Need advise on becoming a DBA

  • Hi,

    I am a web developer and work with databases closely. I am a decent DB developer and took a couple of DB Management Systems classes at grad school. I'm also familiar with SQL Server 2000 (more as a developer than a DBA)

    I'm trying to take my career to the next level and become a DBA.

    Could you please advise me a couple of books that'll teach me the "ins and outs" of SQL Server 2005. Something  that's not too advanced for a beginner but deep enough to actually learn something.

    Eventually, I would like to take the certification exams and would appreciate recommendations on exam prep books too.

    thanks a lot! 

     

  • I've been using the sql server 2005 implementation and maintenance training kit and a copy of sql 2005 on a home computer.  Your best bet to become a dba is within an organization(getting a promotion or crossgrade when a position becomes available).  Try to get as much power at work as you can on a devlopment box if you can - this is how i gained experience.  During your development you'll learn alot - also, use DTS/SSIS.

  • I don't know what classes you've had, but I'd also recommend some foundational knowledge on the relational model.  Chris Date's books are, IMHO, the de facto standard basic text.  While all the RDBMS vendors have differing implementations of pieces of the Relational Model, and you'll need product-specific knowledge to be an effective DBA, the basic understanding of the trade-offs in the implementations are necessary to to come up with the best possible solution when faced with multiple choices.

    After Date, and concentrating of SQL Server, I'd recommend anything written by Kalen Delany or Ken Henderson (Guru's Guide).

    Joe Celko and Fabian Pascal also have bodies of very interesting work.  I'm partial to Pascal, but then again, I like the theoretical aspects of the field.  Celko's stuff is, IMHO, more cook-bookie.  


    And then again, I might be wrong ...
    David Webb

  • my experience:

    2 years+ of web developement in smaller companys

    1 year as "Computer Operator" at large company, and then promoted to Associate DBA.

     

    I don't think that a company will hire you off the street as a DBA without DBA experience.

     

    good luck!

     

     


    Orange Crusher
    i love it!

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