A nice article on augmenting SQL2005 XML output with Namespaces

I think the internet is great. It means that if someone produces something that you think that someone you know would value from you can redirect them quite easily to the place in question. Case in point is this article by Mike Amundsen. Mike Amundsen's INETA Talks and Travels: XML Namespaces and SQL2005

How can I find which port a SQL Server 2005 Instance is listening on?

Sometimes it is useful to know which port a particular instance of SQL Server is running on, especially if you are using the default behavior where the SQL Browser automatically allocates a port to an instance. Now you can find out easily using the new dynamic management views that are provided within the SQL Server 2005 environment.

Here is a simple script which shows you where you can look

Now - Get your Intellisense at RedGate - Till September

One of the best features that Microsoft made available for the VB programmer was Intellisense. This name was first coined by Microsoft, when describing a feature used to make VB easier to code. It enables the computer to help the programmer by anticipating what will be typed next and offering a selection of options to speed up data input and environment familliarity. Now Red-Gate have produced an editor add-on which can be freely downloaded, at the moment, to apply this feature to the different editors that can be used to develop code in the SQL language. You can get it Here, along with further details about it!

UPDATE NOTE on 2007/01/24

There has been another revision to the software to address issues and include suggestions from current, and previous users!

'SQL Prompt now performs with complete consistency and is also much faster than the previous version. A range of time-saving newfeatures includes:-

"Expand wild-cards" tab option
- rapid tick-box column picker
- code completion for: * table, view and column names * stored procedure names * USE * JOIN/JOIN ON
- auto-uppercasing of keywords
- configurable auto-popup after keywords
- personalized snippet list'

Thanks for the update Nick!!!

A Nice Guide to Kerberos

Here you will find a nice article describing Kerberos. Which a method of securing communication on a computer environment.

SQL Server 2005: Set the Stage for a Smooth Upgrade

Here is a useful article from Technet which shows you how to do a successful upgrade to SQL Server 2005.

Who says being a Microsoft focused Techie is getting tougher

With the distinction of what is expected from given technical job roles being continuously impacted by Microsoft exams and courses, the expectations of the individuals performing these roles is also getting confusing.

Here is a nice little outline of some of the skills covered within the professional DBA stream of exams Exam 70443 - PRO: Designing a Database Server Infrastructure by Using SQL Server 2005 and links to some of the resources that are purported to give you these skills.

Wi-Fi Security Test

You can never be too sure what games others are playing so being able to check your wireless connection using a Wi-Fi Security Test is of great value. What is more, once you have checked the connection, if you find out it is insecure then you can secure it with a download from the same site.