Free Stuff - Category Archive

The following is a list of all entries from the Free Stuff category.

Free SQL Server DMV Starter Pack

The SQL Server DMV Starter Pack is a free eBook (84 pages) that describes 28 different ways that DMVs can be used with SQL Server. Not only is each way described in detail, but sample code is included so you can begin using the DMVs immediately. The book covers these uses of DMVs.


PAL 2.0 Beta Released

Back in 2008, I wrote a blog post about version 1 of the Performance Analysis of Logs (PAL) tool. This free tool, available from pal.codeplex.com, has been enhanced, and Version 2.0, Beta 1.1, is currently available for download. I have just downloaded and installed it myself, although I haven’t had much chance to use it ...read more


New Free eBook: Defensive Database Programming with SQL Server

Simple-Talk Publishing has released a new, free 291 page eBook called Defensive Database Programming with SQL Server, by Alex Kuznetsov. Here is what the book covers, as described from the book’s introduction. “Resilient T-SQL code is code that is designed to last, and to be safely reused by others. The goal of defensive database programming, ...read more


Learn How Vendors Price Their Software

As DBAs, we are often put in the position of purchasing software from third-party vendors. If you are like me, you are probably amazed at the wide variation in software prices, and how the price of a product seems to bear little relationship with its actual cost. For example, why is the SQL Server Enterprise ...read more


Searching for Objects or Text Strings Using SQL Search

As a DBA, at one time or another, you will need to quickly find an object within a database, such as a table, view, or stored procedure. In other cases, it is handy to be able to search objects to locate specific text strings. Depending on which version of SQL Server you are using, you ...read more


SQL Search 1.0 Beta Available

Red Gate Software has released the 1.0 beta version of SQL Search, a new free SSMS add-in that allows you to easily search for “text strings”, allowing you to quickly find objects stored within a SQL Server instance.


Have You Checked Out the Upcoming SQLSaturday Events for 2010?

2010 is beginning to look like a great year for SQLSaturday events this year. Already, there are nine planned, and many more in the works. These free, one-day events are a great way to hone your DBA knowledge, and to develop new contacts. If you are interested in speaking at an event, its also a ...read more


Free Tool for SQL Server Encryption Key Management

Devenius Software is offering a free tool to help you manage SQL Server encryption keys. Its called the SQL Encryption Assistant (Basic Edition), and it allows you to create, modify, and drop encryptions keys and certificates. There are two versions of the software, one each for SQL Server 2005 and SQL Server 2008. Devenius Software ...read more


Copyright 2009-2012 Brad M McGehee