Kevin Remde's IT Pro Weblog
SQL Server 2005 Tidbit 011
SQL Tidbits Galore!
Credit for this one goes to my friend and teammate Matt Hester...
Q: Can I put Visual Source Safe components into SQL 2005?
A: Yes. If you have installed the Microsoft Visual SourceSafe 6.0 client components on your machine, SQL Server 2005 Management Studio will automatically detect that the VSS plug-in is available. As noted above, you can find the VSS plug-in listed in the Tools/Option dialog, by selecting the Source Control and then Plug-in Selection node. Also, the Source Control option in the File menu drop down becomes active, and from there you add an existing Management Studio solution to source control, or open a Management Studio directly from source control. You can enable multiple source control systems, and change from one to another. For more information on this check out this article: http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dnsql90/html/TSQLQueries.asp
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Got an IT question? Give me a comment, or contact me.
SQL Server 2005 Tidbit 010
Number Ten!
Q: How does SQL 2005 handle online databases during the upgrade, what about the applications that are in use?
A: This questions was very interesting to me so I did some checking. The best bet to see how this is going to work, is to use the Upgrade Advisor, this will give you great advice on any potential database or application issues. However ultimately for any upgrade, some good ole’ fashion testing is in order. For more information, and to down load the Upgrade Advisor look here: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=cf28daf9-182e-4ac2-8e88-f2e936558bf2&DisplayLang=en
My friend and teammate Kai Axford delievered an EXCELLENT webcast just a few minutes ago, for which I had the honor of covering the Q&A. The webcast was all about ways to secure your messaging using Exchange 2003, Outlook 2003, ISA Server 2004, S/MIME, PKI, OWA… Great stuff!
Here is the link to the webcast for On Demand Viewing.
And below I’ve listed the Q&A from the session, so you webcast viewers can take advantage of the resource links directly. I hope you find them useful!
-Kevin
Here’s the link to Brian Komar's PKI Security Book Kai mentioned:
http://www.microsoft.com/MSPress/books/authors/auth6745.asp
How to protect SMTP using Transport Layer: Check out "How to help protect SMTP communication by using the Transport Layer Security protocol in Exchange Server" http://support.microsoft.com/?id=829721
Securiing email using S/MIME and Exchange Server 2003:Read the “Exchange Server 2003 Message Security Guide” available at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/2003/library/exmessec.mspx.
“Please ask Mr. Kai to not speak so loudly into the microphone. Thank you.”This just happens when he gets exctied. Hopefully he toned it down enough for you later in the webcast.
“If I install S-MIME in my organization, I will have impact with the users that have out of my company?”Not necessarily. As Kai said, it has everything to do who you trust and how those who trust you have access to a trusted root authority. The impact will be in getting the public keys out to recipients of emails that you want to sign or encrypt, so that they can take advantage of it.
“What is Certificate Services?”http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/windowsserver2003/library/TechRef/63e3ba1c-cc23-40b1-9ca2-853869677318.mspx
“But what is the real-world impact of switching to S-MIME in an organiztion as it pertains to outside trusts, ie. hotmail, sbcgloabl, yahoo, etc.?”Their client will have to support certificate authentication. (S/MIME). It's pretty common now. AND they will have to install the public key you provide them.
“What's that desktop bkgrd called with the host ip and domain script?”He's probably run a tool to build that. I know there is one like it at SysInternals.com called "BGInfo". http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/BgInfo.html
“The installation of certificate services were done in the exchange servers with the mailboxes user?”Certificate Services is outside of Exchange in Exchange 2003. It is a free component that you can install on any Windows 2000 or 2003 Server. It’s included with the OS.
“Thanks, so of this way, is not necessary any configuration between exchange server and certificate server?”Other than that checkbox Kai showed earlier for supporting certificates, no.
For more PKI / S/MIME information: Read the “Exchange Server 2003 Message Security Guide” available at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/2003/library/exmessec.mspx
“Where can you get the certificates services ? is this something already in windows 2000 /2003 or is this something that has to be downloaded from microsoft.com if downloaded what is the website address ?”FREE.. and you already have it. It's an installable component of the server product.
More information on using Windows Rights Management: See http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/technologies/rightsmgmt/default.mspx
“WRM can be deployed to all users into a organization?”|Yes.
“Does WRM protect email from being forwarded when sent to an email system other than Exchange?”Yes. It stops on your end before it goes out.
“Is Windows IRM free or cost money ?”
