Saturday, January 06, 2007

DTS Video Tutorial: Pt. 3 - Working with Variables as File Names and Assigning File Names at Runtime

Pt. 3 - Working with Variables as File Names and Assigning File Names at Runtime - view details
Don't know what the source file's name will be before you run your DTS package? You're not alone - this is very common in DTS. This video will help you write scripts to assign values to your filename.
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: filename, file name, activex script, active x scripting task, DTSGlobalVariables

posted by Scott Whigham @ 11:00 PM    

Microsoft SQL Server Video Tutorial: Enterprise Manager - Registering a server

Enterprise Manager - Registering a server - view details
If you are just getting started with SQL Server and want to know how to use the Enterprise Manager, this video is for you. Before you start working with a SQL Server in the Enterprise Manager, you must "register" that server (which writes information into the Registry). This video, by SQL Server guru Scott Whigham, contains lots of tips and tricks, some well-hidden techniques and features, and a lot of good, solid information to get you started
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: register sql server, sql server enterprise manager, beginner, beginning, for beginners, introduction, step by step

posted by Scott Whigham @ 11:00 PM    

Microsoft SQL Server Video Tutorial: Some Dangerous Stored Procedures - xp_cmdshell, sp_OACreate, and sp_enum_dtspackages

Some Dangerous Stored Procedures - xp_cmdshell, sp_OACreate, and sp_enum_dtspackages - view details
Right now, on your SQL Server, are stored procedures that certain people could execute that would blue screen (BSOD) your SQL Server's host machine. Seriously. Well, that's part of the story at least. Yes, it's true - xp_cmdshell and sp_OACreate could blue screen your machine but you'd have to be a sysadmin (by default) to execute them. In this video, you'll learn about several dangerous stored procedures and how to neutralize their impact on your system. If security is of utmost importance to you and your team, then this video on SQL Server security and stored procedures is well worth watching
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with thi s video: sql server security, sql hack

posted by Scott Whigham @ 10:00 PM    

SQL Server 2000 Video Tutorial: How to Increase a Database's Size Using the SQL Server Enterprise Manager

How to Increase a Database's Size Using the SQL Server Enterprise Manager - view details
If you don't know the ALTER DATABASE commands for increasing your SQL Server file sizes (or don't want to use it), then this video is a great head-start to learning file manipulation and management for SQL Server 2000. Veteran SQL Server trainer Scott Whigham shows you a few of his tips and tricks for working with the Enterprise Manager as well.
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: grow database sql server, grow sql file, increase sql database

posted by Scott Whigham @ 10:00 PM    

Windows 2003 Video Tutorial: Windows Resource Kit Tools

Windows Resource Kit Tools - view details
All the Microsoft major releases feature a Resource Kit with several tools and Windows 2003 is no different. In this video you'll learn about several of the most popular tools and how to use them
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

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Keywords Associated with this video: windows 2003 resource kit

posted by Scott Whigham @ 9:00 PM    

Exchange 2003 Video Tutorial: Group Policy Basics

Group Policy Basics - view details
Policies make it far easier for the sysadmin to proactively manage the network users/objects. In this video you will be assigning user permissions and changing Group Policy in order to fully explain the concept of Group Policy (using gpedit.msc). Most administrators would consider this required knowledge for managing any Windows network today. This video could also be titled 'Group Policy: How To Use Policies to Police Your Network'
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: Group Policy gpedit

posted by Scott Whigham @ 9:00 PM    

Exchange 2003 Video Tutorial: Trying to Bring Back a Deleted Message with a Database Restore

Trying to Bring Back a Deleted Message with a Database Restore - view details
In Exchange 2003 anything that happens inside Exchange (such as a new message being delivered) is located in the transaction log. This video shows you how to use a data restore to recover a user's message. This video could also be titled 'Disaster Recovery: Restoring a Message With the Transaction Log'
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: retrieve mailbox with database restore

posted by Scott Whigham @ 9:00 PM    

SQL Server 2000 Video Tutorial: OSQL - What It Is and How to Use It

OSQL - What It Is and How to Use It - view details
OSQL is to the DOS Prompt what Query Analyzer is to Windows; i.e., OSQL is your query writing tool for working in DOS. You can interactively write code and run SQL queries, updates and the like if you want but you can also tell it to execute a script file using the "-i" switch. This video, recorded by SQL guru Scott Whigham, shows you how to use OSQL in your organization to run batch files (.bat files that run SQL scripts) and more.
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

