And I just got my slide deck and demo code done. I am a little behind where I wanted to be, but I made many modifications so I do have a pretty good reason.
I am posting the slides and code here and on the SQL Saturday site.
Look forward to seeing you all tomorrow!
SQL Saturday in Orlando is almost upon us, and I get to present a favorite subject of mine, Fundamentals of DBA-Ism. I have given this one a few times, and I have learned alot about the habits and practices of other DBAs out there.
The thing I love about presenting is that it is so evolutionary. I don’t think I have ever given the same presentation twice becuase I learned something new from the last one. 9.24.11 will be different thanks to what I learned from my attendees in South Florida.
I have refined my fundamentals to 5 building blocks- what I will ultimately label The 5 Effective Habits of Exceptional DBAs (or something like that) to be:
1. Configuration
2. Availability
3. Maintenance
4. Monitoring
5. Managing Expectations
So, in order to help me redo my slides, I am going “talk it out” here. Starting with
Configuration
I think how to configure SQL server is one of the most interesting topics, because there are so many different ideas on how to do it. Not only amongst us DBAs, but everyone seems to know what is best (SAN Admins, Windows Admins, managers, etc). From where the data files should go, to how big the TempDB should be, to even something as simple as who installs SQL server are up for discussion. What I have learned is there, there are as many ways to do this as there are midichlorians in Anakin’s blood. So, let me share with you some of the ways I have managed to keep out of trouble with this topic by answering questions that have been posed to me :
Q: Who should install SQL?
A: Well, The SQL DBA. It’s in our name for a reason. I seriously doubt the System Admins would like me trying my hand at installing Windows Server 2008 R2, so they should understand my position. SQL does require a bit of on the spot configuration for installs (Filestream, default file locations, etc) so it best if you have the person who is managing it install it.
Q: Where do I put my Data and Log files?
A: This reminds me of the story on how the angel got on top of the Christmas tree, but that is for another time. Personally, I do not like the default placement that SQL uses. C:\program files\microsoft sql server\blah\blah\blah.mdf is a whole lot of letters to type. I like simple. Give me D:\Data, E:\Logs, and F:\System and I am a happy DBA. I do advocate the separation of log and data and system, even in the face of the SAN admins saying its all the same thing. I do it partially for performance, but mostly for organization. I like being able to go to where the logs live without bothering anyone else.
Q: How big should the TempDB files should there be, and how many should I have?
A: This is a question I think is asked most. As far as how big it needs to be, my best answer is as big as it needs to be. I think it was Brent Ozark who compared the TempDB to a public bathroom. Im going to be more descriptive. TempDB is like a public restroom at Comic Con after they handed out thousands of free Energy drinks to the attendees. Given everything that happens in the TempDB, that’s a pretty accurate description. The TempDB can get very large, and it gets that way because it needs to be. They best bet is to give it sufficient room to grow, and let it do just that. That means the data files AND the log files. After a time the size will stabilize and you will know the answer to your question. That way, if it every suddenly grows abnormally, you know someone was up to something and you need to find out what (see 4-Monitoring when I write it). As for how many files, again, many opinions. I prescribe to the 1 per socket methodology, with them being the same size and set to not grow.
Q: Are naming conventions really that important?
A: Yes, they are. If you set and enforce naming conventions for any objects on your databases, you will always know what you are dealing with. I am talking about going beyond the Access throwbacks of TBL and USP and TR. I mean if you have a database that service multiple purposes, prefix the objects with some identifier for them. You can also use schemas to do the same thing.
The bottom line with configuration is that you are setting up the foundation of your environment. Every other thing that you do will be based upon that foundation. With that in mind, be strong in setting your “Gold Standards” to make sure your servers are stable and run smoothly.
Thanks again to all who attened last night Magic Pass meeting. It was great to get a chance to meet you all and talk to you about SQL Tracing. There were a lot of great comments and questions. One of the great things about speaking at events is that I get to learn more about the topic through you.
You will find my slide deck and demo code from the talk last night attached here.
Like I said last night, please feel free to email me with any questions you have.
A year ago I made teh committment to myself to start back up from a long absence in the SQL community and start presenting at any event that would have me.
I have been lucky to have been chosen a few times, and VERY excited for this week.
Tomorrow, I am presenting 2 sessions at SQL Saturday #79 in South Florida (my hometown). I will be premiering my The Art of the Trace presentation, where we will talk about how to configure and use Server Side Traces. That will be at 8:30 AM. Then at 1PM, I will be delivering one of my favorite session to do, Fundamental of DBA-ism. This session is all about using the basics of SQL to make a strong SQL foundation.
As if that wasn’t enough, I have been asked to speak at MAGIC PASS on 8/17. I will be presenting my The Art of the Trace session my local SQL cohorts.
I have uploaded my slides and demo code for your perusal. As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions!
Sorry for the delay in getting these up to my blog. Here is my slide deck from SQL Saturday #74 in Jacksonville. Thanks to all who attended.
You can download them here
There are two things that I really focus on in my career as a DBA – building a strong foundation under my SQL server, and then monitoring to make sure everything is working as it needs to. These two practices are what prompted me to submit 2 session to SQLRally
Session 1 : Fundamentals of DBA-ism
If we take the time to build out own set of best practices for our servers, it sets us up in an environment where we aren’t plagued by avoidable errors. Placement of the TempDB and user databases, setting realistic auto-grow numbers, even defining naming conventions can really set your servers up for success. In this session, I plan to build upon my previous session of DBA 101 to really focus on setting a gold standard on the care and feeding of a SQL server.
Session 2: The Thrill of the Trace
I love using Profiler, and I am not afraid to admit that love. But Profiler has 2 distinct disadvantages. First, if the database is very active or you are asking it to keep track of a lot of information it can get overwhelmed and skip over details that may be important. Secondly, if its not running when the problem happens you only have your logs to figure out what went wrong. So, I learned about Server Side Traces. They are Profiler, without the GUI. Server Side Traces give you the ability to monitor your server 24/7/365, behind the scenes to baseline performance, catch problems before they become real problems, and just gauge the general health of your server. You can even tie in data from PerfMon to get the full picture. That’s what this session is all about.
If these are things you want to hear about, please take the time to vote for them (and me) at http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22BRZSW8LMF/
Voting is open until 1/30.
One way or another, I’ll see you at the Rally!
Tonight marks the very first meeting of MagicPass, Orlando’s new SQLPASS group. This is a great opportunity to become the foundation of what is sure to be a great and active chapter. Thanks to Kendal Van Dyne (http://kendalvandyke.blogspot.com) for taking the time and effort to set this up.
Go to http://magicpass.eventbrite.com/ to join us tonight!
DETAILS
Join us for the first ever meeting of MagicPASS, South Orlando’s new SQL Server User Group. We’ll have food & drinks, networking, a great presentation from well-known speaker Kevin Kline, and prizes to give away.
Join us after the meeting at the Celebration Town Tavern to talk shop and socialize. (You are responsible for your own drinks)
Speaker: Kevin Kline
Title: Ten Things Every Developer Should Know
Level: 200
Abstract: Stereotypes abound for different types of people in the IT world. Developers think DBAs are control freaks. DBAs think developers are unruly cowboys. How do we overcome these differences? If you’re a developer, your best strategy is to manage your DBAs’ anxieties and demonstrate your competence and credibility. Attend this session to learn about 10 techniques that developers can apply to their code which will calm your DBAs’ fears and earn their admiration.
This session will answer questions like:
There are a short list of mistakes that, if you know of them in advance, will make your life much easier. These mistakes are the “low hanging fruit” of application design, development, and administration. Once you apply the lessons learned from this session, you’ll find yourself performing at a higher level of efficiency and effectiveness than before.
Prerequisites: Basic understanding of SQL Server architecture and tools, basic SQL query knowledge.
About The Speaker
Kevin Kline is the Technical Strategy Manager for SQL Server Solutions at Quest Software, a leading provider of award winning tools for database management and application monitoring.
Kevin’s Twitter ID is kekline. Be sure to follow him!
Kevin is a founding board member and former President of the international Professional Association for SQL Server (PASS) and frequently contributes to database technology magazines, web sites, and discussion forums.
Kevin was the recipient of the PASS 2009 Lifetime Achievement award. Read about it here.
Kevin writes monthly columns for Database Trends & Applications magazine and SQL Server Magazine. Kevin also serves the community as an adviser to SQL Saturday education program as well as a curriculum adviser for both the University of Washington and Purdue University at Calumet in their IT and Computer Science departments.
Kevin’s most popular book is SQL in a Nutshell (now in it’s third edition) published by O’Reilly Media. Kevin is also author or co-author on seven other IT books, including Transact-SQL Programming, Database Benchmarking: A Practical Approach, and Professional SQL Server 2008 Relational Database Design and Optimization.
A top rated speaker, Kevin appears at international conferences like Microsoft TechEd, DevTeach, PASS, Microsoft IT Forum, SQL Connections, and the Best Practices Conference.
Beginning his career as a lowly hardware jockey working with PC’s, Digital VAX, and Intergraph Unix workstations, Kevin has worked on multiple large-scale database projects throughout his career at Deloitte & Touche, NASA and the U.S. Army.
When Kevin isn’t working on technology issues, he enjoys spending time with his wife Rachel, his four kids, his three stepkids, and his Basset Hound and Ginger Kitty.
I want to take a moment again to thank all of you that attended my SQL Saturday session. I was nervous going is as it had been a number of years since I have presented, but I enjoyed myslef and I think there were some pretty good takeaways from the session.
As promised, here is the slide deck from DBA 101 presented @ SQL Saturday – Tampa.
I should have a post up next week sometime on how to use Performance Monitor to baseline your server, as I mention in the session.
Thanks again to all.
Jen McCown (blog |twitter) is hosting this month’s T-SQL Tuesday with the topic of Resolutions.
I have never liked New Year’s resolutions, so I never make them. What I do, however, is I make resolutions in December. It a mind game, I know, but I keep my December resolutions.
In 12/2009, I made 2 resolutions, both of which I kept. A personal and professional.
2010 Personal – Lose weight.
On 12/9/2009, I weighed 389 pounds. On 12/9/2010, I weighed in at 230 pounds. This was a resolution I was glad to have kept. To say I feel better is an understatement. No surgery or extreme measures, just the old fashioned diet and exercise.
2010 Professional – Get a New Job
On May 2010, I started my new job at SAIC as a SQL DBA on a team of 5. Again, a badly needed change.
This year, well, in December, I made 2 new resolutions, again, a personal and professional
2011 Personal - Run a half marathon
I used to make fun of people who ran marathons and the like. Now, I really want to do it. I registered for my first 5K on 1/29/11. I am planning to run in the Disney Food and Wine Festival Half Marathon in September.
2011 Professional – Get all the preliminary work done for my MCM
Since starting my new job (and attending SQLPASS), I have been re-energized as a DBA. I have known about the MCM program for a bit, but I never felt that I could do it. That has changed.
I know I can (Losing the weight also help me in the self-confidence dept).
I have committed to myself to get my 2 SQL 2008 certifications done, read the recommended books and watch the MCM training videos. Also, since the best learning is done when teaching, I am going to submit an abstract to as many SQL events as I can, as well as offer to present at my local SQLPASS chapter. All this in an effort to be ready for my MCM testing in 2012.
Here’s to a great 2011!
On January 15th, I make my return to speaking on SQL at SQL Saturday in Tampa. I am nervous and excited about this! It has been almost 6 years since I have stood in front of a gaggle of SQL-ites and done anything.
The topic I chose is DBA 101, a back to basics look at being a DBA. I have been negligent on my blogging resolution, but you will eventually see a DBA 101 theme to the posts.
When I was trying yo come up with a abstract, I was thinking about what you have to do when you start a new job (I had just started a new job in May). When you start a new job, you have to learn a bunch of new ideas and work ideologies, but there are a core group of things that you should already know and be ready to put them into play.
Backup/Restore Policies, maintenance strategies, environmental conditions, and security are the four basic areas you needs to be able to address and defend you reasons as well. we may all have our own “best practices”, but they needs to be the first things we deal with, before we try and do anything else.
I am thankful to the SQL Saturday team for giving me a chance to get back involved more directly into the community.
If you still haven’t registered to attend, you still have time. Go here and do it already!
The folks at SQL Saturday #62 will also be hosting a Day of Data on 1/14/2011, the day before SQL Saturday #62 in Tampa at the Italian Club in the historic Ybor City district. They are offering 2 all day sessions from which to choose. For the DBAs we have Denny Cherry presenting Storage and Virtualization for the DBA. For the BI focus We have Stacia Misner presenting Business Intelligence End-to-End. The cost is only $99 per person thru 1/5/2011, after that the price goes to $109. This price includes coffee, juice and donuts, lunch, and course materials. Click here to register for Day of Data.
