Welcome to the Stedman Solutions Blog: Your Go-To Resource for SQL Server Insights
If you’re a SQL Server enthusiast, an IT professional tasked with managing databases, or a business owner who relies on SQL Server for mission-critical applications, you’ve come to the right place. The Stedman Solutions Blog is designed to share practical, real-world knowledge and tips to help you get the most out of your SQL Server environment.
At Stedman Solutions, LLC, we’ve been working with SQL Server since 1990, focusing on performance tuning, troubleshooting, and long-term database health. This blog is an extension of that expertise, crafted to serve as a resource hub for the SQL Server community.
What You’ll Find on Our Blog
1. SQL Server Tips and Tutorials
From fundamental concepts to advanced topics like performance tuning and query optimization, we aim to demystify SQL Server with tutorials and examples. Whether you’re just getting started or are looking for expert insights, you’ll find articles tailored to your level of expertise.
2. Case Studies and Real-World Scenarios
Discover how our team has solved challenging SQL Server issues, including database corruption repair, performance bottlenecks, and high-availability configuration. These real-world stories illustrate the value of specialized SQL Server knowledge.
3. Best Practices for SQL Server Management
Learn strategies for keeping your SQL Server environment secure, reliable, and high-performing. From regular maintenance routines to disaster recovery planning, we’ll share actionable advice to protect your data.
4. Updates on SQL Server Tools and Features
Stay current with the latest developments in the SQL Server ecosystem. We’ll provide insights on new features, updates, and tools that can enhance your database operations.
5. Behind-the-Scenes Look at Stedman Solutions
We’re passionate about SQL Server, and our blog offers a glimpse into our projects, team culture, and the tools we use every day—like our Database Health Monitor, a free tool for monitoring and improving SQL Server performance.
Why Follow the Stedman Solutions Blog?
Our blog is more than just another technical resource. It’s a place where we share knowledge gained from decades of experience and hundreds of successful client engagements. By following our blog, you’ll gain insights that can:
- Help you solve SQL Server challenges faster.
- Prevent costly downtime and data loss.
- Enhance your skills with practical guidance.
Let’s Get Started!
We invite you to explore our latest posts and subscribe to stay updated. Whether you’re interested in proactive SQL Server management, advanced tuning techniques, or simply looking to keep your environment running smoothly, the Stedman Solutions Blog is here to help.
For more in-depth support or to learn about our Managed Services, contact us today. Let’s take the stress out of SQL Server management together!
Explore our blog today at Stedman Solutions Blog. Let’s build better databases, one post at a time!
- TSQL Output Clause CourseThe output clause is one of the wow factor query items, where when people see you use it the just go WOW, I did not know you could do that. I can remember working with a client and showing that to them and getting that same reaction of WOW. Have you seen our SQL short… Read More »TSQL Output Clause Course
- SQL Server Connections by Database: Who Owns the Count?When the instance connection total jumps, SQL Server connections by database shows which application is holding them. Here is how to read the split.
- The SQL Login Nobody Remembers: Finding Accounts With the Password Policy Turned OffVendor installers leave behind SQL logins with CHECK_POLICY off, which means no complexity, no expiry and no lockout. Here is why they survive every review, what they cost, and how to fix them without breaking the application.
- Master Database Size: Read This Row Before the MegabytesIs your master database size normal? Read the object count first, then the used and free split in each file, and only then the file size itself.
- SQL Join Types PosterLearn more about the Join Types poster. Compatible with SQL Server (TSQL) and MySQL. Check out the poster, it is a versatile, print-on-demand resource which you can customize according to your preference of size. This tool has been tailored to serve as a useful reference for both SQL Server developers and database administrators, simplifying the… Read More »SQL Join Types Poster
- Availability Group Lag: What a Failover Would Cost YouGreen in the dashboard does not mean safe to fail over. See how availability group lag turns into data loss and redo time, and where to measure each.
