The new Denali DMV sys.dm_os_volume_stats shows the operating system volume where each database file is stored, with its total and available space.
Reading the Transaction Log With fn_dblog
fn_dblog can expose transaction-log records during a narrow investigation, but retention and missing user context make it a last resort.
SQL SERVER – Denali – DMV Enhancement – sys.dm_exec_query_stats – New Columns
SQL Server Denali adds four new columns to sys.dm_exec_query_stats, like total_rows and last_rows, so you can see how many rows your queries returned.
Stop Chasing Every Seek: When a Table Scan Is the Right Plan
A Clustered Index Scan is not always the problem. Count the reads for a seek with lookups, a scan and the optimizer’s own pick, then see when the seek really wins.
A Shared SEQUENCE for Invoices and Credit Notes in One Range
One sequence, two tables, and an auditor asking about number 8. See where gaps come from, how duplicates sneak in, and where uniqueness should live.
Indexed Views: When the Faster Reads Are Worth It
Evaluate indexed views by building a sales summary, comparing read savings with write maintenance, and using NOEXPAND where required.
SQL SERVER – Denali – Startup Parameters Easy to Configure
SQL Server Denali makes startup parameters easy to change. Here is the quick path in SQL Server Configuration Manager to the startup parameters screen.