SQL Server Management Studio A Complete Guide
You're under pressure. Data is piling up, production servers are slowing down, and you're being asked to deliver faster insights, better reports, and tighter performance-fast. But every time you open SQL Server Management Studio, you feel like you're just scratching the surface. You know there's more inside, but you don't have the structure, the roadmap, or the clear path to mastery. That’s costing you time, credibility, and career momentum. What if you could move from uncertain to fully confident? From manually clicking through panels to scripting with precision, managing complex databases with authority, and optimizing queries like a seasoned DBA? This isn’t about learning random tricks. This is about building a repeatable, battle-tested skill set that turns you into the go-to person in your organisation for SQL Server excellence. SQL Server Management Studio A Complete Guide is designed to transform you from overwhelmed to overqualified. In just 21 focused learning sprints, you'll go from scattered to systematic-building a professional-grade skillset that delivers real-time performance insights, reliable database maintenance, and production-ready automation, all backed by a globally recognised Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service. Take it from Sarah Kim, a mid-level database analyst at a logistics firm who used to avoid SSMS unless absolutely necessary. After completing this course, she automated her company’s nightly backup health checks, cut reporting latency by 68%, and was promoted within six months. “I wasn’t a DBA before,” she said. “Now I lead our internal data reliability initiatives. This course didn't just teach me SSMS-it gave me ownership.” You’re not just learning a tool. You’re claiming a competitive edge. A future-proof technical foundation. And a reputation for precision and results. The organisations that win tomorrow are built on people who can deliver control, insight, and reliability-exactly what this course was built to teach. Here’s how this course is structured to help you get there.Course Format & Delivery Details This is not a drag-and-drop tutorial or a surface-level walkthrough. SQL Server Management Studio A Complete Guide is a precision-engineered curriculum for professionals who need to master SSMS with certainty, speed, and confidence-without wasting time on fluff or outdated content. Immediate, Self-Paced, and On-Demand Access
Enrol once, and gain instant access to the full learning environment. No waiting. No locked modules. This course is 100% self-paced, fully on-demand, and designed to fit into your real-world schedule. Most learners complete the core workflow in 21 days while applying lessons directly to their current responsibilities. Many report noticing measurable improvements in query efficiency and troubleshooting within the first 72 hours. Lifetime Access, Future Updates, and Zero Extra Cost
You’re not renting knowledge-you’re owning it. Every enrolment includes lifetime access to all materials, including all future updates to SSMS workflows, interface changes, and new Microsoft feature integrations. As SQL Server evolves, your access evolves with it-at no additional cost. This ensures your skills stay sharp, relevant, and aligned with enterprise standards. Available Anytime, Anywhere, on Any Device
Whether you’re in the office, on-site, or reviewing configurations during travel, the entire course is mobile-friendly and fully responsive. Learn on your laptop, tablet, or phone-sync your progress seamlessly across devices. 24/7 access means you learn when it matters most, without being chained to a desk or restricted by time zones. Direct Instructor Support and Expert Guidance
You’re not navigating this alone. The course includes dedicated instructor support channels for content clarification, troubleshooting guidance, and best-practice consultation. Our experts have over 12 years of enterprise SQL Server deployment experience across financial, healthcare, and logistics sectors. You’ll get actionable answers-not canned responses. Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service
Upon finishing the course, you’ll receive a professional Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service-a globally recognised credential trusted by IT leaders, hiring managers, and enterprise certification committees. This isn’t just a digital badge. It’s proof you’ve completed a rigorous, practical, and structured SSMS mastery program built on real-world application. Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Fees, Full Payment Flexibility
We believe in clarity. The price you see is the price you pay-no subscriptions, no surprise charges, and no upsells. No hidden access tiers. One straightforward investment covers everything. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal to make enrolment fast and secure. 90-Day Satisfied or Refunded Guarantee
Your success is risk-free. If you complete the first four modules and do not find immediate, tangible value in your workflow, you’re eligible for a full refund-no questions asked. We stand behind the ROI of this course because we’ve seen it transform mid-level analysts into database owners. You either succeed-or you walk away at no cost. Post-Enrolment Process: Clarity, Not Hype
After enrolment, you’ll receive a confirmation email, and your access details will be sent separately once the system verifies your registration. There is no requirement to act immediately-your access remains valid indefinitely. This process ensures platform security and data integrity across all learner accounts. This Works Even If…
- You’re not a full-time DBA-you’re a developer, analyst, or data engineer who uses SSMS occasionally but wants mastery
- You’ve used SSMS before but rely on defaults and guesswork instead of systematic control
- You’re transitioning from another database platform like Oracle or MySQL and need to close the SSMS gap fast
- You’ve tried generic online guides and felt they lacked structure, depth, or real-world application
We’ve helped junior analysts, BI developers, and infrastructure engineers break through confusion and build authority with SSMS. This course is engineered for real roles, with real responsibilities, in real organisations. It works because it’s built on proven workflows-not theory.
Module 1: Foundations of SQL Server Management Studio - Understanding SQL Server Management Studio: Purpose and Business Value
- Installation Requirements and System Compatibility Checks
- Step-by-Step Installation Guide for Windows Environments
- Connecting to Local and Remote SQL Server Instances
- Authentication Modes: Windows vs SQL Server Authentication
- Navigating the SSMS Interface: Layout Overview and Key Panels
- Customising the Query Editor for Readability and Efficiency
- Managing Multiple Server Connections Using Object Explorer
- Understanding Database Engine vs Integration Services vs Reporting Services
- Configuring Default Settings for Optimal Performance
- Using Intellisense to Accelerate T-SQL Writing
- Enabling and Disabling Query Execution Plan Display
- Saving and Organising Projects in SSMS Workspaces
- Keyboard Shortcuts for Power Users
- Accessing Help and Documentation Within the Tool
Module 2: Database Object Navigation and Management - Exploring Databases and Schemas in Object Explorer
- Viewing and Filtering Database Objects by Type