- Empower Your Projects with our Skilled DBAs and Programmers: A Comprehensive SolutionWith a technical team of 5 people with well over 100 years of combined experience we are available to help with your next project. Our team of highly experienced Database Administrators (DBAs) and programmers is uniquely qualified to support and elevate your projects. They bring an array of expertise to the table, each with their… Read More »Empower Your Projects with our Skilled DBAs and Programmers: A Comprehensive Solution
- SQL Code Smells: Unindexed Range PredicatesWhen a query filters a large table on a range, like a date window, and no index supports that range, SQL Server scans the table. Put that scan inside a subquery that gets joined to other inputs, and a query that should take seconds can run for hours. In a recent case, one covering index… Read More »SQL Code Smells: Unindexed Range Predicates
- SSRS Shared Dataset Report: What to Read FirstOpen an SSRS shared dataset report and the biggest number is the wrong place to look. Here is the order that finds broken reports and dead datasets.
- Unlock the Full Potential of Your SQL Server with Stedman Solutions Managed ServicesUnlock the Full Potential of Your SQL Server with Stedman Solutions’ Managed Services In today’s fast-paced world, your SQL Server database is more crucial than ever. It’s the powerhouse behind your most critical operations. That’s where Stedman Solutions, LLC, steps in. We offer flexible, fully managed services tailored to the unique demands of your SQL… Read More »Unlock the Full Potential of Your SQL Server with Stedman Solutions Managed Services
- SQL Server Memory Usage: Where Did All the RAM Go?Task Manager says SQL Server ate all the RAM. Here is how to read SQL Server memory usage as three nested layers and find the pressure that actually hurts.
- SQL Server Query Slow When Busy? Find Out Which KindIs a SQL Server query slow when busy because of its plan or because of its neighbors? Compare quiet and busy Query Store intervals to find out in minutes.
- Database Health Monitor Version 4 Instance Reports Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 17Database Health Monitor Version 4 Instance Reports Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 17 In Season 3, Episode 17 of the Stedman SQL Server Podcast, Steve Stedman and George Stedman explore the powerful Instance Reports in Database Health Monitor Version 4, demonstrating how SQL Server DBAs and IT professionals can quickly identify performance bottlenecks, troubleshoot… Read More »Database Health Monitor Version 4 Instance Reports Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 17
- Deadlock Heat Map: Find the Hour Your Deadlocks HitA deadlock heat map shows which hour and day your SQL Server deadlocks cluster, so you can find the colliding job instead of guessing from one graph.
- Query Store Stopped Collecting? How to Tell FastQuery Store stopped collecting, and nothing told you. Here is how to prove whether the history behind your tuning reports is really there, and fix it.
- SQL Server Backup Status: Beyond the Last Backup DateSQL Server backup status is more than a last backup date. See how exposure, log chains and the restore sequence show what you would really lose.
- Query Store Plan Instability: Why It Was Fast YesterdayQuery Store plan instability hides behind plans that cost the same. Here is how to measure how long a plan lasts and which queries keep flipping.
- Which Hour of the Day Is Slower Than It Used to Be?Which hour of the day is slower than it used to be? Sort Query Store history by hour and read each hour’s level and slope to find out.
- SQL Server Overview: The DMVs Behind Every NumberA SQL Server overview is built from DMVs that reset, accumulate and exclude things. Here is what each number counts, and what it quietly leaves out.
- Top 10 Techniques to Turbocharge Your SQL Server PerformanceFor the month of October you will receive a free year of our SQL Server Daily Monitoring with the purchase of a SQL Server Assessment. Top 10 Techniques to Turbocharge Your SQL Server Performance Understanding how to optimize your SQL Server performance is crucial for ensuring your applications and data-driven processes run smoothly. In this… Read More »Top 10 Techniques to Turbocharge Your SQL Server Performance
- Three Quiet Failures Your Monitoring Probably Misses: Service Broker, Unprotected Columns and Analysis ServicesSome of the most costly SQL Server failures raise no error at all. Here are three of them, and how Database Health Monitor 4.1626 now finds each one.
- SQL Server Deadlock History: Find What CollidesA deadlock count tells you there is a problem. SQL Server deadlock history grouped by object and statement pair tells you what to change. Here is how to read it.
