Monthly Archives: June 2010

How To Stay Current with SQL Server Cumulative Updates

Since the release of SQL Server 2005, Microsoft has been using what they call an Incremental Servicing Model for SQL Server. This means that every eight weeks, they release a cumulative update (CU) for a particular version and service pack … Continue reading

Posted in SQL Server 2008 R2 | 1 Comment

Microsoft Releases SQL Server 2008 R2 RTM Cumulative Update 2

Microsoft has released SQL Server 2008 R2 RTM Cumulative Update 2 (CU2) today. It became available for download today, and you can request it here. This is Build 1720, and it includes 18 fixes, mostly for Analysis Services and Reporting … Continue reading

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Detecting and Reducing VLFs in SQL Server 2008/2008 R2 Transaction Log Files

One common, but often undetected issue that I see with SQL Server databases is a very high number of virtual log files (VLFs) inside the SQL Server transaction log file. This usually occurs because the default initial size and autogrowth … Continue reading

Posted in SQL Server 2008 R2 | 13 Comments

Inverter Obsession, or Why I am Starting to Hate Clouds

After getting my new grid-tied solar PV system turned on and operational on June 18, 2010, I have become temporarily obsessed with going outside and looking at the LCD display on my SunPower 3000m inverter to see how much power … Continue reading

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Promoted to TempDB by SQLRockstar

I noticed today that fellow SQL Server MVP Thomas LaRock (blog | twitter) had updated his SQL Server blog rankings, and promoted me to be on the TempDB list. That was quite a nice surprise, and a good way to … Continue reading

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3.15Kw Grid-Tied Solar PV System Online

I took a day off work so I could be here when Namaste Solar and IREA came out to my house to replace my old electric meter with one that is capable of net-metering. This allows you to sell any … Continue reading

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Teaching ICT 4462 – Transact SQL Programming at Denver University, University College

I will be teaching a special five week version of ICT 4462 – Transact SQL Programming at Denver University, University College starting on Monday, July 12, 2010. The class will meet on campus, on Monday and Thursday nights. It will … Continue reading

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How To Eliminate Key Lookups in SQL Server 2008

The Key Lookup operator is a bookmark lookup on a table with a clustered index. Key Lookups can be quite expensive, so you should try to eliminate them when you can. Of course, you should consider your overall workload, and … Continue reading

Posted in SQL Server 2008 R2 | 2 Comments

More Details About Engine Improvements in SQL Server 2008 R2 (SQLTuesday)

This post is for SQLTuesday #007, hosted by Jorge Segarra (blog | twitter). The topic is to talk about your favorite new feature or enhancement in SQL Server 2008 R2. I am going to talk about some of the improvements … Continue reading

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Building an Energy Efficient Workstation

Over this past weekend, I decided to build a new general purpose workstation from parts, with a goal of getting great performance with the lowest power consumption possible. The nice thing about building a Windows based machine is that you … Continue reading

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