- Creating New Databases Using the GUI Wizard
- Modifying Existing Database Properties and Settings
- Renaming, Detaching, and Attaching Databases
- Deleting Databases Safely and Permanently
- Managing Filegroups and Data File Locations
- Understanding Log Files and Transaction Log Management
- Viewing Database Size and Space Usage
- Generating Scripts for Database Objects
- Using the Scripting Wizard for Tables, Views, and Procedures
- Exporting Database Schemas for Documentation
- Searching Across Objects Using Filter and Find Tools
- Using the Template Browser for Common Tasks
- Managing Permissions and Security at the Database Level
Module 3: Table and Index Design Best Practices - Creating Tables Using the Design Grid Interface
- Setting Data Types, NULL Constraints, and Defaults
- Defining Primary Keys, Identity Columns, and Auto-Increment
- Adding Foreign Key Constraints with Referential Integrity
- Setting Up Unique Constraints and Check Constraints
- Using Computed Columns and Persisted Values
- Designing Efficient Clustered Indexes
- Creating Non-Clustered Indexes for Query Performance
- Viewing Index Usage Statistics in SSMS
- Rebuilding and Reorganising Indexes
- Managing Fill Factor and Index Fragmentation
- Monitoring Index Disk Space Utilisation
- Scripting Table and Index Changes
- Generating Execution Plans for Index Impact Analysis
- Analysing Table Dependencies and Relationships
Module 4: Writing and Optimising T-SQL Queries - Opening and Configuring the Query Editor
- Writing SELECT Statements with WHERE, ORDER BY, and GROUP BY
- Using JOINs: Inner, Left, Right, and Full Outer Joins
- Writing Subqueries and Correlated Subqueries
- Using Common Table Expressions (CTEs) for Readability
- Applying Aggregate Functions: SUM, AVG, COUNT, MIN, MAX
- Filtering with IN, NOT IN, EXISTS, and BETWEEN
- Working with String Functions: SUBSTRING, CHARINDEX, REPLACE
- Handling Date and Time with GETDATE, DATEDIFF, DATEADD
- Using CASE Statements for Conditional Logic
- Converting Data Types with CAST and CONVERT
- Debugging Syntax Errors with Error Highlighting
- Formatting T-SQL for Team Collaboration
- Using Query Results in Grid vs Text vs File Output
- Setting Transaction Isolation Levels in Queries
Module 5: Query Performance Analysis and Tuning - Displaying Actual and Estimated Execution Plans
- Reading Execution Plan Operators: Scan, Seek, Join, Sort
- Identifying Costly Operators and Performance Bottlenecks
- Using the Query Store to Compare Performance Over Time
- Enabling and Viewing Query Wait Statistics
- Analysing CPU, I/O, and Memory Usage per Query
- Using the Database Engine Tuning Advisor
- Interpreting Missing Index Recommendations
- Creating Indexes Based on Actual Workload Patterns
- Monitoring Long-Running Queries with Activity Monitor
- Setting Query Timeouts to Prevent Locking
- Using Query Hints to Influence Execution Plans
- Index Usage Statistics: User Seeks vs Scans vs Updates
- Updating Statistics Manually and Automatically
- Creating and Testing Covering Indexes
Module 6: Stored Procedures, Functions, and Triggers - Creating Stored Procedures Using the New Procedure Wizard
- Adding Input and Output Parameters
- Naming Conventions and Version Control for Procedures
- Executing Procedures with Correct Syntax
- Altering Existing Procedures Without Breaking Dependencies
- Creating Scalar-Valued and Table-Valued Functions
- Debugging Functions with Sample Data
- Creating DML Triggers for INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE
- Understanding AFTER vs INSTEAD OF Triggers
- Using Triggers for Audit Logging and Data Validation
- Viewing Dependency Trees for Procedures and Functions
- Scripting Modules for Source Control Integration
- Setting Permissions on Programmable Objects
- Using TRY-CATCH Blocks for Error Handling
- Returning Return Codes and Error Messages
Module 7: Security and User Management - Managing Logins at the Server Level
- Creating Windows and SQL Server Authentication Logins
- Assigning Server Roles: sysadmin, dbcreator, securityadmin
- Creating Database Users from Server Logins
- Mapping Users to Specific Databases
- Assigning Database Roles: db_owner, db_datareader, db_datawriter
- Creating Custom Database Roles for Fine-Grained Access
- Granting, Denying, and Revoking Object-Level Permissions
- Viewing Effective Permissions for Users
- Using Execution As for Impersonation Scenarios
- Enabling and Auditing Login Failures
- Setting Password Policies and Expiration Rules
- Managing Certificates and Asymmetric Keys
- Using Always Encrypted with SSMS
- Reviewing Security Best Practices for Production Environments
Module 8: Backup and Recovery Operations - Creating Full, Differential, and Transaction Log Backups
- Configuring Backup Destinations and File Paths
- Scheduling Backups Using SQL Server Agent
- Restoring Databases from Full Backup Sets
- Restoring with NORECOVERY for Log Chain Continuity
- Restoring Specific Filegroups or Pages
- Verifying Backup Integrity with CHECKSUM
- Managing Backup Compression and Encryption
- Viewing Backup History and Completion Logs
- Troubleshooting Failed Backup Jobs
- Creating Maintenance Plans with GUI Tools
- Setting Up Automated Index Maintenance
- Configuring Statistics Updates and Cleanup Tasks
- Saving Maintenance Plans as Reusable Templates
- Exporting Maintenance Plans for Audit and Compliance
Module 9: Monitoring and Diagnostics Tools - Using Activity Monitor to View Active Processes
- Identifying Blocking and Deadlock Situations
- Killing Sessions Safely with KILL Command
- Viewing Resource Waits and CPU Pressure
- Analysing I/O Activity and Disk Latency
- Using Performance Dashboard Reports
- Enabling and Viewing Extended Events Sessions
- Creating Custom Events for Application Monitoring
- Exporting Event Data for Offline Review
- Using SQL Server Profiler (Legacy Mode Guidance)
- Filtering Traces to Reduce Noise
- Analysing Deadlock Graphs and Resolution Strategies
- Monitoring Connection Counts and Pooling Behaviour
- Setting Up Alerts for Critical Errors
- Integrating Monitoring Data with External Systems
Module 10: Automation and Scheduling with SQL Server Agent - Enabling and Configuring SQL Server Agent
- Creating Jobs for Regular Maintenance Tasks
- Adding Job Steps with T-SQL or PowerShell
- Scheduling Job Frequency and Duration
- Setting Job Alerts and Notifications via Email
- Using Operators for Alert Distribution
- Viewing Job History and Execution Logs
- Troubleshooting Failed Job Steps
- Duplicating and Exporting Jobs Across Servers
- Importing Jobs from Other Instances
- Securing Job Ownership and Permissions
- Creating Multi-Step Jobs with Conditional Logic
- Using Tokens for Dynamic Job Output Filenames
- Backing Up and Restoring Agent Jobs
- Audit Logging Changes to Agent Configuration
Module 11: Integration and Cross-Platform Connectivity - Configuring Linked Servers for Remote Queries
- Setting Up Security Contexts for Cross-Server Access
- Querying Oracle, MySQL, and PostgreSQL via OLE DB
- Using OPENQUERY and OPENROWSET for Ad Hoc Access
- Managing Connection Pooling and Latency
- Testing Connectivity with Distributed Transactions
- Troubleshooting Linked Server Errors
- Importing Data Using the Import and Export Wizard
- Mapping Source and Destination Data Types
- Scheduling Data Transfers with SSIS Packages
- Viewing Row Counts and Error Rows After Transfer
- Using BULK INSERT for High-Volume Data Loading
- Validating Data Integrity After Import