Windows Rights Management Servce is a product. It does cost money. See:http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/technologies/rightsmgmt/default.mspx
“What is the diference between sign and encrypt the message? when the message goes signed can be spyed?”Signed just means you can be sure that it came from who it says it came from, but doesn't mean the message itself is encrypted... so yes, if you're not using some other encryption, the message can be read.
For a complete list of the other ports required in the Exchange front-end and back-end server,see “Front-End and Back-End Topology for Exchange Server 2003 and Exchange 2000 Server” at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/2003/library/febetop.mspx
For more information about Exchange Server 2003 RPC over HTTP(S) deployment configurations, see “Exchange Server 2003 RPC over HTTP(S) Deployment Scenarios” at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/2003/library/ex2k3rpc.mspx
“Asked: is there other solution such as certificate services of other providers?”Yes. S/MIME and email signing and encryption doesn't have to use the Microsoft certificate services. It will work with any standard PKI you want to use.
“Does it work on a 2003 exchange cluster server?”Yes.
“What is the e-mail addres of Kai? Can he receive questions to his e-mail?”
kaiax@microsoft.com. Yes, he's happy to get emailed questions from you. But try me first. :)
Using ISA Server 2004 with Exchange Server 2003:see http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/isa/2004/plan/exchage2003.mspx
“Can we get a hold of those scripts that change the IPs?”
Email Kai. He may be able to get them to you.
Deployment Scenarios for RPC over HTTP(S):http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/exchange/guides/E2k3RPCHTTPDep/ee9b228f-db48-4860-8bfd-3195881b8980.mspx
For more information about limiting client access to Exchange Server,Refer to Article ID: 328240 at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/328240
For more information about the Outlook 98 and Outlook 2000 version of the e-mail security enhancements, refer to “Outlook 98 E-mail Security Update” at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/archive/office/office97/support/out98sec.mspx and “Outlook 2000 SR-1 Update: E-mail Security” at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/office/office2000/support/o2ktool.mspx
For a list of the restricted file types, see the “Outlook E-mail Security Update— Frequently Asked Questions” at http://office.microsoft.com/assistance/2000/Out2ksecFAQ.aspxor “Attachment File Types Restricted by Outlook 2003” at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA011402971033.aspx
For more information about setting the Level1Remove registry key see “Administrator-Controlled Settings vs. User-Controlled Settings” at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA011402961033.aspx
For more information about configuring Outlook security settings, see “Customizing Security Settings by Using the Outlook Security Template” at http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA011402931033.aspx
For more information about using ISA Server 2004 with Exchange Server 2003, see http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/isa/2004/plan/exchage2003.mspx
For more information about installing an SSL certificate on your server, read the Knowledge Base article 298805 at http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;298805
For more information about additional security-related features, read “How to manage Outlook Web Access features in Exchange Server 2003” at http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=830827
To download the Outlook Web Access administration tool, go to http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=4bbe7065-a04e-43ca-8220-859212411e10&displaylang=en
OWA Publishing through ISA Server 2004:http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/isa/2004/plan/owapublishing.mspx
Exchange Server 2003 SP2 is coming!http://www.microsoft.com/exchange/downloads/2003/sp2/overview.mspx
Exchange Book:Answered: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0735619905/103-8014442-7447030?v=glance
“Great Job man”
One of the last times I posted something about Windows Vista my blog got lots and lots of hits. I also used the same animated graphic in that post. So… either Windows Vista is hot, or this picture is.
Anyway… I’m working on a Windows Vista presentation. I have one hour to convince folks not only that Vista has a lot of cool new functionality and features, but that Vista is a necessity in their businesses. Tough sell? Maybe… if you don’t know exactly what it can do to help your business.
“What do you want from me, Kevin?”
My question to you is: What would you want to know more about? Is there something you’ve heard of in Vista that you think a 60 minute talk should cover or “clarify” for you?
For example, the three main bullets on the Windows Vista intro web page currently hint at some really great stuff…
“Confidence”. “Lower IT Cost”. “Get more out of…”. “ways to organize”. “seamlessly connects”. “maximize”. “and”. “to”….
Anything else jump out at you? Please enter comments!
“Where are you going to be delivering this presentation?”
I’m glad you asked! I’ll be speaking at three events being put together by Angelbeat.com:
I’d love to see you there!
PS – Their website says that the “Microsoft Keynote” (that’s me) will be about “Windows Vista, Windows Mobile 5.0, and Collaboration Technology”. Either they’ll be updating their web site soon to just say “Windows Vista”, or I’ll be learning a whole lot about Windows Mobile 5.0 in the next couple of weeks.
