SQL Commands 

SQL commands are instructions used to communicate with the database to perform specific task that work with data. SQL commands can be used not only for searching the database but also to perform various other functions like, for example, you can create tables, add data to tables, or modify data, drop the table, set permissions for users. SQL commands are grouped into four major categories depending on their functionality:

• Data Definition Language (DDL) - These SQL commands are used for creating, modifying, and dropping the structure of database objects. The commands are CREATE, ALTER, DROP, RENAME, and TRUNCATE.
• Data Manipulation Language (DML) – These SQL commands are used for storing, retrieving, modifying, and deleting data. These commands are SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE.
• Transaction Control Language (TCL) – These SQL commands are used for managing changes affecting the data. These commands are COMMIT, ROLLBACK, and SAVEPOINT.
• Data Control Language (DCL) - These SQL commands are used for providing security to database objects. These commands are GRANT and REVOKE.

Commercial Databases

• Oracle

Oracle is the most popular relational database. It runs on both Unix and Windows. It used to be many times more expensive than SQL Server and DB2, but it has come down a lot in price.

• SQL Server

SQL Server is Microsoft’s database and, not surprisingly, only runs on Windows. It has only a slightly higher market share than Oracle on Windows machines. Many people find it easier to use than Oracle.

• DB2

IBM’s DB2 was one of the earliest players in the database market. It is still very commonly used on mainframes and runs on both Windows and Unix.

Popular Open Source Databases

• MySQL

Because of its small size, its speediness, and its very good documentation, MySQL has quickly become the most popular open source database. MySQL is available on both Windows and Unix, but it lacks some key features such as support for stored procedures.

• PostgreSQL

Until recently, PostgreSQL was the most popular open source database until that spot was taken over by MySQL. PostgreSQL now calls itself “the world’s most advanced Open Source database software.” It is certainly a featureful and robust database management system and a good choice for people who want some of the advanced features that MySQL doesn’t yet have. PostgreSQL does not yet natively support Windows, but it is supposed to in the upcoming 7.5 release.

Recover Microsoft Office Product Key

If for some reason you need to reinstall Windows, Office, or other Microsoft applications, and you can’t find the original key on a CD, you’ll be out of luck. You won’t be able to re-install. That is, you won’t unless you use ProduKey.

ProduKey is a little, but useful utility which displays the ProductID and the CD-Key of MS-Office, Windows, and SQL Server installed on your computer.

You can view this information for your current running operating system, or for another operating system/computer – by using command-line options.

This utility can be useful if you lost the product key of your Windows/Office, and you want to reinstall it on your computer.

Download ProduKey

SQL SERVER – 2012 RC0 Various Resources and Downloads

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Release Candidate 0 (RC0)
Microsoft SQL Server 2012 RC0 enables a cloud-ready information platform that will help organizations unlock breakthrough insights across the organization.

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express RC
Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Express RC0 is a powerful and reliable free data management system that delivers a rich set of features, data protection, and performance for embedded applications, lightweight Web Sites, applications, and local data stores.

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Semantic Language Statistics RC0
The Semantic Language Statistics Database is a required component for the Statistical Semantic Search feature in Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Semantic Language Statistics RC0.

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Release Candidate 0 (RC0) Manageability Tool Kit
The Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Release Candidate 0 (RC0) Manageability Tool Kit is a collection of stand-alone packages which provide additional value for Microsoft SQL Server 2012 Release Candidate 0 (RC0).

Microsoft SQL Server 2012 PowerPivot for Microsoft Excel 2010 Release Candidate 0 (RC0)
Microsoft PowerPivot for Microsoft Excel 2010 provides ground-breaking technology; fast manipulation of large data sets, streamlined integration of data, and the ability to effortlessly share your analysis through Microsoft SharePoint

SQL SERVER – Roadmap of Microsoft Certifications – SQL Server Certifications

Introduction

In these times of economic slowdown and uncertainties, more and more IT professionals are concerned about their job security and their qualifications. With job insecurity looming on their minds, it is a common trend for developers to start hunting for ways to update their skills. Sound knowledge and real world work experience are always a good way to help secure your future. However, a great way to demonstrate knowledge and competence is by having a certification in the technology one claims to be proficient in.

Download Roadmap of Microsoft Certifications – SQL Server Certifications

Microsoft offers a series of certifications for IT professional including developers. In this article, we will cover the following topics.

1. Importance of Certificates
2. Certification Structure
3. SQL Server Certifications
4. Exam Preparation
5. Registration for Exam
6. Post Examination Benefits

Microsoft certifications are very reputed and validate developers’ practical experience.

Importance of Certificates

Certificates demonstrate developers’ expertise in technology as well their willingness to go the extra mile to prove their ardent interest in the realm of technology. Microsoft certifications add value to developers’ existing credentials. It is widely believed that certifications aid in resolving practical technology problems, together with enhancing developers’ professional performance. Whenever a new technology is released, Microsoft introduces new certifications. Achievement of new certificates clearly indicate developers’ advancement in technology as well as their keenness to move ahead in their chosen career path. Having said this, it has been commonly seen that there are a number of candidates who achieve certifications but are not concerned about upgrading them. I strongly suggest developers take advanced certifications and keep their knowledge upgraded to gain competitive edge.