- Daily Monitoring ProductA great way to keep tabs on the overall health of your SQL Server. Pricing: $129.99 per month per SQL Server instance when paid month to month. Payment on a recurring payment by credit card plan required. We provide monitoring tools that alert us when there is an issue so that we can recommend fixes… Read More »Daily Monitoring Product
- SQL Server Triggers: What Fires When Your Table Is WrittenA write that is slow, deadlocks, or corrupts rows may be hitting SQL Server triggers nobody remembers. Here is how to see what fires, and what to fix first.
- Optimizing Efficiency and Security: The Power of an SQL Server Health AssessmentIn today’s fast-paced technology landscape, businesses depend on efficient and secure data management to stay competitive. An SQL Server health assessment plays a crucial role in ensuring that your systems are running optimally, safeguarded from vulnerabilities, and prepared for future growth. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the importance of performing an SQL Server… Read More »Optimizing Efficiency and Security: The Power of an SQL Server Health Assessment
- Full year of Daily SQL Monitoring FREE with purchaseOctober Special at Stedman Solutions: Receive a Year of Free SQL Server Monitoring! For a limited time this October, Stedman Solutions is excited to announce an unbeatable offer. When you purchase a SQL Server Assessment, we’ll provide a full year of our renowned SQL Server Daily Monitoring service at no additional cost. We can help!https://stedman.us/performance… Read More »Full year of Daily SQL Monitoring FREE with purchase
- Reading the SQL Server Error Log Before It Reads YouThe SQL Server error log holds the evidence for your last outage. Here is how to read archives, group the noise, and spot 825 and 18456 fast.
- Common Reasons you may need to restore from backupsOur Backup and Restore Course is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of SQL Server backup strategies, restoration processes, and best practices. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced DBA, this course covers everything from simple database backups to advanced techniques like transaction log backups, point-in-time recovery, and disaster recovery planning. Learn how to… Read More »Common Reasons you may need to restore from backups
- The Questions Your SQL Server Estate Could Not Answer Until Now: Cost, Licensing, Sensitive Data and RiskCost per database, unused Enterprise features, where personal data lives, whether servers can be consolidated, and what is about to run out. Database Health Monitor 4.1625 turns those days of manual digging into a report.
- Datacenter failure, can you get your backups?Our Backup and Restore Course is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of SQL Server backup strategies, restoration processes, and best practices. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced DBA, this course covers everything from simple database backups to advanced techniques like transaction log backups, point-in-time recovery, and disaster recovery planning. Learn how to… Read More »Datacenter failure, can you get your backups?
- Why SQL Server CPU Pressure Isn’t What Task Manager ShowsTask Manager’s CPU percentage hides real CPU pressure. Learn which SQL Server counter shows it and what a healthy loaded server actually looks like.
- What’s Really Driving Your ReportServer Database SizeReportServer database size rarely grows from report definitions. See which tables, in the catalog and its temp database, actually reserve the space.
- Are you ready to restore those backups?In our data-driven world, having a reliable backup for your SQL Server data is just half the battle; knowing how to effectively recover that data is equally vital. Stedman’s SQL Server Backup and Recovery Course is designed to equip you with not just the skills to back up your data, but more importantly, to recover… Read More »Are you ready to restore those backups?
- The SQL Server Residual Predicate Hiding in Your PlanA SQL Server residual predicate lets an index seek report success while it reads and discards most of the rows it touched. Here’s how to find it.
- What Is in Master, and What a Rebuild Would LoseWhat is in master often surprises the team that has to rebuild it: credentials, triggers, and startup procedures nobody documented.
- Azure SQL Health Monitor Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 15Azure SQL Health Monitor Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 15 Join Steve Stedman and Mitchell Glasscock for Season 3, Episode 16 of the Stedman SQL Podcast as they introduce Azure SQL Health Monitor, a powerful new addition to Database Health Monitor Version 4. Discover how to identify Azure SQL performance bottlenecks, diagnose CPU and… Read More »Azure SQL Health Monitor Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 15
- What a 515-Bug-Fix Release Says About the SQL Server Estate You Cannot SeeDatabase Health Monitor 4.1540 adds 63 reports, 25 features and 515 bug fixes. Here is what that release actually means for a consulting practice or an in-house team responsible for more SQL Server instances than they can watch by hand.
- What Changed in the Query Plan Before It Got SlowerSee what changed in the query plan the moment SQL Server switches to a new one, lane by lane, before you force the old plan back.
