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 Where do I start?

Author  Topic 

ewomack
Starting Member

33 Posts

Posted - 2009-10-30 : 17:57:27
Hello,

Where is a good place to start learning about SQL server administration? Any good websites (there appear to be many) or books that people have used? I'd like to work towards being a DBA and am not sure where to start...

Thank you!!

tkizer
Almighty SQL Goddess

38200 Posts

Posted - 2009-10-30 : 18:38:36
Well SQLTeam.com is the best website for SQL Server, so you've started in the right place. Without the knowledge I've gained here, I wouldn't be half the DBA that I am today.

Tara Kizer
Microsoft MVP for Windows Server System - SQL Server
http://weblogs.sqlteam.com/tarad/

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"Let's begin with the premise that everything you've done up until this point is wrong."
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afrika
Master Smack Fu Yak Hacker

2706 Posts

Posted - 2009-10-31 : 04:17:32
quote:
Originally posted by tkizer

Well SQLTeam.com is the best website for SQL Server, so you've started in the right place. Without the knowledge I've gained here, I wouldn't be half the DBA that I am today.





very funny, i laughed so much.

... but true, i started out on sitepoints & dbforums, but found out sqlteam had some amazing techies. Thats how i learnt DB design and some admin.
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masterdineen
Aged Yak Warrior

550 Posts

Posted - 2009-11-02 : 09:32:04
Yes this is a blinding site. Im learning to be a dba / developer . whatever job comes first.
I started studying from the microsoft self paced study books, and also asking questions on here.
I have learnt so much and now have my MCTS and half way on completing my MCITP dba route for sql server 2005.
I have found it very hard to land a job working with sql server. I have had countless interviews for
DBA and Developer roles. The only thing i get stuck on is the lack of commercial experience.

Good Luck To you ewomack

Regards

Rob
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ewomack
Starting Member

33 Posts

Posted - 2009-11-02 : 17:57:04
Thank you for your replies. I'll be sure to stick around here...
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russell
Pyro-ma-ni-yak

5072 Posts

Posted - 2009-11-02 : 23:22:45
MasterDineen, my advice is to (1) be a T-SQL Expert, (2) Learn the internals and (3) Learn Data Warehousing.

A lot of DBAs are quite raw with Data Warehousing, so this would be a huge advantage to you.

Expertise with SSIS is a good way to get your foot in the door too.

Good luck with your search
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tkizer
Almighty SQL Goddess

38200 Posts

Posted - 2009-11-02 : 23:51:24
DBAs typically don't know data warehousing since in large corporations that expertise falls under a different title.

Tara Kizer
Microsoft MVP for Windows Server System - SQL Server
http://weblogs.sqlteam.com/tarad/

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"Let's begin with the premise that everything you've done up until this point is wrong."
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masterdineen
Aged Yak Warrior

550 Posts

Posted - 2009-11-03 : 03:23:48
Thank you Russell for your advice.

I have learnt a large amount (tons) about sql server since i have been self studying. I will get there as i enjoy working with data and databases. Im just fed up and want a job now.

Once i have completed my MCITP DBA SqlServer2005, I am going to start
on the MCITP Developer cert for 2008. 70-433 & 70-451


Thank you again Russell

Regards

Rob


MCTS certified
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russell
Pyro-ma-ni-yak

5072 Posts

Posted - 2009-11-03 : 10:39:25
quote:
Originally posted by tkizer

DBAs typically don't know data warehousing since in large corporations that expertise falls under a different title.

Tara Kizer
Microsoft MVP for Windows Server System - SQL Server
http://weblogs.sqlteam.com/tarad/

Subscribe to my blog

"Let's begin with the premise that everything you've done up until this point is wrong."



But in medium sized companies it usually doesn't.

Knowing how to design a DW, how to generate cubes and maintain them is somewhat specialized and definitely gives a candidate a leg up in many places.
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