If specialization is for insects, those of us who have only two legs are bound to need reminders when we sit down to perform a specialized task. For those times in which the specialized task at hand involves the latest version of Microsoft's high-end database management system (DBMS), Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Administrator's Pocket Consultant will provide how-to answers on the double-quick. This small, inch-thick volume fits nicely into a briefcase, and opens flat for easy reference. It makes little attempt to explain how SQL Server works, assuming instead that the reader knows what he or she needs. For example, a quick scan of the index for "Logins, Assigning Roles for Multiple" yields a reference to a page that explains exactly what to do, step by step.

Procedures are a large part of the appeal of this book; value tables and Transact-SQL syntax documentation contribute the rest. A typical value table lists all standard database roles, along with commentary on what sort of user is appropriate for each role. Transact-SQL documentation includes generic "all available options" statements of syntax, followed by usage examples. Deeper explanations of what each option does would make the syntax documentation stronger, but what's here is certainly enough to jog readers' memories and point them to heavier reference material, if they need it. Keep this book handy if your job requires you to hop from DBMS to DBMS.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Topics covered include:

• SQL basics
• administration tools
• configuring and tuning
• managing the enterprise
• database administration, security
• backup and recovery
• importing and exporting data
• data replication
• monitoring and profiling
• creating tables and indexes
• automation and maintenance
• more

Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2008 Administrator's Pocket Consultant is the ideal concise, immediate reference you'll want with you at all times as you deal with the details of Microsoft SQL Server 2008 database administration. Whether you handle administration for 50 users or 5000, this hands-on, fast-answers guide focuses on what you need to do to get the job done quickly. With extensive easy-to-read tables, lists, and step-by-step instructions, it's the portable, readable guide that will consistently save you time and minimize system downtime by giving you the right information right now.

This hands-on guide gives you the fast answers you need to:

• Grasp the fundamentals. Understand the SQL Server 2008 architecture; learn administration tools, techniques, and concepts; and discover how to modify configuration settings to optimize memory usage, take advantage of parallel processors, and more.
• Complete core tasks. Perform basic tasks to create and manage databases, servers, and server groups; and create logons, configure logon permissions, assign roles, and conduct other essential security measures.
• Administer databases. Manage tables, indexes, and views; query and manipulate data; import and export data; and integrate SQL Server data with other data sources.
• Control distributed data. Administer linked servers and distributed transactions, configure data merging and replication, and supervise data publication and subscription.
• Optimize and maintain databases. Profile and monitor SQL Server, conduct data backup and recovery, and take charge of automation and maintenance.