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Essential SQL Server Administration Tips (Hands-On Guides)

Name: Essential SQL Server Administration Tips (Hands-On Guides)
Rating: 4.3 (57 reviews)

Build practical SQL Server DBA skills in maintenance, performance, security, troubleshooting, and integration.

Created byArtemakis Artemiou

Last updated 10/2026

English

English [Auto],

What you'll learn

Follow selected SQL Server maintenance and patching guides.
Use the demonstrated monitoring techniques to investigate performance questions.
Explore database and backup encryption and related security tasks.
Work through integration examples involving linked servers and data handling.
Recognize common SQL Server errors and follow the demonstrated troubleshooting approaches.
Use the topic-based guides to expand an existing SQL Server administration foundation.

Course content

9 sections • 99 lectures • 7h 59m total length

Welcome to the Course!4:16
This is the introduction to the course. We will talk about how this course is structured and what will you learn after completing this course.
How Can this Course Help You?1:04
Learn how can this course help you with your SQL Server journey.

Section Overview0:50
This lecture, is an overview of what you will learn in this section.
How to Patch a Standalone SQL Server Instance7:11
In this lecture, you will learn how to patch a standalone SQL Server machine.
How to Patch a SQL Server Failover Cluster Instance7:01
In this lecture, you will learn how to patch a SQL Server failover cluster instance.
The Maximum Number of Concurrent Connections Setting in SQL Server7:34
In this lecture and demo, you will learn about the “Maximum Number of Concurrent Connections Setting” in SQL Server.
Searching for Keywords in SQL Server Agent Jobs7:32
In this lecture and demo, you will learn how to search for specific keywords in SQL Server Agent jobs.
The SQL Server Browser Service and UDP Port 14345:02
In this lecture, you will learn about the SQL Server Browser service.
Getting the Disk Usage Statistics for all Tables in a Database5:23
In this lecture and demo, you will learn how to get disk usage statistics for all tables in a SQL Server database.
Handling Disk Space Issues During Heavy Index Rebuild Operations3:09
In this lecture, you will learn how to handle disk space issues that might come up during heavy index rebuild operations.
How to Add a Database to a SQL Server Availability Group Using T-SQL3:45
In this lecture, you will learn how to add a database to a SQL Server Availability Group using T-SQL.
Migrating to a Contained Database in SQL Server10:00
In this lecture and demo, you will learn about contained databases in SQL Server and how to migrate from a non-contained database to a contained database.
Modelling Database Creation with the Model System Database in SQL Server4:51
In this lecture and demo, you will learn how to model database creation in SQL Server, using the Model system database.
Compatibility Levels Supported by Different SQL Server Versions3:33
In this lecture, you will learn about the SQL Server compatibility levels.
Backup Compression in SQL Server3:06
In this lecture and demo, you will learn about backup compression in SQL Server.
Transferring Ownership of All Database Objects Back to DBO6:31
In this lecture and demo, you will learn how to transfer ownership of all database objects back to dbo.
Understanding SQL Server Database File Growth Settings (New)3:58
In this lecture, we will look at SQL Server database file growth settings. The goal is simple: understand where these settings are configured, how to retrieve them with T-SQL, and how to read the values correctly.
Section Recap0:42
This lecture, is a recap of what you have learned in this section.
SQL Server Maintenance

Section Overview0:28
This lecture, is an overview of what you will learn in this section.
The Importance of Database Indexes1:24
In this lecture, you will learn about the importance of database indexes.
Index Maintenance Scripts6:23
In this lecture and demo, you will learn how to rebuild indexes in SQL Server.
The TempDB System Database in SQL Server3:33
In this lecture, you will learn about the tempdb system database in SQL Server.
tempdb growth5:29
In this lecture, you will learn more about the tempdb system database in SQL Server, and more specifically about tempdb growth.
Introducing In-Memory Optimization in SQL Server5:17
In this lecture, you will be introduced to the powerful In-Memory OLTP Engine in SQL Server.
In-Memory Optimization in SQL Server: A Simple Experiment8:34
In this lecture and demo, you will learn even more about In-Memory OLTP in SQL Server, and we will create a T-SQL based example of using In-Memory OLTP.
Getting the RAM Usage per Database in SQL Server4:45
In this lecture and demo, you will learn how to get RAM usage statistics for SQL Server databases, using T-SQL scripts.
Getting the CPU Usage per Database in SQL Server4:37
In this lecture and demo, you will learn how to get CPU usage statistics for SQL Server databases, using T-SQL scripts.
Locking and Blocking in SQL Server3:58
In this lecture, you will learn about concurrency control in SQL Server, and more specifically, about locking and blocking.
Section Recap0:40
This lecture, is a recap of what you have learned in this section.
SQL Server Performance

