- SQL Server Technical Rollup July 2008 - Important & Interested links for you
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As you may be aware all the Technical information roll-up on MSDN & Technet is sent out in email format, in this regard I wanted to share the important and interested links for you on SQL Server arena.
Downloads
Source Code Analyzer for SQL Injection
Microsoft Source Code Analyzer for SQL Injection is a static code analysis tool for finding SQL Injection vulnerabilities in ASP code. Customers can run the tool on their ASP source code to help identify code paths that are vulnerable to SQL Injection attacks.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=2&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d58a7c46e-a599-4fcb-9ab4-a4334146b6ba%26displaylang%3den
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Feature Pack RC0, June 2008
Download the June 2008 Feature Pack RC0 for Microsoft SQL Server 2008, a collection of stand-alone install packages that provide additional value for SQL Server 2008.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=4&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d089a9dad-e2df-43e9-9cd8-c06320520b40%26displaylang%3den
SQL Server 2008 Books Online Release Candidate (RC0)
Download the release candiate (RC0) version of the documentation and tutorials for Microsoft SQL Server 2008.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=8&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d19db0b42-a5b2-456f-9c5c-f295cdd58d7a%26displaylang%3den
TechNet Security Series Seminar IV (5 Jun 2008)
Presentation materials for the TechNet Security Series Seminar (29 Feb 2008)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=9&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3debd6aeda-2121-4cc5-99e8-601b966f6ec7%26displaylang%3den
Microsoft® Visual Studio Team System 2008 Database Edition GDR June CTP
Microsoft® Visual Studio Team System 2008 Database Edition GDR implements support for SQL Server 2008.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=12&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3dbb3ad767-5f69-4db9-b1c9-8f55759846ed%26displaylang%3den
SQL Server 2005 Driver for PHP CTP (May 2008)
Download the SQL Server 2005 Driver for PHP CTP for May 2008, a PHP 5 extension that allows for the reading and writing of SQL Server data from within PHP scripts.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/info.aspx?na=22&p=15&srcdisplaylang=en&srccategoryid=&srcfamilyid=&u=%2fdownloads%2fdetails.aspx%3ffamilyid%3d85f99a70-5df5-4558-991f-8aee8506833c%26displaylang%3den
Documents
SQL Server 2008 Product Overview
http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/wp-sql-2008-overview.aspx
For organizations to be successful and thrive in today’s world of data, they need a vision that addresses key data trends. The data platform vision of Microsoft helps organizations meet these data explosion needs and the next generation of data-driven applications. Microsoft will continue to invest in and evolve the following key areas to support the Data Platform Vision: mission-critical enterprise data platform, dynamic development, relational data, and business intelligence. Read this paper to learn about the Microsoft Data Platform Vision and how SQL Server 2008 meets the needs of the next generation of data-driven applications.
Accessing External Data Sources with Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services 2005
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa964120.aspx
This white paper covers a variety of client object models supported by Microsoft SQL Server Analysis Services when connecting to relational data sources. The example problems and solutions were gathered by members of the Analysis Services team while working with users of Analysis Services. (5 printed pages)
Events/Webcasts
Webcast: 24 Hours of SQL Server 2008: Using the Microsoft Data Platform for Easy Data Access with SQL Server 2008 (Level 100)
https://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?EventID=1032370154&EventCategory=5&culture=en-US&CountryCode=US
Join this series as we look at Microsoft SQL Server 2008 as a productive data platform. Throughout this series, we use Contoso (Container Overseas Shipping Operation) LTD as our scenario customer while we explore the features that make SQL Server 2008 this platform. Contoso is a shipping company; they arrange the shipping of all kinds of items around the globe, from small individual items to large manufactured items. Contoso has seen growth in its business over the past years, especially in the movement of goods from China around the world. While Contoso is happy with their in-house applications and believe they provide significant business advantage over competitors, Contoso wants to ensure that these applications are running on the best productive platform to maintain this advantage, especially as their business grows worldwide. In this webcast, we look at how Contoso LTD can take advantage of the Microsoft data platform to extend their applications. We concentrate on Microsoft .NET Language-Integrated Query (LINQ) and the ADO.NET Entity Framework with examples of how Contoso can use these technologies to access their data. Join us as we go into detailed coverage of data platform features, LINQ, and ADO.NET Entity Framework
MSDN Webcast: Optimizing Online, Enabling Offline with SQL Server Compact and Sync Services for ADO.NET (Level 200)
https://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?EventID=1032364885&EventCategory=5&culture=en-US&CountryCode=US
With Microsoft SQL Server Compact, developers can now easily cache data on the client in a compact, yet capable, transactional, queryable document-like database format. To maintain the cache, Sync Services for ADO.NET enables developers to easily cache data directly or over services using Windows Communication Foundation (WCF). Microsoft Visual Studio 2008 delivers new integrated, developer-oriented sync designers making caching an easy task to increase user productivity, decrease the server workload, and simplify data access. Using Sync Services for ADO.NET, developers can enable full offline scenarios as well. Join this webcast to find out what SQL Server Compact and Sync Services for ADO.NET have to offer for the "edge of the network" clients.