- Exporting Query Results to CSV, Excel, and XML
- Automating Export Workflows via Scripts
Module 12: High Availability and Disaster Recovery - Overview of Availability Groups in SSMS
- Monitoring Primary and Secondary Replicas
- Viewing Synchronisation Health and Latency
- Initiating Manual Failover Procedures
- Backing Up Databases in AG Environments
- Managing Listener DNS and Connectivity
- Configuring Log Shipping with SSMS Tools
- Monitoring Log Ship Status and Alerts
- Setting Up Database Mirroring (Legacy Support)
- Monitoring Mirroring Session State and Role
- Failover Strategies for Minimal Downtime
- Testing Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) and Recovery Time Objectives (RTO)
- Documenting DR Runbooks Using SSMS Outputs
- Generating Compliance Reports for Audits
- Validating Backup Restoration in Isolated Environments
Module 13: Advanced Configuration and Server-Level Management - Viewing Server Properties and Edition Details
- Configuring Memory Allocation and CPU Usage
- Setting Up Max Degree of Parallelism (MAXDOP)
- Adjusting Fill Factor at Server Level
- Managing TempDB Configuration and File Layout
- Enabling and Configuring Ad Hoc Workloads
- Using Policy-Based Management for Compliance
- Creating Custom Policies for Naming Standards
- Enforcing Indexing and Security Rules Automatically
- Viewing Policy Evaluation Results
- Importing and Exporting Policy Definitions
- Setting Up Central Management Servers
- Running Queries Across Multiple Instances
- Managing Configuration Drift in Enterprise Environments
- Auditing Server Changes with Default Trace and XEvents
Module 14: Professional Workflow, Documentation, and Certification - Version Controlling Scripts Using External Tools
- Using Snippet Managers for Common Code Blocks
- Generating Database Documentation with Extended Properties
- Adding Descriptions to Tables, Columns, and Procedures
- Exporting Documentation to HTML or PDF
- Using SSMS with Source Control Systems (Git, TFS)
- Comparing Database Schemas Across Environments
- Generating Synchronisation Scripts for Promotion
- Validating Deployments with Pre- and Post-Checks
- Creating Runbooks for Production Changes
- Following Change Management Best Practices
- Tracking Learning Progress in the Course Dashboard
- Completing Final Assessment: Real-World SSMS Scenarios
- Submitting Practical Project for Skill Validation
- Receiving Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service
- Understanding SQL Server Management Studio: Purpose and Business Value
- Installation Requirements and System Compatibility Checks
- Step-by-Step Installation Guide for Windows Environments
- Connecting to Local and Remote SQL Server Instances
- Authentication Modes: Windows vs SQL Server Authentication
- Navigating the SSMS Interface: Layout Overview and Key Panels
- Customising the Query Editor for Readability and Efficiency
- Managing Multiple Server Connections Using Object Explorer
- Understanding Database Engine vs Integration Services vs Reporting Services
- Configuring Default Settings for Optimal Performance
- Using Intellisense to Accelerate T-SQL Writing
- Enabling and Disabling Query Execution Plan Display
- Saving and Organising Projects in SSMS Workspaces
- Keyboard Shortcuts for Power Users
- Accessing Help and Documentation Within the Tool
Module 2: Database Object Navigation and Management - Exploring Databases and Schemas in Object Explorer
- Viewing and Filtering Database Objects by Type
- Creating New Databases Using the GUI Wizard
- Modifying Existing Database Properties and Settings
- Renaming, Detaching, and Attaching Databases
- Deleting Databases Safely and Permanently
- Managing Filegroups and Data File Locations
- Understanding Log Files and Transaction Log Management
- Viewing Database Size and Space Usage
- Generating Scripts for Database Objects
- Using the Scripting Wizard for Tables, Views, and Procedures
- Exporting Database Schemas for Documentation
- Searching Across Objects Using Filter and Find Tools
- Using the Template Browser for Common Tasks
- Managing Permissions and Security at the Database Level
Module 3: Table and Index Design Best Practices - Creating Tables Using the Design Grid Interface
- Setting Data Types, NULL Constraints, and Defaults
- Defining Primary Keys, Identity Columns, and Auto-Increment
- Adding Foreign Key Constraints with Referential Integrity
- Setting Up Unique Constraints and Check Constraints
- Using Computed Columns and Persisted Values
- Designing Efficient Clustered Indexes
- Creating Non-Clustered Indexes for Query Performance
- Viewing Index Usage Statistics in SSMS
- Rebuilding and Reorganising Indexes
- Managing Fill Factor and Index Fragmentation
- Monitoring Index Disk Space Utilisation
- Scripting Table and Index Changes
- Generating Execution Plans for Index Impact Analysis
- Analysing Table Dependencies and Relationships
Module 4: Writing and Optimising T-SQL Queries - Opening and Configuring the Query Editor
- Writing SELECT Statements with WHERE, ORDER BY, and GROUP BY
- Using JOINs: Inner, Left, Right, and Full Outer Joins
- Writing Subqueries and Correlated Subqueries
- Using Common Table Expressions (CTEs) for Readability
- Applying Aggregate Functions: SUM, AVG, COUNT, MIN, MAX
- Filtering with IN, NOT IN, EXISTS, and BETWEEN
- Working with String Functions: SUBSTRING, CHARINDEX, REPLACE
- Handling Date and Time with GETDATE, DATEDIFF, DATEADD
- Using CASE Statements for Conditional Logic
- Converting Data Types with CAST and CONVERT
- Debugging Syntax Errors with Error Highlighting
- Formatting T-SQL for Team Collaboration
- Using Query Results in Grid vs Text vs File Output
- Setting Transaction Isolation Levels in Queries
Module 5: Query Performance Analysis and Tuning - Displaying Actual and Estimated Execution Plans
- Reading Execution Plan Operators: Scan, Seek, Join, Sort
- Identifying Costly Operators and Performance Bottlenecks
- Using the Query Store to Compare Performance Over Time
- Enabling and Viewing Query Wait Statistics
- Analysing CPU, I/O, and Memory Usage per Query
- Using the Database Engine Tuning Advisor
- Interpreting Missing Index Recommendations
- Creating Indexes Based on Actual Workload Patterns
- Monitoring Long-Running Queries with Activity Monitor
- Setting Query Timeouts to Prevent Locking
- Using Query Hints to Influence Execution Plans
- Index Usage Statistics: User Seeks vs Scans vs Updates
- Updating Statistics Manually and Automatically
- Creating and Testing Covering Indexes
Module 6: Stored Procedures, Functions, and Triggers - Creating Stored Procedures Using the New Procedure Wizard
- Adding Input and Output Parameters
- Naming Conventions and Version Control for Procedures
- Executing Procedures with Correct Syntax
- Altering Existing Procedures Without Breaking Dependencies
- Creating Scalar-Valued and Table-Valued Functions
- Debugging Functions with Sample Data
- Creating DML Triggers for INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE
- Understanding AFTER vs INSTEAD OF Triggers
- Using Triggers for Audit Logging and Data Validation
- Viewing Dependency Trees for Procedures and Functions
- Scripting Modules for Source Control Integration
- Setting Permissions on Programmable Objects
- Using TRY-CATCH Blocks for Error Handling
- Returning Return Codes and Error Messages
Module 7: Security and User Management - Managing Logins at the Server Level