Section Overview2:05
This lecture, is an overview of what you will learn in this section.
Why You Need to Secure Your SQL Server Instances2:33
In this lecture, we will discuss about the necessity for securing your SQL Server instances, databases and servers.
Transparent Data Encryption (TDE) in SQL Server14:27
In this lecture and demo, you will learn about Transparent Data Encryption in SQL Server.
10+1 Facts About SQL Server Transparent Data Encryption3:05
In this lecture, you will learn about 10+1 useful facts about Transparent Data Encryption in SQL Server.
Encrypting a SQL Server Database Backup9:21
In this lecture and demo, you will learn how to encrypt a SQL Server database backup.
SQL Server Support for TLS 1.21:37
In this lecture, you will learn about SQL Server support for TLS 1.2.
How to Enable SSL Certificate-Based Encryption on a Standalone SQL Server7:16
In this lecture and demo, you will learn how to enable SSL certificate-based encryption on a standalone SQL Server machine.
How to Enable SSL Certificate-Based Encryption on a SQL Server Failover Cluster8:01
In this lecture and demo, you will learn how to enable SSL certificate-based encryption on a SQL Server failover cluster.
The SELECT ALL USER SECURABLES Permission in SQL Server6:12
In this lecture and demo, you will learn about the SELECT ALL USER SECURABLES permission in SQL Server.
Dynamic Data Masking in SQL Server 2016 or Later7:36
In this lecture and demo, you will learn about Dynamic Data Masking in SQL Server 2016 and later.
The “Public” Database Role in SQL Server1:39
In this lecture, you will learn about the “Public” database role in SQL Server.
SQL Server Row Level Security by Example5:55
In this lecture and demo, you will learn about Row Level Security in SQL Server 2016 and later.
Should Windows “Built-In\Administrators” Group be SQL Server SysAdmins?1:55
In this lecture and demo, you will learn why the Windows “Built-In\Administrators” Group should not be SQL Server SysAdmins.
How to Rename Logins in SQL Server3:42
How to Rename Logins in SQL Server
Handling Orphaned Users in SQL Server6:14
In this lecture and demo, you will learn about orphaned users in SQL Server and how you can handle them.
Section Recap0:41
This lecture, is a recap of what you have learned in this section.
SQL Server Security

Section Overview0:34
This lecture, is an overview of what you will learn in this section.
Using Proxy Accounts in SQL Server Agent Jobs4:07
In this lecture and demo, you will learn how you can use proxy accounts in SQL Server Agent jobs.
Using Unicode in SQL Server3:47
In this lecture and demo, you will learn about Unicode support in pre-SQL Server 2019 versions.
UTF-8 Support in SQL Server 2019 and later3:19
In this lecture and demo, you will learn about Unicode support in SQL Server 2019 and later versions.
How to Create a Simple Linked Server Between SQL Server Instances4:09
In this lecture and demo, you will learn how to create a simple linked server between two SQL Server instances.
What are SQL Server Machine Learning Services?2:54
In this lecture, we will be discussing about SQL Server Machine Learning Services, as this feature allows you to run Python and R scripts in SQL Server in-database.
How to Install SQL Server Machine Learning Services14:59
In this lecture and demo, we will be installing SQL Server Machine Learning Services, as part of performing a new installation of SQL Server.
Section Recap0:30
This lecture, is a recap of what you have learned in this section.
SQL Server Integration