- Who Gets SQL Server Email? Nobody Can Tell YouWho gets SQL Server email? Operators are only part of the answer. Learn how to find every address, the leavers and the dead mailboxes.
- Ransomware attack and your backup and recovery planRecovering from a ransomware attack is a critical aspect of backup and recovery for SQL Server. Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts files and demands payment in exchange for the decryption key. Ransomware attacks can cause significant damage to your organization’s data, and recovering from these attacks can be challenging. To recover… Read More »Ransomware attack and your backup and recovery plan
- Is This Index Still Used? Read the Trend, Not the TotalIs this index still used? A lifetime read count cannot say. Here is how a per-index trend line catches an index that went silent weeks ago.
- Backup and Restore Course OverviewOur Backup and Restore Course is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of SQL Server backup strategies, restoration processes, and best practices. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced DBA, this course covers everything from simple database backups to advanced techniques like transaction log backups, point-in-time recovery, and disaster recovery planning. Learn how to… Read More »Backup and Restore Course Overview
- Your SQL Server Maintenance Window Is a Guess. Measure ItMost SQL Server maintenance window schedules are typed in once and never checked. Here is how to measure the quiet hours instead of guessing at them.
- Why Your SQL Server Backups Are More Crucial Than You Think: Lessons from the FrontlinesHello everyone, today, I want to talk about something near and dear to my heart: SQL Server backups. Trust me when I say that having a reliable backup is the guardian angel you never knew you needed until disaster strikes. Here’s why. The Reality of Emergency SQL Server Responses At Stedman Solutions, a portion of… Read More »Why Your SQL Server Backups Are More Crucial Than You Think: Lessons from the Frontlines
- Why Is One Execution Plan Slower Than Another?Why is one execution plan slower than another for the same SQL Server query? See which Query Store measures explain the gap, not just duration.
- How to Find Offline Database Files in SQL ServerSee offline database files, growth settings, and volumes for every database on an instance, even ones that are offline, restoring, or suspect.
- Recovering from a ransomware attackRecovering from a ransomware attack is a crucial aspect of backup and recovery for SQL Server, and it deserves a closer look. Ransomware attacks have become increasingly common and are a growing concern for many organizations. These attacks can cause significant damage to data, result in system downtime, and even disrupt business operations. Preventing ramsomware… Read More »Recovering from a ransomware attack
- Recovering from accidental data deletesOur Backup and Restore Course is designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of SQL Server backup strategies, restoration processes, and best practices. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced DBA, this course covers everything from simple database backups to advanced techniques like transaction log backups, point-in-time recovery, and disaster recovery planning. Learn how to… Read More »Recovering from accidental data deletes
- A Password Protected SSIS Package Can Stall a MigrationA password protected SSIS package can stall a migration for days. Here is how to find every one hiding inside msdb first.
- Why Your Management Data Warehouse Stopped UpdatingA management data warehouse can stop updating while its Agent jobs still show green. Here’s where SQL Server keeps the real failure text.
- What a SQL Server Index Health Score Really Tells YouSQL Server index health is more than a fragmentation percentage: one score with its reasons, backed by ten indexing reports rolled into cards.
- SQL Server Index Fragmentation: Stop Chasing the PercentSQL Server index fragmentation percentage can be misleading. Here is the number that actually predicts what a rebuild will buy you, and where to find it.
- SQL Server LOB Columns in Indexes Are Costing You DiskSQL Server LOB columns in indexes duplicate data on disk. Here’s how to find every one, measure the cost, and know which are safe to remove.
