Chapter 1 - Introducing the MS SQL Server 7.0 Resource Guide

This guide is included in the Microsoft BackOffice 4.5 Resource Kit 

June 1999

Welcome to the Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 Resource Guide. This guide is designed for people who are, or want to become, expert users of Microsoft SQL Server.

If you are responsible for designing a database solution, administering one or more SQL Server databases, or programming applications to streamline database activities, this guide is for you. It has been compiled largely from articles written by Microsoft staff to answer frequently asked questions and provide insights and ideas.

In addition to the information in this guide, various SQL Server tools and utilities are included on the Microsoft BackOffice 4.5 Resource Kit CD-ROM. Demonstrations of these product applications can be found on the CD-ROM. If you develop SQL Server database systems, you can pick up code samples from the CD-ROM. Also included on the CD-ROM are product add-ons and stand-alone applications you can use to simplify administering SQL Server.

Throughout the guide, you will learn about different uses for SQL Server. The Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 Resource Guide supplements SQL Server Books Online, included with the Microsoft SQL Server product, and does not replace the documentation as the source for learning how to use Microsoft SQL Server.

About the Resource Guide

Part 1, "Introduction" 

Provides an overview of the Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 Resource Guide and resources for further information about SQL Server.

Part 2, "Planning" 

Provides detailed information about planning the capacity of SQL Server, replication configurations, and heterogeneous data.

Part 3, "Deployment" 

Provides comprehensive information for planning customized business applications.

Part 4, "Performance Tuning" 

Provides valuable information for SQL Server tuning performance and SQL Server indexes.

Part 5, "Integration" 

Provides an example of integrating SQL Server with another BackOffice application.

Part 6, "Tools and Utilities" 

Describes SQL Server tools included on the Microsoft BackOffice 4.5 Resource Kit CD-ROM.

Part 7, "Troubleshooting" 

Provides a useful reference for solving daily administrative and maintenance problems.

Part 8, "Disaster Recovery" 

Provides valuable tips for backing up data and recovering from system failures.

Part 9, "Architecture" 

Provides a detailed description of the internal structure of SQL Server, including the query processor and the storage engine.

Part 10, "Security" 

Provides a description of SQL Server security configurations.

Part 11, "Upgrading and Migrating" 

Provides detailed information for planning system upgrades and migrations, including information about Oracle, Sybase, and Btrieve migrations.

Part 12, "Programming" 

Provides information for advanced programming, including English Query and OLE DB connectivity.

Additional Information

See these Web sites for up-to-date information about Microsoft SQL Server.

https://www.microsoft.com/technet  

The Microsoft SQL Server Web site contains information about Microsoft SQL Server and links to information about other Microsoft BackOffice products.

https://www.microsoft.com/technet ** **

The Microsoft SQL Server Technical Support Web site gives you access to the Microsoft SQL Server Knowledge Base, support information, and frequently asked questions (FAQs).

https://www.microsoft.com/technet  

The Microsoft TechNet Web site contains information about subscribing to Microsoft TechNet. Microsoft TechNet provides in-depth technical information about Microsoft business products, including Microsoft SQL Server and other BackOffice products.

https://www.microsoft.com/traincert/default.asp ** **

The Microsoft Training and Certification Web site provides information about training options and the Microsoft Certified Professional Program.

https://msdn2.microsoft.com/default.aspx  

The Microsoft Developer Network Web site provides programming resources and information.

Conventions Used in This Guide

This table summarizes the typographical conventions used in this guide.

All Internet addresses (URLs) in this volume are correct at the time of publication. For more information about Microsoft products, see https://www.microsoft.com.

This book is dedicated to all the hard working writers, editors, reviewers, and production staff at Microsoft who make books like this possible. Thank you! 

Contributors to this book include the following:

Group Manager User Education
Stefan Sierakowski

User Education Manager
Ann Beebe

Group Lead Writers
Steve Holland, William Harding

Group Lead Editor
Mary Harris

Contributing Writers
Adam Blum, Jacqueline Borges, Joseph Carmichael, Sarajit Chaudhuri, Al Comeau, Andrew Coupe, Jim Ewel, Cesar Galindo-Legaria, Goetz Graefe, Thomas Gruver, Tom Kreyche, Henry Lau, Douglas Leland, Margaret Li, David Marshall, Steve Murchie, Frank Pellow, Balaji Rathakrishnan, Mark Souza, Peter Spiro, Gary Taylor, Richard Waymire

Technical Editors
Jaime Amador, Leslie H. Cole, Danelle Darroch-Conners, Cynthia Givens, Katherine Harding, Beth Inghram, Melissa Riesland, Ken Sanchez

Technical Consultants
Mike Byther, Thomas Casey, Mike Derrberry, Chris Fotiadis, Henry Lau, Greg Smith, Richard Waymire

Production Lead
Jessica Vu

Production
Allyson Adley, Maura Dunn, Egan Orion, Mark Anable

Graphic Designers
Blaine Carpenter, Patricia Hunter

Print Production Specialist
Kat Liekhus

Indexers
Lee Ross, Tony Ross