In the world of SQL Server, performance is everything. Missing indexes are one of the most common yet overlooked causes of poor database performance, leading to slow query execution, excessive resource consumption, and frustrated end-users. When SQL Server’s query optimizer lacks an appropriate index to process a query efficiently, it falls back on table scans or other suboptimal operations. These operations consume significant CPU, memory, and disk I/O resources, resulting in longer wait times and degraded application performance. In high-transaction …

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Top 10 SQL Server Wait Types for Performance Tuning Understanding these wait types is key to identifying performance bottlenecks in SQL Server: Remember, while these wait types can indicate potential problems, it’s important to consider them in the context of your overall system performance. Sometimes, certain waits might be normal for your specific workload or hardware configuration. Enhancing SQL Server Performance with Stedman Solutions, LLC Struggling with SQL Server performance issues? Discover how Stedman Solutions, LLC can transform your SQL …

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Understanding the Importance of TDE Certificate Backups in SQL Server This is just one of the many checks that our Daily Checkup and Quickscan Report from Stedman Solutions will report on. In the digital age, where data security is a paramount concern for businesses and individuals alike, Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) has emerged as a robust solution for protecting sensitive information. TDE works by encrypting databases at the file level, providing encryption without needing to alter applications. However, amidst the …

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When it comes to SQL Server backups, most folks think first about user databases — and rightly so, since that’s where the business data lives. But what often gets neglected are the system databases, the unsung heroes quietly keeping everything running behind the scenes. Neglecting to back up master, model, and msdb can put you in a tight spot during a recovery scenario. Let’s break down why each is important — and why tempdb doesn’t belong in your backup plans. …

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For more information on Database Health Monitor you can visit StedmanSolutions.com. You can download the free trial of Database Health Monitor at https://DatabaseHealth.com/download2. Mastering Database Insights with the Table Use Report in Database Health Monitor In the fast-paced world of data management, databases serve as the cornerstone of organizational success, quietly powering applications, storing critical information, and enabling seamless operations. However, not all tables in a database are created equal—some are bustling hubs of activity, while others may lie dormant, …

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Understanding the Importance of TDE Certificate Backups in SQL Server This is just one of the many checks that our Daily Checkup and Quickscan Report from Stedman Solutions will report on. In SQL Server, Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) is a valuable feature that provides encryption at the file level. It’s an essential tool for ensuring that your data is secure and inaccessible to unauthorized users, especially if the physical media is compromised. However, the power of TDE comes with a …

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Welcome to Stedman’s SQL School! In this video, we provide an in-depth overview of all the classes we offer to help you master SQL Server. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced professional, our courses cover a wide range of topics tailored to enhance your SQL skills and knowledge. Watch this video by Steve Stedman to find out more. For additional informative videos, visit my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@SteveStedman. There, you’ll find a wide range of content covering various …

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Managing a SQL Server environment is no small feat, particularly for organizations that lack the resources or expertise of a dedicated Database Administrator (DBA) team. When left unchecked, SQL Server challenges can snowball into crippling downtime, insidious data corruption, and persistent performance bottlenecks—all of which erode productivity and profitability. At Stedman Solutions, we deliver specialized SQL Server managed services tailored to keep your systems running seamlessly, securely, and at peak efficiency. Our proactive approach takes the burden off your shoulders, …

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Need help with this, Stedman Solutions can help. Find out how with a free no risk 30 minute consultation with Steve Stedman. 3 Essential Checks for Diagnosing a Slow SQL Server Is your SQL Server running slower than usual? Pinpointing the cause of performance issues can feel overwhelming, especially with so many factors at play. Before diving into advanced troubleshooting or rewriting your entire database schema, start with three fundamental checks. These areas—hardware resources, process bottlenecks, and query efficiency—are often …

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How Critical Is Your SQL Server Performance? Understanding the Impact of Slowdowns When it comes to managing SQL Server, performance isn’t just a number on a dashboard—it’s the heartbeat of your organization’s data-driven operations. Having spent years immersed in the intricacies of SQL Server environments, I’ve seen how peak performance can propel businesses forward, streamlining processes and empowering decisions. But I’ve also seen the flip side: the chaos and frustration that erupt when slowdowns take hold. This isn’t a topic …

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