Tag Archives: sqlpass

Meme Monday: I Got 9 SQL Backup Problems but a Disk Ain’t One…

Posted on May 2, 2011 by johnsterrett| Leave a comment

First of all I had no idea Hugo did a version of “99 Problems.” I may be biased because I have two turntables and a microphone (If you volunteer to help or speak at  SQLSaturday #80 I can give you a demo) but its true Jay-Z’s version is much better than Hugo’s version.

I got two turntables and a microphone

I got two turntables and a microphone

Now that we have who’s version of “99 Problems…” is better resolved lets dive into this months Meme Monday. If you are not familiar with Meme Monday check out Tom LaRock’s (blog | @SQLRockStar) blog post for more details.

Here are nine problems directly related to backups and monitoring backups that I have seen in my IT career that spans an ISV shop, consulting and the corporate world. I hope you don’t find these in your shop. Here they are in no particular order.

  1. No Automated process to backup your databases
  2. No retention policy or standards
  3. No Automated process to verify that backups succeeded
  4. Database Mail is not enabled (You cannot get any job failure emails with out DB mail)
  5. Notification for backup jobs don’t include an operator to alert SQL team on failure
  6. DBA doesn’t practice recovering databases from backups
  7. No automated  jobs to do transactional log backups on databases in “Full”  or “Bulk-Logged” Recovery mode
  8. Backups do not exist outside the production server
  9. Backup drive ran out of space (Oh snap, I broke rule #1 I cannot talk about disks)

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Posted in meme monday, SQL Server 2008, SQLServerPedia Syndication

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Pittsburgh SQL User Group is Back!

Posted on April 28, 2011 by johnsterrett| Leave a comment

It was an honor to be the first presenter for the reboot of the Pittsburgh SQL Server User Group on Tuesday.  I gave a sneak peek into my SQL Rally presentation, “Evaluate your daily checklist against 100+ servers while you get a cup of coffee.” I knew it was a success when I got home and saw the following tweet.

This tweet is purely SQLWinning

This tweet is purely SQLWinning

If you attended the session feel free to download the slide deck and check out my reference material.

Question and Answers

I get a kick out of helping people solve problems. If I don’t know the answer this gives me the opportunity to learn something new. Here are a few questions that were asked during my session. I didn’t have the answers of the top of my head so I am including them in this post.

Q: “How can I automate the process of shrinking a T-Log?”

A: First I highly recommend reviewing your backup and recovery plan. Frequent backups of the transactional log is key to free up your VLF’s. If there isn’t a free VLF available the log grows. With that said, if you just want to automate the process of shrinking T-Logs check out Jeremiha Peschka’s script

Q: “How do I run a T-SQL script against all databases on a single instance?”

A: First, I was thinking about doing a simple loop in PowerShell to execute the T-SQL (see Aaron Nelson’s second script) but then I remembered an undocumented stored procedure. The undocumented stored procedure is sp_msforeachdb. Both options should work.

Photos

Below is a few photos taken before I started the presentation.

Right side say, "cheese"

Right side say, "cheese"

Left side say, "gouda"

Left side say, "gouda"

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Posted in SQL Server 2008, SQLServerPedia Syndication

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SQL Saturday #80 date changed

Posted on April 6, 2011 by johnsterrett| Leave a comment

We change the date of SQL Saturday #80 from July 16th to July 23rd.

We are still early in the game so we hope this will not be an inconvenience to anyone. We sent out an email to everyone who signed up on the website. With that said, I still wanted to explain why we changed our date.

So.. Why did you change the date?

If you are like me you love SQLSaturday events and you are willing to travel to get your learn on. We changed the date of our event for the people who are willing to travel. Looking at our attendance roster from SQLSaturday #36 we noticed the majority of the attendees were travelers.

The event planners have a secret for you. We are not country music fans so we forgot about the Super Bowl of Country Music.

SQL Saturday comes back to Wheeling, WV

SQL Saturday comes back to Wheeling, WV

Its almost impossible to get hotel rooms that weekend so we pinged our host facility West Virginia Northern Community College and PASS. Once we got permission from both we pushed our event back one week.

This works out great because you can now experience our best festival while you are in town. If you like Italian food or carnivals be prepared to get a side order of fun with your free SQL Server training.

Lesson Learned

In the future we will make sure we coordinate with several group in the community to make sure we select the best date for our next SQL Saturday.

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Posted in SQL Server 2008, SQLServerPedia Syndication

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Meme Monday #1 – Proactive Monitoring

Posted on April 4, 2011 by johnsterrett| Leave a comment

Tom LaRock (Blog |@SQLRockstar) a good friend of mine is starting meme monday. The concept is simple, try to get people writing. The first installment is write a SQL blog post that tells a story in 11 words or less.  