Certification Structure

Microsoft Certifications are structured in four levels.

a) Technology Series - This certification series validates developers’ skills in implementation, building, troubleshooting, and debugging of Microsoft Technology. The certificate that can be acquired in this series is Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist.

b) Professional Series - This certification series is focused on a single job role and validates developers’ skill to have the required knowledge and expertise to complete a particular job.  The certificates that can be earned in this series are Microsoft Certified IT Professional and Microsoft Certified Professional Developer.

c) Master Series - This certification series requires having a profound understanding of a particular product. Developers awarded with this certification are expected to design and implement complex business requirements. The certificate that can be achieved in this series is Microsoft Certified Master.

d) Architect Series - Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA) is the most difficult certification. To achieve it, developers have to go through rigorous peer review process. Developers having a minimum experience of ten years in advanced IT industry are considered for this credential. The certificate that can be attained in this series is Microsoft Certified Architect.

SQL Server Certifications

Currently, there are certifications for three editions of SQL Server. I recommend everybody to settle on the SQL Server 2008 certifications. Microsoft certifications for SQL Server 2008 have already been released and we will be discussing them in detail. We will also explore the upgrade path from SQL Server 2005 to SQL Server 2008.

• MCTS: Technology Specialist Paths - One exam to earn each of the MCTS certifications
• 70-432: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance
• 70-433: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development
• 70-448: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance

MCITP: IT Professional Paths – Two exams to earn an MCITP certification

70-450: PRO: Designing, Optimizing, and Maintaining a Database Server Infrastructure using Microsoft SQL Server 2008

Pre-requisite: 70-432: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Implementation and Maintenance

70-451: PRO: Designing Database Solutions and Data Access Using Microsoft SQL Server 2008

70-433: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Database Development

70-452: PRO: SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance

70-448: Microsoft SQL Server 2008, Business Intelligence Development and Maintenance

SQL2K5 to SQL2K8 Upgrade Paths – One exam to earn MCTS and MCITP certifications. If developers have MCTIP certification for SQL Server 2005, they can take only one exam to upgrade their credentials to SQL Server 2008. By taking only one exam developers can achieve two certifications.

To get: 70-432 and 70-450

70-453: Upgrade: Transition your MCITP Database Administrator Skills to MCITP Database Administrator 2008

Pre-requisite: MCITP (Database Administrator -SQL Server 2005)

To get: 70-433 and 70-451

70-454: Upgrade: Transition your MCITP Database Developer Skills to MCITP Database Developer 2008

Pre-requisite: MCITP (Database Developer -SQL Server 2005)

To get: 70-448 and 70-452

70-455: Upgrade: Transition your MCITP Business Intelligence Developer Skills to MCITP Business Intelligence Developer 2008

Pre-requisite: MCITP (Business Intelligence Developer -SQL Server 2005)

Microsoft Certified Master: Microsoft SQL Server 2008

No separate exam is conducted for Master certifications. Developers who already have MCITP (SQL Server 2008) certification can attend a three-week training program delivered by recognized experts from Microsoft and their partner organizations. On successful completion of the training and on meeting all the pre-requisites listed on MS site, developers can achieve this certification.

Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA): Microsoft SQL Server 2008

No separate exam is conducted for Master certifications. Developers who have already been awarded with all MCITP (SQL Server 2008) certifications can attend a four-week training program delivered by recognized experts from Microsoft. On successful completion of the training and on meeting all the pre-requisites the candidate has to go through an intense program interview process. Visit Microsoft official website for more details on this program.

Exam Preparation

The path to achieve a certification is not difficult, but at times, it can become perplexing. Make sure that you do not become “Certificate Happy.” It is quite common that developers start dreaming about the several paths of certifications but in reality get nowhere. It is imperative to determine the right certification for yourself. If your career goal or expertise lies in the database field, endeavor toward database certifications first rather than attempting something unusual. You must select only those certifications that will add value to your career and will provide you maximum benefits. In addition, make sure those certifications test developers on hands-on experience. If certifications’ exams are attempted without having enough hands-on experience, it will be difficult to pass the exam.

If a developer realizes that additional training can enhance the knowledge of a product, it is a good idea to get training from a professional trainer. But in this case, attend the training for the product not for passing examination. There is a huge number of online courses and local institutes that claim to provide developers with certifications. A course that just helps you learn about certifications will not help your career in the long run. Thus, selecting the right course is a very important career-related decision for you. I only trust organizations where Microsoft Certified Trainers or Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs) are teaching the courses. Besides, gather information on what an exam contains and also, do the trial run with a practice test. As per my personal experience, I often find it easier to pass an exam after practicing the trial exam.

Please refer to the following additional resources, which are very helpful to prepare for the exam.

• View exam preparation guides (http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcpexams/prepare/findexam.mspx)
• Search for Microsoft Press training kits (http://www.microsoft.com/mspress/findabook/list/subject_category_T.aspx)
• Browse through the Learning Catalog (http://learning.microsoft.com/Manager/catalog.aspx)

Registration for Exam

Prometric, an independent testing organization with over 3,000 locations worldwide, administers all MCP exams. Each exam typically costs US$125. You can register for your exam online (http://www.register.prometric.com/DirectInput.asp?DirectInput=1&Client=132), through your local testing center or via telephone. Remember, many employers have training budgets in place for such professional growth.

Post Examination Benefits

There are several benefits you can gain after clearing certification exams. After passing the first exam, developers earn credential of Microsoft Certified Professional commonly known as MCP. Once credentials are achieved developers get access to an official transcript, logos and certificates, and have their own landing page on Microsoft.com! According to Microsoft’s official site, real MCPs get real benefits of  Reward, Respect and Recognition.