learn how to be a sql server dba
Atleast once a week a visitor on this website asks how to learn sql server administration, many are already Oracle administrators, MySQL DBA's who want to explore SQL Server, some are already working as SQL Server developer but don't know how to start on administration side. Majority of the people who asked already have knowledge about database systems, so i will write to the best of my knowledge how you can learn SQL Server administration, but you will not be able to learn every thing about SQL database administration from this article or even after reading all the resources in a day or year but i will try to guide you where you can find free information and how to take basic steps to become successful SQL Server DBA.
Who can learn from this article ?
You must have knowledge of RDBMS (realational database management system), must know how to write SQL statements, know what are database objects like tables, indexes, stored procedures, triggers, views etc.
What is DBA ?
A database administrator is an individual who takes care of database maintainence, integrity, recoveribility and other database related administrative tasks, you can read more here at SQL Server DBA tasks. This individual have strong knowledge of database system, features, capabilities and tools etc.
What is required to become good SQL Server DBA ?
- Common Sense.
- Sense of responsibility.
- Good memory.
- Knowledge of SQL Server specially the version you are using.
- Skills to write T-SQL statements.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Server Operating System.
- Know how of Windows Desktop Operating System.
- Atleast one scripting language to automate tasks.
How to get started ?
Microsoft did a great job by providing a free version of SQL Server known as Express Edition, which you can download for free, you should also download SQL Server Express Toolkit to get management studio express.
http://www.microsoft.com/sql/editions/express/default.mspx
Download Link : http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/express/bb410792.aspx
You should also download the AdventureWorks database this way you will have some thing to play with.
The hardware requirements for SQL Server Express Edition : http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms143680.aspx
Next is Before you install express edition : http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms143365.aspx
How to install express edition : http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms143722.aspx
You do not need to change any advance configuration options during installation, the default installation should work for your purpose.
At this point i assume you have SQL Server Express Edition up and running.
How to use SQL Server Management Studio : http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms167593.aspx
SQL Server 2005 tutorials : http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms169620.aspx
SQL Server Express Edition Books Online : http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms165706.aspx
SQL Server 2005 Books Online : http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms130214.aspx
You should also consider signing up and bookmarking following online resources related databases and SQL Server.
http://www.sqldba.org/
http://www.sqlservercentral.com/
http://www.sql-server-performance.com/
http://www.mssqlcity.com/
http://www.mssqltips.com/
http://blog.sqlauthority.com/
You should try to learn about different tools available in SQL Server like sqlcmd, SSIS etc. The best way could be that you try creating some real world problems in your virtual learning enviorment, then try finding best solution to solve it.
If you are a MySQL DBA or Oracle DBA then should consider learning T-SQL syntax to create different objects. Learn the SQL Server internals and how to do the same things you are already doing in other databases.
I will keep updating this document as i find more good online resources for startup DBA's, in the mean while if you have any questions please feel free to ask.