Proactive monitoring is key, policy-based management and CMS is easy.

Tom asked that we tag people to get this party started. I am tagging Matthew Velic (Blog |@mvelic)  and David Stien (Blog | @Made2Mentor)

Stay tuned as I plan to flush out some blog posts in April to help make you be proactive with your whole SQL Server farm using native tools.

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Posted in SQL Server 2008, SQLServerPedia Syndication

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What items are in your SQL Server Daily Checklist?

Posted on March 3, 2011 by johnsterrett| 9 Comments

Hello everyone out there on the intertubes.  In my life I have learned that I can save a lot of time and energy by

First Annual SQL Rally is in May

First Annual SQL Rally is in May

utilizing checklists. The same is true with being a DBA.  I  manage over 100 instances of SQL Server. When my career started as a production DBA my head was spinning trying to track down failed jobs, missing backups and more on a daily basis. It could be done but it took quite a while and was a manual task. I needed to find a way to automate this process.  This is where Policy-Based Management and Central Management Server comes in. Now, I can sleep at night and just review my evaluated daily checklist first thing in the morning.

UPDATE [3/7/2011] : I added SQL Agent Notifications and Alerts as recommended in the comments. If you think an option is missing leave a comment and I will add it.

Help me Help you…

Just like Jerry Maguire I need your help.  I am speaking about Policy-Based Management and Central Management Server at the first annual SQLRally.  I need your input to help my presentation. I have two quick questions. It shouldn’t take you more than two minutes to complete the questions.  I appreciate your help and support.

[Note: Please make sure to click on the vote button for each question.]

What items are included in your Database Administration Daily Checklist?

View Results

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How do you evaluate your Database Administration Daily Checklist?

View Results

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Posted in SQL Server 2008, SQLServerPedia Syndication

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Un-SQL Friday #2 – My Tech Giants

Posted on January 21, 2011 by johnsterrett| 6 Comments

UnSQL Friday #2

The second round of UnSQL Friday is here and the topic is so good I am typing while I eat lunch rushing to beat the deadline to get this in. UnSQL Friday was created by Jen of @MidnightDBA’s to provide an avenue for SQL Bloggers to focus on a non-technical topic. The topic is as follows:

“Read this blog, and then write whatever you want about Tech Giants. Be sure to mention in your blog that you’re writing for Un-SQL Friday, and link to this post. Oh, and have it up any time before the weekend (Saturday Jan 22) hits, mmkay?”

Jen said, to write about whatever I want so here we go!  I am using this venue as an opportunity to say thanks to a bunch of people who have helped become who I am today. I will also explain how they fit into my definition of a Tech Giant.

There are several other people I could include but I have a deadline so I will have to find another way to thank them later.

What is a Tech Giant?

This definition is subjective and will be defined differently from blogger to blogger so here is my definition. To me a Tech Giant is someone I look up too within IT; someone who has helped me out; someone who is mentoring me; someone who is mentoring me without even knowing that they are mentoring me.

In no particular order here is a list explaining why these individuals peeps are my tech giants:

David Hoerster, Eric Kepes & John Hidey

David Hoerster, Eric Kepes & John Hidey: These are three stand up .NET developers who are highly involved in Pittsburgh .NET User Group and the Pittsburgh code camp for years. To this day I will always remember my first code camp four years ago. The next year they gave me my first public speaking opportunity. Every year the Code Camp in Pittsburgh gets bigger and bigger. This year there were two code camps with over 150 attendees.  David, Eric and John showed me first hand how important it is to give back to your technical community.

Side Note: How the heck are none of these guys a Microsoft MVP? This almost makes me question the MVP program. I am going to do my part in correcting this by nominating them at the Microsoft MVP site.

Thomas LaRock aka SQLRockStar

Tom LaRock: Last year Tom asked the community if anyone wanted to have a mentor on his blog.  I jumped on this opportunity and we have been skyping (is this actually a word?) monthly. His book (check out my review) and those sessions have shaved years off my learning curve moving from a developer to becoming a valuable Production DBA.

I finally meet Tom in person at the 2010 SQL Pass Member Summit. He introduced me to almost everyone in the community that week. It’s weird, in a way I feel like he is my older brother from another mother.

Tom also has a great blog. In my opinion it’s one of the most entertaining technical blogs out there because he does a good job teaching with stories. A perfect example is “Everything I Needed to Know about Waits and Queues I learned From the TSA.”

