SQL Server Service Pack 1 is available
SQL Server Service Pack 1 is available from http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/download/details.aspx?id=35575 including slipstream options.
Converting FLOAT to VARCHAR
The conversion from a float datatype to varchar datatype can be fraught with peril! Lets take our fictional number 7555000001 which is helpfully stored in a float datatype. Now in the context of a telephone number we have an issue.
Second Shot is Back
The Second Shot offer for taking certain certifications from Microsoft is back so for a limited time, you’ll get a free second chance. If you’re thinking of taking the new SQL Server 2012 exams or finishing your exam track on
Disable an SQL Server Agent job on failure
Sometimes when your SQL Server Agent jobs fail you don’t want them to run again, It’s a simple extra step to disable the job. Firstly create a new job step to disable the job, perhaps called DISABLE JOB STEP and
Database Mail is your friend
Monitoring SQL Server Agent jobs and getting alerts is one of the most important ways we can react to any instance or server issues. Database Mail is great! It’s our friend that can let us know when SQL Server isn’t
Migrating your Database to a later version of SQL Server
Plan your migration When migrating our older databases in versions 7 and 2000 we have a few more things to consider than a migration from 2005 or above to a later version but the gains in ease of administration are fantastic.
SQL 2012 RTM Evaluation Available
Looks like SQL 2012 RTM is available for download with an evaluation version available now, the main release on April 1st.On technet “Exciting news! Microsoft announced today that SQL Server 2012 has released to manufacturing..” Download the evaluation from http://blogs.technet.com/b/dataplatforminsider/archive/2012/03/06/sql-server-2012-released-to-manufacturing.aspx
Photographing the Sky
One of the most engaging things at night in the sky is the moon. I Managed to get this shot of the moon about a month ago. Heavily cropped as I only used a 300mm zoom (450 effective).
SQL Server Free tools
As DBA’s and Developers we find ourselves performing more and more tasks which need to be achieved quickly and efficiently. People expect us to be using a variety of sophisticated tools to achieve what we need quickly and accurately. Here
Reporting Services Tips – Weekend highlights for reporting clarity
When looking at a monthly report showing all the days of the month it can help to split up the days by highlighting the weekends. We do this by applying a change in background colour (in each column) with the method