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MSDN Webcast: Introducing SQL Server Compact 3.5 (Level 200) | |
https://msevents.microsoft.com/CUI/WebCastEventDetails.aspx?EventID=1032364883&EventCategory=5&culture=en-US&CountryCode=US
With Microsoft SQL Server Compact 3.5 and Microsoft Visual Studio 2008, developers have an easy-to-deploy solution for local data. Ranging from caching reference data to full offline scenarios, developers can use a single engine for their Windows Mobile-powered devices, or their full desktop clients–benefiting from the power of SQL Server in a compact footprint. Using Visual Studio 2008, we show how SQL Server Compact can be transparently deployed with unique features including updatable result sets and a custom document format, and how to manage the creation and maintenance of your local data. This session is packed with demonstrations that can get you started today.
(source: Technical Rollup from Premier Field Engineering team)
- SQL Server Data Services - get to know more about it!
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One of the best learning during Tech-Ed week was to know about SQL Server Data Services which might be suitable for the web-based platforms, type of what we have and 2 interesting features for me were 'Business ready SLA & Application Agility' To know further about SSDS I recommend:
Introduction about SSDS - http://www.microsoft.com/sqlserver/2008/en/us/data-services.aspx
Primer on MSDN - http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc512417.aspx
- List of Technology User Groups within United Kingdom
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During a recent discussion within a local User Group I have been asked with the above question that where can I get list of User Group information for Microsoft Technologies. Please find the following list of Usergroups that are convened within geographical region of United Kingdom [Source: UK usergroup website]
- Scottish Developers
- The UK SQL Server Community
- SharePoint User Group UK
- AACU
- DNUG North
- London.NET
- Messaging and Mobility User Group
- Office User Group
- Powershell User Group
- Small Business Specialist Community
- The Access User Group
- The Developers Group
- The .NET Developer Network
- The Global Groove User Group
- The Live Meeting User Group
- The Next Generation User Group
- Unified Communications User Group
- Visual Basic User Group (VBUG)
- Vista Squad User Group
- Windows Management UserGroup
- Server team info
- A Tribute to Jim Gray: Sometimes Nice Guys Do Finish First
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Well articulated article about Jim Gray - Sometimes_Nice-Guys_DoFinish-First!
- Why Do People Bash Microsoft?
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I found an interesting article by Kalen Delaney aka SQL Goddess (as I call) about a topic stating 'why do people bash Microsoft?'
The article was printed in SQL Server Magazine:
Last week, I read a post from one of my colleagues, which shared a coworker’s opinion that SQL Server isn't a "real" database system. That opinion was actually quite mild; I sometimes receive comments stating that not only is SQL Server not worthy of serious considerations for the enterprise, but also that Microsoft is pure evil. In fact, the person I know with the absolute worst opinion of Microsoft is my brother. Despite the fact that he uses Microsoft software for word processing and other daily activities, I have never heard him say a good word about Microsoft. He’s mostly opposed to what he perceives to be Microsoft’s business practices, but he has been unable to prove to me that the companies he does like are any better.
Read the full article, click here
- Red-gate news: New SQL Server DBA Awards - the search for the Exceptional DBA of 2008 begins
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DBAs look after an organization's most important asset – its data – and yet their contribution to an organization is all too often misunderstood. Now it's time for DBAs to finally get the recognition they deserve with some new community awards, sponsored by Red Gate.
If you're the kind of DBA who makes a real difference to your organization, or if you know a DBA who does, the new Exceptional DBA of the Year Awards want to hear from you! One winner will be selected by the SQL Server Central community from five finalists, as chosen by a panel of judges with years of industry experience. It's not just community and employer recognition for their DBA achievements that the winner and finalists gain, either. There are prizes worth over $15k to be won too. Find out more and submit your entry at http://www.exceptionaldba.com.
- Egg pelted on Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO
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Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer had to dive for cover behind a lectern during a visit to a Budapest University after a student decided to throw eggs at him.
Well, will you take cover or not?
The student managed to miss all the three and was heard shouting "...to the Hungarian people, give that money back, right now" and was wearing a shirt that said "Microsoft = Corruption" on the back. Ballmer laughed off the incident and kudos must be given for his to cat like reactions.
A video of the incident circulating on the Internet shows that Ballmer was initially stunned, but quickly laughed off the attempted egging. "That broke my train of thought," he joked.
Ballmer's address at the university on Monday began routinely enough. "I have to ask one key question before we start," he said to the students. "How many of you still have examinations?"
HEre is the Video!
The reason behind this cowardly act was that man was upset with the Hungarian government's decision to sign a software and training deal with Microsoft tried to pelt the company's chief executive with eggs during a presentation Monday at a Budapest university.