Side Note: Other than his addiction to bacon and being a Patriots fan he is a great guy! Can you tell I am a die hard Pittsburgh Sports Fan?

Brent Ozar

I love this book!

Brent Ozar: I ran into Brent virtually two years ago at the Pittsburgh SQL User Group. At the end of his presentation he challenged the crowd to start blogging. I found his intro to blogging series and gave it a try.  A little later I was hooked.  Brent made me a syndicated blogger at SQLServerPedia. People will see this blog post because he took a chance on a new blogger.

Its amazing how much time and energy he puts into the SQL PASS Community with his presentations and blog posts.  His blog is a great resource for SQL Server, Professional Development, Speaking and Blogging.  Did I mention that he also co-authored one of the best SQL Server books (its the image on the left side)?

Side Note: I am working on creating a VMWare Workstation image right now due to his blog post on “How to rehears a Presentation.” Brent, I will be shooting you some question soon :-)

Andy Warren

Andy Warren: The first SQL Saturday in West Virginia wouldn’t have happened without Andy’s help.  Andy and I had several phone calls where he gave me the guidance I needed to make it happen. He helped me from the point where I wondered,can I make this happen up to the week of the event.  Now, I have spoken at three SQL Saturdays and am adding another one to the list next week.  I don’t think this would have happened without Andy’s support.

Side Note: At SQL PASS Summit I learned that Andy is referred to as the godfather of SQL Server. I am not sure why this is true. I will have to follow-up with more at a later date.

Justin Siebert

Justin Siebert: There is no way I am going skip the great state of West Virginia. And there is no one better qualified than Justin. He started his own consulting company to provide Online Marketing and Search Engine Optimization. He now does business with Fortune 500 companies.  He is a big supporter of LAMP and is doing great things with WordPress.  His website is a perfect example.

Once he found out I was interested in blogging he talked me into using WordPress. Justin gives me several tips on WordPress and SEO and has never asked for money.   He also pulls me aside every once in a while to make sure I am focused on my goals and heading down the right path.

Side Notes: some people call Justin by his name. I call him the SEORockStar.  Justin and I might be the only remaining die-hard Pittsburgh Pirates fans left in Wheeling (Yes the owner Bob Nutting also lives in Wheeling).

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Posted in Professional Development, SQLServerPedia Syndication

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First SQLSaturday in Wheeling, West Virginia was a Success!

Posted on December 30, 2010 by johnsterrett| 1 Comment

After SQL Saturday #36 on May 1st 2010 my wife and I headed to Spain.  Somehow this post got lost in the shuffle when I got back. I thought it is important to share my thoughts of the event so here it is.

The first SQLSaturday in West Virginia can be summed up in two sentences.  The SQL Server Community is bleeping awesome.  The Ohio Valley is bleeping awesome. I know unfortunately I will leave some people out but I would like to thank the following individuals for their advice and support Andy Warren, John Parkinson, Thomas LaRock, Jeremiah Peschka, Justin Siebert, Joelle Ennis, and The Greater Wheeling Chapter of AITP.


Its now a little past a month six months after the first SQLSaturday in West Virginia and I am glad to share my thoughts on the event.  First, I would like to say we held it down for the DBA’s in the small cities who have dreams of hosing a SQLSaturday.  Don’t quote me on this but I believe we are the only SQLSaturday host city with a population under 50,000.

When we first started this mission in November 2009 our goal was to have 50 to 100 people register.  We actually had registration at 100 and had 70 people attend.  We had three tracks that delivered 16 13 sessions presented by 11 9 speakers.

Things that worked

  • Using WVNCC as venue – The West Virginia Northern Community College campus in Downtown Wheeling allowed us to use their facility.  We had the ballroom which held 100 people, two class rooms held 50+ and two smaller class rooms that held 30 attendees. This was a great fit and we are very grateful that they hosted the meeting for us.
  • Volunteers – We had a super all-star team of volunteers on hand for the SQL Saturday. Did I mention that the volunteers were awesome? There were, and they all did a great job.
  • Selected Speakers – All of the speakers did a great job.  The evaluations showed that everyone appreciated the presentations. We need a better way to deliver results to speakers. We will work on that for next year.
  • Lunch – The box lunches from Panera Bread were a hit.  The food arrived as scheduled.  One of our volunteers was also arranged to have the Catholic Charities pick up the leftover food.  Once again, did I mention that our volunteers rock?

