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I am an MCSE in Data Management and Analytics, specializing in MS SQL Server, and an MCP in Azure. With over 19+ years of experience in the IT industry, I bring expertise in data management, Azure Cloud, Data Center Migration, Infrastructure Architecture planning, as well as Virtualization and automation. I have a deep passion for driving innovation through infrastructure automation, particularly using Terraform for efficient provisioning. If you're looking for guidance on automating your infrastructure or have questions about Azure, SQL Server, or cloud migration, feel free to reach out. I often write to capture my own experiences and insights for future reference, but I hope that sharing these experiences through my blog will help others on their journey as well. Thank you for reading!

SQL Server Administration syllabus

 Here’s a structured learning path for becoming proficient in SQL Server database administration for L2 support:

Day 1~2: Fundamentals of SQL Server and Database Administration

Hour 1~3: Introduction to SQL Server

    • Overview of SQL Server editions and architecture
    • SQL Server installation and configuration
    • Understanding SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)
  • Hour 4~8: SQL Server Basics
    • Database structure (tables, indexes, views, procedures)
    • Data types and constraints
    • SQL Server Authentication and Security Basics
  • Hour 9~12: SQL Server Databases
    • Creating and managing databases
    • Database properties and filegroups
    • Understanding backup and restore concepts
  • Hour 13~17: Basic Backup and Recovery
    • Types of backups (Full, Differential, Transaction Log)
    • Automating backup jobs
    • Backup best practices
  • Hour 18~22: Basic Database Security
    • Configuring logins and users
    • Roles and permissions
    • Implementing SQL Server security best practices

Day  2: Intermediate SQL Server Administration

  • Hour 6: Managing SQL Server Instances

    • Instance configuration and management
    • SQL Server Agent and jobs
    • Monitoring SQL Server with built-in tools (SQL Profiler, Extended Events)

  • Hour 7: Advanced Backup and Recovery Techniques

    • Point-in-time recovery
    • Restoring from backups and troubleshooting
    • Implementing a disaster recovery plan

  • Hour 8: Indexing and Query Optimization

    • Types of indexes (clustered, non-clustered)
    • Rebuilding and reorganizing indexes
    • Query performance troubleshooting (Execution Plan, Index Tuning)

  • Hour 9: SQL Server Performance Tuning

    • Analyzing performance using DMVs (Dynamic Management Views)
    • Identifying and resolving performance bottlenecks
    • Memory and CPU optimization

  • Hour 10: SQL Server Agent and Jobs

    • Scheduling jobs and tasks
    • Automating administrative tasks
    • Setting up alerts and notifications for job failures

Day 3: Advanced Topics and L2 Support Skills

  • Hour 11: Advanced Security and Auditing

    • Transparent Data Encryption (TDE)
    • Auditing SQL Server activities
    • Configuring and managing SQL Server security policies

  • Hour 12 to Hour 16: High Availability (HA) and Disaster Recovery (DR)

    • Always On Availability Groups
    • Database Mirroring and Log Shipping
    • Failover Cluster Instances (FCI)

  • Hour 17: SQL Server Maintenance Plans

    • Setting up and managing maintenance plans
    • Automating common maintenance tasks (index rebuilding, update statistics)

  • Hour 18: Monitoring SQL Server Health

    • SQL Server Monitoring with Performance Monitor
    • Using third-party tools for monitoring (e.g., Redgate, SolarWinds)
    • Identifying hardware and software failures

  • Hour 19: Troubleshooting Common SQL Server Issues

    • Understanding SQL Server logs (Error Logs, Event Logs)
    • Resolving connectivity and login issues
    • Handling corrupted database problems

Day  4: Practice and Real-World Scenarios

  • Hour 16: Backup and Restore Practice

    • Hands-on practice with backup and restore in different scenarios
    • Restoring to different point-in-time recovery points

  • Hour 17: Performance Tuning Case Studies

    • Work through real-life performance issues (e.g., slow queries, blocking, deadlocks)

  • Hour 18: High Availability and Disaster Recovery Simulation

    • Simulate failover in an Always On Availability Group
    • Test database mirroring and log shipping recovery

  • Hour 19: Security Best Practices

    • Perform security audits and vulnerability assessments
    • Set up role-based security and troubleshoot security issues

  • Hour 20: Final Review and Knowledge Check

    • Review all covered topics
    • Test yourself with hands-on exercises and quizzes
    • Final troubleshooting session based on common L2 support issues

This learning path should provide a thorough understanding of SQL Server administration for L2 support and build the confidence to handle most common issues and responsibilities. Would you like any specific topics or tools emphasized?

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