- Database Health Monitor V4 Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 14Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 14 Database Health Monitor Version 4 Database Health Monitor Version 4 is here, and it’s one of the biggest updates we’ve ever made! In Season 3, Episode 14 of the Stedman SQL Podcast, Steve Stedman, George Stedman, and Mitchell Glasscock take a tour through what’s new in Database Health… Read More »Database Health Monitor V4 Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 14
- Backup and recovery for SQL ServerAs a database professional, you know how critical it is to have a solid backup and recovery plan in place for your SQL Server environment. Whether you’re dealing with accidental data deletes, ransomware attacks, disk failures, or complete datacenter outages, having a well-planned backup and recovery strategy is essential to ensure that your organization can… Read More »Backup and recovery for SQL Server
- Database Health Monitor Version 4 Has Been ReleasedWe’re excited to announce that Database Health Monitor Version 4 is now available! Version 4 represents one of the biggest updates to Database Health Monitor since its original release. While the most obvious change is the completely redesigned interface, this release goes far beyond a visual refresh. We’ve rebuilt and improved nearly every part of… Read More »Database Health Monitor Version 4 Has Been Released
- What SQL Server Suspect Pages Are Trying to Tell YouSQL Server suspect pages sit quietly in msdb until a disk finally fails. Learn what each event means and how to tell damage from a fix.
- SQL Server Scalar UDF Inlining: Free Speed You’re MissingSQL Server scalar UDF inlining can erase a function’s cost entirely, or it can silently never fire. Here is how to see which is true for yours.
- Happy Labor DayIn observance of the US federal holiday Labor Day, Stedman Solutions, LLC will be closed for the first Monday in September. As the founder of Stedman Solutions, LLC, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Team members for everything they do every day. If you need emergency help during this… Read More »Happy Labor Day
- How to Find Local SQL Server Instances Without GuessingSee how Database Health Monitor can find local SQL Server instances automatically, so you are not guessing a name during an incident.
- Why Your SQL Server Alert History Is Full of NoiseHundreds of alert emails don’t mean hundreds of problems. Learn to read SQL Server alert history before you touch a single threshold.
- Reserved Versus Used Space: What Your Tables HideSee reserved versus used space for every table in your database, and find exactly which one is wasting space you could reclaim today.
- Backup and recovery relating to disk failureRecovering from disk failure is a critical aspect of backup and recovery for SQL Server. A disk failure can occur due to a variety of reasons such as hardware failure, power outages, or natural disasters. When a disk failure occurs, it can result in data loss, system downtime, and even business disruption. To mitigate the… Read More »Backup and recovery relating to disk failure
- How to Track SQL Server Table Size Before It Surprises YouSee SQL Server table size ranked across every table, spot which ones dominate the database, and know before a restore or migration bites.
- Find Patterns in Your SQL Server Blocking HistorySee your SQL Server blocking history as an hour-by-day heat map, so a recurring problem shows up as a pattern instead of a guess.
- The Importance of SQL Server Backup and Recovery: Learn from ExpertsIn the wise words of Benjamin Franklin, “If You Fail to Plan, You Are Planning to Fail.” This timeless adage holds particular relevance when it comes to safeguarding your SQL Server databases. A failure to adequately prepare for data loss scenarios—be it due to hardware malfunctions, data corruption, or increasingly prevalent ransomware attacks—can have devastating… Read More »The Importance of SQL Server Backup and Recovery: Learn from Experts
- SQL Server Waits by Query: Find What’s Actually SlowSee SQL Server waits by query, split into CPU time and wait categories, so you know whether to tune the query or fix what is blocking it.
- A Sneak Peek at the Backup and Recovery Course“Oh yes of course I have SQL Server backups” Take another look. Do they fit your needs? About 40% of new customers we meet do not have adequate backups for their business! That’s 1 in 3 companies! Insufficiently meeting the business needs, the consequences of inadequate database backups can be perilous. Failing to align backups… Read More »A Sneak Peek at the Backup and Recovery Course
- September Promotion on my backup and recovery course.Hey there! Steve Stedman here, and I’m thrilled to announce a special sale on my Backup and Recovery Course for SQL Server! As a database professional, you understand the critical importance of having a solid backup and recovery plan. It’s the difference between a minor hiccup and a major catastrophe that could disrupt your entire… Read More »September Promotion on my backup and recovery course.
