Create a SQL Server Baseline with the PAL Tool
July 18, 2016
When we do a SQL Server Health Assessment, we quickly dive into SQL Server performance and Windows/Physical/Virtual resource usage counters. During our kick off interview we always ask if you have a SQL Server baseline from the past to compare. Usually the answer is no, unfortunately. Like monitoring and alerting, many of the tools vendors make automated baseline collection tools. Also like alerting, though, … Read more
Robert Davis’ Login Sync Script [Free DBA Tool of The Week]
July 15, 2016
Last week I bragged about an amazing PowerShell module I’ve recently fallen in love with. Today I’m going to talk about the script that, in a roundabout way, made me discover that tool. This is a great script from an extremely knowledgeable and helpful member of the SQL Server family, Robert Davis. Free SQL Server … Read more
A New Chapter – (Re)Launching Straight Path
July 13, 2016
It was February of 2012 when I made an announcement to the world. I had joined forces with some brothers who started a company with a vision, a dream and a disruptive business model. I told you all about this change in a blog post. I had actually joined Linchpin People a bit before this announcement … Read more
T-SQL Tuesday #80 Happy Birthday Chris, Have Some Changes
July 12, 2016
My good friend and brother Chris Yates is hosting this month’s T-SQL Tuesday. I’ve not participated in one of these for a little bit now. Been busy doing the consulting thing, I guess! I cannot believe this is the 80th month already! That’s about six years of T-SQL Tuesday Blog Carnivals. I still remember way back when when Adam … Read more
Free DBA Tool of the Week – DBATools
July 7, 2016
I need to sync logins.Just the logins? Sure just go find the best version of sp_help_revlogin. Oh wait you want the server roles, okay well you can steal some of this script here. Oh wait you want the server perms also and default databases? Okay then do a search for this script. Here you go. … Read more
Safety Gear is Dangerous!
July 2, 2016
Last year, I cut my thigh with a chainsaw at my farm. Except I was okay because I had the right protective gear on. I started thinking about that today again while doing a quick chore with the chainsaw. Had that moment of “Hmm.. Do I get the chaps or not for a simple cut” … Read more
You Already Influence People – Only Choice is How..
November 2, 2015
I’m on a long flight to a client. I’m in full on introspective mode.. I got the upgrade. I had a red wine.. I got that Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis last week. I just spent a week with my #SQLFamily. I never cured the homesickness from being gone for a week and am off again. It … Read more
PASS Prayers 2015 This Week!
October 25, 2015
I’m late in getting this message out. I’ve had a busy couple weeks. This week the PASS Summit starts. In fact, as I type this, I’m on a plane heading there myself with at least couple hundred people in the air right now as well. More arrive tomorrow, some already arrived and more on Tuesday. … Read more
Hey DBA – Don’t Rely on Your Chaps, But Get a Pair Anyway
September 7, 2015
I almost earned a trip to the Emergency Room. I didn’t because I had one last line of defense, but is that a success or a fail? I think a little of both. Let’s talk about it and see what we can learn as DBAs and consultants in our day jobs. You see. I bought … Read more
DBA Lessons From a Snowy Winter
February 19, 2015
I live in New England. I expect snow in the winter. This winter, though, has been a bit of an anomaly from recent winters for us. We started out with very little snow, abnormally little snow. But then it came (and it is still coming) all at once. Over about 4ish weeks we had a … Read more