Microsoft SQL Server 2008 For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

Looks at the features and functions of SQL Server 2008, covering such topics as creating databases, protecting data, and administering a SQL Server system. Microsoft SQL Server 2008 5 Table of Contents 13 Introduction 21 Part I Welcome to SQL Server 2008 27 Chapter 1 Introducing SQL Server 2008 29 Starting Off on the Right Foot 30 Understanding the Basic Components of SQL Server 33 Implementing Databases with SQL Server 2008 36 What’s New in SQL Server 2008 37 Chapter 2 Building Your SQL Server 39 Installing SQL Server 2008 39 Upgrading an Existing SQL Server Installation 45 Configuring Database Mail 48 Using SQL Server’s Built-In Databases 53 Chapter 3 Working with SQL Server Tools 55 Using SQL Server Configuration Manager 55 Managing Your Server with SQL Server Management Studio 63 Working from the Command Line 66 Part II Building SQL Server 2008 Databases 69 Chapter 4 Planning Your Database 71 Introducing Database Design Concepts 71 Understanding the Elements of a Database 72 Organizing a Database 75 Diagramming Your Database 81 Staying Fit and Trim with Normalization 82 Choosing Data Types for Your Tables 84 Working with NULL Values 90 Chapter 5 Creating Databases and Tables 93 Creating a Database 93 Specifying Files and Filegroups 100 Creating a Table 105 Chapter 6 Imposing Constraints and Relationships 111 Introducing Constraints 111 Controlling Database Contents Using Constraints 112 Enforcing Database Integrity 122 Part III Retrieving Data from Databases 127 Chapter 7 Constructing Simple Database Queries 129 Retrieving Data with SELECT Statements 129 Organizing Query Results 138 Chapter 8 Joins and Other Advanced Queries 147 Joining Data from Multiple Tables 147 Taking SELECT to the Next Level 155 Using Database Views 159 Chapter 9 Turning Data into Information with SQL Server Reporting Services 163 Setting up SQL Server Reporting Services 163 Creating an SSRS Report with Report Builder 166 Working with Deployed (Published) Reports 174 Part IV Inserting and Manipulating Your Data 179 Chapter 10 Inserting, Updating, and Deleting Data 181 Inserting Small Quantities of Data 181 Modifying and Deleting Data 184 Importing Large Quantities of Data 186 Working with SQL Server Integration Services 189 Chapter 11 Saving Time with Functions, Stored Procedures, and Triggers 195 Reusing Logic with Functions 195 Leveraging SQL Server’s built-in functions 197 Creating Your Own Functions 201 Reusing SQL Code with Stored Procedures 203 Updating Data Automatically with Triggers 207 Modifying and Deleting Functions, Stored Procedures, and Triggers 209 Part V SQL Server Administration 211 Chapter 12 Keeping Your SQL Server Running Smoothly 213 Indexing Data to Improve Query Performance 213 Improving Performance with Partitions 218 Updating Database Statistics 222 Managing File Sizes 223 Checking Database Integrity 225 Governing Resource Consumption 227 Chapter 13 Automating SQL Server 2008 Administration 233 Scheduling Tasks with SQL Server Agent 233 Implementing Database Maintenance Plans 242 Alerting Administrators about Database Events 248 Chapter 14 Troubleshooting SQL Server 2008 Problems 253 Understanding the Inner Workings of SQL Server Queries 253 Reviewing Log Records 258 Monitoring Your Server with Performance Studio 261 Tuning Your Database with Database Engine Tuning Advisor 266 Chapter 15 Replicating Data across Multiple Servers 269 Understanding Replication 270 Publishing Data with Snapshot Replication 278 Subscribing to a Publication 285 Monitoring Replication 287 Part VI Protecting Your Data 289 Chapter16 Protecting Your Data from Prying Eyes 291 Creating and Managing Logins 291 Adding Database Users 293 Managing Rights with Roles 295 Preserving Confidentiality with Encryption 302 Auditing SQL Server Activity 307 Chapter 17 Preserving the Integrity of Your Transactions 313 Preserving Transaction Integrity with the ACID Model 314 Creating SQL Server Transactions 316 Changing the Transaction Isolation Level 320 Handling Errors 323 Chapter 18 Preparing for Disaster 325 Backing Up Your Data 325 Specifying Disaster Recovery Requirements with Recovery Models 335 Restoring Your Data after a Disaster 337 Using Database Snapshots 340 Chapter 19 Staying Alive: High Availability in SQL Server 2008 343 Creating Redundancy with Database Mirroring 344 Synchronizing Databases with Log Shipping 353 Chapter 20 Implementing Policy-Based Management with the Declarative Management Framework 359 Coming to Terms with DMF 360 Creating DMF Policies 360 Using On Demand Evaluation Mode 366 Automated Policy Enforcement 369 Viewing Policies Affecting a Target 370 Part VII The Part of Tens 371 Chapter 21 Ten Ways to Keep Your SQL Server 2008 Databases Humming 373 Monitor Query Performance 373 Back Up Your Data Routinely 374 Verify Database Integrity Often 374 Tune the Physical Structure of Your Databases 374 Conserve Transaction Log Disk Space 375 Monitor Database Logs 375 Automate Administrative Alerts 376 Manage Multiple Servers 376 Simplify User Rights Administration with Roles 376 Perform Security Reviews 377 Chapter 22 Ten Database Design Tips 379 Plan Ahead 379 Draw Before You Click 380 Choose Primary Keys Carefully 380 Select Data Types with Space Efficiency in Mind 380 Make Sure Your Fields Are Single Purpose 381 Remember the Meaning of NULL 381 Normalize when Possible 381 Manage Your Relationships 382 Use Descriptive Names 382 Document Your Design 382 Index 383

If you’re a database administrator, you know Microsoft SQL Server 2008 is revolutionizing database development. Get up to speed on SQL Server 2008, impress your boss, and improve your company’s data management — read Microsoft SQL Server 2008 For Dummies!

SQL Server 2008 lets you build powerful databases and create database queries that give your organization the information it needs to excel. Microsoft SQL Server 2008 For Dummies helps you build the skills you need to set up, administer, and troubleshoot SQL Server 2008. You’ll be able to:

• Develop and maintain a SQL Server system
• Design databases with integrity and efficiency
• Turn data into information with SQL Server Reporting Services
• Organize query results, summarizing data with aggregate functions and formatting output
• Import large quantities of data with SSIS
• Keep your server running smoothly
• Protect data from prying eyes
• Develop and implement a disaster recovery plan
• Improve performance with database snapshots
• Automate SQL Server 2008 administration

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 For Dummies is a great first step toward becoming a SQL Server 2008 pro!

If youвЂTMre a database administrator, you know Microsoft SQL Server 2008 is revolutionizing database development. Get up to speed on SQL Server 2008, impress your boss, and improve your companyвЂTMs data management — read Microsoft SQL Server 2008 For Dummies! SQL Server 2008 lets you build powerful databases and create database queries that give your organization the information it needs to excel. Microsoft SQL Server 2008 For Dummies helps you build the skills you need to set up, administer, and troubleshoot SQL Server 2008. YouвЂTMll be able to: Develop and maintain a SQL Server system Design databases with integrity and efficiency Turn data into information with SQL Server Reporting Services Organize query results, summarizing data with aggregate functions and formatting output Import large quantities of data with SSIS Keep your server running smoothly Protect data from prying eyes Develop and implement a disaster recovery plan Improve performance with database snapshots Automate SQL Server 2008 administration Microsoft SQL Server 2008 For Dummies is a great first step toward becoming a SQL Server 2008 pro!