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Keywords Associated with this video: sql osql, sql batch file

posted by Scott Whigham @ 8:00 PM    

Microsoft SQL Server Video Tutorial: Pt. 1 - What Output Parameters Are and When to Use Them

Pt. 1 - What Output Parameters Are and When to Use Them - view details
This video is a great introduction to using OUTPUT parameters. Modern SQL programmers use output parameters in so many stored procedures that it's tough to be a decent SQL developer without a solid understanding of how they work. This video series walks you through what OUTPUT parameters are, how they work, and gives you several business cases for how to use them effectively. Please note that this video needs to be downloaded with Part 2 of this series since the demo/discussion is completed in Part 2.

NOTE: This video series was shot using SQL Server 2005 but the concepts are the same for all versions of SQL Server.

Highlights from this video:
  • When to Use Output Parameters
  • Output Parameter or Result Set?
  • Passing Data Between Stored Procedures
  • Master-Detail Inserts with IDENTITY values
  • @@IDENTITY or SCOPE_IDENTITY?
  • OUT or OUTPUT?
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: output, out params, sql parameters, sqlparameter, parameterdirection.output

posted by Scott Whigham @ 8:00 PM    

Windows 2003 Video Tutorial: Customize Internet Explorer and the Desktop Using Group Policy

Customize Internet Explorer and the Desktop Using Group Policy - view details
Ever wondered how to add/change the icons displayed in the top right corner of Internet Explorer? You can change them and many companies will so that they will have a standardized installation of Internet Explorer and/or Windows. Master consultant Grant Moyle teaches you how to tweak Windows using Group Policy to affect the browser title, change logos, and more. This video could also be titled 'Add Your Own Custom Logo to Internet Explorer'
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: Customize IE logo Windows 2003, change Internet Explorer logo Windows 2003

posted by Scott Whigham @ 8:00 PM    

SQL Server 2000 Video Tutorial: Defaults and Rules in SQL Server 2000 - What They Are, How to Use Them and Best Practices

Defaults and Rules in SQL Server 2000 - What They Are, How to Use Them and Best Practices - view details
What is the difference between a SQL Server Default and a Default constraint (or are they the same thing)? Should you use a Check constraint or a Rule (and are they the same thing)? SQL Server Defaults and Rules have been around forever in SQL Server but, if you don't know what they are, then you should watch this video.
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: sql default, sql rule

posted by Scott Whigham @ 7:00 PM    

SQL Server 2000 Video Tutorial: Alerts in SQL Server 2000 - What They Are, How to Use Them and Best Practices

Alerts in SQL Server 2000 - What They Are, How to Use Them and Best Practices - view details
Alerts are probably one of the most under-utilized management features in SQL Server. Whether it's because most administrators do not understand what alerts are or because DBAs are too busy focusing on other aspects of the system, SQL Server's alert system is often completely overlooked. SQL guru Scott Whigham shows you the basics of alerts in this video and helps you get the "Big Picture". You'll learn about event alerts and performance condition alerts and, as the title suggests, what they are and how to use them
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: sql server alerts , how to sql alert, sql server event alert, sql server performance condition

posted by Scott Whigham @ 6:00 PM    

Transact SQL Video Tutorial: RAISERROR and Substitution Parameters - How to Customize Your Error Messages (SQL Server 2000)

RAISERROR and Substitution Parameters - How to Customize Your Error Messages (SQL Server 2000) - view details
This video is part of our series on using custom error messages in SQL Server and shows you how to create dynamic error messages that are stored in sysmessages (sys.messages in SQL Server 2005).

