SQL Server Performance Forum – Threads Archive

Suggestions for the New DBA

I have recently accepted a position as the DBA for a mid-sized company with several SQL Servers (7 thru 2005) along with numerous disparate applications (Excel, Access etc.) that use data from the SQL Servers. This is definitely a loaded question, but what are the major considerations and areas I need to immediately focus on and learn about in order to get a strong grasp of the ‘state’ that my servers and databases are currently in. I have a pretty good good idea of what I need to concentrate on but was hoping to use this forum as a way to guarantee I haven’t left any gaps in the discovery phase/checklist of this position. Your useful insights, thoughts, suggestions and gotchas would be greatly appreciated.

1. First ask document all the servers info and its importance and connecting application…
2. Check the server and database configuration which can changed to improve performance…
3. Talk to the manager about priorities…
4. Check the database maintenance jobs and its output/statsus…
5. Collect perfmon/trace data and analyse to optimizations…
….
MohammedU.
Moderator
SQL-Server-Performance.com All postings are provided â€œAS ISâ€ with no warranties for accuracy.

Many thanks!

3.1 Talk to the users about mayors problems.
Luis Martin
Moderator
SQL-Server-Performance.com All in Love is Fair
Stevie Wonder
All postings are provided â€œAS ISâ€ with no warranties for accuracy.

mayors problems?

Major / primary / key ——————
Bug explorer/finder/seeker/locator
——————

o okay …the light bulb finally went on….I get it! Good suggestion.

Another main (and probably the single most important ) task of a DBA not mentioned yet is the Backup and Restore process. Get an overview of that, check that everything is running smoothly. If it doesn’t exist yet, create a desaster recovery plan, check with all involved persons, departments, and managers their degree of data loss tolerance and have that written down and agreed upon. Get very quick in the position where you can perform restore a database to its most recent state! This might cover your a** one day. [<img src=’/community/emoticons/emotion-1.gif’ alt=’

‘ />] And in any case of uncertainty where you can’t find the right information immediately, search for the information here or post a question. – Frank Kalis Moderator Microsoft SQL Server MVP Webmaster:<a target="_blank" href=http://www.insidesql.de>http://www.insidesql.de</a>

This is a bit self serving perhaps, but I’ll post it anyway. [:I] SqlSpec is a shareware app I wrote might help you get up to speed on how all your newly inherited databases are put together, discovery, etc. If you are an MVP/MCT/ACE then you can get a free NFR license. same deal if you work for a charity or open source project. http://sql-server-performance.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=21143 www.elsasoft.org

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by jezemine This is a bit self serving perhaps, but I’ll post it anyway. [:I] SqlSpec is a shareware app I wrote might help you get up to speed on how all your newly inherited databases are put together, discovery, etc. If you are an MVP/MCT/ACE then you can get a free NFR license. same deal if you work for a charity or open source project. http://sql-server-performance.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=21143</a> <hr noshade size="1">www.elsasoft.org <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"> Only MVPs/MCTs?[<img src=’/community/emoticons/emotion-6.gif’ alt=’

‘ />] Not for the users who server the community?[<img src=’/community/emoticons/emotion-5.gif’ alt=’

‘ />] MohammedU. Moderator SQL-Server-Performance.com All postings are provided â€œAS ISâ€ with no warranties for accuracy.

Have you read the thread Jesse mentioned? He has something about 6,000 posts here. So, I guess you have to wait about only 2 months before you are eligible. [<img src=’/community/emoticons/emotion-2.gif’ alt=’

‘ />] – Frank Kalis Moderator Microsoft SQL Server MVP Webmaster:<a target="_blank" href=http://www.insidesql.de>http://www.insidesql.de</a>

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by MohammedU Only MVPs/MCTs?[<img src=’/community/emoticons/emotion-6.gif’ alt=’

‘ />] Not for the users who server the community?[<img src=’/community/emoticons/emotion-5.gif’ alt=’

‘ />] <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"> Mohammed, you certainly qualify, you are a machine around here! Mail me if you want one. First read this though:<a target="_blank" href=http://www.elsasoft.org/mvp.htm>http://www.elsasoft.org/mvp.htm</a> Jesse <hr noshade size="1">www.elsasoft.org

Guys
Can we please stick to the topic discussion and please take up relevant Elasoft discussion on the original thread.
THanks. Satya SKJ
Microsoft SQL Server MVP
Writer, Contributing Editor & Moderator
http://www.SQL-Server-Performance.Com
This posting is provided AS IS with no rights for the sake of knowledge sharing. The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind.

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