Microsoft SQL Server 2000 is a full-featured relational database management
system (RDBMS) that offers a variety of administrative tools to ease the burdens
of database development, maintenance and administration. In this article,
we'll cover six of the more frequently used tools: Enterprise Manager, Query
Analyzer, SQL Profiler, Service Manager, Data Transformation Services and Books
Online. Let's take a brief look at each:
Enterprise Manager is the main administrative console for SQL Server
installations. It provides you with a graphical "birds-eye" view
of all of the SQL Server installations on your network. You can perform
high-level administrative functions that affect one or more servers, schedule
common maintenance tasks or create and modify the structure of individual
databases.
Query Analyzer offers a quick and dirty method for performing queries
against any of your SQL Server databases. It's a great way to quickly pull
information out of a database in response to a user request, test queries before
implementing them in other applications, create/modify stored procedures and
execute administrative tasks.
SQL Profiler provides a window into the inner workings of your
database. You can monitor many different event types and observe database
performance in real time. SQL Profiler allows you to capture and replay
system "traces" that log various activities. It's a great tool
for optimizing databases with performance issues or troubleshooting particular
problems.
Service Manager is used to control the MSSQLServer (the main SQL
Server process), MSDTC (Microsoft Distributed Transaction Coordinator) and
SQLServerAgent processes. An icon for this service normally resides in the
system tray of machines running SQL Server. You can use Service Manager to
start, stop or pause any one of these services.
Data Transformation Services (DTS) provide an extremely flexible
method for importing and exporting data between a Microsoft SQL Server
installation and a large variety of other formats. The most commonly used
DTS application is the "Import and Export Data" wizard found in the
SQL Server program group.
Books Online is an often overlooked resource provided with SQL Server
that contains answers to a variety of administrative, development and
installation issues. It's a great resource to consult before turning to
the Internet or technical support.
Hopefully, this article has provided you with a brief introduction to the
various tools available to Microsoft SQL Server users. Now get out there
and give them a whirl!
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