The Queries Needing Params Advisor shows you a list of the queries that are simliar The Value of Parameterized Queries in SQL Server Parameterized queries are a crucial best practice in SQL Server development. They offer several advantages, including security, performance, and maintainability. Let’s break down the key benefits: 1. SQL Injection Prevention One of the biggest risks in SQL Server is SQL injection, where an attacker manipulates input data to execute unintended SQL commands. Parameterized queries help prevent this by ensuring …

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SQL Server Assessment: The Importance of Monitoring TempDB Growth As a seasoned expert in SQL Server since 1990, specializing in Performance Tuning, I’ve seen firsthand how unchecked TempDB growth can wreak havoc on SQL Server Performance. Monitoring TempDB growth isn’t just a best practice—it’s essential. That’s why it’s one of the 150+ standard checks we perform at Stedman Solutions during our comprehensive SQL Server assessments. Why Monitoring TempDB Growth Matters TempDB is a system database that SQL Server relies on …

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When managing multiple SQL Server instances, database integrity is a top priority. Corruption issues can sneak up unexpectedly, leading to downtime, data loss, or performance problems. One of the most critical SQL Server maintenance tasks is running DBCC CHECKDB, which checks for corruption in your databases. However, running DBCC CHECKDB manually across multiple servers can be tedious and time-consuming. This is where Database Health Monitor comes in—offering a centralized view of DBCC CHECKDB reports across all your instances. In this …

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Here is a short video on managing VLFs on SQL Server https://youtu.be/VjsgTWkws8M?si=ywngDBtdL9uE2i0X Best Practices for Managing VLFs Preallocate Log File Size: Instead of allowing SQL Server to expand the log file in small increments, preallocate a sufficient log file size to minimize growth events. Use Larger Growth Increments: Set the log file growth increment to a reasonable value (e.g., 512 MB or more) to avoid creating too many VLFs during growth. Monitor Regularly: Use the VLF Report in Database Health …

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Here is a short video on managing VLFs on SQL Server https://youtu.be/VjsgTWkws8M?si=ywngDBtdL9uE2i0X Best Practices for Managing VLFs Preallocate Log File Size: Instead of allowing SQL Server to expand the log file in small increments, preallocate a sufficient log file size to minimize growth events. Use Larger Growth Increments: Set the log file growth increment to a reasonable value (e.g., 512 MB or more) to avoid creating too many VLFs during growth. Monitor Regularly: Use the VLF Report in Database Health …

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Understanding SQL Server CPU Utilization with Database Health Monitor Monitoring your SQL Server’s CPU usage is a critical aspect of maintaining a well-performing and reliable database environment. One common challenge for database administrators (DBAs) is pinpointing times of peak CPU activity and identifying the workloads contributing to high usage. This is where Database Health Monitor, a free tool from Stedman Solutions, comes to the rescue with features like the CPU by Hour report. What is the CPU by Hour Report? …

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Here is a short video with an overview of SchemaDrift and how to get started comparing SQL Server Databases. The latest update of Database Health Monitor includes SchemaDrift for comparing databases. Steve Stedman here to talk about SchemaDrift and how we can use SchemaDrift to go and compare database schemas and find differences in your database. SchemaDrift is a program created by Stedman Solutions. This is something we’ve had internally in beta for a couple of years, and we’ve been …

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Ensuring Data Security with Stedman Solutions SQL Server Managed Services: Solid Backups and Restores In today’s data-driven world, the integrity and availability of data are paramount. For businesses relying on SQL Server for their critical data storage and management, ensuring solid backups and reliable restores is not just an option, it’s a necessity. This is where Stedman Solutions’ SQL Server Managed Services shine, offering comprehensive coverage to protect your data with robust backup and restore strategies. The Pillars of Data …

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The Power of Proactive Monitoring in a World of Constant Change As the world continually evolves, the need for robust and proactive solutions in the realm of IT managed services becomes ever more critical. In an environment where a single change can have cascading effects, businesses cannot afford to be reactive. This is where Stedman Solutions steps in with its cutting-edge managed services offering, featuring the daily checkup monitor – a tool designed to catch changes as they occur, ensuring …

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In the world of database management, maintaining optimal performance is an ongoing challenge. One crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is the management of indexes. While indexes can significantly enhance query performance, having too many of them can lead to issues when it comes to inserts, updates, and deletes. In this blog post, we’ll explore the delicate balance of index management and discuss strategies to identify and remove unnecessary indexes without compromising system stability. The Dilemma of Too Many Indexes …

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