Archive for August 2013

SQL Server 2012 Installable Features

August 29, 2013 SQL Server No comments

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It’s often good to have a brief explanation of the features that are installable through the SQL 2012 Wizard so here they are below for reference

Database Engine

Includes the Database Engine, the core service for storing, processing and securing data. The Database Engine provides controlled access and rapid transaction processing and also provides rich support for sustaining high availability. The Database Engine also provides support for the utility control point in the SQL Server Utility. Only Database Engine Services and Analysis Services can be clustered.

SQL Server Replication

Includes a set of technologies for copying and distributing data and database objects from one database to another and synchronizing between the databases for consistency. You can use replication to distribute data to different locations and to remote and mobile users over local and wide area networks, dial-up connections, wireless connections and the Internet.

Full Text Search

Includes the Search engine that supports Full-Text Extraction for fast text search as well as Semantic Extraction for key phrases (likely tags) and similarity search on content stored in SQL Server.   Data Quality Service: -Includes Data quality database objects.

Analysis Services

Includes Analysis Services and tools used to support online analytical processing (OLAP) and data mining. Only Database Engine Services and Analysis Services can be clustered.

Reporting Services – Native

Includes Reporting Services, a server-based application for creating, managing, and delivering reports to email, multiple file formats, and interactive Web-based formats. The Native mode server provides all processing and management functionality through Reporting Services components. Reporting Services cannot be clustered.

Shared Feature

Each shared feature is installed once within a defined scope and operates within that scope. The defined scope can span all SQL Server versions on a computer (e.g., SQL Server Browser), can be isolated to one major version of SQL Server (e.g., SQL Server Management Tools), or can be isolated to one or more minor versions.

Reporting Service – Shared

Includes Reporting Services, a server-based application for creating, managing, and delivering reports to email, multiple file formats, and interactive Web-based formats. SharePoint integrated mode integrates the report server with SharePoint products. The report viewing and report management experience are integrated with SharePoint sites and libraries. Reporting Services cannot be clustered.

Reporting Services Add in

Includes management and user interface components to integrate a SharePoint product with an SSRS report server in SharePoint integrated mode. The add-in only needs to be installed on server running a SharePoint product.

Data Quality

Includes Data quality client objects.

SQL Server Data Tools

Installs the SQL server development environment, including the tool formerly named Business Intelligence Development Studio. Also installs the business intelligence tools and references to the web installers for database development tools.

Client Tools Connectivity

Includes components for communication between clients and servers.

Integration Services

Includes the designer, runtime, and utilities that enable Integration Services to move, integrate, and transform data between data stores.

Client Tools SDK

Includes the software development kit containing resources for programmers.

Documentation Component

Installs only the components that you use to view and manage the documentation for SQL Server 2012. By default, the Help Viewer component uses the online library. After installing SQL Server, you can use the Help Library Manager component to download documentation to your local computer.

Management Tool – Basic

Includes Management Studio support for the Database Engine and SQL Server Express, SQL Server command-line utility (SQLCMD), SQL Server PowerShell provider, and Distributed Replay Administration Tool.

Management Tool – Complete

Adds the following components to the basic management tools installation: Management Studio support for Reporting Services, Analysis Services, and Integration Services technologies, SQL Server Profiler, Database Tuning Advisor, and SQL Server Utility management.

Distributed Replay Controller

Includes the Distributed Replay Controller which orchestrates the actions of the distributed replay clients.

Distributed Replay Client

Includes the Distributed Replay Client. Multiple Distributed Replay Clients work together to simulate a workload against an instance of SQL Server.

SQL Client Connectivity SDK

Includes SQL Server Native Client (ODBC / OLE DB) SDK for database application development.

Master Data Services

Includes Master Data Services, the platform for integrating data from disparate systems across an organization into a single source of master data for accuracy and auditing purposes. Installs the Master Data Services Configuration Manager, assemblies, PowerShell snap-in, and folders and files for Web applications and services.

Redistributable Features

SQL Server redistributable and shared features are installed when needed: Error and Usage Reporting, SQL Server Native Client, MSXML version 6.0, Sync Services for ADO.NET, and SQL Server Browser.

VCAP-DCA 5 Exam Experience

August 27, 2013 VCAP5 DCA No comments

exam

Here is my overview of how my VCAP-DCA 5 exam went. Hopefully I can give you some helpful pointers bulleted below

Quick Overview

  • 26 Live labs consisting of several tasks to complete
  • 3.5 Hours to complete the exam
  • A short survey pre exam on your VMware skills
  • You have some VMware Documentation to assist you

Things to remember

  • You need to be quick. I found 3.5 Hours is very tight for time giving you roughly 8 minutes per question
  • Try and memorize the Admin password, it will save you from flicking between screens
  • Use the icons to connect to servers, don’t RD into vCenter then use the client.
  • If you can’t answer something, don’t waste time, move on to the next question
  • If you have set something to run which is taking some time, don’t hang around, move on to the next task or question if you can
  • I found sometimes the lab wasn’t the fastest when changing between screens but I understand there isn’t a lot anyone can do about this and is probably down to how fast the testing Center connection is
  • You can only go backwards and forwards so keep a note of what questions you want to go back to on your pad you are given by the test center
  • You have got documentation but you don’t have much time to go raking through this unless you absolutely know where something is
  • It is almost vital that you build your own lab to test out all the Blueprint points
  • Read as much documentation as you can
  • Read other peoples blogs and experiences
  • The Trainsignal videos are really useful as preparation for this exam
  • Read the questions and make sure you haven’t missed any of the tasks which they are asking you to do or not do!
  • The VMware Optimize and Scale class is also very useful but expensive
  • I found this to be one of the best exams I have taken. It was a real world exam and far more useful than simply answering multiple choice
  • Don’t panic, just imagine you are at your desk at work
  • Understand basic PowerShell
  • If you have any issues, report them quickly so the test center can contact VMware and let them know. I had one issue with my test and the lady was very quick in assisting me and letting me get back to the exam as quickly as possible