I would also run logical backups (exports or datapump exp) fairly regularly. These are very helpful for "oops" moments-someone deletes a table accidentally, etc.

Also, setting up a flashback area...

I made a career transition in a similar way. I got to know the programmers in the company and asked for advice. I also asked my current boss...

As an Oracle DBA, who had to become a SQL Server DBA too--the Maintenance Plans were very valuable. However, I did have to babysit them for a while. ...

I had the exact same problem and it took some experimenting, but this is what has worked for me. As a previous post has mentioned, take a full backup,...