FREE e-book from Microsoft: Introducint Microsoft SQL Server 2008

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FREE e-book: Dissecting SQL Server Execution Plans

This is a great book to read about SQL Server Execution Plans, especially free, courtesy of Red Gate

http://downloads.red-gate.com/ebooks/HighPerformanceSQL_ebook.zip

Some of Grant's articles on Execution Plan to show the quality of his work.
They are the best simple-to-understand Execution Plan articles I have read so far, all bookmark'ed for future reference

• Understanding More Complex Query Plans
• Graphical Execution Plans for Simple SQL Queries
• Execution Plan Basics

FREE e-book - Mastering SQL Server Profiler

I came across this free e-book via Red Gate/SQL Server Central Database Weekly email
It is 283 pages, but looks to be a good read/tool book

Volume 2: Mastering SQL Server Profiler (10MB PDF)

I hope it's okay to list some useful contents I find (below are copied from the contents, copyright by Red Gate):

Contents 1
Getting Started with Profiler 5
The inner workings of Profiler 6
Profiler terminology 7
Getting Started with Profiler 9
Summary 21
Working with Traces and Templates 22
Understanding the Events Selection Options 22
Creating a Custom Trace from Scratch 25
Saving Traces to a SQL Server Table 35
Capturing Analysis Server Traces 37
Creating and Using Trace Templates 40
Summary 50
Profiler GUI Tips and Tricks 52
Summary 72
How to Identify Slow Running Queries 74
Creating a Trace to Identify Slow Running Queries 74
Analyzing the Poorly Performing Queries Identified by Profiler 83
Summary 94
How to Identify and Troubleshoot SQL Server Problems 95
How to Identify Deadlocks 95
How to Identify Blocking Issues 103
How to Identify Excessive Auto Stats Activity 109
How to Identify Excessive Statement Compilations 112
How to Identify Excessive Database File Growth/Shrinkage 118
How to Identify Excessive Table/Index Scans 122
How to Identify Memory Problems 126
Using Profiler to Audit Database Activity 131
Capturing Audit Events 132
Selecting Data Columns 134
Selecting Column Filters 136
Organizing Columns 137
How to Conduct an Audit Trace 138
Summary 140
Using Profiler with the Database Engine Tuning Advisor 141
Features and Benefits of Using the DTA 141 3
How to Create a Trace for Use by the DTA 142
Summary 156
Correlating Profiler with Performance Monitor 157
How to Collect Profiler Data for Correlation Analysis 157
How to Collect Performance Monitor Data for Correlation Analysis 159
How to Capture Profiler Traces and Performance Monitor Logs 170
How to Correlate SQL Server 2005 Profiler Data with Performance Monitor Data 171
How to Analyze Correlated Data 176
Summary 186
How to Capture Profiler Traces Programmatically 187
Summary 200
Profiler Best Practices 201
General Profiler Best Practices 201
Creating Traces 204
Running Traces 205
Analyzing Traces 206
Performance Monitor 207
Database Engine Tuning Advisor 208
Summary 208
Profiler Events and Data Columns Explained 209
Event Categories 209
Profiler Data Columns 274
Summary 281

Free eBook - Virtualization for Dummies

Virtualization seems to be the trend for everything now. We utilize VMWare at work, and I have worked with Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 as well.

Gladly I didn't invest in VMWare who was all the hype before it fell ;-)


http://www.sun.com/systems/solutions/virtualizationfordummies/index.jsp

Virtualization for Dummies – Sun and AMD Special Edition is now available! Published by the same folks who create all the "Dummies" books – this special edition version showcases Sun and AMD virtualization offerings, how they work together, and how they can benefit businesses. Learn about the latest virtualization technologies with this brief and easy-to-read booklet.

Free eBook - Introducing Microsoft SQL Server 2008

I found it via SQLBlog.com, downloaded it and finished reading it.
To me (from the SQL Server 2005 DBA viewpoint), it was a well written overview of the SQL Server 2008 new features (and new features only). Because of our usage of SQL 2008 at work, I have greater appreciation and understanding of the new features as well.

Tips to download the PDF:

You can press F8 to display the toolbar, and "Save As"
or press Ctrl-Shift-S to save the PDF locally


Introducing Microsoft SQL Server 2008

by Peter DeBetta, Greg Low, and Mark Whitehorn
ISBN: 9780735625587


Learn about major new features in SQL Server 2008 including security, administration, and performance.


Introducing Microsoft SQL Server 2008:

Chapter 1: Security and Administration

Chapter 2: Performance

Chapter 3: Type System

Chapter 4: Programmability

Chapter 5: Storage

Chapter 6: Enhancements for High Availability

Chapter 7: Business Intelligence Enhancements