Microsoft SQL Server 7.0 System Administration Training Kit

Painting with a broad brush, the book covers all of the practical skills necessary for successful administration. It opens with a general overview of the product and a high-level chapter on installation. A section on upgrading follows as well as an introduction to the administration utilities.

While the coverage of database files and data transfers appears to be a bit short-winded, the essentials for administrator survival remain intact. Web site builders will find short discussions on full-text indexing and the production of Web pages from the database. Another three brief chapters focus on backup and restoration issues. Performance monitoring, replication, and maintenance plans are addressed in a similarly brisk manner.

Each chapter comprises structured lessons designed to cover applicable topics with review sections and study questions to keep you on track. A companion CD-ROM includes hands-on lessons and multimedia presentations to help illustrate key concepts. This structured tutorial offers a relatively quick way to prepare for the 70-028 exam and should get you up to speed on basic administration tasks. --Stephen Plain