- Creating Windows and SQL Server Authentication Logins
- Assigning Server Roles: sysadmin, dbcreator, securityadmin
- Creating Database Users from Server Logins
- Mapping Users to Specific Databases
- Assigning Database Roles: db_owner, db_datareader, db_datawriter
- Creating Custom Database Roles for Fine-Grained Access
- Granting, Denying, and Revoking Object-Level Permissions
- Viewing Effective Permissions for Users
- Using Execution As for Impersonation Scenarios
- Enabling and Auditing Login Failures
- Setting Password Policies and Expiration Rules
- Managing Certificates and Asymmetric Keys
- Using Always Encrypted with SSMS
- Reviewing Security Best Practices for Production Environments
Module 8: Backup and Recovery Operations - Creating Full, Differential, and Transaction Log Backups
- Configuring Backup Destinations and File Paths
- Scheduling Backups Using SQL Server Agent
- Restoring Databases from Full Backup Sets
- Restoring with NORECOVERY for Log Chain Continuity
- Restoring Specific Filegroups or Pages
- Verifying Backup Integrity with CHECKSUM
- Managing Backup Compression and Encryption
- Viewing Backup History and Completion Logs
- Troubleshooting Failed Backup Jobs
- Creating Maintenance Plans with GUI Tools
- Setting Up Automated Index Maintenance
- Configuring Statistics Updates and Cleanup Tasks
- Saving Maintenance Plans as Reusable Templates
- Exporting Maintenance Plans for Audit and Compliance
Module 9: Monitoring and Diagnostics Tools - Using Activity Monitor to View Active Processes
- Identifying Blocking and Deadlock Situations
- Killing Sessions Safely with KILL Command
- Viewing Resource Waits and CPU Pressure
- Analysing I/O Activity and Disk Latency
- Using Performance Dashboard Reports
- Enabling and Viewing Extended Events Sessions
- Creating Custom Events for Application Monitoring
- Exporting Event Data for Offline Review
- Using SQL Server Profiler (Legacy Mode Guidance)
- Filtering Traces to Reduce Noise
- Analysing Deadlock Graphs and Resolution Strategies
- Monitoring Connection Counts and Pooling Behaviour
- Setting Up Alerts for Critical Errors
- Integrating Monitoring Data with External Systems
Module 10: Automation and Scheduling with SQL Server Agent - Enabling and Configuring SQL Server Agent
- Creating Jobs for Regular Maintenance Tasks
- Adding Job Steps with T-SQL or PowerShell
- Scheduling Job Frequency and Duration
- Setting Job Alerts and Notifications via Email
- Using Operators for Alert Distribution
- Viewing Job History and Execution Logs
- Troubleshooting Failed Job Steps
- Duplicating and Exporting Jobs Across Servers
- Importing Jobs from Other Instances
- Securing Job Ownership and Permissions
- Creating Multi-Step Jobs with Conditional Logic
- Using Tokens for Dynamic Job Output Filenames
- Backing Up and Restoring Agent Jobs
- Audit Logging Changes to Agent Configuration
Module 11: Integration and Cross-Platform Connectivity - Configuring Linked Servers for Remote Queries
- Setting Up Security Contexts for Cross-Server Access
- Querying Oracle, MySQL, and PostgreSQL via OLE DB
- Using OPENQUERY and OPENROWSET for Ad Hoc Access
- Managing Connection Pooling and Latency
- Testing Connectivity with Distributed Transactions
- Troubleshooting Linked Server Errors
- Importing Data Using the Import and Export Wizard
- Mapping Source and Destination Data Types
- Scheduling Data Transfers with SSIS Packages
- Viewing Row Counts and Error Rows After Transfer
- Using BULK INSERT for High-Volume Data Loading
- Validating Data Integrity After Import
- Exporting Query Results to CSV, Excel, and XML
- Automating Export Workflows via Scripts
Module 12: High Availability and Disaster Recovery - Overview of Availability Groups in SSMS
- Monitoring Primary and Secondary Replicas
- Viewing Synchronisation Health and Latency
- Initiating Manual Failover Procedures
- Backing Up Databases in AG Environments
- Managing Listener DNS and Connectivity
- Configuring Log Shipping with SSMS Tools
- Monitoring Log Ship Status and Alerts
- Setting Up Database Mirroring (Legacy Support)
- Monitoring Mirroring Session State and Role
- Failover Strategies for Minimal Downtime
- Testing Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) and Recovery Time Objectives (RTO)
- Documenting DR Runbooks Using SSMS Outputs
- Generating Compliance Reports for Audits
- Validating Backup Restoration in Isolated Environments
Module 13: Advanced Configuration and Server-Level Management - Viewing Server Properties and Edition Details
- Configuring Memory Allocation and CPU Usage
- Setting Up Max Degree of Parallelism (MAXDOP)
- Adjusting Fill Factor at Server Level
- Managing TempDB Configuration and File Layout
- Enabling and Configuring Ad Hoc Workloads
- Using Policy-Based Management for Compliance
- Creating Custom Policies for Naming Standards
- Enforcing Indexing and Security Rules Automatically
- Viewing Policy Evaluation Results
- Importing and Exporting Policy Definitions
- Setting Up Central Management Servers
- Running Queries Across Multiple Instances
- Managing Configuration Drift in Enterprise Environments
- Auditing Server Changes with Default Trace and XEvents
Module 14: Professional Workflow, Documentation, and Certification - Version Controlling Scripts Using External Tools
- Using Snippet Managers for Common Code Blocks
- Generating Database Documentation with Extended Properties
- Adding Descriptions to Tables, Columns, and Procedures
- Exporting Documentation to HTML or PDF
- Using SSMS with Source Control Systems (Git, TFS)
- Comparing Database Schemas Across Environments
- Generating Synchronisation Scripts for Promotion
- Validating Deployments with Pre- and Post-Checks
- Creating Runbooks for Production Changes
- Following Change Management Best Practices
- Tracking Learning Progress in the Course Dashboard
- Completing Final Assessment: Real-World SSMS Scenarios
- Submitting Practical Project for Skill Validation
- Receiving Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service
- Creating Tables Using the Design Grid Interface
- Setting Data Types, NULL Constraints, and Defaults
- Defining Primary Keys, Identity Columns, and Auto-Increment
- Adding Foreign Key Constraints with Referential Integrity
- Setting Up Unique Constraints and Check Constraints
- Using Computed Columns and Persisted Values
- Designing Efficient Clustered Indexes
- Creating Non-Clustered Indexes for Query Performance
- Viewing Index Usage Statistics in SSMS
- Rebuilding and Reorganising Indexes
- Managing Fill Factor and Index Fragmentation
- Monitoring Index Disk Space Utilisation
- Scripting Table and Index Changes
- Generating Execution Plans for Index Impact Analysis
- Analysing Table Dependencies and Relationships
Module 4: Writing and Optimising T-SQL Queries - Opening and Configuring the Query Editor
- Writing SELECT Statements with WHERE, ORDER BY, and GROUP BY
- Using JOINs: Inner, Left, Right, and Full Outer Joins
- Writing Subqueries and Correlated Subqueries
- Using Common Table Expressions (CTEs) for Readability
- Applying Aggregate Functions: SUM, AVG, COUNT, MIN, MAX
- Filtering with IN, NOT IN, EXISTS, and BETWEEN
- Working with String Functions: SUBSTRING, CHARINDEX, REPLACE
- Handling Date and Time with GETDATE, DATEDIFF, DATEADD
- Using CASE Statements for Conditional Logic
- Converting Data Types with CAST and CONVERT
- Debugging Syntax Errors with Error Highlighting
- Formatting T-SQL for Team Collaboration
