No comments about SQL Server Fundamentals for the Accidental DBA (Video Training) (LiveLessons).

1 comments about Introduction to Oracle.

1. this is a good book

No comments about Using Gupta Sqlwindows 5/Book and Compact Disk (Special Edition Using).

2 comments about Oracle Performance Tuning and Optimization.

1. The book is a nice compilation of performance issues and general strategies for improving database performance. However, there are few detailed examples and concrete samples of how different approaches can result in different performance. Much of the book differs little in content from the Oracle documentation. If you need more insight or information than the Oracle documentation provides, this is not the book.



2. This book contains so little information about Oracle - it could have been called "AnyOtherDatabase Performance Tuning and Optimization".
   
   The author presumably has been doing a lot of database tuning and optimization, but only from the administrator side. When an application is already deployed and you need to speed it up without touching the application itself, there is not much you can do - beef up the I/O subsystem, memory and the CPU power. In different variations this is repeated many times throughout the book, like "so, you need to optimize OLTP system ? throw in I/O, memory and CPUs", "so, you need to optimize a DSS ? throw in I/O, memory and CPUs"... And so on and so forth.
   
   Parameter tweaking is considered and the book contains a list of may be a hundred Oracle configuration parameters, each accompanied with an explanation few lines long. But then, the book has been published in 1996, many changes have been introduced since thus greatly minimizing this reference's value.
   
   40 little chapters contain so many irrelevant details about different operating systems and TPC benchmarks and CISC vs. RISC CPUs and RAIDs explained and whatnot, but so little about Oracle as such - it's boring.
   
   Besides, there are things that are confusing at best. When explaining BLOBs, the author doesn't even mention the fact that they are stored separately and access to those separate segments is not cached at all. Instead, he treats BLOBs as though they were just huge VARCHARS, saying
   
   [quote]
   In the other types of database applications you have seen, it is unlikely that a single record is larger than a data block. With BLOBs, it is certain that a single record will span many data blocks.
   [/quote]
   
   and
   
   [quote]
   In a BLOB system, increasing the database block size greatly improves performance. [...] having a larger block size brings
   more of the rows into the SGA at once. Having these additional rows in the SGA can benefit you because you will be using them.
   [/quote]
   
   Perhaps, I'm missing something, or Oracle has changed but this is at least misleading.
   
   Oh, it also contains the infamous "problem solving algorithm": "if you have a problem you should determine the cause and try to fix it, then repeat until the problem is solved". Duh ! A sure tell-tale of a lack of real information.
   
   Anyhow, not worth reading.

No comments about Understanding Oracle.

No comments about Guide to Client/Server Databases.

No comments about Applying Sql in Business: Instructor's Manual with Overhead Transparencies.

No comments about Sas/Access Software Changes and Enhancements: SQL Procedure Pass-Through Facility, Version 6.

3 comments about DB2 Universal Database SQL Developer's Guide.

1. This book makes a great reference guide for anyone needing to create or sort SQL queries and reports in the DB2 environment. It goes through everything, from the initial setup to the basic queries to how to really get the most from your database.

   To be honest, it's a little narrow in focus in that it concentrates so exclusively on one application of SQL, but it's pretty up front about it's target audience so you can't really fault it there.

   Not a book for SQL beginners then, or even for anyone looking for a general SQL guide, but a must-have for anyone serious about using it with DB2 every day, or looking for an addition to their office library. In fact, the book is pricey enough to imply that it's intended as a resource for the whole office to use - though the inclusion of a full copy of IBM DB2 more than makes up for the cost.




2. We have an environment from junior programmers to system analysts. We bought this book about six months ago so a number of people have had an opportunity to look at it. This book has been 'worth its weight in gold'. All levels of people that have used it, commented on the very user friendly manner the book is written in as well as the clear and to the point descriptions. Whether you are just starting out with SQL or are an experienced programmer, all have found this book helpful. My compliments to Mr. Sanders.



