SQL Server's snapshot replication technology allows you to automatically transfer information between multiple SQL Server databases. This technology is a great way to improve the performance and/or reliability of your databases.

Read the full article: Snapshot Replication in Microsoft SQL Server

In a recent forum message, Sam Eskridge wrote:

"I have an Access 2007 database for student registration and tracking that would ideally be run from the web with a data access page. Access 2007 no longer supports DAP's and my organization cannot drop the database back to Access 2003 and use DAP's in that program.

Are there any third-party services through which I can have the database hosted? I will have about thirty (30) users in dispersed locations. Are there any alternatives for supporting a multi-user database?"

Do you have any advice for Sam? Interested in solutions to the same problem? Join the discussion in the About Databases forum!

The true power of relational databases lies in their ability to track relationships (hence the name!) between data elements. However, many database users don't understand how to take advantage of this functionality and simply use Access as an advanced spreadsheet. In this tutorial, we'll walk through the process of creating a relationship between two tables in an Access database.

Read the full tutorial.

All too often, database tables contain cryptic column headings that don't make sense to users outside of a company's IT department. Fortunately, SQL provides a mechanism that allows us to change the headings displayed in query output for enhanced readability.

Read the full article: Renaming Columns in SQL Query Results

Have trouble remembering function names or arguments in Microsoft Access? We all do! Access' Expression Builder is a great tool that walks you through the process of creating expressions for your forms, tables, reports and queries while keeping a handy reference at your fingertips.

Read the full article: Expression Builder in Microsoft Access

In a recent forum message, Jay S wrote:

"Does anyone know why MS Access closes whenever you try to work in the VBA module? I tried reinstalling it but received the same error. I tried different operating systems, some it will work on but other times it will not.

The error message is that "Microsft Access needs to close".

If anyone can help that would be great!"

Can you help Jay? Interested in solutions to the same problem? Join the discussion in the About Databases forum

The Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist program provides database professionals with an opportunity to showcase their SQL Server skills. If you'd like to prove your prowess to a prospective employer, take a step up the career ladder in your current job, or simply earn a nice certificate to hang on the wall, the MCTS credential may be a great step for you.


Read about the MCTS Certification Program.
Learn about other database certification programs

SQL Server allows you to automatically notify database administrators when unusual circumstances occur. This powerful alerting mechanism enables 24-hour monitoring of your database performance without staffing a 24-hour operations center.



Read the tutorial: Creating Alerts with SQL Server Agent

Once you've configured a distributor and created a publication, the last step in configuring SQL Server replication is to create a subscriber who will receive publication updates from the publisher. In this tutorial, we walk through the process of subscribing to a publication, step-by-step. The process may be accomplished either at the publisher or the subscriber.

Read the full article: Subscribing to a SQL Server Publication

CHECK constraints allow you to limit the types of data that users may insert in a database. They go beyond data types and allow you to define the specific values that may be included in a column.

Read the full article: CHECK Constraints in Microsoft SQL Server 2008