"Noob to SQL Server?" 1

[kermitforney]

Hi, as the title states I am a noob learning the ropes. My company needs a SQL Server and an aplication. I am learning the program from (MCDBA)Installation to Deployment.

Anything I should pay close attention too in the training that would help me in the real world?

Although we have a VB guy I want to learn a little too.

What language would help me most as an SQL admin?

Also, they are using Citrix for remote duties, how does this work with SQL Server?

Sorry for the bunch of questions and I thank you in advance for you answers. )

 

[mrdenny]

As the SQL admin you need to know T/SQL (Transaction SQL) which is the language of SQL Server.

You could probably install the SQL Enterprise Manager on the Citrix server (I don't know much about Citrix, we VPN in and RDP to our desktops).

The MSDBA training isn't meant to teach you how to be a SQL Admin. It assumes that you already know a decent amount about SQL Server and is building on that knowledge.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com

 

[kermitforney]

Hm, well I think my admin days using Access has really helped me because I half way through and I understang everything completely.
But I think once I have finished I will be back in the forums trying to plug in the holes that are still remaining.
I believe studying Database theory and design helped me GREATLY before I tackled SQL Server. Just need to tackle Transact and I should be ok.

Where would I find out more information (print or online) on administering SQL Server?

Oh, and by the way, thanks for the response! )

 

[mrdenny]

Books OnLine (the help file for SQL) and the forums.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com

 

[Catadmin]

Citrix and SQL, SQL and Citrix. I will warn you now that you're going to have some trouble. Citrix and SQL do NOT get along well together. I worked with a client who used both and every few weeks, they were rebooting one or the other. Also, Citrix wasn't always dropping the user connections (Citrix terminal sessions) to the SQL Server box. This caused no end of problems and we couldn't figure out what the problem was. Of course, the two programs can fly along beautifully for a few months between issues. You just have to be careful in your setup and be prepared when you trouble-shoot for this possibility. There will be some speed issues with both enabled.

BTW, just so you know, Access SQL and T-SQL are not quite the same thing. There are commands that work in Access that don't in SQL Server and vice versa.

T-SQL is much more robust and capable than Access SQL, so take the time to get a reference book to help you out in addition to using Books Online. "Advanced Transact-SQL for SQL Server 2000" published by Apress is a good one. So is "SQL Server 2000 Programming" published by Wrox. You can pick up some really good SQL Server 2000 books from the clearance tables at your local Barnes&Nobles / Borders / Books a Million. Take a gander at what they have.

As far as your VB question. VB will help you with any Reporting Services, DTS packages and Active X scripts you may need to tackle in SQL Server, but it's something you may or may not need depending on your environment and what tools your company uses. I know I didn't need it at several of my jobs. It's only this latest one where I'm being required to learn it so I can do things like transfer backup files between UNC shares via a SQL job.

And everything in your training will help eventually, but you'll want to concentrate mainly on the stuff you *know* your company needs from the get-go. Database design, performance tuning, Server & Database properties... Security is the big one.

Hope this helps you out.



Catadmin - MCDBA, MCSA
"The only stupid question is the one that *wasn't* asked.