My friend Jim needed an easy way to find blocking on a live system. Here is how to use Activity Monitor to identify blocking and find expensive queries.
SQL SERVER – Keeping MSDB System Database Lean and Fit – Notes from the Field #033
The MSDB database is one of the most ignored on any server. Tim shares his tricks to keep the MSDB system database lean, fit and at its best settings.
SQL SERVER – SQL Server High Availability Options – Notes from the Field #032
Not sure which of the High Availability options fits your organization? Tim Radney explains the SQL Server choices in very simple words.
Memory-Optimized Table Variables
Memory-optimized table variables can avoid tempdb work, but they need a filegroup, indexed table type, memory budget, and workload tests.
Index Usage Stats Reset: Reading Them Without Being Fooled
Use index usage stats reset in SQL Server with practical examples, clear checks, and the limits you need before changing your database.
Unstable Queries: Finding Wide Duration Swings in Query Store
Find unstable queries with Query Store duration spread, weight averages, and separate plan changes from waits and parameter effects.
Signal Waits: Telling CPU Pressure From Slow Disks
Measure signal waits over an interval, compare scheduler queues and file latency, and separate CPU scheduling pressure from storage delays.