3. I work in an environment where we have a mix of 'heritage' as well as new systems. We do all our development in-house. A number of years ago, we changed over to DB2 as a database. We then had to adapt the older Cobol systems to make use of embedded SQL. All new systems are developed using Centura SQL Team Developer. We found there was a lack in bringing new employees up to speed and I then went out to hunt for some assistant manual. Thank the good Lord I discovered this book. It has quite honestly been of inestimable value. It explains far more clearly and succinctly all relevant areas than the accompying manufacturer's manuals could do. This book certainly puts the lie to the old tongue-in-cheek adage used by 'older' programmers (like myself) that, when all else fails, read the manual. We have learned through experience that when in the slightest doubt, go for this book.

   I am really very sorry to see this book out of print and only limited quantities are available. I can only hope that Mr. Sanders is in the process of writing a new edition.

   Well done, Mr. Sanders. Keep it up!

5 comments about SQL Server 7 Administration (The Fast Track Series).

1. Hm, well the book opens with listing it's target audience. It mentions four "highlights" - brevity, focus, concentrated value and classroom tested. Well it's brief at 170 pages of material. And that is very cool (I wanted to say, at last!!!) It says it focuses on "people who know the technology but are not yet certified." This is where I have to say I was a little put off. I'm going to get to three errors in the first 29 pages, which leads me to question how successful they have been at that! "Concentrated value" in their terms says that the book might appeal to the wider audience - but with the errors, I think not!

   Let me get to the nitty-gritty that makes me say that this book was not proof read too closely. These are some simple examples of sloppy work. Page 25 lists the objects in SQL 7 and gives a definition for each. However, they list VIEW twice - and each time with a different definition. On page 28 they talk about SQL application design. They show a graphic, then next to the graphic give a description of each of the four scenarios that can be used. Their definition of "intelligent Server" is incorrect, and does not match the graphic shown to illustrate it. The "business" element is completely missing from the description, they replace it with "presentation". Finally, they define "NT and SQL Authentication" and fail to explain that mixed mode allows for EITHER Windows NT authentication OR a unique SQL login. Their explanation leads you to believe that you MUST have a unique SQL login and that NT account authentication pass-through does not work. I will add - their minimum hardware requirements are off - and don't match MS's own material, either.

   The book contains only one test to try - which is disappointing. It comes at the end of the book - so there is no reinforcement after each chapter. I like the idea of this book - but the execution here is poor. The editors were sloppy - which really hurts the value. I have not finished the book - probably not inclined to since there are errors so early on. I'll read some more to see what other errors I can find. Sadly, this is one great idea gone bad.




2. I agree that there are a few obvious errors and that it wasn't proofread as well as it should have been; considering that this is New Riders IS surprising.

   However, as a highly experienced 6.5 admin, I'm still glad I bought this one because it gets right to the point on all you need to know about version 7's exam. Despite the minor errors, I still stand behind New Riders all the way.

   There is no such thing as a completely error-free study guide, which is why we should all be thankful for things like publishers errata Web sites, newgroups, and (of course) Amazon.com




3. Working with SQL 7.0 and this made the test easiest enough to pass, but make sure you know how to use the product.



4. If you are familiar with database administration for SQL 6.5, then this book hits the facts hard and fast for passing the Exam for SQL 7.0 Administration. This is an extremely hard exam...even for Microsoft. This exam is not for the "faint of heart".

   The SQL 7.0 Administration exam is designed for individuals that have a lot of industry experience and a good working knowledge of the product. The book does an excellent job at preparing one for the exam.

   Some of the supposed errors that other people have "found" are in fact really not errors. One of the errors about hardware requirements was actually an oversight on Microsoft's part. I believe if you check their site, you will find that the requirements match up pretty well. Some of the other comments indicate that the readers are not overly familiar with SQL.

   Great book, two thumbs up for the authors for concisely presenting useful information for experienced users. New Riders has always been a favorite publisher of mine and I will continue to use them.

   Bob Collier MCSE + I, MCT, A+




5. You can have this book an introduction to SQL 7 if you are new to version 7. Its coverage cannot lead you even to a bare pass. You DEFINITELY need other resources for your exam. Finished this book and conducted a Transcender test, wow... poor, I know how much did I get from this book.