SQL Server 2005 Tidbit 009
Ooops.. missed a day. Well.. let’s get back into these!
I got this from my coworker and friend, Matt Hester...
Q: Can you upgrade Small Business Server SQL 2000 to SQL 2005?
A: The feedback I have gotten is that technically you can upgrade to SQL 2005 but it is not supported!. However, Windows Small Business Server 2003 R2 will add SQL Server 2005 Workgroup Edition for SBS Premium Edition customers. There are also a lot more enhancements to this moving forward. For more information on SBS and SBS R2: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/sbs/techinfo/overview/generalfaq.mspx —
SQL Server 2005 Tidbit 008
Tidbit #8
This tidbit comes as a result of a question an attendee from one one of our live TechNet Events emailed me."
“Database mirroring, or parts of it, is available in Standard Edition of Yukon. What's the difference between what you get with Enterprise Edition and Standard Edition?”
Mirroring is supported in both Standard and Enterprise Editions of SQL Server 2005. According to the feature comparison page, in Standard there is only a single REDO Thread (on the mirror instance), and the "safety setting" is always on.
And again – here is a great resource on Mirroring: http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/8/5/f8520d64-f109-4111-b0b0-51f1f6d2d220/ProSQLServer2005_Ch15_ForTechEd.pdf
Wow. I don’t get a lot of comments on my blog. Aparently nobody reads it. Or perhaps I’m not controversial enough to promote discussion often enough. I’ll have to change that…
Or should I?
WARNING: Long Blogger Chain Here…
Robert Scoble recently pointed to an article by Dave Taylor who was talking about Aaron Wall… a person being sued for comments left in his blog comments area. It wasn’t something Aaron said in his blog, but something that Aaron or his company left buried in the comments, probably unknowingly, that got him sued.
“What I find most telling about this lawsuit is that it's aimed directly at a blog and a blogger, not related to what the blogger is writing about, but about what others are adding in his comments.”
That’s just downright scary. I and many of my coworkers like to leave comments wide open, just because we want to promote good discussion, and also often are travelling and have longer periods where we might not be able to moderate all the comments.
Perhaps a new, longer, more complete disclaimer will have to be added to the margin, removing myself from any responsibility for whatever garbage, slander, or confidential information some bozo might post to my blog.
I’ll have to ask my friend Chris Avis or some other former BBS SysOp what legal disclaimer they might have used way back when “comments” were “unmoderated” in the open discussion areas…
What do you think? Comment away!...
“OOoo!”
We’ve extended support for Software Update Services 1.0.
Originally the drop-dead end of support was going to be at the end of June next year, but due to the timing and customer needs, the date has moved to December 6. In fact, as of a couple days ago, you could no longer download SUS.
“My brain hurts! What happens when support ends?!! OOo!”
It means that there will no longer be any updates that will synchronize with it. By then, it’s hoped, you’ll be able to move to WSUS (Windows Server Update Services). Here’s a KB article describing the SUS 1.0 Support Life Cycle.
“OOoooo! Will it hurt?!”
No! It’s full of great improvements (reporting, targeting, missing update detection.. loads of wonderful things!) and it’s FREE.
“How do I get it?! HOW DO I GET IIIIT?!”
Download it here.
“I have more questions!!! Oooo!”
Try this: The WSUS FAQ Page.
“Oooo!”
…<sigh> Yes… this was a silly blog post. Quite silly.
(Apologies and appreciations to Python, Monty Ltd.)
Okay all you Family Guy fans… some of you might be old enough to remember this music video on MTV.
“What? MTV played music videos?”
Shut up.
Anyway, credit to Michael J. “Brother” Murphy for finding this gem.
CLICK HERE
SQL Server 2005 Tidbit 007
Number 7 comin’ atcha!
This tidbit comes as a result of a question an attendee from one one of our live TechNet Events emailed me.
"Can backups, etc, generated from a maintenance plan in Yukon have the same file name instead of a unique name?”
I can't find any information on this specifically, although I know that one of the plan steps you can create is just a T-SQL step, where it launches whatever script you want to launch. That could be a BACKUP DATABASE MyDatabaseName TO DISK = '\\MyServerName\Backups\MyDatabaseName.bak' (or a disk location, or some other defined device)With options to append or overwrite, etc.
Greetings!
