Things every SQL Server DBA should know

What things should every SQL Server database administrator know?

Books, blogs, tools, you name it.

Sites

Most of these are multiple purpose. For instance, articles + forums + blogs. This is by no means exhaustive. It's a starting point as you'll find a lot of other blogs and resources from these sites.

• SQL Server Central
• SQL Blog
• SQLServerPedia
• SQL Skills
• SQL Team
• SQL Server Performance
• IT Knowledge Exchange

Books

This really depends on your role. If you're an operational DBA, you'll want the Wrox book on Administration. If you're dealing with Integration Services, look for the books and resources by SQL Server MVP Brian Knight as a start. If you're doing development, look for SQL Server MVP Louis Davidson's Design book from Apress and SQL Server MVP Grant Fritchey's book on Query Tuning, also from Apress. I'm not very strong on Analysis Services, so I'll leave that for others to recommend. SSRS there are a ton of good books. Also look for the free ebooks at SQL Server Central.

Tools

A lot of good vendors. Start by knowing what comes with SQL Server. Profiler, SSMS, and Configuration Manager you should know cold. BIDS if you do SSIS or SSRS. Otherwise, 3rd parties to look at (in alphabetical order, as people's preferences vary):

• Apex
• Quest
• Red Gate

Social Networks

There's a group of us fairly active on Twitter. You can find the list of us at SQLServerPedia. Most of us are connected via LinkedIn and FaceBook as well.

Don't forget about basic tools