Things that need improved

  • Get more people involved – While we had plenty of support for the big day only two people did the majority of the pre-day work. Hopefully, we can get more people involved earlier next year.
  • Build Higher Goals -  Our venue can support more people. We tried our best to keep it simple because we didn’t know what we were doing as this was the first major information technology event in Wheeling, WV for years. Now we know what we are doing so we should try to go buck wild next year.
  • Evaluations – I will take the blame here and say that we failed.  We didn’t have a good system for generating feedback.
  • More Speakers – We cut it close with filling up our three tracks. Next year I we will need to be more active with pulling speakers.  If you are interested in speaking next year contact me and I will get you on our contact list.

Thanks to the speakers

We would like to give a shout out to all the speakers for making SQLSaturday in Wheeling happen.  You were all awesome.  Check out their blogs and tweets.

Thanks to the sponsors

Whats Next?

  • 2nd Annual SQL Saturday in West Virginia - This is correct, we are excited to give it another run and are targeting June 2011. We will shoot out an update to let everyone know when we have an official date.
  • Wheeling SQL Server User Group – Hey John there is no SQL Server User Group in West Virginia what are you smoking?  First, I don’t smoke and second there will be. Our first meeting will be on January 20th. Check out my blog during the first week of January for more information.

Related Posts:

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Posted in Events, SQL Server 2008, SQLServerPedia Syndication

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You don’t have to be an expert to speak

Posted on December 9, 2010 by johnsterrett| 7 Comments

Brent Ozar recently posted a great blog post for people who are setting goals to speak in 2011.  His post motivated me to do one for people who are interested in speaking but don’t because they think you must be an expert.  I have a secret for you, I use to be one of those people. If you learn anything from me please check out the next sentence.  You don’t have to be an expert to speak in the SQL Server community.

I am not an expert but I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night...

I am not an expert but I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night...

I have proof that you don’t have to be an expert to speak.  I did a lightning talk at the world’s largest and best conference for SQL Server professionals and while I strive to be an expert I have a long way to go!

In my opinion speaking is just like playing any sport.  You cannot get better if you don’t get out there and practice, practice, practice. If you don’t practice speaking how can you become an expert speaker? The SQL Server Community is awesome and they have your back. There are several avenues for people to start speaking.  Experts are also willing to give you pointers along your way to help you get better.

What should I talk about?

This one is easy, talk about what you know. A list of tips or best practices you have discovered through your quest of SQL Server greatness would be a great start.   Recently, I have spent quite a bit of time figuring out how I could monitor and apply best practices to my SQL Server farm.  I compiled my notes and a presentation was born.

A well known speaker already submitted my topic

Submit your topic anyway.  Speakers usually submit multiple topics expecting to only do a couple presentations. If you submit your abstract it might get accepted so the other speaker can do another presentation.  Andy Warren (blog | @sqlandy) just wrote a blog post about missing an opportunity to speak. Andy thinks that  too many speakers is a good thing.

Where should I speak?

There are several options for you to  speak do your thing:

If you have never submitted a session to a User Group, SQL Saturday, Virtual chapter do it.  Trust me, if I can give a presentation anyone can.

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Posted in Professional Development, SQL Server 2008

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SQLPASS Lightning Talk Video

Posted on November 10, 2010 by johnsterrett| 1 Comment

Profiling 3rd Party Applications

Today I am giving a lightning talk at the PASS Member Summit in Seattle, WA.  A lightning talk is a quick fire five minute talk given by seven individuals during a single session.  My topic is going to cover using profiler to troubleshoot 3rd party applications.  Profiler can be intimidating when you start to use it.  My goal is to make the use of Profiler easier for people who don’t use it.

If you are not at the Summit or decided to skip out on the lightning talks I have good news for you.  I have uploaded one of my practice sessions for you to see.

Links

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Posted in SQL Server 2008, SQLServerPedia Syndication

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Speaking at PASS Member Summit 2010

Posted on November 9, 2010 by johnsterrett| Leave a comment

I am excited to share with everyone that I am speaking at the PASS Summit in Seattle on Wednesday this week.   The Summit is by far the biggest event for database administrators and anyone who likes to work with data. I would refer to it as the Super Bowl for Database Administrators.  I will be participating in both a chalk talk and lightning talk.

Chalk-Talk is a forty minute interactive talk in the vendor expo hall.  I will be presenting SQL Server 2008 for Developers with a twist.  I will provide a list of topics and the crowd (yes this is you everyone) can pick the topics we cover.  That’s right everyone, even though I think Table Value Parameters is the most under used feature for developers we can skip it if you are more interested in other topics.

Lightning-Talk is a quick five minute talk about anything the speaker wants to talk about.  There is a session each day dedicated to Lightning talks and they will include seven speakers.  I will give a talk over using Profiler to troubleshoot third party applications.  This tip was very important to me when I became a production DBA and I am sure it will help others.

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