Point, Click, Get the Best of Information
Troubleshooting? Chasing a server issue that you just can’t seem to narrow down? Sometimes the most important aspect and the most traditionally challenging to accomplish, is to see a picture of what’s happening at a specific point in time. This means SQL statements, jobs, etc. The whole ball of wax. Independently, there may be no issue. In conjunction with one another, issues can become very clear, very quickly This is exactly where SQL Sentry comes in – you can run the Performance Advisor and see what’s running, then see those statements right along side the jobs and job schedule – all at once. If you’ve not yet run this, I can nearly guarantee you’ll be amazed at what’s running on your system. Take a look here, download the trial, see what’s running on your system.
Sometimes, It Pays to Step Back
… and remember the basics. I can’ tell you how many times we get bit by making both assumptions and big bold moves to solve problems. Why? Because sometimes it’s simply the basics that you need to check out first. I’ve written about this before on server maintenance and management, but it applies to your SQL Server, performance and the like as well.
Before you consider exotic solutions to problems or challenges you’re seeing – stop, take a step back and think through the basics first. Have you checked on indexes for those columns you’re searching against? Have you checked file locations and disk spindles – to see if you can optimize them to not be using the same spindles?
Have you checked basic server counters and utilization to make sure something hasn’t changed "all of a sudden?"
So many times – just by starting with the basics, we can apply the easy stuff. A new index. A new view. New security or a new upgrade to memory on the server. Each of these is straightforward and easy to implement. They’re also easy to isolate and see if they are warranted. You can make *huge* strides with your system just by starting with these, then moving forward to more dramatic changes.
Two Great Webcasts on the Near Horizon
Understanding Key Fundamentals of SANs and SQL Server
Learn about some key returns on investment that you can expect with SANs, along with best practices, tips for best usage and how SQL Server and SANs can provide a compelling environment both in terms of availability and performance.
> Register Now
> Webcast date: 10/28/2008 (12:00pm Noon Pacific)
Fault Tolerance Options – Overview of features and techniques
This webcast is a presentation by expert Ted Malone at the SSWUG SQL Server Virtual Conference earlier this year. Learn about your options, different features available and how they impact your ability to recover and keep your options open for getting systems back online and updated in case of issues.
> Register Now
> Webcast date: 10/29/2008 (12:00pm Noon Pacific)
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