Troubleshooting and optimizing database servers using Microsoft SQL Server 2005 (MOC 2790)

Special note

Elements of this syllabus are subject to change.

Course overview

The purpose of this 2-day workshop is to teach database administrators working in enterprise environments how to determine and troubleshoot performance issues using Microsoft SQL Server 2005. The primary focus of this workshop is to teach the overall process of troubleshooting. It includes establishing monitoring standards and baselines, determining performance thresholds, and focusing the investigation on specific issues.

Prerequisites

Before attending this course, students must have:

• Working knowledge of SQL Server 2005 architecture including indexing, SQL execution plans, and SQL Server basic configuration
• Basic monitoring and troubleshooting skills. For example, students should have used Sysmon and Perfmon on the job
• Working knowledge of the operating system and platform. Students should understand how the operating system integrates with the database, what the platform or operating system can do, and the interaction between the operating system and the database
• Basic understanding of server architecture such as CPU and memory utilization and disk input/output (I/O)
• Basic knowledge of application architecture. Students should know how applications can be designed in three layers, what applications can do, the interaction between applications and the database, and the interaction between the database and the platform or operating system
• Understanding of Transact-SQL syntax and programming logic
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Windows networking. Students should understand how Domain Name Service (DNS) operates and how servers communicate between domains
• Familiarity with SQL Server 2005 features, tools, and technologies
• Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 credential or equivalent experience

It is recommended, but not required, that students have completed:

• Writing Queries Using Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Transact-SQL (MOC 2778)
• Implementing a Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Database (HC602S)
• Maintaining a Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Database (HC595S)

Audience

• This course is intended for current professional database administrators who have three or more years of on-the-job experience administering SQL Server database solutions in an enterprise environment

Ways to save

Next steps

• No Microsoft Certified Professional exams are associated with this course currently

Course outline

Unit 1: Building a Monitoring Solution for SQL Server Performance Issues

• Narrowing Down a Performance Issue to an Environment Area
• Guidelines for Monitoring Database Servers and Instances by Using Profiler and Sysmon
• Guidelines for Auditing and Comparing Test Results

Unit 2: Troubleshooting Database and Database Server Performance Issues

• Narrowing Down a Performance Issue to a Database Object
• How Profiler Can Help Narrow a Search to a Specific Issue
• How the SQLdiag Tool Can Be Used to Analyze Outputs

Unit 3: Optimizing the Query Performance Environment

• The Methodology of Optimizing a Query Environment
• The Query Performance Troubleshooting Process

Unit 4: Troubleshooting SQL Server Connectivity Issues

• The Methodology of Troubleshooting SQL Server Connectivity Issues
• Areas to Troubleshoot for Common Connectivity Issues
• What Are SQL Server 2005 Endpoints?

Unit 5: Troubleshooting SQL Server Data Issues

• The Methodology of Troubleshooting SQL Server Data Issues
• The Process of Troubleshooting Data Integrity Issues
• How Torn Pages Can be Resolved Using a Single-Page Restore

Unit 6: Troubleshooting SQL Server Data Concurrency Issues

• The Methodology of Troubleshooting Concurrency Issues
• What Are SQL Server Latches?
• Activity: Choosing a Blocking Monitoring Solution