Ansible By Example: Simplifying SQL Server Disk Preparation on Windows Server May 25, 2024

Edition: Saturday, May 25th, 2024

Over the years, I've completed a lot of SQL Server installations.  Some of those resulted in having to move database files around afterward because I failed to ensure the disks were properly formatted and aligned.  I had to move files to a...

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Step-by-Step Guide to Enabling SQL Server Encryption: Using Wireshark to Verify Network Data Security Apr 27, 2024

Edition: Saturday, April 27th, 2024

Over the past several weeks we've implemented a CA, generated a certificate, and enabled SQL Server network encryption.  We validated encryption was being used via the sys.dm_exec_connections dmv.  This week, I'll take the validation one...

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Step-by-Step Guide to Enabling SQL Server Encryption: Generating Certificate Requests Apr 20, 2024

Edition: Saturday, April 20th, 2024

For a DBA, securing SQL Server is a critical aspect of the job.  Securing data at rest, data in motion, and data in use (in memory) are all areas a potential attacker could focus on.  This month, I've focused on "securing data in...

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Step-by-Step Guide to Enabling SQL Server Encryption: Web Enrollment Site Configuration Apr 13, 2024

Edition: Saturday, April 13th, 2024

Last week, we ended after the initial CA configuration.  This week, we'll enable HTTPS for our Web Enrollment site.  I'll cover an issue I encountered when using the Edge browser to request a user certificate via Web Enrollment and a...

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Step-by-Step Guide to Enabling SQL Server Encryption: Certificate Authority Configuration Apr 06, 2024

Edition: Saturday, April 6th, 2024

In the last edition, we concluded after installing Active Directory Certificate Services.  

Today, we'll configure the new Certificate Authority as an Enterprise CA.  We're installing an Enterprise CA because they're integrated with...

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Step-by-Step Guide to Enabling SQL Server Encryption: Installing Active Directory Certificate Services for DBAs Mar 30, 2024

Edition: Saturday, March 30th, 2024

Most new DBAs aren't familiar with certificates, or generating certificate requests, to be used by SQL Server. 

I know I wasn't.  Early in my career, I had worked in environments that didn't require encrypted connections to SQL Server so I...

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Guide to Unattended Windows Server 2025 Preview Edition Installation: Simplify Your Setup Mar 23, 2024

Edition: Saturday, March 23rd, 2024

Today I want to share a quick tip on getting started with Windows Server 2025 Standard Edition (preview).  It seems Server 2022 just came out a few short weeks ago but in reality, it was released on August 18, 2021

As technologists, we sometimes...

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SQL Server Change Tracking Features Mar 16, 2024

Edition: Saturday, March 16th, 2024

Good morning!  Hopefully, this week's edition finds you getting some much-needed rest on a Saturday.  It's early here in Tennessee and I'm hoping for a sunny day.

This past week I posted a few LinkedIn challenges on the topic of change tracking...

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Keeping Data Confidential: Essential Strategies for DBAs Mar 09, 2024

Edition: Saturday, March 9th, 2024

Keeping data confidential is a crucial role for a DBA.  Today, I'll share strategies that Database Administrators can implement to enhance data confidentiality.  You'll learn about the importance of encryption, access controls, auditing, and...

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SQL Server Database Scripting with PowerShell Mar 02, 2024

Edition: Saturday, March 2nd, 2024

Welcome to March!  

Today, I want to talk about one common challenge a DBA may encounter.  Scripting a database(s).  There are a few common scenarios that may require this.  Here are a few:

  • Needing to create an empty shell of an...
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Capacity Planning Fundamentals For SQL Server DBAs Feb 24, 2024

Edition: Saturday, February 24th, 2024

A common challenge DBAs encounter is efficient capacity planning.  Ensuring that SQL Server is operational, optimized, and ready to scale is important. 

In today's edition, I'll share insights on capacity planning, including strategies, tools,...

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SQL Server Backup File Locations: Ensuring Data Safety and Disaster Recovery Feb 17, 2024

Edition: Saturday, February 17th, 2024

I recently had a conversation about the placement of SQL Server native backups. Backups were stored on the same drive as the database log files, and I mentioned that they needed to reside elsewhere. 

Today, we will look at what happens when...

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