Section Overview0:59
This lecture, is an overview of what you will learn in this section.
Resolving the Error Message: Rule “KB2919355 Installation” failed1:53
In this lecture, you will learn how to troubleshoot the error message: Rule “KB2919355 Installation” failed.
Error converting data type varchar to float2:55
In this lecture and demo, you will learn how to troubleshoot the error message: Error converting data type varchar to float.
Database […] cannot be upgraded because it is read-only or has read-only files0:58
In this lecture, you will learn how to troubleshoot the error message: Database […] cannot be upgraded because it is read-only or has read-only files.
Could not load file or assembly ‘Microsoft.SqlServer.Smo, Version=10.0.0.0, …1:33
In this lecture, you will learn how to troubleshoot the error message: Could not load file or assembly ‘Microsoft.SqlServer.Smo, Version=10.0.0.0, …
A connection was successfully established with the server, but then an error...2:13
In this lecture, you will learn how to troubleshoot the error message: A connection was successfully established with the server, but then an error occurred during the login process.
The SELECT permission was denied on the object ‘extended_properties’, database..1:32
In this lecture, you will learn how to troubleshoot the error message: The SELECT permission was denied on the object ‘extended_properties’, database ‘mssqlsystemresource’, schema ‘sys’.
ORDER BY items must appear in the select list if SELECT DISTINCT is specified2:19
In this lecture and demo, you will learn how to troubleshoot the error message: ORDER BY items must appear in the select list if SELECT DISTINCT is specified.
A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a ...2:24
In this lecture, you will learn how to troubleshoot the error message: A network-related or instance-specific error occurred while establishing a connection to SQL Server.
There is no SQL Server Failover Cluster Available to Join4:25
In this lecture, we troubleshoot the SQL Server error message "There is no SQL Server Failover Cluster Available to Join".
An error occurred within the report server database. This may be due...4:19
In this lecture, we troubleshoot the SQL Server error message "An error occurred within the report server database. This may be due to a connection failure, timeout or low disk condition within the database".
Operating System Error 170 (Requested Resource is in use)5:02
In this lecture, we troubleshoot the SQL Server error message "Operating System Error 170 (Requested Resource is in use)".
Cannot Connect to WMI Provider (SQL Server Configuration Manager)4:59
In this lecture, we troubleshoot the error message "Cannot Connect to WMI Provider" you might get when trying to run SQL Server Configuration Manager.
The Multi-Part Identifier Could not be Bound5:18
In this lecture, we troubleshoot the SQL Server error message "The Multi-Part Identifier Could not be Bound".
Argument data type ntext is invalid for argument 1 of left function5:21
In this lecture, we troubleshoot the SQL Server error message "Argument data type ntext is invalid for argument 1 of left function".
String or binary data would be truncated6:38
In this lecture, we troubleshoot the SQL Server error message "String or binary data would be truncated".
Microsoft SSIS Service failed to start. Configuration system failed to...1:54
In this lecture, we troubleshoot the SQL Server Integration Services error message "Microsoft SSIS Service failed to start. Configuration system failed to initialize".
Section Recap0:54
This lecture, is a recap of what you have learned in this section.
SQL Server Troubleshooting

