Free e-Books from O’Reilly

O'Reilly Media has a large collection of pdf book samplers.  A complete list is here. … [Read more...]

Free Poster – SQL Server Dynamic Management Views

I enjoy working at Quest Software partly because we do a lot to give back to the community. Here's one example, a free poster describing all of the SQL Server 2005 and 2008 dynamic management views.  Get it here.  It's the perfect compliment to the free system map poster available from Microsoft here. … [Read more...]

Plays Well With Others – Inaugural

Professional Development for the SQL Server Technologist This series of posts is dedicated to enhancing your soft skills.  For many technologists, the day-to-day grind of work tends to keep us focused on the SQL Server part of work and causes us to overlook the Professional.  While we, as technologists, spend the majority of our time honing hard, technology skills, but it’s important to remember that we are first and foremost employed to add value to the business processes of the organizations we work for.  In this series I will cover a wide variety of topics, including soft skills like … [Read more...]

Free Software for Unemployed Developers

Each month, for six months, Arnie Rowland will  be giving away a package of software, books, training, and development tools, valued at over $15,000, to an unemployed or underemployed developer that takes on a software project of his/her choice with a non-profit. "The idea is to provide the recipient access to all of the tools needed to improve his/her skills, an opportunity to gain practical experience, the potential to earn a recommendation and/or referral –and to positively contribute to society as a form of 'give-back'. No free lunch, just sweat equity –the kind that makes us all feel … [Read more...]

Join O’Reilly on Facebook

O'Reilly Media on Facebook is a place for for anyone who is a fan of O'Reilly, whether you've been following their books, conferences, webcasts, and more since the very beginning or you recently jumped onto the bandwagon. I really enjoy the newsletters and blogs from O'Reilly's various channels, especially Tim O'Reilly's commentary. And, of course, there's my book - SQL in a Nutshell - published by O'Reilly for your consideration.  This book provides a complete reference of the latest release of the ANSI SQL standard, as well as full coverage of support for the ANSI standard from the … [Read more...]

Toad for Cloud Databases Community is now live!

Quest Software is proud to announce the launch of the Toad for Cloud Databases community site.  You can also get the free Toad for Cloud product here.  It's in beta, but definitely worth a try. If you've wondered what's over the horizon, I encourage you to take a look at this interview with Billy Bosworth, the head of Quest's database tools group.  (Yes, he's the guy who signs my checks).  We are now experiencing more disruptive technologies in the world of data than we have seen in nearly two decades. Perhaps your database is better suited for the cloud or maybe you want to investigate … [Read more...]

Windows Azure Boot Camp

I'm sorry that I got this out a bit late, but there are still a city or two where you can join in on these great free, 1-day classes on Windows Azure provided by Neudesic.   Atlanta, for example, is set for July 28th. You'll get a deep dive program that will prepare you to deliver solutions on the Windows Azure Platform. The region's best Azure experts will teach you how to work in the cloud through training, discussion, review of real scenarios, and hands on labs. Snacks and drinks will be provided; however, you're advised to bring an extension cord and to you to make your own lunch … [Read more...]