Highlights from this video:

  • sp_addmessage
  • Storing messages in the master database
  • Calling adhoc messages
  • Substition parameters (%s, %d) and dynamic vs. static parameterization
  • Architecture of error messages in SQL Server 2005 and 2000
  • RAISERROR and severity levels
  • SQL Server error message 50000
  • How to pass scalar functions into RAISERROR (i.e. SUSER_SNAME(), USER_NAME(), DB_NAME())
  • Using RAISERROR in stored procedures for custom error handling
  • Using RAISERROR WITH LOG to log SQL Server errors to the Event Log in Windows

To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must ha ve the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: master.dbo.sysmessages, master.sys.messages, log errors, msg_id, sql server error number

posted by Scott Whigham @ 6:00 PM    

Free SQL Server Integration Services Video Tutorial: Options for Migrating from SQL Server 2000 DTS to SSIS in SQL Server 2005

Options for Migrating from SQL Server 2000 DTS to SSIS in SQL Server 2005 - download
This video is an excellent technology-overview of what options exist for moving from SQL Server 2000's DTS to SQL Server 2005's SSIS. Do you want to just migrate one package or all packages? Are you moving your entire server or just one package? What is legacy mode?

Highlights from this video:
  • Choices you have to make when moving from SQL 2000 to SQL 2005
  • Package Migration Wizard vs. an In-Place Upgrade
  • Using Legacy Mode/compatibility in SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio)
  • Issues with migrating DTS packages to SSIS
  • Benefits of in-place upgrades
  • Using the DTS Designer Components
  • How to Edit DTS Packages After Moving t o SSIS
and much more
To download this video, visit the Free Videos page, click "download" and enter the correct security code.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: upgrading, upgrade, migrating, data transformation services, migrate

posted by Scott Whigham @ 6:00 PM    

Windows 2003 Video Tutorial: Windows 2000: Installing Service Pack 4 (SP4) Rollup 1

Windows 2000: Installing Service Pack 4 (SP4) Rollup 1 - view details
Microsoft recently released the Security Rollup Package for Windows 2000, a post-SP4 release designed to increase security on Windows 2000.
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: rollup SP4 Windows 2000

posted by Scott Whigham @ 5:00 PM    

Microsoft SQL Server Video Tutorial: Why You Use SCOPE_IDENTITY() Instead of @@IDENTITY

Why You Use SCOPE_IDENTITY() Instead of @@IDENTITY - view details
If your queries and stored procedures use @@IDENTITY (perhaps you have legacy code updated from SQL Server 7.0 or earlier), you'll likely get good value from watching this video on replacing @@IDENTITY calls with the T-SQL function SCOPE_IDENTITY(). This video shows very plainly the negative possiblities of using @@IDENTITY today (triggers are a real problem) and, after you watch this tutorial, you'll never want to use @@IDENTITY again!
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: scope Identity, dbcc check_ident

posted by Scott Whigham @ 3:00 PM    

Microsoft SQL Server Video Tutorial: Part 2 - Network Libraries and Authentication Modes - Choosing What's Right for Your Organization

Part 2 - Network Libraries and Authentication Modes - Choosing What's Right for Your Organization - view details
Part 2 in our series on SQL Server Netlibs
To download this video, log in, then visit the vi deo's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: sql server netlibs, sql server network libraries, sql server appletalk, multiprotocol, protocol encryption

posted by Scott Whigham @ 3:00 PM    

Microsoft SQL Server Video Tutorial: Pt. 2b - Introduction to Using XML with SQL Server

Pt. 2b - Introduction to Using XML with SQL Server - view details
This video finishes out our discussion of when to use XML in SQL Server with a final discussion of using the XML datatype in SQL Server to store our Newsletter information.
To downloa d this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: newsletter, multiple outputs, xml, xsl, xslt

posted by Scott Whigham @ 3:00 PM    

Microsoft SQL Server Video Tutorial: Help - My Transaction Log Is Full and Has Taken Up the Entire Disk! Emergency!