- Introducing SQL Server Mentoring: Your Shortcut to Expert GuidanceHey there, Steve Stedman here, ready to share some exciting news with you. At Stedman Solutions, we understand that sometimes all you need is a little assistance without committing to a long-term arrangement. That’s why we’ve developed our SQL Server Mentoring service to cater specifically to your needs. SQL Server Mentoring is the perfect blend… Read More »Introducing SQL Server Mentoring: Your Shortcut to Expert Guidance
- Logical Reads vs. Physical ReadsIf you’ve spent time tuning SQL Server queries, you may have seen these two numbers side by side: logical reads and physical reads. Maybe you have seen one or the other be some absurdly high number and didn’t think much of it. But in reality they could be eye openers on behind the scenes query… Read More »Logical Reads vs. Physical Reads
- LCK_M_RIn_S_LOW_PRIORITY Wait Type on SQL ServerUnderstanding the LCK_M_RIn_S_LOW_PRIORITY Wait Type in SQL Server In SQL Server, understanding wait types is crucial for diagnosing performance issues and improving database efficiency. One of the less commonly encountered wait types that can impact performance is LCK_M_RIn_S_LOW_PRIORITY. Let’s dive into what it means, the context in which it occurs, and how to mitigate this… Read More »LCK_M_RIn_S_LOW_PRIORITY Wait Type on SQL Server
- August special – SQL Server Mentoring (and more)At Stedman Solutions, we strive to offer flexible consulting services to our clients, ranging from fixed-price projects to ongoing hourly work. Each approach caters to different needs, but today I want to shed light on one of our unique services that has proven particularly beneficial for our clients – our mentoring packages. Here’s how our… Read More »August special – SQL Server Mentoring (and more)
- SQL Server Database Health Monitor: Job History, Problem Indexes & Backup ReportsFeatures in Database Health Monitor: Job History, Problem Indexes, and Backup Reports Managing a SQL Server environment requires constant attention to job activity, index health, and backup reliability. Without clear visibility into these areas, DBAs can easily miss scheduling conflicts, inefficient index configurations, or gaps in protection that lead to larger issues later. Database Health… Read More »SQL Server Database Health Monitor: Job History, Problem Indexes & Backup Reports
- Understanding Color Meanings in Database Health Monitor Charts for SQL Server PerformanceUnderstand SQL Server performance with Database Health Monitor’s color-coded charts. Learn red, green, and blue meanings for efficient database health.alth Monitor tool transforms complex data into accessible insights through its intuitive use of color-coded charts. These visual cues allow database administrators to quickly identify issues, track improvements, and maintain optimal performance with minimal effort. Each… Read More »Understanding Color Meanings in Database Health Monitor Charts for SQL Server Performance
- SQL Server Mentoring – We’ve got your back.Hey there, it’s Steve Stedman from Stedman Solutions. I’m reaching out today because I understand that, at times, we could all use a guiding hand without necessarily tying ourselves down to a lengthy commitment. And that’s exactly why we’ve introduced our SQL Server Mentoring service. Think of SQL Server Mentoring as a pocket-sized consultant, ready… Read More »SQL Server Mentoring – We’ve got your back.
- Expertise at Its Best: Unleashing the Power of our Experienced DBAs and ProgrammersWith a technical team of 5 people with well over 100 years of combined experience we are available to help with your next project. Our team of highly experienced Database Administrators (DBAs) and programmers is uniquely qualified to support and elevate your projects. They bring an array of expertise to the table, each with their… Read More »Expertise at Its Best: Unleashing the Power of our Experienced DBAs and Programmers
- How to Select the Best SQL Server Performance Tuning ConsultantHow to Choose a SQL Server Performance Tuning Consultant When your SQL Server starts to lag, with queries taking longer than expected or applications grinding to a halt, it’s a clear sign that Performance Tuning is needed. Hiring a SQL Server Performance Tuning consultant can be a game-changer, transforming your sluggish database into a high-performing… Read More »How to Select the Best SQL Server Performance Tuning Consultant
- Master Your SQL Projects with Stedman Solutions SQL Server MentoringWhether you’re diving into an exciting new SQL project or struggling with ongoing ones, there’s one resource that can provide the support you need to drive your project to successful completion—Stedman Solutions’ SQL Server Mentoring. We are here to offer unmatched expertise and insights, helping you navigate the challenging landscape of SQL Server with ease.… Read More »Master Your SQL Projects with Stedman Solutions SQL Server Mentoring
