Ive known Neil Pike, the author of "SQL Server: Common Problems, Tested Solutions" for several years, and Im well aware of his deep knowledge of SQL Server and his contributions to the industry. Pike, a consultant based in the UK, has worked for a variety of companies in the UK and Europe. He has worked with both small and large SQL Server implementations, single site and fully distributed. In short, hes someone you would want to hire to help you when somethings not working correctly.
His book matches his contributions, but you should know what youre buying before you make the purchase. This isnt like any other SQL Server book Ive ever read. It isnt the kind of book you just sit down and read straight through (although I suppose you could). The books intent is to publish questions and answers to issues that Pike has seen (and figured out) during his years of working on the product.
"SQL Server: Common Problems, Tested Solutions" isnt written in narrative style with the intent to teach you a specific topic. Rather, its a reference for just about any troubleshooting problem (or just about any other question) you might have. For example, if you want to understand generally how networking works for SQL Server, this ist the book for you. However, if your TCP/IP network library is failing to connect, youre likely to find jewels of information in this book to solve your problem.
The book is divided into 10 sections:
-- Application Design and Programming
-- Connectivity
-- Database Administration
-- DTS
-- Installation and Upgrades
-- Miscellaneous
-- OLAP
-- Security
-- Server Administration and Tools
-- Troubleshooting
Youll find coverage of SQL Server 6.5, 7.0, and SQL Server 2000. Many FAQ entries have code samples (proven to work in the real world), which youll find quite handy when trying to tackle a new challenge. Additionally, and where relevant, Pike provides URLs to third parties and companies that have solutions for you when the exact tool or driver youre looking for isnt available from Microsoft.
Much of the content is available on Pikes FAQ Web site ( www.sqlserverfaq.com ). So, if youre always connected to the Internet, you might not need the book. However, if youre going to be locked in a server room fixing problems or otherwise working without the benefit of the Web site, this book is a treasure trove of information to have handy.
By Neil Pike
Price: $39.95
Softcover; 475 pages
Published by APress, October 2000
ISBN 189311581X