To say no at work without burning bridges, queue the request instead of refusing it. This post borrows a busy server’s habit of holding requests in line with a clear wait time. You’ll get a short reply format, ways to offer options and a limit for the queue.
Test Data That Looks Like Production
Test data that looks like production matches distributions, relationships, and volume without copying sensitive values into development.
Autogrowth Settings: Why 1 MB and 10 Percent Still Hurt
Inspect autogrowth settings across database files, review retained growth events and VLFs, and choose tested fixed-size increments.
Deep Work Time: Book It Like a Server Maintenance Window
Deep work time disappears unless you book it. This post treats your own focus like a server maintenance window: a named block, a runbook, an emergency rule and a short review. Try two 90-minute windows this week.
Checking That a Patch Really Installed
Checking That a Patch Really Installed means comparing full versions, reading Setup summary logs, and confirming the startup error log.
SQL Agent Alerts for Severity 17 to 25 and Errors 823, 824, 825
Configure Agent alerts for serious severities and errors 823, 824 and 825, connect an operator to Database Mail, and test response delays.
Page Verify CHECKSUM and Why It Matters
Page verify CHECKSUM detects altered database pages on read; inspect old settings, understand new writes, and review suspect pages.