Here is the promised “Best of” Q&A from the webcast I delivered yesterday (Aug 24, 2005) on Windows Server 2003 System Administration (Part 2 of 2).
A huge THANK YOU to Harold Wong and Kelley DuBois for handling the Q&A. They get most of the credit for these awesome answers.
Cheers!-Kevin
“The website for MBSA says that it is designed for small to medium sized business. Is there a reason it's not for large?”
It's a question of scale. If you have over 2000 nodes you want to move to a higher end management system like SMS that will scale out to support networks of that size.
“Can you scan for a list of servers in a text file?”
Not in the GUI interface. You can, however, use the command-line version that is installed with it, MBSACLI.EXE. This one can allow you to script scans of a list of machines.
“I can't find an article at this moment, but it is mbsacli.exe /listfile targets.txt - you can check it by quering mbsacli.exe with /? Parameter”
YES! Using the command line you can script it. See http://www.microsoft.com/technet/Security/tools/mbsa1/scripts.mspx
“Any areas/uses in which MBSA beats 3rd party security scanners like Retina or XSpider?”
We can not comment on the efficiency of third party scan tools. MBSA is offered as a free resource for our customers. If budget is less of a consideration for you, we would encourage you to compare third party solutions and based on cost and feature sets select the solution that does what you want it to do.
“WSUS work like GPs?”
No, the difference is that WSUS enables IT administrators to deploy the latest Microsoft product updates to Microsoft Windows Server 2000, Windows Server 2003, and Windows XP operating systems. By using WSUS, administrators can fully manage the distribution of updates that are released through Microsoft Update to computers in their network. Policies, on the other hand, allow for settings to be applied to all machines, and for those that are part of a domain, an administrator can use the application of Group Policy objects to set policies that apply across a given site, domain, or organizational units (OUs) in the Active Directory® directory service.
“Any timelines for when WSUS scanning technology will be able to detect and deploy to apps like Visual Studio 2003, ISA Server, PowerPoint Producer, etc? KB 895660 details where WSUS technology is lacking. . http://support.microsoft.com/?scid=kb;en-us;895660 ”
The dev team is working to expand the functionality of WSUS in new and appropriate ways. We have no public timeframe for a new release or update of the current system.
“Does MOM have the capabilities to handle Updates?”
Use MOM to monitor and report on your network Use SMS to deploy updates http://www.microsoft.com/mom/evaluation/faqs/default.mspx#ECAAA
“What build of WSUS is he using?”
Using the most recent downloadable version – WSUS 1.0
“Does a computer (standalone) have to be joined to a domain to be under a WSUS servers control?”
No, the machines are never under the control of the WSUS server, rather the clients configured to use WSUS request pull updates from the server at the scheduled interval. Configure your non-domain machines in the local security policy to point to your WSUS server.
“Can the WSUS server update itself?”
Yes. It’s a good idea, though to make sure that the server is fully updated before WSUS is loaded.
“Do the users computers have to be logged on as local admins to install updates using WSUS?”
No. See http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=3BA03939-A5A9-407B-A4B0-1290BA5182F8&displaylang=en
“Does SMS do uninstall of applications easily too? For instance weather bug! :)”
Sure can...If you choose Specify a Custom Command Line, on the Custom Command Line page that appears, type the new run command line (which should be the command that is installed on the client and executes the application from the server). Then, if you have created an uninstall script and registered the program with Add/Remove Programs, type the Uninstall key. For more information, see "Setting Up Removal for Client Applications" later in this chapter. When you click Next, the wizard displays the Migration Status page. For more information, see "Analyzing and Migrating Individual Programs" earlier in this chapter.
“Sorry If I missed this, but do all the applications need to be installed on the sms server to create the package? Or is there a package client for creating the packages on another computer?”
Check out http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/sms/sms2003/opsguide/ops_75tj.mspxfor details on how to create a package in SMS.
“How much does MOM 2005 cost?”
See http://www.microsoft.com/mom/howtobuy/default.mspxfor details---in the $500-$1000 range
“Where can we find those [MOM Management] packs?”
Management packs are provided by the vendor. So Microsoft provides a variety of packs for our products and many third party vendors have created packs for MOM, in those cases contact the vendor.
“For instance SQL Server 2000 and BizTalk server 2002 and 2004.”
See the catalog http://www.microsoft.com/management/mma/catalog.aspx
“Does MOM require SMS?”
No, but they go great together.
“So, a MOM+LanDesk combination would work fine?”