- Using Query Results in Grid vs Text vs File Output
- Setting Transaction Isolation Levels in Queries
Module 5: Query Performance Analysis and Tuning - Displaying Actual and Estimated Execution Plans
- Reading Execution Plan Operators: Scan, Seek, Join, Sort
- Identifying Costly Operators and Performance Bottlenecks
- Using the Query Store to Compare Performance Over Time
- Enabling and Viewing Query Wait Statistics
- Analysing CPU, I/O, and Memory Usage per Query
- Using the Database Engine Tuning Advisor
- Interpreting Missing Index Recommendations
- Creating Indexes Based on Actual Workload Patterns
- Monitoring Long-Running Queries with Activity Monitor
- Setting Query Timeouts to Prevent Locking
- Using Query Hints to Influence Execution Plans
- Index Usage Statistics: User Seeks vs Scans vs Updates
- Updating Statistics Manually and Automatically
- Creating and Testing Covering Indexes
Module 6: Stored Procedures, Functions, and Triggers - Creating Stored Procedures Using the New Procedure Wizard
- Adding Input and Output Parameters
- Naming Conventions and Version Control for Procedures
- Executing Procedures with Correct Syntax
- Altering Existing Procedures Without Breaking Dependencies
- Creating Scalar-Valued and Table-Valued Functions
- Debugging Functions with Sample Data
- Creating DML Triggers for INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE
- Understanding AFTER vs INSTEAD OF Triggers
- Using Triggers for Audit Logging and Data Validation
- Viewing Dependency Trees for Procedures and Functions
- Scripting Modules for Source Control Integration
- Setting Permissions on Programmable Objects
- Using TRY-CATCH Blocks for Error Handling
- Returning Return Codes and Error Messages
Module 7: Security and User Management - Managing Logins at the Server Level
- Creating Windows and SQL Server Authentication Logins
- Assigning Server Roles: sysadmin, dbcreator, securityadmin
- Creating Database Users from Server Logins
- Mapping Users to Specific Databases
- Assigning Database Roles: db_owner, db_datareader, db_datawriter
- Creating Custom Database Roles for Fine-Grained Access
- Granting, Denying, and Revoking Object-Level Permissions
- Viewing Effective Permissions for Users
- Using Execution As for Impersonation Scenarios
- Enabling and Auditing Login Failures
- Setting Password Policies and Expiration Rules
- Managing Certificates and Asymmetric Keys
- Using Always Encrypted with SSMS
- Reviewing Security Best Practices for Production Environments
Module 8: Backup and Recovery Operations - Creating Full, Differential, and Transaction Log Backups
- Configuring Backup Destinations and File Paths
- Scheduling Backups Using SQL Server Agent
- Restoring Databases from Full Backup Sets
- Restoring with NORECOVERY for Log Chain Continuity
- Restoring Specific Filegroups or Pages
- Verifying Backup Integrity with CHECKSUM
- Managing Backup Compression and Encryption
- Viewing Backup History and Completion Logs
- Troubleshooting Failed Backup Jobs
- Creating Maintenance Plans with GUI Tools
- Setting Up Automated Index Maintenance
- Configuring Statistics Updates and Cleanup Tasks
- Saving Maintenance Plans as Reusable Templates
- Exporting Maintenance Plans for Audit and Compliance
Module 9: Monitoring and Diagnostics Tools - Using Activity Monitor to View Active Processes
- Identifying Blocking and Deadlock Situations
- Killing Sessions Safely with KILL Command
- Viewing Resource Waits and CPU Pressure
- Analysing I/O Activity and Disk Latency
- Using Performance Dashboard Reports
- Enabling and Viewing Extended Events Sessions
- Creating Custom Events for Application Monitoring
- Exporting Event Data for Offline Review
- Using SQL Server Profiler (Legacy Mode Guidance)
- Filtering Traces to Reduce Noise
- Analysing Deadlock Graphs and Resolution Strategies
- Monitoring Connection Counts and Pooling Behaviour
- Setting Up Alerts for Critical Errors
- Integrating Monitoring Data with External Systems
Module 10: Automation and Scheduling with SQL Server Agent - Enabling and Configuring SQL Server Agent
- Creating Jobs for Regular Maintenance Tasks
- Adding Job Steps with T-SQL or PowerShell
- Scheduling Job Frequency and Duration
- Setting Job Alerts and Notifications via Email
- Using Operators for Alert Distribution
- Viewing Job History and Execution Logs
- Troubleshooting Failed Job Steps
- Duplicating and Exporting Jobs Across Servers
- Importing Jobs from Other Instances
- Securing Job Ownership and Permissions
- Creating Multi-Step Jobs with Conditional Logic
- Using Tokens for Dynamic Job Output Filenames
- Backing Up and Restoring Agent Jobs
- Audit Logging Changes to Agent Configuration
Module 11: Integration and Cross-Platform Connectivity - Configuring Linked Servers for Remote Queries
- Setting Up Security Contexts for Cross-Server Access
- Querying Oracle, MySQL, and PostgreSQL via OLE DB
- Using OPENQUERY and OPENROWSET for Ad Hoc Access
- Managing Connection Pooling and Latency
- Testing Connectivity with Distributed Transactions
- Troubleshooting Linked Server Errors
- Importing Data Using the Import and Export Wizard
- Mapping Source and Destination Data Types
- Scheduling Data Transfers with SSIS Packages
- Viewing Row Counts and Error Rows After Transfer
- Using BULK INSERT for High-Volume Data Loading
- Validating Data Integrity After Import
- Exporting Query Results to CSV, Excel, and XML
- Automating Export Workflows via Scripts
Module 12: High Availability and Disaster Recovery - Overview of Availability Groups in SSMS
- Monitoring Primary and Secondary Replicas
- Viewing Synchronisation Health and Latency
- Initiating Manual Failover Procedures
- Backing Up Databases in AG Environments
- Managing Listener DNS and Connectivity
- Configuring Log Shipping with SSMS Tools
- Monitoring Log Ship Status and Alerts
- Setting Up Database Mirroring (Legacy Support)
- Monitoring Mirroring Session State and Role
- Failover Strategies for Minimal Downtime
- Testing Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) and Recovery Time Objectives (RTO)
- Documenting DR Runbooks Using SSMS Outputs
- Generating Compliance Reports for Audits
- Validating Backup Restoration in Isolated Environments
Module 13: Advanced Configuration and Server-Level Management - Viewing Server Properties and Edition Details
- Configuring Memory Allocation and CPU Usage
- Setting Up Max Degree of Parallelism (MAXDOP)
- Adjusting Fill Factor at Server Level
- Managing TempDB Configuration and File Layout
- Enabling and Configuring Ad Hoc Workloads
- Using Policy-Based Management for Compliance
- Creating Custom Policies for Naming Standards
- Enforcing Indexing and Security Rules Automatically
- Viewing Policy Evaluation Results
- Importing and Exporting Policy Definitions
- Setting Up Central Management Servers
- Running Queries Across Multiple Instances
- Managing Configuration Drift in Enterprise Environments
- Auditing Server Changes with Default Trace and XEvents
Module 14: Professional Workflow, Documentation, and Certification - Version Controlling Scripts Using External Tools
- Using Snippet Managers for Common Code Blocks
- Generating Database Documentation with Extended Properties
- Adding Descriptions to Tables, Columns, and Procedures
- Exporting Documentation to HTML or PDF
- Using SSMS with Source Control Systems (Git, TFS)
- Comparing Database Schemas Across Environments
- Generating Synchronisation Scripts for Promotion
- Validating Deployments with Pre- and Post-Checks
