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Help Tuning My Server (Trust Issues, Security, etc)
I’ve always been my own DBA. I’m now having problems with near 100% CPU usage (and often 100% CPU usage). I'm thinking of bringing on a consultant to help tune the server a bit better than I have been able to do myself. However I have a few concerns and questions:
1.) To allow someone to use the SQL Profileer, I have to give them full DB access, right? What should I do shy of giving them sa access?
2.) What steps can I take to minimize data theft, minimize the DBA’s access to our server after the project is completed, etc?
3.) Should there be concern about getting such help, or am I just thinking about the negatives too much?
Thanks for your opinions!
1.) To allow someone to use the SQL Profileer, I have to give them full DB access, right? What should I do shy of giving them sa access?
2.) What steps can I take to minimize data theft, minimize the DBA’s access to our server after the project is completed, etc?
3.) Should there be concern about getting such help, or am I just thinking about the negatives too much?
Thanks for your opinions!
ASKER
>> what kind of consultant are you talking about, Microsoft ?
No, someone that is an experienced database admin, can help me with performance tuning, analyzing our database design, helping us improve indexes, etc.
>> what size is the company
Mine - small. Of the DBA, I have not found one yet.
>> how complex is the database
Fairly simple. 80% of the queries run on the database are "SELECT * FROM tblName WHERE tblColumn = 'keyword'". The problem is this table is over 7 million rows, and we're now consistently seeing 100% CPU usage. I could troubleshoot this myself, but with my limited knowledge, I don't know much about table scans, partitioned tables, optimized indexes. I obviously know what they are and have worked with them all in the past. But this is something I'm sure a 10 year veteran would help with much better.
Andrew
No, someone that is an experienced database admin, can help me with performance tuning, analyzing our database design, helping us improve indexes, etc.
>> what size is the company
Mine - small. Of the DBA, I have not found one yet.
>> how complex is the database
Fairly simple. 80% of the queries run on the database are "SELECT * FROM tblName WHERE tblColumn = 'keyword'". The problem is this table is over 7 million rows, and we're now consistently seeing 100% CPU usage. I could troubleshoot this myself, but with my limited knowledge, I don't know much about table scans, partitioned tables, optimized indexes. I obviously know what they are and have worked with them all in the past. But this is something I'm sure a 10 year veteran would help with much better.
Andrew
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ASKER
lluthien,
I understand your points about pro's and con's. Really the data is not all that important, and I realize I probably need outside help. I've always been a do-it-yourselfer, and I don't like giving up control when it comes to computers and programming. I've worked with probably 20 computers or servers in the past 10 years, and never have I given anyone any control of one of those servers. Not a family member, not a friend, etc. So I guess I'm a bit paranoid and don't trust others with my stuff well. Plus I realize a malicious person could do a lot to mess my stuff up.
>> if the guy is a professional, it should be normal for him.
Yup, you are right about that. I guess it's time for me to grow up and realize that not everyone using the Internet is out there to harm me. (I never realized until today how much I'm in the mindset of anti-spyware, anti-virus, anti-hacker, etc.) Then again, maybe that’s why I’ve never had a serious problem with any of that stuff.
I understand your points about pro's and con's. Really the data is not all that important, and I realize I probably need outside help. I've always been a do-it-yourselfer, and I don't like giving up control when it comes to computers and programming. I've worked with probably 20 computers or servers in the past 10 years, and never have I given anyone any control of one of those servers. Not a family member, not a friend, etc. So I guess I'm a bit paranoid and don't trust others with my stuff well. Plus I realize a malicious person could do a lot to mess my stuff up.
>> if the guy is a professional, it should be normal for him.
Yup, you are right about that. I guess it's time for me to grow up and realize that not everyone using the Internet is out there to harm me. (I never realized until today how much I'm in the mindset of anti-spyware, anti-virus, anti-hacker, etc.) Then again, maybe that’s why I’ve never had a serious problem with any of that stuff.
it's never a really stupid idea to have someone else have a look at your db -structure,
to give some hints about improving performance, in my opinion.
how are you going about to find someone to have a look at this ?
>(I never realized until today how much I'm in the mindset of anti-spyware, anti-virus, anti-hacker, etc.)
a healthy attitude none the less ;)
to give some hints about improving performance, in my opinion.
how are you going about to find someone to have a look at this ?
>(I never realized until today how much I'm in the mindset of anti-spyware, anti-virus, anti-hacker, etc.)
a healthy attitude none the less ;)
ASKER
lluthien,
Thanks for the help and support on this issue. I've already found someone through other means and will be using that person to help with the optimization.
Andrew
Thanks for the help and support on this issue. I've already found someone through other means and will be using that person to help with the optimization.
Andrew
glad to help,
good luck with that.
ps.
do make backups ;)
good luck with that.
ps.
do make backups ;)
a consultant helping you with cpu usage, what kind of consultant are you talking about, Microsoft ?
it really depends on the situation, what size is the company, how complex is the database, what is the budget,
what is your own background and of course what is really the problem.
as for confidentiality, if you are really concerned about this, you can offer this consultant a confidentiality clause.
if the guy is a professional, it should be normal for him.
you could always sit next to the guy when he's doing his analysis
what kind of analysis are you thinking of?