Help - My Transaction Log Is Full and Has Taken Up the Entire Disk! Emergency! - view details
Real-World Scenario - your boss (or client) calls you at 4:54PM on Friday afternoon and says, "All of my people are getting an error working with Application X. Can you check what's going on?" You take a look and, sure enough, your transaction log has taken up the entire disk! Your data file is regular size but your transaction log is HUGE. What do you do? If you answered, "Take a transaction log backup" then you need to watch this video (because the log is full, it will not allow you to take a "traditional" transaction log backup). This video, recorded by resident SQL guru Scott Whigham, presents you with the What-If's, the Why's, and How To's of solving this very problem.
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: truncate log, sql truncate, sql log filled up

posted by Scott Whigham @ 2:00 PM    

Windows 2003 Video Tutorial: How to Join a Computer to the Domain with Basic Troubleshooting

How to Join a Computer to the Domain with Basic Troubleshooting - view details
This video shows you how to add a computer to the domain and the effects on the local user accounts.
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: join computer to domain

posted by Scott Whigham @ 2:00 PM    

SQL Server 2005 Video Tutorial: How to Return Identity Value for a Just-Inserted Row

How to Return Identity Value for a Just-Inserted Row - view details
So many SQL developers use IDENTITY columns (a.k.a. sequences and/or auto-number columns) therefore this video is essential knowledge for SQL developers, DBAs, and even application developers. This tutorial focuses on working with IDENTITY columns as primary keys and how you can retrieve the just-inserted row's primary key value. Several techniques are discussed here with a final discussion on perhaps the "safest" (and recommended) technique.
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: identity, @@identity, scope identity, scope_identity

posted by Scott Whigham @ 2:00 PM    

Windows 2003 Video Tutorial: How to Customize and Tune the Keyboard

How to Customize and Tune the Keyboard - view details
Another in our series on customizing the server environment, this video focuses on customizing the keyboard for the most optimal experience.
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: keys, keyboard, beginner, beginning, for beginners, introduction, step by step

posted by Scott Whigham @ 1:00 PM    

Microsoft SQL Server Video Tutorial: Pt. 1 - Introduction to Stored Procedure Concepts and Common Usage

Pt. 1 - Introduction to Stored Procedure Concepts and Common Usage - view details
Stored procedures are the way of the modern programmer and this first video in this series helps you understand the need for and the use of stored procedures in modern applications. You'll learn the basic syntax elements, where to use stored procs, who uses them, and see some rather intricate examples of usage.
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: stored procedure tutorial, stored proc help, stored proc script

posted by Scott Whigham @ 1:00 PM    

Windows 2003 Video Tutorial: DNS Forwarding and Conditional Forwarding

DNS Forwarding and Conditional Forwarding - view details
Did you know that Windows 2003 has a new feature, 'Conditional Forwarding' for DNS? In this scenario-type video, Windows training guru Grant Moyle talks about how to set up forward Lookup zones and Conditional Forwarding with Windows 2003 for the 'LearnItFirst' domain. You'll also work with NSLOOKUP to determine your DNS status
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: NSLOOKUP conditional formatting, Windows Server 2003

posted by Scott Whigham @ 1:00 PM    

SQL Server 2000 Video Tutorial: An Overview of the Database Files - Data Files (MDF), the Transaction Log (LDF) and Additional Data Files (NDF)

An Overview of the Database Files - Data Files (MDF), the Transaction Log (LDF) and Additional Data Files (NDF) - view details
All SQL Server developers and administrators should have an excellent understanding of the file architecture for SQL databases. This video helps you learn about the different file types, their usage in SQL Server, and when and where to use the .NDF files (additional data files)
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: sql server filetype, sql server file types, sql database files, sql server database files

posted by Scott Whigham @ 12:00 PM    

Windows 2003 Video Tutorial: Setup OS Disk Mirror

Setup OS Disk Mirror - view details
RAID is pretty much a requirement for all production servers today. In this video, Grant Moyle shows you how to configure software RAID 1 (Mirrored Set) using the inherent capabilities of Windows 2003

posted by Scott Whigham @ 12:00 PM    

Exchange 2003 Video Tutorial: Using Full Plus Incremental with a Recovery Storage Group (RSG)

Using Full Plus Incremental with a Recovery Storage Group (RSG) - view details
You aren't limited to only restoring from full, incremental, differential and transaction logs. The Recovery Storage Group (RSG) is a great way to restore mailboxes. A must-see video
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: backup RSG, backup recovery storage group

posted by Scott Whigham @ 11:00 AM    

Transact SQL Video Tutorial: Overview of SET Commands in Transact-SQL - What They Are, Syntax, and How to Use Them