- Creating Runbooks for Production Changes
- Following Change Management Best Practices
- Tracking Learning Progress in the Course Dashboard
- Completing Final Assessment: Real-World SSMS Scenarios
- Submitting Practical Project for Skill Validation
- Receiving Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service
- Displaying Actual and Estimated Execution Plans
- Reading Execution Plan Operators: Scan, Seek, Join, Sort
- Identifying Costly Operators and Performance Bottlenecks
- Using the Query Store to Compare Performance Over Time
- Enabling and Viewing Query Wait Statistics
- Analysing CPU, I/O, and Memory Usage per Query
- Using the Database Engine Tuning Advisor
- Interpreting Missing Index Recommendations
- Creating Indexes Based on Actual Workload Patterns
- Monitoring Long-Running Queries with Activity Monitor
- Setting Query Timeouts to Prevent Locking
- Using Query Hints to Influence Execution Plans
- Index Usage Statistics: User Seeks vs Scans vs Updates
- Updating Statistics Manually and Automatically
- Creating and Testing Covering Indexes
Module 6: Stored Procedures, Functions, and Triggers - Creating Stored Procedures Using the New Procedure Wizard
- Adding Input and Output Parameters
- Naming Conventions and Version Control for Procedures
- Executing Procedures with Correct Syntax
- Altering Existing Procedures Without Breaking Dependencies
- Creating Scalar-Valued and Table-Valued Functions
- Debugging Functions with Sample Data
- Creating DML Triggers for INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE
- Understanding AFTER vs INSTEAD OF Triggers
- Using Triggers for Audit Logging and Data Validation
- Viewing Dependency Trees for Procedures and Functions
- Scripting Modules for Source Control Integration
- Setting Permissions on Programmable Objects
- Using TRY-CATCH Blocks for Error Handling
- Returning Return Codes and Error Messages
Module 7: Security and User Management - Managing Logins at the Server Level
- Creating Windows and SQL Server Authentication Logins
- Assigning Server Roles: sysadmin, dbcreator, securityadmin
- Creating Database Users from Server Logins
- Mapping Users to Specific Databases
- Assigning Database Roles: db_owner, db_datareader, db_datawriter
- Creating Custom Database Roles for Fine-Grained Access
- Granting, Denying, and Revoking Object-Level Permissions
- Viewing Effective Permissions for Users
- Using Execution As for Impersonation Scenarios
- Enabling and Auditing Login Failures
- Setting Password Policies and Expiration Rules
- Managing Certificates and Asymmetric Keys
- Using Always Encrypted with SSMS
- Reviewing Security Best Practices for Production Environments
Module 8: Backup and Recovery Operations - Creating Full, Differential, and Transaction Log Backups
- Configuring Backup Destinations and File Paths
- Scheduling Backups Using SQL Server Agent
- Restoring Databases from Full Backup Sets
- Restoring with NORECOVERY for Log Chain Continuity
- Restoring Specific Filegroups or Pages
- Verifying Backup Integrity with CHECKSUM
- Managing Backup Compression and Encryption
- Viewing Backup History and Completion Logs
- Troubleshooting Failed Backup Jobs
- Creating Maintenance Plans with GUI Tools
- Setting Up Automated Index Maintenance
- Configuring Statistics Updates and Cleanup Tasks
- Saving Maintenance Plans as Reusable Templates
- Exporting Maintenance Plans for Audit and Compliance
Module 9: Monitoring and Diagnostics Tools - Using Activity Monitor to View Active Processes
- Identifying Blocking and Deadlock Situations
- Killing Sessions Safely with KILL Command
- Viewing Resource Waits and CPU Pressure
- Analysing I/O Activity and Disk Latency
- Using Performance Dashboard Reports
- Enabling and Viewing Extended Events Sessions
- Creating Custom Events for Application Monitoring
- Exporting Event Data for Offline Review
- Using SQL Server Profiler (Legacy Mode Guidance)
- Filtering Traces to Reduce Noise
- Analysing Deadlock Graphs and Resolution Strategies
- Monitoring Connection Counts and Pooling Behaviour
- Setting Up Alerts for Critical Errors
- Integrating Monitoring Data with External Systems
Module 10: Automation and Scheduling with SQL Server Agent - Enabling and Configuring SQL Server Agent
- Creating Jobs for Regular Maintenance Tasks
- Adding Job Steps with T-SQL or PowerShell
- Scheduling Job Frequency and Duration
- Setting Job Alerts and Notifications via Email
- Using Operators for Alert Distribution
- Viewing Job History and Execution Logs
- Troubleshooting Failed Job Steps
- Duplicating and Exporting Jobs Across Servers
- Importing Jobs from Other Instances
- Securing Job Ownership and Permissions
- Creating Multi-Step Jobs with Conditional Logic
- Using Tokens for Dynamic Job Output Filenames
- Backing Up and Restoring Agent Jobs
- Audit Logging Changes to Agent Configuration
Module 11: Integration and Cross-Platform Connectivity - Configuring Linked Servers for Remote Queries
- Setting Up Security Contexts for Cross-Server Access
- Querying Oracle, MySQL, and PostgreSQL via OLE DB
- Using OPENQUERY and OPENROWSET for Ad Hoc Access
- Managing Connection Pooling and Latency
- Testing Connectivity with Distributed Transactions
- Troubleshooting Linked Server Errors
- Importing Data Using the Import and Export Wizard
- Mapping Source and Destination Data Types
- Scheduling Data Transfers with SSIS Packages
- Viewing Row Counts and Error Rows After Transfer
- Using BULK INSERT for High-Volume Data Loading
- Validating Data Integrity After Import
- Exporting Query Results to CSV, Excel, and XML
- Automating Export Workflows via Scripts
Module 12: High Availability and Disaster Recovery - Overview of Availability Groups in SSMS
- Monitoring Primary and Secondary Replicas
- Viewing Synchronisation Health and Latency
- Initiating Manual Failover Procedures
- Backing Up Databases in AG Environments
- Managing Listener DNS and Connectivity
- Configuring Log Shipping with SSMS Tools
- Monitoring Log Ship Status and Alerts
- Setting Up Database Mirroring (Legacy Support)
- Monitoring Mirroring Session State and Role
- Failover Strategies for Minimal Downtime
- Testing Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) and Recovery Time Objectives (RTO)
- Documenting DR Runbooks Using SSMS Outputs
- Generating Compliance Reports for Audits
- Validating Backup Restoration in Isolated Environments
Module 13: Advanced Configuration and Server-Level Management - Viewing Server Properties and Edition Details
- Configuring Memory Allocation and CPU Usage
- Setting Up Max Degree of Parallelism (MAXDOP)
- Adjusting Fill Factor at Server Level
- Managing TempDB Configuration and File Layout
- Enabling and Configuring Ad Hoc Workloads
- Using Policy-Based Management for Compliance
- Creating Custom Policies for Naming Standards
- Enforcing Indexing and Security Rules Automatically
- Viewing Policy Evaluation Results
- Importing and Exporting Policy Definitions
- Setting Up Central Management Servers
- Running Queries Across Multiple Instances
- Managing Configuration Drift in Enterprise Environments
- Auditing Server Changes with Default Trace and XEvents
Module 14: Professional Workflow, Documentation, and Certification - Version Controlling Scripts Using External Tools
- Using Snippet Managers for Common Code Blocks
- Generating Database Documentation with Extended Properties
- Adding Descriptions to Tables, Columns, and Procedures
