I was home sick and read this book through from cover to cover. This book covers all the basics. I would want to have a total coverage book around as well for reference, but for getting all the basic questions answered, this book does the job. It's hard to find answers to general questions in the heavier reference books due to their total coverage. This book gets to the point and tells you how to accomplish specific and important tasks.It's also light and small (relatively), so if you're a consultant you can easily carry it along with you. It's very clearly written.
A True Believer
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
First book review I've ever written but this book deserves it. As an on the road consultant for a software company, I needed a reference manual that was compact and informational. I am not a DBA and go back and forth between SQL Server and Oracle - master of neither. This book has answered every question I've ever had and is the only reference book I carry (thank you for the small size!). I can't recommend it enough. Probably not deep enough for the true SQL Server DBA's but for every day practical knowledge, can't be beat.
A Great Field Reference!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
First, this is not a "teach yourself book" it is a reference, geared toward field engineers. With that said, this is a fabulous carry everywhere reference (small; roughly 8"x5"x1" in size) that has just about everything you need to know (from a DBA perspective, that is) for maintaining/installing/etc. SQL Server 7.0. The book is broken into four sections: I. Administration Fundamentals - Configuring and TuningII. Administration - Managing Enterprise, Core DBA, SecurityIII.Data Administration - Backup/Recovery, Import/Export, Distributed Data/Remote Servers, ReplicationIV. Performance, Optimization, and Maintenance - Monitoring/Profiling, Creating Tables/Indexes, DB Automation/MaintenanceHaving worked with SQL Server for several years now, I have always dreamed of having a book that summarized (with examples) all aspects of installation and maintenance (and wasn't a 4" thick luggable). Stanek has done it. The contents are well laid out with a very thorough index. Examples are well laid out (step-by-step) to get you through what-ever issue you are working with. The book contains stored procedure calls, but is not a Transact-SQL manual (actually it would be nice if the author would come out with a T-SQL Admin Pocket Guide also!).I consider this a must-have for every SQL Server DBA's library. It will not gather dust, but instead become VERY dog-eared.
Undecided?
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
First time I saw this book I wasn't sure. I thumbed through it and it looked really good. I went home logged on and searched for Sql books. I bought another book based on reviews. Few weeks ago after getting nowhere with the other book. I bought this book. The rest as they say is history. I am now a firm believer (I've even bought two other books in this series)! If you want to learn Sql server this is the best book. I use it just about every day and it has come to the rescue more than once.Buy this book you won't be disappointed!
Outstanding! You won't find a better SQL Server admin book.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
I've bought several sQL server books in the past. This is the ONLY sql book that I actually use. Its a great guide and reference and it has answered every SQL Server question I've ever had (so far). I highly recommend this book.I don't think you'll find a better book to get you through the day to day admin tasks. The book also covers lots of advanced subjects and it does so extremely well.
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