Voice of the DBA

Author: way0utwest

  • Stop Copying Files from the Server – File Cache Bug

    I watched the Brent Ozar, PLF Scary SQL Surprises webcast and was surprised by him mentioning this bug: http://blogs.msdn.com/b/ntdebugging/archive/2009/02/06/microsoft-windows-dynamic-cache-service.aspx

    The blog references another blog and talks about the problems with x64 systems and the file caches. Too much file copy activity on your x64 server can severely crunch your memory, including your SQL Server memory.

    There’s an unsupported utility available from MS in the blog you can get, but I like Brent’s advice better.

    Don’t copy files on your production SQL Server.

    Use another machine to do the copy work for you, even if it’s slightly slower. That includes watching out for ETL work and any jobs on your system that might do the copies for you.

  • Rogue Algorithms

    Rogue Brewery
    If our systems go rogue, it’s not good for anyone. Keep those people around that understand them well.

    I have always thought that computers do some amazing things, but they tend to do what we tell them to do, even if what we tell them to do is not what we want them to do. In those cases we usually find computers are helping us make mistakes faster than ever before. As we automate and link more and more systems, this can become a bigger and bigger problem in the world.

    I ran across this short link on a rogue algorithm that caused a fluctuation in a number of stocks. It looks like this was a case of poor analysis and poor QA at one firm, bunt imagine if we had some type of “update” released to a large number of companies? This type of problem could cause a dramatic short term fluctuation in the stock market, which shouldn’t affect most of us in the long run, but you never know. If this caused a company to go out of business, and they were the company holding your retirement savings, you might feel differently.

    This isn’t necessarily a problem that affects just financial institutions and their custom software. This is potentially a problem in any business that writes its own algorithms. That includes many of our companies, and many of us. We write queries, reports, and develop algorithms that help “the business” analyze data and make decisions that can affect our companies.

    This is worrisome to me, especially when we have companies that press for more and more analysis, with algorithms written more and more quickly to respond to business events. Success in this area often depends on an understanding of the nature of the business and the meaning of data, and strong working relationships with the business analysts. That comes over time, and is easily lost when employee turnover is too high.

    I hope that companies are learning that there is value to retaining employees, especially those that work with data and have invested effort in learning more about their business. Unfortunately I think that it take a disaster like this for some managers to understand the value of retaining employees and their knowledge. Even more unfortunate is the fact some managers never learn that.

    Steve Jones

    The Voice of the DBA Podcasts

    We publish three versions of the podcast each day for you to enjoy.

  • Ridiculous

     

    respect
    We should all remember to respect others in our community, especially at professional events.

    An excellent post from Bruce Schneier, based ona post by Valerie Aurora. Valerie’s post just pisses me off. She should never have had to write it. Bruce’s is a good reminder that we should recognize the value of a diverse group in our industry. I’vewritten about this before, and unfortunately, I’m not surprised I need to write about it again. This is a male dominated industry, for now, but that doesn’t excuse behavior like that talked about at DevCon.

    I haven’t seen that level of disrespect at any of the SQL conferences and I hope I never do. I have seen women placed in uncomfortable situations, which isn’t any better. We are all human, and some of us are attracted to others, which is natural. However in a professional environment, even at a social gathering in the evening, I think that as a man I should be very respectful of the fact that many of the women attending are doing so as colleagues and not anything else.

    It’s a challenge for women in this industry, and probably for many minority groups. That’s one reason I support the Women in Technology events and discussions. Education, understanding, and knowledge of problems is the best way to combat the issues, and ensure you don’t make the same mistakes twice. We all know this helps us when working with SQL Server. We should know this will help us in our interpersonal communications as well.

    Steve Jones

    The Voice of the DBA Podcasts

    We publish three versions of the podcast each day for you to enjoy.

  • The Charles River – SQL in the City Boston

    headI once rowed in the Head of the Charles Regatta. I had the 3d seat, starboard, in a 4 man boat and it was quite exciting to come up to Boston and row down the famed Charles River. It was hard, and the river was rough, tossing waves in our boat at times, but it was a great experience. This year I won’t be rowing in the Charles, but I am looking forward to a chilly run along the Charles on Oct 7. I’ll get into Boston around 4:30pm, race to the hotel, and then have an evening run. Follow me on Twitter if you want to join me. I’ll probably do a couple miles that evening, and again around 6:30am on Monday.

    The SQL in the City tour comes to Boston on Monday, Oct 8, 2012 with another great lineup of speakers. In addition to myself, g, and a number of our Red Gate developers, we have Adam Machanic (b | t) joining us to deliver a full day of free training to SQL Server professionals.

    Free. Just register and come down to the Joseph B. Martin Conference Center at the Harvard Medical School on Oct 8, 2012. It’s training The Red Gate Way at a great location, with fantastic material and plenty of refreshments. The staff is there to make sure you have a great day, as we do at every stop.

    staff

    booksWe’re looking to teach you a few things, give you tips and tricks for working with SQL Server, debate you, answer questions, and have an inspiring day. Stop any of us, and ask a question, pick up a book for your library, and maybe even win a prize as we sip a beverage at the end of the day.

    It’s a great time and I’m sure you’ll find it worth your time to come spend a day with us talking about SQL Server.

    Register today, and come shake my hand in Boston on Oct 8.

    This is part of my SQL in the City series, covering a few thoughts on the US tour.