Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Unleashed

After gaining my MCITP:EA qualification I decided to study for one of the Microsoft SQL Server exams (70-432) to add depth to my IT knowledge and also make myself more marketable in the IT world.I had seen and read chunks of the earlier the excellent 2005 edition of this worthy tome. So I wasn't surprised that this new edition is very readable and I find myself picking it up more and more to browse. It is suitable for anyone who wants to be a database administrator or who is already a DBA. The copious code samples used are just what I want from a good SQL Server manual. I don't think it is a good choice for a beginner (which is born out by the user level: intermediate - advanced recommendation on the back cover).Of the topics covered indexing, backup and recovery, and general database management are given suitably in-depth coverage. One final comment on the usability of this weighty tome is that it is well bound and actually stays open at any page which is usually not the case with a book this large. I warmly recommend this book and suggest it should be on every DBA's bookshelf.

I purchased the Kindle edition and am pleased to report that it does contain all 56 chapters, so no need to download "part 2" of the book as a pdf. The graphics are in colour and in all cases the text in screen-dumps is readable (if fuzzy). The index uses a notation like "CD:2331" when referring to pages that are on the pdf included with the print edition. Thankfully these links take you to the correct location in the Kindle book.The content is wide ranging but don't expect miracles in what is now a huge platform. For example Master Data Services gets only a short overview. Overall the book is very good value.

Great book, just be aware of the fact that there are many chapters on the enclosed CD that are not in the book. I was confused by this when looking through the index and contents pages, and then was unable to locate the actual pages in the book.I am no SQL expert, nor do I intend to be. I am a Systems Admin and must maintain servers and assist the SQL team withs server needs as I am able. This book is definitely a comprehensive source for SQL Server 2008 R2. It contains everything you could think to ask about SQL. It seems like every time I have to figure something out, it is in this book! I cannot comment from a SQL DBA point of view, but from a Sys Admin point of view, this book rocks!

The book covers a ton of information that at a high level is very useful. However, the lack of examples and steps to inform you on how to utilize the information is a major misstep in this book. You will spend a lot of time using the internet to try to back into some of the good information provided in order to determine how to actually do it.

As we're about to move from SQL 2000 to 2008 R2, I've had numerous questions. Having just cracked open this book, and insert the CD, I'm finding all my questions answered, with clear examples.I'm finding the book well organized, indexed and cross-referenced -- and again, full of great, clear examples.And I'm especially thankful for the section "In Case You Missed It: New Transact-SQL Featuresin SQL Server 2005" that is included in the bonus chapters on the CD.

I am familiar with SQL on Unix and other mid frames. I am a novice with Ms Sql server. This book has been invaluable from teaching me the essentials of installing the SQL server, to learning some of the internals to SQL. I am still a novice but with the help of this book I haven't crashed any systems or killed anyone or anything yet. Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Unleashed

This book covers all subjects and is great for reference when you need. It was well worth it just for the upgrade chapters. When we went through our upgrades to SQL Server 2008 R2, this was a great book to start with for guidance in the right direction. I have also used it since then for reference.

As usual, a quality book on the subject of MS SQL Servers by Sams. I would not be very happy to have to deal with this complex topic without it.

I received this book together with a DVD in good condition. I have never had any SLQ server background experience before. I want to become a developer and this was the reason that I bought this book. Fortunately I am able to follow the instructions step by step easier, and, occasionally I found it hard to familiarise myself with new terminology. So far I have managed to create a database and am able to manage it. That's as far I got at the moment but I am enjoying teaching myself as I found it easy to use the guide in this book also with the help of the DVD. There are lots to learn and that's my challenge. I'm glad I came across this book. Highly recommendable to anyone who is keen to `dig-in'. A well detailed book! At the end of self-training I'll take an exam with Microsoft as I am training myself to become a developer.Victoria Lisgarten

Très bon livre. Complet, mais pour les professionnels seulement. Pas pour les amateurs.

Great book. Very comprehensive. I have this by my desk in work and dip in and out of it as needed.

Very prompt delivery of this product. This product was exactly what it was stated to be. Excellent. I highly recommend the service provided.

Does what the cover says