- Exporting Documentation to HTML or PDF
- Using SSMS with Source Control Systems (Git, TFS)
- Comparing Database Schemas Across Environments
- Generating Synchronisation Scripts for Promotion
- Validating Deployments with Pre- and Post-Checks
- Creating Runbooks for Production Changes
- Following Change Management Best Practices
- Tracking Learning Progress in the Course Dashboard
- Completing Final Assessment: Real-World SSMS Scenarios
- Submitting Practical Project for Skill Validation
- Receiving Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service
- Managing Logins at the Server Level
- Creating Windows and SQL Server Authentication Logins
- Assigning Server Roles: sysadmin, dbcreator, securityadmin
- Creating Database Users from Server Logins
- Mapping Users to Specific Databases
- Assigning Database Roles: db_owner, db_datareader, db_datawriter
- Creating Custom Database Roles for Fine-Grained Access
- Granting, Denying, and Revoking Object-Level Permissions
- Viewing Effective Permissions for Users
- Using Execution As for Impersonation Scenarios
- Enabling and Auditing Login Failures
- Setting Password Policies and Expiration Rules
- Managing Certificates and Asymmetric Keys
- Using Always Encrypted with SSMS
- Reviewing Security Best Practices for Production Environments
Module 8: Backup and Recovery Operations - Creating Full, Differential, and Transaction Log Backups
- Configuring Backup Destinations and File Paths
- Scheduling Backups Using SQL Server Agent
- Restoring Databases from Full Backup Sets
- Restoring with NORECOVERY for Log Chain Continuity
- Restoring Specific Filegroups or Pages
- Verifying Backup Integrity with CHECKSUM
- Managing Backup Compression and Encryption
- Viewing Backup History and Completion Logs
- Troubleshooting Failed Backup Jobs
- Creating Maintenance Plans with GUI Tools
- Setting Up Automated Index Maintenance
- Configuring Statistics Updates and Cleanup Tasks
- Saving Maintenance Plans as Reusable Templates
- Exporting Maintenance Plans for Audit and Compliance
Module 9: Monitoring and Diagnostics Tools - Using Activity Monitor to View Active Processes
- Identifying Blocking and Deadlock Situations
- Killing Sessions Safely with KILL Command
- Viewing Resource Waits and CPU Pressure
- Analysing I/O Activity and Disk Latency
- Using Performance Dashboard Reports
- Enabling and Viewing Extended Events Sessions
- Creating Custom Events for Application Monitoring
- Exporting Event Data for Offline Review
- Using SQL Server Profiler (Legacy Mode Guidance)
- Filtering Traces to Reduce Noise
- Analysing Deadlock Graphs and Resolution Strategies
- Monitoring Connection Counts and Pooling Behaviour
- Setting Up Alerts for Critical Errors
- Integrating Monitoring Data with External Systems
Module 10: Automation and Scheduling with SQL Server Agent - Enabling and Configuring SQL Server Agent
- Creating Jobs for Regular Maintenance Tasks
- Adding Job Steps with T-SQL or PowerShell
- Scheduling Job Frequency and Duration
- Setting Job Alerts and Notifications via Email
- Using Operators for Alert Distribution
- Viewing Job History and Execution Logs
- Troubleshooting Failed Job Steps
- Duplicating and Exporting Jobs Across Servers
- Importing Jobs from Other Instances
- Securing Job Ownership and Permissions
- Creating Multi-Step Jobs with Conditional Logic
- Using Tokens for Dynamic Job Output Filenames
- Backing Up and Restoring Agent Jobs
- Audit Logging Changes to Agent Configuration
Module 11: Integration and Cross-Platform Connectivity - Configuring Linked Servers for Remote Queries
- Setting Up Security Contexts for Cross-Server Access
- Querying Oracle, MySQL, and PostgreSQL via OLE DB
- Using OPENQUERY and OPENROWSET for Ad Hoc Access
- Managing Connection Pooling and Latency
- Testing Connectivity with Distributed Transactions
- Troubleshooting Linked Server Errors
- Importing Data Using the Import and Export Wizard
- Mapping Source and Destination Data Types
- Scheduling Data Transfers with SSIS Packages
- Viewing Row Counts and Error Rows After Transfer
- Using BULK INSERT for High-Volume Data Loading
- Validating Data Integrity After Import
- Exporting Query Results to CSV, Excel, and XML
- Automating Export Workflows via Scripts
Module 12: High Availability and Disaster Recovery - Overview of Availability Groups in SSMS
- Monitoring Primary and Secondary Replicas
- Viewing Synchronisation Health and Latency
- Initiating Manual Failover Procedures
- Backing Up Databases in AG Environments
- Managing Listener DNS and Connectivity
- Configuring Log Shipping with SSMS Tools
- Monitoring Log Ship Status and Alerts
- Setting Up Database Mirroring (Legacy Support)
- Monitoring Mirroring Session State and Role
- Failover Strategies for Minimal Downtime
- Testing Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) and Recovery Time Objectives (RTO)
- Documenting DR Runbooks Using SSMS Outputs
- Generating Compliance Reports for Audits
- Validating Backup Restoration in Isolated Environments
Module 13: Advanced Configuration and Server-Level Management - Viewing Server Properties and Edition Details
- Configuring Memory Allocation and CPU Usage
- Setting Up Max Degree of Parallelism (MAXDOP)
- Adjusting Fill Factor at Server Level
- Managing TempDB Configuration and File Layout
- Enabling and Configuring Ad Hoc Workloads
- Using Policy-Based Management for Compliance
- Creating Custom Policies for Naming Standards
- Enforcing Indexing and Security Rules Automatically
- Viewing Policy Evaluation Results
- Importing and Exporting Policy Definitions
- Setting Up Central Management Servers
- Running Queries Across Multiple Instances
- Managing Configuration Drift in Enterprise Environments
- Auditing Server Changes with Default Trace and XEvents
Module 14: Professional Workflow, Documentation, and Certification - Version Controlling Scripts Using External Tools
- Using Snippet Managers for Common Code Blocks
- Generating Database Documentation with Extended Properties
- Adding Descriptions to Tables, Columns, and Procedures
- Exporting Documentation to HTML or PDF
- Using SSMS with Source Control Systems (Git, TFS)
- Comparing Database Schemas Across Environments
- Generating Synchronisation Scripts for Promotion
- Validating Deployments with Pre- and Post-Checks
- Creating Runbooks for Production Changes
- Following Change Management Best Practices
- Tracking Learning Progress in the Course Dashboard
- Completing Final Assessment: Real-World SSMS Scenarios
- Submitting Practical Project for Skill Validation
- Receiving Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service
- Using Activity Monitor to View Active Processes
- Identifying Blocking and Deadlock Situations
- Killing Sessions Safely with KILL Command
- Viewing Resource Waits and CPU Pressure
- Analysing I/O Activity and Disk Latency
- Using Performance Dashboard Reports
- Enabling and Viewing Extended Events Sessions
- Creating Custom Events for Application Monitoring
- Exporting Event Data for Offline Review
- Using SQL Server Profiler (Legacy Mode Guidance)
- Filtering Traces to Reduce Noise
- Analysing Deadlock Graphs and Resolution Strategies
- Monitoring Connection Counts and Pooling Behaviour
- Setting Up Alerts for Critical Errors
- Integrating Monitoring Data with External Systems
Module 10: Automation and Scheduling with SQL Server Agent - Enabling and Configuring SQL Server Agent
- Creating Jobs for Regular Maintenance Tasks
