Pinalkumar Dave said
SQL Server 2005 DBA Street Smarts: A Real World Guide to SQL Server 2005 Certification Skills (Paperback)
by Joseph L. Jorden
Short Review:
Microsoft's new generation of certifications is design not only to emphasize your proficiency with a specific technology but also to prove you have the skills needed to perform a specific role. This book is developed based on the exam objective of the 70-431, although its purpose is to server more as a reference than just an exam preparation book.
Detail Review:
This book is designed to give DBAs some insight into the world of typical database administrator by walking through some of the daily tasks user can expect on the job. However, serious reader can derive much value from simply reading thorough the tasks without performing the steps on live equipment.
This book is organized into four phases of database administration. Each phase is separated into individual tasks. The phases represent broad categories under which related responsibilities are grouped. Phases are listed here:
Phase 1 : Installing and Configuring Microsoft SQL Server 2005
Phase 2 : Implementing High Availability and Disaster Recovery
Phase 3: Maintaining and Automating SQL Server
Phase 4: Monitoring and Troubleshooting SQL Server
Each task in this book is organized into sections aimed at giving user what to do when need it. Descriptions of sections are divided in four parts i.e. The Scenario, The Scope of Task, The procedure and The Criteria of Completion.
I am including one example of above procedure to get clear idea how the book is organized.
Task : Selecting and Setting a Recovery Model
This task starts with the basic requirement of the recovery model. It clearly indicates the need of this specific task as before DBA can start backing up databases and transaction logs, user need to configure the database to use the right recovery model. This task continues further explaining all the three recovery model. It explains the scenario, which is just a problem statement. Scope of Task follows scenario with additional information and procedures. The solution is explained with necessary SQL Script (if needed) and diagram (if possible).
This book is not an expert level book. It is very simple and almost for the beginners. This book teaches reader how to implement the basic working solution for all the complex database concepts like replication, mirroring, database backup etc. This book is not long manual but sometimes it gives feeling that I am reading Book On Line. This is good in one way as it is provides the details and information with easy and familiar medium, however sometime that lacks the freshness. I really enjoy the approach author for this, it is very familiar "how to do anything with database in 10 mins" approach.
I highly recommend this book for all those who are looking for quick start and wants to get working solution in very little time. Those who are looking for in-depth analysis of the subject matter, this book's focus in not in that direction.
Rating: 4 and 1/2 stars
In Summary, A smooth read and great in breadth learning experience for beginners.
Pinal Dave
Principal Database Administrator
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Brian C. Brown said
This book distinguishes itself by concentrating on step-by-step walk-throughs of practical exercises. And while that is helpful, only a few questions in the test are simulations. Many of the exam questions are about esoteric details, which are not covered by this book.
I purchased four books to study for the 70-431, and I would place this in the bottom two.
Anthony Lukac said
It is an informative book with repetitious problems, but that's what's needed in being a DBA. I have not completed the book yet, so I'm not a great authority on this book.
Pam in Boston said
I have several SQL 2005 books and this one is my favorite. It is well organized. The examples are from the business world and easy to relate to. Any writer that would put backup and recover as chapter 2 is doing it right.
J. Jennings said
Regarding the title "Street Smarts" -- it's catchy, but some people might expect too much from the book based on the title. This is not an expert level book, but is a great introduction with easy-to-follow examples that are pretty much error free. If you don't know the basics of how to set up database mirroring, how to set up replication, how to create a subscription, or how to create file groups in SQL Server 2005, this book provides a great starting point that won't bash you over the head with pages and pages of theory. Most software related development books these days are lengthy, almost burdensome 500 page technical manuals that provide so much detail and technical information to be almost overwhelming. Despite tons of pages and lengthy explanations, many books fail to provide easy to implement examples illustrating how to actually accomplish anything. This book actually provides numerous easy-to-follow, non-trivial, step-by-step, accurate examples which demonstrate how to accomplish many different "DBA" related tasks in SQL Server 2005. The topics covered by this book are very similar to the topics covered in the official Microsoft course for Implementing Databases for SQL Server 2005. This is not a theory book, but a practical "how to" book. Sometimes you can learn more by doing than by trudging waist deep through pages and pages of technial explanations.
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