Overview of SET Commands in Transact-SQL - What They Are, Syntax, and How to Use Them - view details
SET commands in T-SQL control the environment in which SQL Server or the client processes that client queries. This view shows you some of the more common SET commands, how they work, scoping (are they scoped to the statement, the batch, the connection?), and how you can use SET commands to increase throughput and help increase your SQL knowledge.
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: SET NOCOUNT ON, OFF, QUOTED_IDENTIFIERS, ANSI_NULLS

posted by Scott Whigham @ 11:00 AM    

Microsoft SQL Server Video Tutorial: Attach and Detach a SQL Server Database Using Enterprise Manager

Attach and Detach a SQL Server Database Using Enterprise Manager - view details
Scott Whigham recorded this video after fielding a question in a live class from a student who ask, "How do I move a SQL Server data file?" One easy way to move files in SQL Server is to detach the database, transfer the file(s), and then re-attach the database. There are a few tips and tricks to doing this and, in this video, Scott Whigham walks you through the detach and attach procedures to help you move and copy your SQL Server databases
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: sql attach, ,sql detach, detach sql database, attach sql database

posted by Scott Whigham @ 11:00 AM    

Windows 2003 Video Tutorial: File Screening Management for Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2

File Screening Management for Microsoft Windows Server 2003 R2 - view details
File screening is the process of preventing users from storing certain file types in a folder/volume. The File Server Resource Manager includes the ability to prevent users from storing video and audio files on public shares - a very handy feature. This v
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: file screening, fsrm screening, fsrm windows 2003 r2

posted by Scott Whigham @ 10:00 AM    

Microsoft SQL Server Video Tutorial: Install Named Instance and View Files and Folders

Install Named Instance and View Files and Folders - view details
This video is a good introduction to installing a SQL Server named instance. It also includes a tour of the changes to the file system - the new files, the new folders, and a comparison between how a default instance works versus how a named instance works.
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: install second instance sql server, sql named instance

posted by Scott Whigham @ 10:00 AM    

SQL Server 2005 Video Tutorial: Part 5 - How to Configure SQL Server 2005 to Listen on Multiple TCP IP Ports

Part 5 - How to Configure SQL Server 2005 to Listen on Multiple TCP IP Ports - view details
Another in our series on SQL Server 2005's Network Libraries, this video shows you a rather obscure and not-often-used technique of configuring your SQL Server to listen on multiple TCP/IP ports. TCP/IP is the most common way to connect to SQL Servers (including 7.0 and 2000) so the more you know, the better you are!
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: sql server multiple ips, multiple tcp/ip ports

posted by Scott Whigham @ 9:00 AM    

SQL Server 2000 Video Tutorial: Pt. 1 - Using SQL Profiler - Concepts and Screens

Pt. 1 - Using SQL Profiler - Concepts and Screens - view details
SQL Server Profiler is one of the greatest SQL Server admin tools ever - you absolutely need to know it! This video walks you through the basics of "What is SQL Server Profiler?" and "How do I run Profiler?"

Highlights from this video:
  • What traces are and how to use them
  • Security requirements for running Profiler
  • Using (local) or . or any alias in Profiler - good or bad?
  • Concepts of server-side tracing vs. client-side traces
  • Suggestions for naming traces
  • Explanation of rollover files and Best Practices for using Profiler
  • Should You Trace to File or Trace to Table? What's the "Best Practice"?
  • Using templates
and much more
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: sql trace, sql profiler, sql server 2000 profiler, profiling, sql sniffer, sniffing sql, tracing sql

posted by Scott Whigham @ 9:00 AM    

Transact SQL Video Tutorial: Why You Use SCOPE_IDENTITY() Instead of @@IDENTITY

Why You Use SCOPE_IDENTITY() Instead of @@IDENTITY - view details
If your queries and stored procedures use @@IDENTITY (perhaps you have legacy code updated from SQL Server 7.0 or earlier), you'll likely get good value from watching this video on replacing @@IDENTITY calls with the T-SQL function SCOPE_IDENTITY(). This video shows very plainly the negative possiblities of using @@IDENTITY today (triggers are a real problem) and, after you watch this tutorial, you'll never want to use @@IDENTITY again!
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: scope Identity, dbcc check_ident

posted by Scott Whigham @ 8:00 AM    

Microsoft SQL Server Video Tutorial: Pages, Extents, and Blocksizes - What They Are and How They Work

