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Data Compression: How row compression works

February 15, 2016 Andy 3

SQL Server supports two kinds of data compression on rowstore data. Columnstore compression is for a different day. You can compress heaps, clustered indexes (on both tables and views), and nonclustered indexes (on both tables and views). Compression requirements Data compression is available in SQL … [Read More]

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Data Compression: Costs & benefits

December 29, 2015 Andy 3

SQL Server supports two kinds of data compression on rowstore data. Columnstore compression is for a different day. You can compress heaps, clustered indexes (on both tables and views), and nonclustered indexes (on both tables and views). Compression requirements Data compression is available in SQL … [Read More]

Auto-update-stats

sp_autostats: object-level auto update statistics

December 15, 2015 Andy 1

In SQL Server, auto-update statistics is a database level setting. It’s right  there: I’m not going to say whether I think Auto Update Statistics should be on or off. Instead, I’m going to argue that there are definitely scenarios when you want to have this on … [Read More]

DROP TABLE Bug on Filestream Garbage Collection

December 8, 2015 Andy 5

FILESTREAM is not a particularly popular feature of SQL Server–if you’re using it, you are in the minority. If you have a database with filestream in an Availability Group, then you’re REALLY in the minority. At my 9-5, this is being done, and it’s apparent that … [Read More]

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SSMS Vertical block highlighting & editing

November 24, 2015 Andy 0

Shortcuts & tips from an Impatient DBA #11 This series of short posts will demonstrate some lesser-known features, keyboard shortcuts, and other tips that make my day as a DBA more productive. None of these are groundbreaking super-secret features–they are the little things that I … [Read More]

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#sqlcares, #sqlwish, and #sqlfamily

November 19, 2015 Andy 0

I’ve been using SQL Server for a dozen years now, but I’ve only been starting to make friendships and build relationships within the SQL Server community in the last couple of years. More importantly, it has only been in the last year that I would … [Read More]

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RECONFIGURE—When to use WITH OVERRIDE?

November 17, 2015 Andy 2

When you’re using sp_configure to change a system configuration, you have to run a RECONFIGURE to finalize your change. You even get the helpful output that reminds you to run RECONFIGURE: Configuration option ‘max degree of parallelism’ changed from 0 to 1. Run the RECONFIGURE … [Read More]

Speaking at SQL Saturday #465 in Providence, RI

November 10, 2015 Andy 0

On December 5, I’m speaking at QL Saturday #465 in Providence, RI. My session is called “Shortcuts from an Impatient DBA.” This is an expanded version of my lightning talk from the New England SQL Server User Group earlier this year. It went over so well, I … [Read More]

Speaking at SQL Saturday #470 in DC

November 9, 2015 Andy 0

On December 5, I’m speaking at SQL Saturday #470 in Washington DC. My session is called “Wheaton’s Law for Technology Pros” and is based on my post “Watch your step! Don’t become a DBA-hole.”   I’m really looking forward to it for lots of reasons, but … [Read More]