How to use Perfmon: three ways to start Performance Monitor, how to add counters, and how to log them over time so you can compare later.
SQL SERVER – Introduction to Three Important Performance Counters
Three basic but very important Performance Counters: % Processor Time, Avg. Disk Queue Length and Disk Read and Write Bytes/sec, and what their values mean.
SQL SERVER – Get Current Database Name
Need the current database name in a script? SELECT DB_NAME() returns the name of the database you are running the query in. It is a one line answer.
SQL SERVER – 2005 – Find Unused Indexes of Current Database
A simple but accurate SQL Server 2005 script to find unused indexes in the current database, since unused indexes slow down INSERT and UPDATE statements.
Weighted Scores: Ranking Products by Several Columns at Once
Adding rating to units sold ranks by whichever column is biggest. Scale first, weigh second, and keep the weights in a table anyone can read.
Reading Memory Clerks to See Where Memory Goes
Memory clerks show how SQL Server allocates memory among engine components; learn to read the DMV, spot unusual growth, and investigate safely.
NULL Sort Order: Put Missing Values Where Readers Expect
NULL sort order uses a CASE bucket to put missing values last. Keep a stable tie breaker and preserve the original score.