Pages, Extents, and Blocksizes - What They Are and How They Work - view details
If knowing the architecture of SQL Server is interesting to you, then you'll enjoy this video from Scott Whigham on how things like pages and indexes work in SQL Server. This is more of a theoretical discussion that discusses the sysinternals of SQL Server at a high level. The goal is to give you an understanding of how SQL Server stores data and indexes and how your index and table design decisions can influence SQL Server in multiple ways
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: sql server architecture, sql design, sql internal design, index pages, extents

posted by Scott Whigham @ 8:00 AM    

Exchange 2003 Video Tutorial: Pt. 3 - Customize Outlook to Display the SCL Scores in IMF

Pt. 3 - Customize Outlook to Display the SCL Scores in IMF - view details
In parts 1 & 2 you learned to configure the IMF to work with your Exchange Server and AD. In part 3, Grant Moyle teaches you how to customize Microsoft Outlook so that you can actually see the SCL score from IMF.
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: ms outlook, outlook express

posted by Scott Whigham @ 8:00 AM    

SQL Server 2000 Video Tutorial: Shrinking Database Files and Removing Space from Your SQL Server Database (Using Enterprise Manager)

Shrinking Database Files and Removing Space from Your SQL Server Database (Using Enterprise Manager) - view details
One of the most common SQL Server topics is how to shrink a database file. It seems strange - we seem to be in a time where people are wanting larger databases yet everyone wants to know how to shrink. This video, recorded by SQL guru Scott Whigham, puts an interesting spin on the standard "How to Shrink" instructions. You'll not only learn how to shrink but Scott gives several best practices and tips and tricks for shrinking including a few "Don't do this"-type of tips!
To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSCC codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: dbcc shrinkdb, dbcc shrinkfile

posted by Scott Whigham @ 7:00 AM    

Transact SQL Video Tutorial: Two Ways to Generate Random Numbers and Random Rows From a SQL Server Table (SQL Server 2000)

Two Ways to Generate Random Numbers and Random Rows From a SQL Server Table (SQL Server 2000) - view details
Everyone wants to know how to randomize rows and numbers in SQL Server and this video shows you how using different techniques.

Note: This video is for SQL Server 2000 but the same concepts apply to SQL Server 2000

Highlights from this video:

  • Using the TOP operator to return "x" number of rows
  • Retrieving random rows
  • Using RAND() to generate random values
  • Using NEWID() to generate random uniqueidentifiers (GUIDs)
  • Deterministic functions vs. Non-Deterministic functions
  • Optimizing your code for faster execution when retrieving random values

To download this video, log in, then visit the video's detail page and click "download". This is a subscriber-only video so a subscription is required.

Note: You must have the TSC C codec installed to view this video

Keywords Associated with this video: rand(), newid()

posted by Scott Whigham @ 7:00 AM    

SQL Server 2005 Video Tutorial: TempDb Database - An Overview of How it Works and When to Use It

TempDb Database - An Overview of How it Works and When to Use It - view details
Yet another excellent video in our series on SQL Server 2005's system databases, this video teaches you the ins and outs of tempdb. SQL Server guru Scott Whigham, author of LearnSqlServer.com and LearnTransactSql.com, walks you through the layout of the main tables, how things have changed, working with temporary tables and table variables and more. A good video to help learn more about the SQL Server architecture.
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Keywords Associated with this video: system database, table variable, temp table, temp db

posted by Scott Whigham @ 7:00 AM    

Exchange 2003 Video Tutorial: Using Full plus Incremental Backups to Restore a Database

Using Full plus Incremental Backups to Restore a Database - view details
Database restoration is no fun but you want to be prepared when it comes time to restore your Exchange databases. This video helps you restore your database using both the Full Database backups and the Incremental Backups - a must-see video