Most people check the SQL Server version with @@VERSION. I also like xp_msver, which shows extra details about the server where SQL Server is installed.
SQL Server emergency? Email pinal@sqlauthority.com with URGENT in the subject line.
Practicing Azure SQL at Low Cost
Practicing Azure SQL can stay inexpensive with current free offers, serverless auto-pause, budget alerts, and deliberate resource cleanup.
Merge Subscription Initialization Without a Snapshot
Initializing a merge subscription without a snapshot requires more than matching table names. Prepare the schema, data and replication metadata, account for local changes and plan recovery for the actual replication topology.
Staying Current Without Chasing Every Update
Staying current on SQL Server takes a repeatable CU cadence, fast security response, and a patch policy your team can actually keep.
SQL SERVER – Find Busiest Database
How do you find the busiest database on a SQL Server instance? I use sys.dm_exec_query_stats to add up logical reads and writes for each database.
A Migration Cutover Checklist
A migration cutover checklist covers final backup, logins, jobs, linked servers, DNS, validation, and an explicit go or no-go decision.
SQL SERVER – Fragmentation – Detect Fragmentation and Eliminate Fragmentation
What is fragmentation, and how do you detect fragmentation and eliminate it? I explain the internal and external types and what each one does to your pages.
SQL Server slow? Let's fix it together in about four hours.
In my Comprehensive Database Performance Health Check, you share your screen, I guide you, and we fix your biggest performance troublemakers. No passwords. No remote access.
You keep every script, and the know-how to fix it yourself next time.
Want your whole team to learn it?
My Practical Workshop has no PowerPoint, just live demos. My AI Enablement Workshop shows your team where AI saves hours, and where it quietly costs them.
Over 400 customers have worked with me this way, and not one shared a password. See all consulting options.