- Exclusive SQL Performance Tuning TrainingSteve and the team at Stedman Solutions, LLC have put together an email based performance tuning course where each week you can get tips and tricks to get more performance out of your SQL Server. Become part of this exclusive group of subscribers learning to put the horse power back into their SQL Server. What… Read More »Exclusive SQL Performance Tuning Training
- The Time-Saving Power of Line Numbers in SQL Server Management StudioThe Time-Saving Power of Line Numbers in SQL Server Management Studio The Time-Saving Power of Line Numbers in SQL Server Management Studio When working with SQL Server, small adjustments in your environment can lead to big improvements in productivity. One feature that often goes unnoticed in SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) is the use of… Read More »The Time-Saving Power of Line Numbers in SQL Server Management Studio
- What’s New in Database Health Monitor – August 2026 ReleaseVersion 1458 is now available. The headline addition is the new tray icon and Windows service, which lets you set up historic monitoring on servers where SQL Server Agent isn’t available to schedule the collection. Alongside that, there’s a new least-privilege role for granting access to monitoring data without granting sysadmin, several alerting enhancements, new… Read More »What’s New in Database Health Monitor – August 2026 Release
- Stedman Solutions, LLC Presents: The August Special on SQL Server MentoringWe are excited to announce our August special promotion tailor-made for those looking to hone their SQL skills and ensure their SQL servers operate at peak efficiency. Here’s the deal: When you sign up for our 4 or 8-hour SQL Server Mentoring program, you won’t just benefit from our comprehensive guidance and expertise. As a… Read More »Stedman Solutions, LLC Presents: The August Special on SQL Server Mentoring
- Exploring AI Tools for SQL Server WorkExploring AI Tools for SQL Server Work AI is everywhere right now, and there are a lot of interesting developments happening in this space. Tools like GROK, ChatGPT, and Copilot are making their way into the daily workflows of developers and DBAs. Each has its strengths, and depending on how you work, one might be… Read More »Exploring AI Tools for SQL Server Work
- Proactively Manage SQL Server Disk Space with the New Disk Space Forecast Report in Database Health MonitorDisk Space Forecast Report: Proactively Manage SQL Server Disk Space in Database Health Monitor As SQL Server DBAs, one of the most stressful surprises is a sudden “out of disk space” error, especially in production environments where backups, logs, and data growth can quickly fill drives. That’s why the Disk Space Forecast Report in Database… Read More »Proactively Manage SQL Server Disk Space with the New Disk Space Forecast Report in Database Health Monitor
- Join Types PosterI have been getting a lot of good feedback on twitter lately about the JOIN Types poster. Hi, Steve Stedman here, and I want to share with you a poster that I have created that provides a visual representation of the different join types in SQL Server. The poster is available at https://stedman.us/largePoster, and it… Read More »Join Types Poster
- Exclusive SQL Performance Tuning TrainingSteve and the team at Stedman Solutions, LLC have put together an email based performance tuning course where each week you can get tips and tricks to get more performance out of your SQL Server. Become part of this exclusive group of subscribers learning to put the horse power back into their SQL Server. What… Read More »Exclusive SQL Performance Tuning Training
- Need some help? We provide mentoringDo you aspire to refine your SQL Server abilities and elevate your professional standing? Your search ends here! Stedman Solutions’ SQL Server Mentoring offers an ideal solution for IT specialists keen on advancing their skillset. Our mentoring program is characterized by its personalized, interactive nature, ensuring you receive tailored guidance and support to maximize your… Read More »Need some help? We provide mentoring
- SQL Server MAXDOP Settings: Recommended Configurations and Best PracticesProper configuration of the Max Degree of Parallelism setting remains one of the most impactful yet frequently overlooked aspects of SQL Server performance tuning. This server-level option directly influences how queries are distributed across available processors, affecting everything from response times on large analytical workloads to overall throughput in busy transactional environments. Understanding its behavior… Read More »SQL Server MAXDOP Settings: Recommended Configurations and Best Practices
- August Promotion Mentoring includes Free Daily MonitoringFor the month of August we are running a promotion. When you purchase a 4 or 8 hour mentoring block with Stedman Solutions, you will receive 6 months of our Daily Monitoring product for free. The monitoring is over a $600 value. As an IT professional working on SQL projects, you may occasionally find yourself… Read More »August Promotion Mentoring includes Free Daily Monitoring
