Index usage snapshots require a valid counter window. Keep missing rows and lifecycle gaps visible. The guarded example rejects invalid pairs before calculating any activity delta.
The Blocked Process Report
The blocked process report shows the waiting session and blocker after a configured threshold, with Extended Events capturing the XML for review.
Tracking Job Failures Across Servers
Tracking job failures across servers takes a daily msdb report, a central instance list, and notifications that reach someone who can act.
Spotting Agent Jobs That Run Longer Than Usual
Spot Agent jobs that run longer than usual by decoding msdb duration, comparing recent runs, and checking jobs still active now.
Doing Remote DBA Work Well
Remote DBA work succeeds with controlled access, current runbooks, agreed change windows, and communication that makes every action visible.
A Simple Dashboard From DMVs
A dashboard from DMVs can show live requests, database state, waits, and backups when its queries refresh without adding load.
Collecting Server Facts Into One Table Every Night
Collect Server Facts each night to track SQL Server versions, settings, databases, and file sizes in a practical history table.