I am unfamiliar with that product but if it is a management system—yes.
The SBS Support team has launched their own blog, with the promise of doing a podcast in the near future, too.
And here is their first post.
Of course you might also want to subscribe to the “SBS Diva”.
SQL Server 2005 Tidbit 006
SQL Server 2005 Tidbit 6...
"Will linked servers work between different versions of SQL Server? i.e. SQL Server 2000 and Yukon and vice versa.”
Yes.—
…or for anyone who wants to learn more about the tools available for Security Update management, there is what looks to be a very useful webcast getting into greater detail about using MBSA 2.0, WSUS, and SMS going on tomorrow.
“Hey! Those are three of the four topics you discuss today!”
Right! My session (a part of the Windows Server 2003 Administration Webcast Series) is an introduction to these tools, showing you some of the basics. The session tomorrow (a part of the Management Webcast Series) will focus more on using these tools together specifically for the sake of Security and managing the roll-out of updates.
Here are the details:
Thursday, August 25, 200511:00 A.M.–12:30 P.M. Pacific Time
View this top-rated breakout session from Microsoft Tech·Ed 2005 in Orlando, Florida, and learn about Microsoft's strategy for update management.
SQL Server 2005 Tidbit 005
SQL Server 2005 Tidbit number FIVE..
"Can 2005 Express be part of the multiserver environment? In SQL Server 2000, target servers running MSDE cannot be enlisted.”
According to the SQL Server 2005 Express information page (http://www.microsoft.com/sql/express/default.mspx), SQL Express can participate as a Transactional and Merge Replication Subscriber, as a client for the SQL Service Broker, and will support distributed transactions. Sweet!
Greetings! Here are the promised resources for the webcast I delivered on Aug 24, 2005 on Windows Server 2003 Administration (Part 2 of 2). Official Content session number TNT1–126.
Hope you find these links useful!
Kevin
Kevin’s TNT1–126 Additional Resources
Download MBSA 2.0
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=1&SrcDisplayLang=en&SrcCategoryId=&SrcFamilyId=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3fFamilyID%3d4b4aba06-b5f9-4dad-be9d-7b51ec2e5ac9%26DisplayLang%3den
MBSA 2.0 Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/Security/tools/mbsa2/qa.mspx
Step-by-Step Guide to getting started with WSUS
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=3BA03939-A5A9-407B-A4B0-1290BA5182F8&displaylang=en
Deploying Microsoft Windows Server Update Services
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=E99C9D13-63E0-41CE-A646-EB36F1D3E987&displaylang=en
WSUS System Requirements
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/updateservices/evaluation/sysreqs.mspx
WSUS Data Sheet
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/updateservices/evaluation/datasheet.mspx
WSUS Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/updateservices/evaluation/faqs.mspx
WSUS Operations Guide
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=E26BCDB4-EF0B-4399-8A71-9B3B00C4F4CD&displaylang=en
SMS Product Overview
http://www.microsoft.com/smserver/evaluation/default.mspx
SMS Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.microsoft.com/smserver/evaluation/faq/default.mspx
Microsoft Operations Manager – Product Overview
http://www.microsoft.com/mom/evaluation/overview/default.mspx
MOM 2005 Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.microsoft.com/mom/evaluation/faqs/default.mspx
MOM 2005 Overview Demo
http://www.microsoft.com/mom/evaluation/demo/mom2k5.mspx
Free Live TechNet Events
http://www.technetevents.com
TechNet Events Bloggers
http://www.techneteventsbloggers.net
Microsoft TechNet
http://www.microsoft.com/technet
Official Series Content Resource Page
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/tnt1-121
Free Windows Server 2003 Virtual Labs:http://www.microsoft.com/technet/traincert/virtuallab/windowsserver2003.mspx
Windows Server 2003 Evaluation kit:http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/evaluation/trial/evalkit.mspx
Windows Server 2003 Training and Events:http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/techinfo/training/default.mspx
Microsoft Events page:
http://www.microsoft.com/events
As you know, a new CTP (Community Technology Preview… call it a Beta) of the next Service Pack (SP2) is available for Microsoft Exchange Server 2003.
My friend and colleague Keith “KingCobra” Combs has posted an excellent description of one of the key new anti-spam features, the Sender ID Framework.
Give it a read! He includes some very useful hints and links to tools for troubleshooting as well.
SQL Server 2005 Tidbit 004
Another one! Number four…
This tidbit comes as a result of a question an attendee from one of our live TechNet Events emailed me.