- SQL Code Smells: Non-Parameterized QueriesYour SQL Server is running hot. CPU is elevated, the plan cache is bloated, and queries that should be instant are taking seconds. You look at the query text and everything seems reasonable. The problem is not what the queries are doing. It is how they are being sent. Non-parameterized queries are one of the… Read More »SQL Code Smells: Non-Parameterized Queries
- 5 Things Every Junior DBA Should Know Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 12Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 13 5 Things Every Junior DBA Should Know In this episode, Mitchell Glasscock and George Stedman discuss the situations they have been faced with starting as Junior DBA’s and gaining knowledge and tips over the years. They explain the top 5 tips and tricks to make sure you don’t… Read More »5 Things Every Junior DBA Should Know Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 12
- Table Use Report in Database HealthJuly is Database Health Monitor Month! July has arrived, and it’s time to turn our attention to the heartbeat of our digital world – our databases! As the founder of Database Health and Stedman Solutions, I’m thrilled to proclaim this month as Database Health Monitor Month! This is our annual chance to celebrate the unsung… Read More »Table Use Report in Database Health
- The Feature That Prevents 2 AM Calls: How Database Health Monitor Forecasts Disk Capacity Problems Weeks in AdvanceDisk space exhaustion is one of the most preventable SQL Server emergencies in existence. Unlike hardware failures or unexpected query plan changes, disk space issues develop on a predictable trajectory. Databases grow. Log files accumulate. The available space decreases at a rate that is measurable, trackable, and extrapolatable into the future. There is no reason… Read More »The Feature That Prevents 2 AM Calls: How Database Health Monitor Forecasts Disk Capacity Problems Weeks in Advance
- Download Free Database Health Monitor for SQL Server TrialThe Database Health Monitor for SQL Server is available for download on our website, and the best part is that it’s a free trial ! The free download provides access to all the core features of the tool, including real-time monitoring, customizable dashboard, alerting system, and reporting capabilities. Download Today! The Database Health Monitor offers… Read More »Download Free Database Health Monitor for SQL Server Trial
- Monitor Wait Statistics and Blocking Queries for Better Database PerformanceEffective database performance often hinges on identifying and addressing the hidden delays that impact query execution. Wait statistics and blocking queries represent two of the most common yet overlooked sources of slowdowns, where resource contention can cascade into broader system inefficiencies if left unchecked. Database Health Monitor provides targeted visibility into these areas, enabling administrators… Read More »Monitor Wait Statistics and Blocking Queries for Better Database Performance
- SQL Server Database Health Monitor: Optimize Performance & Prevent IssuesSQL Server is the backbone of many critical business applications, and ensuring its performance and reliability is a top priority for database administrators. However, identifying potential issues before they escalate into major problems can be a daunting task without the right tools. That’s where a robust solution like the Database Health Monitor comes in, offering… Read More »SQL Server Database Health Monitor: Optimize Performance & Prevent Issues
- Database Health FeaturesJuly is Database Health Monitor Month! July has arrived, and it’s time to turn our attention to the heartbeat of our digital world – our databases! As the founder of Database Health and Stedman Solutions, I’m thrilled to proclaim this month as Database Health Monitor Month! This is our annual chance to celebrate the unsung… Read More »Database Health Features
- Load Testing with Query Loading Ramp Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 12Load Testing with Query Loading Ramp Stedman SQL Podcast SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 12 Steve Stedman and Mitchell Glasscock discuss the Query Loading Ramp feature of Database Health Monitor, a tool for load testing SQL queries. They demonstrate running a load test with 400 sessions, simulating real-world traffic, and identify performance issues. The test… Read More »Load Testing with Query Loading Ramp Stedman SQL Podcast Sn 3 Ep 12
- The Hidden Danger of Missing Primary Keys in SQL ServerThe Hidden Danger of Missing Primary Keys in SQL Server One of the most overlooked issues in SQL Server databases is missing primary keys. You might be surprised at how often I come across production databases—sometimes mission-critical ones—where tables don’t have a primary key defined. At first glance, this may seem like a minor oversight,… Read More »The Hidden Danger of Missing Primary Keys in SQL Server