- SQL Server quiz, see how many correct answers you can get?
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I have never seen an individual who doesn't like the quizzes, whether it is technical or entertainment based.
Here I would like to refer the SQL Server quiz type of articles from SSP and you can test your knowledge or revise your learning from ThisQuiz link.
- IDERA: Download the free public beta new SQL admin toolset, with a feedback you could gain a chance to win a Wii
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We have 6 winners and 4 more to go!
Download the free public beta of our new SQL admin toolset, let us know what you think and you could win a Wii™! |
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Two ways to win:
1) Download SQL admin toolset to enter
2) Refer your friends for extra entries to win
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NEW! SQL admin toolset Free Public Beta
Too good to be true? Not according to 1000's of excited beta participants... here are just few:
"Excellent product. I really like how many different tools are located in one place. Very cool stuff. I am recommending this to my supervisor!" - Toolset User
"These tools have been extremely helpful so far and are already saving me time.
I am really looking forward to the release of the multi-script tool. Keep the handy utilities coming!" -Toolset User
"SQL Search is awesome!! I was able to quickly & easily search thru and find some unnecessary hard-coding and references that needed to quickly be changed. Worth the price alone!" - Toolset User |
What are you waiting for?
All you have to do is download the toolset and provide feedback. PLUS, you’ll be given the opportunity to purchase the toolset for $195 when it’s released this summer ... that's $300 off the list price!
- Most popular blog posts since we started blogs here: sqlserver-qa.net
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- Vote in the 2008 Windows IT Pro Community Choice Awards!
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Final voting for the Windows IT Pro Community Choice Awards is now open! Voting in this awards program is open to all Windows IT Pro Web site visitors, but vendors whose products are nominated are prohibited from voting. Click on the link below to enter the voting tool:
Windows IT Pro - Community Choice Awards
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=_2fz97tv4rU5iY2IsYDbyCRg_3d_3d
Voting will close on May 23rd, 2008 at 11:45pm MST.
- IDERA's new tool - SQL admin toolset: public BETA available
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IDERA's tools are helpful for the Database Management in specific to DBAs and in this fashion they are coming up with new tool called, SQL Admin toolset, check the following:
- Have I got news for you, yes - MVP award renewal
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April 01st is always a big day for me, in terms of personally and technically.
1st priority is my daughter's birtday and next (not the least) is MVP award renewal. This year (again) I have got it for 3rd time and it states:
Congratulations! We are pleased to present you with the 2008 Microsoft® MVP Award! The MVP Award is our way to say thank you for promoting the spirit of community and improving people’s lives and the industry’s success every day. We appreciate your extraordinary efforts in SQL technical communities during the past year. Microsoft will soon send your MVP Award gift package. It is our way to say “thank you for making a difference."
Its a honour to receive such a privilege in SQL Server Technologies and thanks to all who has been a 'big' support at all times!
- Free! Get 5GB online storage with SkyDrive
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Well I'm not promoting any product here, but amused to see the email I have got from Microsoft on using Windows Live services. I can say this is true offerring and easy to access your files wherever you are, your data - any time any place! 
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Forget the Memory stick -
Windows Live™ SkyDrive is here!
Windows Live SkyDrive is a brand new password-protected way to easily store files and photos online and then access them from virtually any PC connected to the Internet!
Free up your pockets, put your memory stick online! No more e-mailing files back and forth to yourself!
No more leaving your USB at work or at home by mistake! You can now have access to all your files – online wherever you are. | | |
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ACCESS YOUR FILES FROM ANYWHERE*
With SkyDrive it's easy to have access to the files you need, when you need them.
*PC needs to be connected to the internet | |
- Uninstall Internet Explorer 8 - on Vista specifically!
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I'm a keen follower of trying out new versions & products (IT), in this regard recently installed Internet Explorer 8 which is under Beta 1 at the moment. The referred link will already noted the known issues and workarounds, but not an easy out way to find to uninstall the installed version.
Before that what I would like to give a taster of IE8 supportability on the following operating systems:
- Windows Vista
- Windows Vista SP1 (final version only - Currently available to MSDN and TechNet Plus subscribers and Volume License customers)
- Windows XP SP2
- Windows XP SP3 (RC2 candidate - Build 3311 or higher)
- Windows XP Professional x64 Edition
- Windows Server 2003 SP2
- Windows Server 2008 (final version only)
That explains the problems I have had on pre-SP1 for Vista during last week, as when it is installing on earlier builds of Vista SP1, IE8 just won’t install and you will see this error “The installation does not support your operating system’s current Service Pack version.” When installing on earlier builds of XP SP3, the wizard will proceed but your system will be missing KB946501 which is required for IE8, and hence, your installation will be terminated.
Eventually by Googling this IE8Uninstall link has given me much joy to work with good old IE7 without a problem.
(moreover this blog post is written with IE8 browser )