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Teach Yourself Microsoft SQL Server 2000 in 21 Daysby Richard Waymire, Rick SawtellCopyright 2001Sams Publishing
One of the things that amazes me the most about running this website is the number of newly minted DBAs who visit. I sometimes forget this as I seek out ever more obscure performance tuning and optimization tips to add to my website. If you are new to SQL Server, especially new to SQL Server 2000, then you will find this book a welcome resource.
By the authors of the well-received Teach Yourself Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 in 21 Days, this book provides a basic introduction on how to administer SQL Server 2000. It is targeted mainly to new DBAs, although it is also provides a good introduction to developers who are learning how to develop for SQL Server 2000. It covers both common DBA activities along with a basic introduction to Transact-SQL. The chapters include:
Introducing Relational Databases and Microsoft SQL Server 2000
Installing Microsoft SQL Server 2000
Working with SQL Server 2000 Management Tools and Utilities
Creating and Administering Databases and Data Files
Setting Up Login and User Security
Establishing Database Permissions
Backing Up Your Databases
Restoring Your Databases
Data Types and Creating Tables
Retrieving Data with the SELECT Statement
Modifying Data
Using Transact-SQL Extensions
Indexing for Performance
Ensuring Data Integrity
Creating Views, Triggers, Stored Procedures, and Functions
Understanding Replication Design Methodologies
Implementing Replication Methodologies
Scheduling Jobs with SQL Server Agent
Migrating Data Between Database Servers
Performance Monitoring Basics and Tools
Using XML with SQL Server 2000
An Overview of Analysis Services
An Overview of English Query
Since the focus of this website is on performance tuning, I always check out any performance tuning information to find if I can learn anything new. While I didn't learn anything new in this book's chapters on "Performance Monitoring Basics and Tools" and "Indexing for Performance", I didn't really expect to. Just as this book is designed for beginning DBAs, so are these chapters. Once you finish reading these chapters, many of the more advanced performance tuning tips on this website will make more sense.
As a book targeted towards beginners, it does not cover every conceivable aspect of SQL Server 2000, but it is a first-step for anyone who wants to learn how to become a SQL Server 2000 DBA. Once you master the material in this book, you will be ready to read some of the more advanced SQL Server books I review on my website. I recommend this book for all newly minted DBAs or DBAs in training.