Section Overview0:49
This lecture, is an overview of what you will learn in this section.
Understanding the SQL Server Security Hierarchy2:29
In this lecture, we’ll cover the SQL Server security hierarchy — one of the most important, yet often misunderstood, concepts. A solid understanding of this structure helps you assign permissions correctly, avoid common mistakes, and build secure, well-managed environments.
Where are Temporary Tables Stored in SQL Server?4:18
In this lecture and demo, you will learn where are temporary tables actually stored in the tempdb system database.
How to Suppress the “N Row(s) Affected” Output Message in SQL Server1:51
In this lecture, you will learn how to suppress the “N Row(s) Affected” output message in SQL Server.
Accessing Reporting Services Using a Fully Qualified Domain Name2:37
In this lecture, you will learn how to setup SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) in order to be able to access it using a fully qualified domain name (FQDN).
How to Enable Stretch Database in SQL Server15:36
In this special topic, we will talk about Stretch Database in SQL Server and via a comprehensive live demonstration, we will see how it is possible via the Stretch Database technology, to store a database table on Azure SQL Database, while being able to access it from your on-premises SQL Server database.
Running Queries and Scripting to T-SQL7:39
SQL Server Administrators, among other, need to also know how to work with SSMS in terms of running queries. Therefore, in this special topic, we will see how we can run queries against SQL Server using SQL Server Management Studio, as well as how we can script different wizard-based procedures to T-SQL code.
Methods of Importing and Exporting Data in SQL Server10:48
A DBA must know how to import and export data in SQL Server. Via this special topic, we will talk about some of these methods, as well as see a live demonstration.
How to Write to a Flat File Using SQL in SQL Server5:02
A DBA must know how to interact via SQL Server with the Operating System for performing different tasks, for example file operations. In this special topic, we will see how you can write to a text file using SQL in SQL Server.
How to Read from a Flat File Using SQL in SQL Server3:19
A DBA must know how to interact via SQL Server with the Operating System for performing different tasks, for example file operations. In this special topic, we will see how you can read from a text file using SQL in SQL Server.
How to Install SQL Server on CentOS Linux11:10
In this special topic, we are going to see how we can install SQL Server 2019 on CentOS Linux version 8.
How to Connect to SQL Server from a C++ Program7:43
As Database Administrators (DBAs), we are called many times for supporting developers connecting their applications to our SQL Server instances (i.e. provide the connection string, etc.). Therefore, we need to have the relevant knowledge. In this special topic, via a live demonstration, you will learn how to connect to SQL Server and run queries, via a C++ program.
SQL Server Installation and Setup Best Practices12:31
In this lecture, I share with you, useful tips and best practices, regarding the installation and initial setup of SQL Server.
Frequently Asked Questions about SQL Server Transparent Data Encryption (TDE)6:45
In this lecture, I will be answering frequently asked questions about SQL Server Transparent Data Encryption (TDE).
Finding the Version of a SQL Server Instance11:14
Via this lecture and live demonstration, you will learn how to easily retrieve version information about your SQL Server instances.
Useful T-SQL Tips for SQL Server Professionals11:37
In this lecture, you will learn many useful T-SQL tips and tricks that will help you when working with SQL Server.
Benefits of Database Stored Procedures4:07
In this lecture, we will be discussing about the benefits of using stored procedures in databases.
Using T-SQL Snippets in SSMS5:34
Via this lecture and live demonstration, you will learn all about T-SQL snippets in SSMS.
T-SQL Script for Retrieving SQL Server's Version Name1:06
This T-SQL tip helps you retrieve the version name a SQL Server instance using the @@VERSION system function in SQL Server.
SQL Server Database Backup and Recovery Guide7:20
In this lecture, we'll be discussing about SQL Server Backup and Recovery. More specifically, we'll be discussing about concepts such as: types of SQL Server backups, recovery options and best practices.
Managing TDE Certificates and Encryption Best Practices13:20
In this lecture, we discuss topics that have to do with TDE certificate management in SQL Server, along with their best practices.
SQL Server Performance Tuning Basics6:53
In this lecture, we cover the basics of SQL Server performance tuning. Performance tuning is crucial for maintaining efficient and responsive databases.
Data Warehousing vs. Data Lakes: Key Differences Explained3:48
Discover how Data Warehouses and Data Lakes differ, and learn which is ideal for your needs in analytics, reporting, and big data.
Overview of Index Types and Uses in SQL Server2:29
In this lecture, we’ll go over clustered and non-clustered indexes as our foundation, then move on to more advanced types such as columnstore, filtered, and full-text indexes.
Common Pitfalls in SQL Development2:54
In this special topic, we’ll look at some of the most common mistakes SQL developers make—often without realizing it.
Privileged Access Management (PAM) for SQL Server (New)3:59
In this lecture, we'll explore Privileged Access Management, or PAM, in SQL Server, since privileged accounts, like sysadmin logins, are powerful but also pose the highest security risks if they’re misused or compromised.

Requirements

Basic SQL Server knowledge and familiarity with databases and tables are required.
Hands-on practice requires a non-production SQL Server instance and suitable permissions.
Individual guides may use different SQL Server versions or features; check the environment shown in each lesson.

Description

Strengthen your SQL Server administration skills with practical, focused guides covering real database management tasks.

This course is designed for SQL Server professionals who already understand the basics and want to expand their practical administration knowledge across maintenance, performance, security, troubleshooting, integration, and database operations.

Rather than following a single end-to-end project, the course is organized as a collection of focused guides that you can study independently and return to whenever you need to revisit a particular SQL Server topic.

Expand Your SQL Server Administration Skills

SQL Server administration involves much more than creating databases and running backups.

Database administrators regularly need to investigate performance problems, maintain database environments, improve security, troubleshoot errors, manage integrations, and understand how configuration choices affect production systems.

