Study tips for Microsoft test 70-228.

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Study tips for Microsoft test 70-228.

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Microsoft test 70-228 SQL Server 2000 Database Administration is not very different from the SQL Server Database Design test (70-229). Most of its test objectives are same as those of the Database Design test. If you have been working with SQL Server and are familiar with its various components, you will have no difficulty with these aspects of the test. However, if you are new to SQL Server or do not have any database administration background, you should also review the 70-229 SQL Server Database Design test before taking the Microsoft test 70-228. Once you have cleared either of the tests for SQL Server 2000, passing the other one will be a lot easier.

Test 70-228 focuses more on candidate ability to administrator SQL Server 2000 on large environments. In fact, Microsoft recommend that candidate should have at least one year of experience with SQL Server 2000 in an environment that ranges from 50 to 5,000 or more users, and with databases as large as 2TB. However, if you have your concept clear on SQL Server features and good understanding of how SQL Server 2000 works with a couple of month experience with database administration, you could pass the test.

Here is our two cents for a candidate preparing for the SQL Server Database Administration test (70-228):

• Install and uninstall SQL Server 2000. Install earlier version of SQL Server and upgrade it though Upgrade Wizard. Although, Installing a SQL Server is fairly easy and straight forward, you must know various SQL Server installation and configuration options such as instance or default mode installation, database sort order and character sets, and how different versions of SQL Server can co-exist on the same machine.



• Design and create an databases. Configure database options. Create filegroups and place database objects on a specific filegroup. You should also know the guidelines regarding configuring filegroup and place database objects with regard to performance and optimization. Know the guidelines regarding placing transaction log files, data files on a given server disk configuration. However working of various database objects does not fall under a strict DBA role, Microsoft wants you to have good a understanding on how various database objects work. The list includes tables, indexes, constraints, views, stored procedures, user-defined functions (UDFs) and triggers.



• As a DBA it is important that you create a policy to keep a tab on database performance and integrity. There are many features in SQL Server 2000 that make these potentially complex task much more manageable. Keep in mind that your goal is to optimize resource usage and that the most valuable resources on your servers include processor utilization, physical memory usage, physical disk I/O and network performance. Microsoft also places heavy emphasis on a DBA's ability to keep a database server running optimally. Specifically, you should know what the common Database Consistency Checker (DBCC) commands do, and how and when you should use them. You should also know the guidelines regarding various backups (full and differential) and recovery (full, bulk-logged and simple) methods. Note that the way you design your backup operations will affect how you can restore information.
  
  
• You should create a sample databases and run SQL queries. Monitor the cache hit ratio and the number of batches that are executing. Also, use SQL Server Profiler to monitor SQL queries and see what types of information you can get from the traces. Know how to monitor performance using the various SQL Server 2000 features such as: Performance Monitor, Query Analyzer, Index Tuning Wizard, SQL Server Profiler, and SQL Server Alerts.



• Be sure you understand the various methods for transferring data in and out of SQL Server, including DTS, BULK INSERT and bulk copy (bcp). Set up database replication and know the guidelines regarding various database replication options. Set up another system with Oracle Server and practice accessing/migrating data by setting up remote server, running ad hoc queries and creating DTS packages.



• Last but not least, setting up a proper database security is an important aspect of DBA. Therefore, you should understand know about the multiple levels of security available in SQL Server 2000. Know the guidelines regarding the Windows Authentication and Mixed Mode authentication mode. You should thoroughly understand SQL Server's authentication modes. Also, be sure you know the various security features, including server logins, server roles, database users, database roles, application roles and object-level permissions. All are important and must be administered carefully.



• Go through the skills required for Microsoft test 70-228. Download uCertify PrepKit, go through the study notes, and then take a diagnostic test. Buy the PrepKit to access all the 160+ questions and 100+ study notes.

To derive maximum value from the uCertify.com PrepKit, you should use it several times. Take a diagnostic test before beginning your study to identify your weak areas. Read all the study notes and focus your study on the weak areas. Read the study notes thoroughly while preparing for the test to guide your preparation. Take all the tests given in the PrepKit and read the detailed analysis given for each question. Practice until you get 100% in all the practice tests. Finally, use the study notes for a quick review of the subject as a last-minute reference before taking the test 70-228.

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