"We have a multiserver environment with one master server and twenty-four instances of SQL Server as target servers. Will multiserver work in a multi-versioned environment? In other words, if I upgrade the master server to Yukon, will it still be able to download instructions, etc., to the target servers if they are running SQL Server 2000? If one of the target servers is upgraded to Yukon, will the master server running SQL Server 2000 choke?”
It's important to upgrade whatever server you're using as the central distributor first. That's where the services run. Once that's done, though, it doesn't matter which of the others you upgrade next. 2000 publishers can talk to 2005 subscribers, and vice versa.
This Wednesday, August 24, 2005, I’m delivering Part 2 of the two-part webcast set on Windows Server 2003 System Administration. We’ll be covering:
Here is the link to register for Part 2.
And if you missed it, Part 1 is available for On-Demand viewing HERE.
See you there!
SQL Server 2005 Tidbit 003
Tidbit time! Number 3…
"Can SQL Server 7.0 be upgraded directly to Yukon? Or does 7.0 need to be upgraded to SQL Server 2000 first? And what are my options with MSDE 7.0?”
No, you can't upgrade SQL Server 7 directly to SQL 2005. First 7.0 needs to be upgraded to 2000. However, if you do a new installation (either on another computer or even side-by-side on your existing SQL 7 server), it will automatically upgrade the metadata of the databases by either doing a backup/restore, database copy, or even a detach / attach of your old database onto the new server. So your databases will be upgraded and usable right away. This is true of SQL 7 databases as well.And remember also that you have "backward compatibility levels" you can set for your database that will allow older T-SQL to run. (65, 70, 80, or the new 90 level). This only affects T-SQL, however. Other constructs may still need to be tweaked. (Actually, there is even a 60 compatibility level, but those databases can't be managed in the management studio.)
The same is true for an upgrade-in-place. The database metadata will be upgraded, but the data itself remains where it was.
This video is fantastic!
http://www.virtualearthinfo.com/video.asp
I am really excited for this product – especially when they get more up-to-date photos. Example: This is my neighborhood, but taken 10 years ago when it was still farmland.
Interesting survey results on blogging, readers, and RSS. Found on BloggersBlog.com…
Blogging and readership are growing. MSN Spaces is growing in a BIG way. (Hooray for our team. )
“What’s the bad news?”
50% of regular blog readers don’t know what RSS stands for (no, it’s not “Rocket Science Surgery”) let alone how to use it to pull posts they’re interested in.
“So?”
So?!
<soapbox>
The beauty of RSS is that you control the channel. That means that instead of going back to a web site over and over again to find something new, you can (or should be able to) capture a link and set up something that will automatically TELL YOU when something is new or interesting to YOU.
And here’s the kicker… I am really passionate about building and supporting the IT Pro community. (Been there, done that, and now I want to give IT Pros all the help and resources I can.) And part of my focus in doing that is in letting people know about our events (live, webcasts, whatever). Microsoft and I can’t email all of you without seriously invading your privacy. And perhaps you have unknowingly opted-out of receiving any emails from Microsoft letting you know when we’ll be coming to your area.
So what if I were to give you a way to control the channel in terms of getting notified about certain events? You could set up a news aggregator (I happen to love SharpReader.. and it’s free) and insert the feed link there… a feed that will only notify you when an event near you or that you find interesting has been scheduled.
“Sounds cool… but really, what benefits will I see from this?”
How about this:
“Sweet! Sign me up!”
No no no.. Weren’t you paying attention? You’re empowered to do that yourself! We’re still improving the ways you can do this, but right now you can actually go to www.technetevents.com, www.techneteventsbloggers.net, or www.microsoft.com/webcasts and find lots of RSS feeds – some you can even customize for events coming your area!
So.. get a reader, go to our sites, get some links, and be connected!
</soapbox>
Who dressed this guy?
Just in time for Back to School, this demo is quite amazing.
And here’s where you can get the free Education Pack mentioned.
At first I was thinking I shouldn’t let my kids watch it – but now I think it was probably dangerous for their Father to see it, too.
(Credit to Tyme for posting about this.)
SQL Server 2005 Tidbit 002
Ready for another tidbit?
"Are online restore and online index only available in Enterprise Edition? Do you have a document that lists which features are available in each edition?”
Online Restore and Online Index are only available in Enterprise Edition. Here is a page that spells out the features and what editions they're a part of in great detail.http://www.microsoft.com/sql/2005/productinfo/sql2005features.mspx