- Adding Job Steps with T-SQL or PowerShell
- Scheduling Job Frequency and Duration
- Setting Job Alerts and Notifications via Email
- Using Operators for Alert Distribution
- Viewing Job History and Execution Logs
- Troubleshooting Failed Job Steps
- Duplicating and Exporting Jobs Across Servers
- Importing Jobs from Other Instances
- Securing Job Ownership and Permissions
- Creating Multi-Step Jobs with Conditional Logic
- Using Tokens for Dynamic Job Output Filenames
- Backing Up and Restoring Agent Jobs
- Audit Logging Changes to Agent Configuration
Module 11: Integration and Cross-Platform Connectivity - Configuring Linked Servers for Remote Queries
- Setting Up Security Contexts for Cross-Server Access
- Querying Oracle, MySQL, and PostgreSQL via OLE DB
- Using OPENQUERY and OPENROWSET for Ad Hoc Access
- Managing Connection Pooling and Latency
- Testing Connectivity with Distributed Transactions
- Troubleshooting Linked Server Errors
- Importing Data Using the Import and Export Wizard
- Mapping Source and Destination Data Types
- Scheduling Data Transfers with SSIS Packages
- Viewing Row Counts and Error Rows After Transfer
- Using BULK INSERT for High-Volume Data Loading
- Validating Data Integrity After Import
- Exporting Query Results to CSV, Excel, and XML
- Automating Export Workflows via Scripts
Module 12: High Availability and Disaster Recovery - Overview of Availability Groups in SSMS
- Monitoring Primary and Secondary Replicas
- Viewing Synchronisation Health and Latency
- Initiating Manual Failover Procedures
- Backing Up Databases in AG Environments
- Managing Listener DNS and Connectivity
- Configuring Log Shipping with SSMS Tools
- Monitoring Log Ship Status and Alerts
- Setting Up Database Mirroring (Legacy Support)
- Monitoring Mirroring Session State and Role
- Failover Strategies for Minimal Downtime
- Testing Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) and Recovery Time Objectives (RTO)
- Documenting DR Runbooks Using SSMS Outputs
- Generating Compliance Reports for Audits
- Validating Backup Restoration in Isolated Environments
Module 13: Advanced Configuration and Server-Level Management - Viewing Server Properties and Edition Details
- Configuring Memory Allocation and CPU Usage
- Setting Up Max Degree of Parallelism (MAXDOP)
- Adjusting Fill Factor at Server Level
- Managing TempDB Configuration and File Layout
- Enabling and Configuring Ad Hoc Workloads
- Using Policy-Based Management for Compliance
- Creating Custom Policies for Naming Standards
- Enforcing Indexing and Security Rules Automatically
- Viewing Policy Evaluation Results
- Importing and Exporting Policy Definitions
- Setting Up Central Management Servers
- Running Queries Across Multiple Instances
- Managing Configuration Drift in Enterprise Environments
- Auditing Server Changes with Default Trace and XEvents
Module 14: Professional Workflow, Documentation, and Certification - Version Controlling Scripts Using External Tools
- Using Snippet Managers for Common Code Blocks
- Generating Database Documentation with Extended Properties
- Adding Descriptions to Tables, Columns, and Procedures
- Exporting Documentation to HTML or PDF
- Using SSMS with Source Control Systems (Git, TFS)
- Comparing Database Schemas Across Environments
- Generating Synchronisation Scripts for Promotion
- Validating Deployments with Pre- and Post-Checks
- Creating Runbooks for Production Changes
- Following Change Management Best Practices
- Tracking Learning Progress in the Course Dashboard
- Completing Final Assessment: Real-World SSMS Scenarios
- Submitting Practical Project for Skill Validation
- Receiving Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service
- Configuring Linked Servers for Remote Queries
- Setting Up Security Contexts for Cross-Server Access
- Querying Oracle, MySQL, and PostgreSQL via OLE DB
- Using OPENQUERY and OPENROWSET for Ad Hoc Access
- Managing Connection Pooling and Latency
- Testing Connectivity with Distributed Transactions
- Troubleshooting Linked Server Errors
- Importing Data Using the Import and Export Wizard
- Mapping Source and Destination Data Types
- Scheduling Data Transfers with SSIS Packages
- Viewing Row Counts and Error Rows After Transfer
- Using BULK INSERT for High-Volume Data Loading
- Validating Data Integrity After Import
- Exporting Query Results to CSV, Excel, and XML
- Automating Export Workflows via Scripts
Module 12: High Availability and Disaster Recovery - Overview of Availability Groups in SSMS
- Monitoring Primary and Secondary Replicas
- Viewing Synchronisation Health and Latency
- Initiating Manual Failover Procedures
- Backing Up Databases in AG Environments
- Managing Listener DNS and Connectivity
- Configuring Log Shipping with SSMS Tools
- Monitoring Log Ship Status and Alerts
- Setting Up Database Mirroring (Legacy Support)
- Monitoring Mirroring Session State and Role
- Failover Strategies for Minimal Downtime
- Testing Recovery Point Objectives (RPO) and Recovery Time Objectives (RTO)
- Documenting DR Runbooks Using SSMS Outputs
- Generating Compliance Reports for Audits
- Validating Backup Restoration in Isolated Environments
Module 13: Advanced Configuration and Server-Level Management - Viewing Server Properties and Edition Details
- Configuring Memory Allocation and CPU Usage
- Setting Up Max Degree of Parallelism (MAXDOP)
- Adjusting Fill Factor at Server Level
- Managing TempDB Configuration and File Layout
- Enabling and Configuring Ad Hoc Workloads
- Using Policy-Based Management for Compliance
- Creating Custom Policies for Naming Standards
- Enforcing Indexing and Security Rules Automatically
- Viewing Policy Evaluation Results
- Importing and Exporting Policy Definitions
- Setting Up Central Management Servers
- Running Queries Across Multiple Instances
- Managing Configuration Drift in Enterprise Environments
- Auditing Server Changes with Default Trace and XEvents
Module 14: Professional Workflow, Documentation, and Certification - Version Controlling Scripts Using External Tools
- Using Snippet Managers for Common Code Blocks
- Generating Database Documentation with Extended Properties
- Adding Descriptions to Tables, Columns, and Procedures
- Exporting Documentation to HTML or PDF
- Using SSMS with Source Control Systems (Git, TFS)
- Comparing Database Schemas Across Environments
- Generating Synchronisation Scripts for Promotion
- Validating Deployments with Pre- and Post-Checks
- Creating Runbooks for Production Changes
- Following Change Management Best Practices
- Tracking Learning Progress in the Course Dashboard
- Completing Final Assessment: Real-World SSMS Scenarios
- Submitting Practical Project for Skill Validation
- Receiving Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service
- Viewing Server Properties and Edition Details
- Configuring Memory Allocation and CPU Usage
- Setting Up Max Degree of Parallelism (MAXDOP)
- Adjusting Fill Factor at Server Level
- Managing TempDB Configuration and File Layout
- Enabling and Configuring Ad Hoc Workloads
- Using Policy-Based Management for Compliance
- Creating Custom Policies for Naming Standards
- Enforcing Indexing and Security Rules Automatically
- Viewing Policy Evaluation Results
- Importing and Exporting Policy Definitions
- Setting Up Central Management Servers
- Running Queries Across Multiple Instances
- Managing Configuration Drift in Enterprise Environments
- Auditing Server Changes with Default Trace and XEvents