SQL Server Education

In an earlier post I said that I was about to start reading some books from the advanced Sybase Training course. I have changed course since then and I have decided to move on with some SQL Server education instead. I have decided that I would like to get my MCITP: Database Administrator certificate. I have never really felt like certificates were very meaningful while I was doing workstation and Windows administration. I have changed my views of certificates when it comes to the Database world. I have decided to tackle SQL Server first for a couple of reasons.

1. It is a MS Product and has a nice GUI. I come from a Windows Administration background and feel that this is the logical course.
2. My company has roughly 50 production SQL servers that we really do not do much with. I have written a Powershell script to monitor the SQL Servers for errors but we need to do more.

I have already started my journey and have finished reading my first MS SQL Server book. I read Beginning SQL Server 2005 Administration by Wrox publishing. I enjoyed the book and I ordered the next in the series called Professional SQL Server 2005 Administration. I like the way the books are laid out and have hands on examples that you can try if you have installed the AdventureWorks Database.

I have also ordered the study material for the three tests that I will have to take in order to get the certification. I am hoping to get these books in the mail in the next day or two. I would like to try to take one test a month and have my certification in about three months. I am looking forward to doing more in SQL Server and have learned a lot just from the first book. I will continue to keep you updated on this and hopefully you can learn along with me.

If you have any questions please head over to http://sysadminsmith.com and click the submit a question link to the right.