The second article of this series provides an overview of SQL Server 2005's new interface.
In my last article,
we went over how to install SQL Server 2005 and what it entailed. In this
article, we will continue by giving you an overview of what the new interface
looks like. Let's begin by exploring the menu bar as shown in Figure A.
SQL Server Books Online
SQL Server has a better look. It feels like a cleaner design
and seems easy to navigate. Figure B. illustrates the new look and feel of SQL
Server Books Online.
SQL Computer Manager
The SQL Computer Manager (see Figure C.) provides basic
information about your client protocols, client aliases, SQL Server services,
protocols, etc.
Figure C. SQL Computer Manager
Profiler
The SQL Profiler (see Figure D.) is a tool that helps
capture or trap specific events to a log or file that you can analyze later.
Figure E. illustrates how you would select and choose the specific events to
capture.
Figure D. SQL Profiler
Figure E. Trace Properties.
DTS Import/Export Wizard
This Data Transformation Services Import/Export Wizard
allows you to Import, Export, and/or transforms data between many popular
formats.
Database Tuning Advisor
This tool is an automated physical database design tool that
provides recommendations for indexes, views and horizontal partitioning. Figure
F. show you an example of the current interface of the Database Tuning Advisor
or DTA tool.
Figure F.
Figure G and Figure H. show the DTA in action.
Figure G. DTA in Action
Figure H. DTA in Action
SQL Server Management Studio
My favorite area is the SQL Server Management Studio where
all the meat of your DBA work will be done. When you first launch the studio
from the Start Menu, you are presented with a Connect to Server dialog box as
shown in Figure I.
Figure I. Connect to Server
After you connect to the server, the studio appears as shown
in Figure J. As you can see, the interface is very intuitive. You can use the
view menu to display various toolbars and functions. Figure J. displays the
Registered SQL Servers in addition to the Object Explorer that allows you
navigate throughout the database. Additionally, you have a Summary window and a
New Query toolbar to work with. I am having a really good time playing around
with this beta and I recommend that you download and evaluate today.
Figure J. Microsoft SQL Server Studio
In my next article, I will go over how to install SQL Server
2005 in a clustered environment.
»
See All Articles by Columnist Steven S. Warren
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