This course explores practical administration topics across areas such as:

SQL Server maintenance.
Patching and operational considerations.
Database availability.
Performance troubleshooting.
Indexes and database performance.
Memory and CPU-related investigation.
SQL Server security.
Database encryption.
Backup encryption.
Dynamic Data Masking.
User and permission-related issues.
Linked Servers.
Data integration topics.
SQL Server error handling and troubleshooting.
Additional database administration techniques.

Understand the Reason Behind the Task

Good database administration is not simply about following a sequence of steps.

You also need to understand why a task is required, what problem it addresses, and what impact a change may have on the database environment.

Throughout the course, the demonstrations are supported by explanations that help you connect each administrative task with its purpose.

This helps you move beyond simply reproducing commands and toward developing stronger DBA judgment.

Explore SQL Server Performance Topics

Performance troubleshooting is an important part of SQL Server administration.

The course introduces a range of performance-related topics that help you investigate how SQL Server is behaving.

You will explore examples involving:

Indexes.
Memory.
CPU.
Query and database behavior.
SQL Server performance features.
Performance-related administrative considerations.

These lessons help you build a broader understanding of the areas you may need to investigate when a SQL Server environment is not performing as expected.

Strengthen SQL Server Security

Database security is another important responsibility for SQL Server administrators.

The course includes practical security topics such as:

Database encryption.
Backup encryption.
Dynamic Data Masking.
User and access-related issues.
Security-related administration techniques.

These guides help you understand how SQL Server security features can support the protection of database environments and sensitive information.

Improve Your Troubleshooting Skills

SQL Server administrators regularly encounter configuration problems, operational errors, and unexpected behavior.

The troubleshooting sections examine specific SQL Server problems and demonstrate approaches that can help you investigate and resolve them.

Instead of treating errors as isolated messages, the goal is to help you develop a more structured approach to identifying what is happening and deciding what to investigate next.

Explore Integration and Special Administration Topics

The course also covers integration-related topics such as Linked Servers, together with additional SQL Server administration scenarios.

These lessons broaden your operational toolkit and expose you to tasks that database administrators may encounter across different environments.

Because the course is organized into focused guides, you can:

Follow the curriculum from beginning to end.
Study only the topics most relevant to your current role.
Return to individual lessons when you need a refresher.
Use the course as an ongoing SQL Server administration reference.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is suitable for:

Junior and intermediate SQL Server database administrators.
Developers who also manage SQL Server environments.
Database engineers.
IT professionals responsible for SQL Server systems.
Data professionals who want to strengthen their administration knowledge.
SQL Server users who already understand the fundamentals and want more practical exposure.

Basic knowledge of SQL Server and relational databases is recommended.

This is not intended to be a complete introduction to SQL Server or a certification preparation course. Instead, it focuses on practical administration topics that complement your existing SQL Server knowledge.

If you reproduce the demonstrations, use a non-production SQL Server environment with appropriate permissions.

Administrative changes can affect availability, security, performance, and data integrity, so production changes should always be properly understood, tested, and validated before implementation.

Feature availability and interfaces may also vary between SQL Server versions and editions.

Build a Broader SQL Server DBA Toolkit

By the end of the course, you will have explored a wide range of SQL Server administration topics across maintenance, performance, security, integration, and troubleshooting.

More importantly, you will have strengthened your understanding of the reasoning behind common DBA tasks and developed a collection of practical techniques that you can revisit as your SQL Server responsibilities grow.

If you already know the SQL Server fundamentals and want to expand your practical DBA knowledge, this course provides a focused and flexible way to continue building your skills.

Who this course is for:

SQL Server administrators building on their existing knowledge.
Database professionals looking for focused guides to recurring operational tasks.
Developers and IT professionals who already know SQL Server basics and want more administration context.

Essential SQL Server Administration Tips (Hands-On Guides)

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Introduction2 lectures • 5min

SQL Server Maintenance16 lectures • 1hr 20min

SQL Server Performance11 lectures • 45min

SQL Server Security16 lectures • 1hr 22min

SQL Server Integration8 lectures • 34min

SQL Server Error Handling18 lectures • 56min

Special Topics (Updated)26 lectures • 2hr 47min

Putting it All Together1 lecture • 1min

Learning More1 lecture • 8min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: