SQL Basics

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Here are some key SQL Server DBA (Database Administrator) notes that cover various
aspects of managing and maintaining SQL Server databases:
1. Installation and Configuration
 SQL Server Editions: Understand the differences between editions (e.g., Express, Standard,
Enterprise) and their limitations.
 Installation Process: Follow best practices for installing SQL Server, including selecting the
appropriate instance features, configuring service accounts, and setting up initial security
options.
 Configuration: Adjust server settings such as memory allocation, max degree of parallelism,
and SQL Server Agent settings.
2. Backup and Recovery
 Backup Types:
o Full Backup: Captures the entire database.
o Differential Backup: Captures changes made since the last full backup.
o Transaction Log Backup: Captures changes made since the last transaction log
backup.
 Backup Strategies: Implement a backup strategy that fits your recovery requirements (e.g.,
full, differential, and log backups).
 Recovery Models: Understand the different recovery models (Simple, Full, Bulk-Logged) and
their impact on backup and restore processes.
3. Performance Tuning
 Indexes: Create, maintain, and optimize indexes. Use tools like Database Engine Tuning
Advisor.
 Query Optimization: Analyze and optimize slow-running queries using execution plans and
SQL Profiler.
 Statistics: Ensure statistics are up-to-date to help the query optimizer make informed
decisions.
4. Security
 Authentication: Configure Windows Authentication or SQL Server Authentication. Prefer

Windows Authentication for better security.
 Authorization: Manage user permissions and roles carefully to ensure users have the
appropriate access.
 Encryption: Implement data encryption (e.g., Transparent Data Encryption (TDE), Always
Encrypted) to protect sensitive information.
5. Monitoring and Maintenance

 Monitoring Tools: Use SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), SQL Server Profiler, and third-
party tools to monitor server health and performance.
 Maintenance Plans: Set up maintenance plans for tasks such as database integrity checks,
index rebuilding, and statistics updates.
 Alerts and Notifications: Configure alerts for critical events (e.g., SQL Server Agent job
failures, performance issues).
6. High Availability and Disaster Recovery (HADR)
 Backup Strategies: Implement a robust backup and restore strategy for disaster recovery.
 High Availability Solutions:
o Always On Availability Groups: Provides high availability and disaster recovery for
SQL Server databases.
o Database Mirroring: Offers high availability by creating a mirror copy of a database.
o Log Shipping: Automates the process of backing up and restoring transaction logs to
a secondary server.
7. Database Maintenance
 Index Maintenance: Regularly rebuild or reorganize fragmented indexes to ensure optimal

performance.
 Database Shrinking: Avoid frequent shrinking as it can lead to fragmentation; shrink

databases only when necessary.
 DBCC Commands: Use DBCC commands (e.g., DBCC CHECKDB, DBCC CHECKTABLE) to check
and repair database integrity.
8. Automation
 SQL Server Agent: Use SQL Server Agent to automate routine tasks such as backups,
maintenance jobs, and data imports/exports.
 PowerShell: Leverage PowerShell scripts for advanced automation and management tasks.
9. Troubleshooting
 Error Logs: Check SQL Server error logs and Windows Event Viewer for troubleshooting
issues.
 Performance Issues: Use tools like Activity Monitor, SQL Profiler, and Dynamic Management
Views (DMVs) to diagnose performance problems.
10. Upgrades and Patching
 Patching: Regularly apply service packs and cumulative updates to keep SQL Server secure
and stable.
 Upgrades: Plan and test upgrades carefully, including compatibility checks and data
migration strategies.
These notes provide a broad overview of important topics for a SQL Server DBA. Each topic can be
explored in greater depth depending on your specific needs and the complexity of your SQL Server
environment.

SQL Basics

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SQL Basics

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1. Installation and Configuration

2. Backup and Recovery

o Full Backup: Captures the entire database.

 Authentication: Configure Windows Authentication or SQL Server Authentication. Prefer

5. Monitoring and Maintenance

6. High Availability and Disaster Recovery (HADR)

 High Availability Solutions:

o Database Mirroring: Offers high availability by creating a mirror copy of a database.

 Index Maintenance: Regularly rebuild or reorganize fragmented indexes to ensure optimal

 Database Shrinking: Avoid frequent shrinking as it can lead to fragmentation; shrink

10. Upgrades and Patching

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