Recently I came across two very interesting ‘objects’ of SQL Server 2008. They are a high resolution wallpaper and a screen saver.
SQL Server 2008 High Resolution Wallpaper
SQL Server 2008 Screen Saver
Click Here to Download
A Practical Use for a High Resolution Wallpaper
I know a wallpaper is not a query tuning tip, but I still enjoyed this download. Many of us spend more hours in front of Management Studio than anywhere else, and a desk that feels like your own makes long days a little lighter. Back in 2008, having the new product logo on my screen was a small way to show I was excited about the release.
There is also a serious idea hiding here. The desktop background can help you avoid mistakes. When I connect to many servers through Remote Desktop, they all look the same after a while. A different background for production and test machines tells me at a glance where I am. The free Sysinternals tool BGInfo can even write the server name and other details onto the desktop background, which is very handy for DBAs who jump between machines all day.
A few simple habits I follow:
- Use a plain or dark background on production servers so they stand out from test boxes.
- Show the server name in large text if many servers share the same login screen.
- Lock your screen with the Windows key plus L when you step away, instead of waiting for a screen saver.
- Skip fancy animated screen savers on servers, because the server should spend its CPU on SQL Server, not on graphics.
This download is from 2008 and the link above may not work anymore. If you still have the files, keep them for fun on your own laptop. On servers, a simple background that tells you where you are is worth more than any pretty picture.
And if you have a favorite way to tell your servers apart, share it in the comments. I am always happy to learn a new trick from readers, especially one that prevents a mistake on a busy day.
Published by Pinal Dave on SQLAuthority. More of my work at pinaldave.com.
6 Comments. Leave new
Hy!
Im afraid the link to the large jpg doesn’t work.
Thank you ,
The link is fixed.
Thanx!
Marvalous screensaver and its attractive
Could use a 1920 x 1200 version ;-)
when I try to install SQL Server 2008 Screen Saver its generating error “Program too big to fit in memory” I have try on system having 4GB Ram (Windows XP, Windows Server 2003)