is the anti left join,… Read More »Mastering Anti Left Join in SQL Server: A Comprehensive Guide - How to Prepare for SQL Server Database Corruption: Essential Tips and Strategies
Are You Prepared for SQL Server Corruption? Hello, I’m Steve Stedman, and I’m here to talk about one of the most critical aspects of SQL Server management: preparing for database corruption. Over the… Read More »How to Prepare for SQL Server Database Corruption: Essential Tips and Strategies - Free Ransomware Course for SQL Server DBAs: Protect Your Databases Now
Protect Your SQL Server: Free Ransomware Course for DBAs In the digital age, data is the lifeblood of any organization, and as a SQL Server DBA, you are the guardian of this invaluable… Read More »Free Ransomware Course for SQL Server DBAs: Protect Your Databases Now - April is Join Types Month
Welcome to April at Stedman Solutions, LLC! This month, we’re excited to announce that April is JOINS month, where all our promotions and activities will revolve around the fundamental concept of JOINs in… Read More »April is Join Types Month - More that Just Socks
Welcome to April at Stedman Solutions, LLC! This month, we’re excited to announce that April is JOINS month, where all our promotions and activities will revolve around the fundamental concept of JOINs in… Read More »More that Just Socks - The MSQL_DQ Wait Type: A Sweet Collaboration
In a groundbreaking (and delicious) revelation, SQL Server has introduced a new wait type that bridges the gap between tech innovation and sweet treats. Enter the MSQL_DQ wait type, a unique collaboration between… Read More »The MSQL_DQ Wait Type: A Sweet Collaboration - Celebrating World Backup Day with Stedman’s SQL School
Celebrating World Backup Day with Stedman’s SQL School: Unlock the Secrets of Efficient Backup and Recovery As we mark World Backup Day on March 31st, it’s a timely reminder of the critical importance… Read More »Celebrating World Backup Day with Stedman’s SQL School - Database Health: Free Download – Database Health Monitor
The Database Health Monitor for SQL Server is available for download on our website, and the best part is that it’s a free trial ! The free download provides access to all the… Read More »Database Health: Free Download – Database Health Monitor - Embrace Efficiency and Growth: The Integrated Power of Managed Services
Embrace Efficiency and Growth: The Power of Managed Services In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, organizations are constantly seeking ways to optimize their operations, scale efficiently, and ensure the robust management of their critical… Read More »Embrace Efficiency and Growth: The Integrated Power of Managed Services - SQL Server Backup Strategy: Are Your Backups Enough to Prevent Disaster?
Are Your SQL Server Backups Really Enough? Plan Now, Before Disaster Strikes! Picture this: your SQL Server environment is running smoothly until a sudden cyberattack encrypts your data, or a hardware failure wipes… Read More »SQL Server Backup Strategy: Are Your Backups Enough to Prevent Disaster? - Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 5 The 7 Deadly Sins of Index and Statistics Maintenance
When it comes to SQL Server performance, index and statistics maintenance is one of those areas where “good intentions” can quietly turn into serious problems. In a recent discussion, I sat down with… Read More »Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 5 The 7 Deadly Sins of Index and Statistics Maintenance - Finding Long Running Queries in SQL Server
You usually don’t notice a slow query right away. What you do notice is everything else starting to lag. Dashboards take longer to load, jobs start overlapping, and suddenly users are asking what… Read More »Finding Long Running Queries in SQL Server - How to Use IF Statements in T-SQL for SQL Server: A Complete Guide
The other day I was asked how to use SQL with an IF Statement, so here is my blog post to cover that question. Using the IF Statement in T-SQL for SQL Server… Read More »How to Use IF Statements in T-SQL for SQL Server: A Complete Guide - Sleep Better With Managed Services From Stedman Solutions, LLC.
Finding Peace of Mind with SQL Server Managed Services As the owner or manager of a business that relies on SQL Server for critical data management and operations, the thought of your SQL… Read More »Sleep Better With Managed Services From Stedman Solutions, LLC. - SQL Server Wait Types Causing Blocking: Key Insights & Solutions
When managing SQL Server Performance, understanding the root causes of blocking is crucial for maintaining a smooth and efficient system. Blocking happens when one process locks a resource, forcing others to wait, and… Read More »SQL Server Wait Types Causing Blocking: Key Insights & Solutions - SQL Server Managed Services: A Cost-Effective Alternative to Hiring a Full-Time DBA
Navigating the complexities of database management can be a daunting task for many businesses, especially when the need for a skilled Database Administrator (DBA) arises. Hiring a full-time DBA can be a significant… Read More »SQL Server Managed Services: A Cost-Effective Alternative to Hiring a Full-Time DBA - SQL Server Corruption: How Often Should I Run CheckDB
Most of the time that I am contacted for help with a corruption repair it is a situation where the client does not have any good backups, and that makes the corruption repair… Read More »SQL Server Corruption: How Often Should I Run CheckDB - SQL Server DBCC Commands: DBCC WRITEPAGE
DBCC WRITEPAGE is an undocumented and unsuported DBCC command in Microsoft SQL Server that can be used to write a page of data from a database to a specified file on disk. It… Read More »SQL Server DBCC Commands: DBCC WRITEPAGE - The Challenges of Relying Solely on an In-House DBA
The Challenges of Relying Solely on an In-House DBA: Insights from Stedman Solutions In the fast-paced world of IT, the database is the backbone of any organization, storing critical data that drives decision-making… Read More »The Challenges of Relying Solely on an In-House DBA - Securing SQL Server: Transparent Data Encryption
Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) is a feature of Microsoft SQL Server that enables the encryption of a databases data and log files, as well as the encryption of backups, to protect sensitive data… Read More »Securing SQL Server: Transparent Data Encryption - Why Consider Cloud Backups for SQL Server
Cloud Backup and Recovery Strategies for SQL ServerIn today’s hybrid world, many SQL Server environments still run primarily on-premises, but the cloud offers powerful options for enhancing backup reliability, offsite protection, and Disaster… Read More »Why Consider Cloud Backups for SQL Server - Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 4 SQL Server Upgrades
When it comes to SQL Server upgrades, one of the most common questions I hear from clients is: Should we do an in-place upgrade, or build a new server and migrate? It’s a… Read More »Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 4 SQL Server Upgrades - Art of Data Aggregation with SQL Server
Over the course of my SQL Server journey, I’ve grown to appreciate just how vital data Aggregation is for gaining insights from your data. That’s why I’ve developed a course on Teachable called… Read More »Art of Data Aggregation with SQL Server - Cut Costs Without Compromising Quality
Cut Costs Without Compromising Quality: Outsource Server Maintenance with Managed Services and Watch Your Savings Grow Welcome back, fellow data enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s not only crucial for your… Read More »Cut Costs Without Compromising Quality - Understanding TempDB Spills in SQL Server Execution Plans
In SQL Server, a spill to TempDB occurs when an operator in a query execution plan requires more working memory than was granted by the server. When this happens, SQL Server writes intermediate… Read More »Understanding TempDB Spills in SQL Server Execution Plans
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