Top 8 SQL Server 2008 Books

Heather Craig
9 min readMay 29, 2024

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Get ready to dive into the exciting world of SQL Server 2008! In this article, we’ve collected an engaging assortment of books that cater to various levels of expertise. Whether you’re a beginner looking to grasp the fundamentals or an experienced professional seeking advanced insights, these books are guaranteed to ignite your passion for SQL Server 2008.

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1. Professional SQL Server 2005 Administration

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Experience the new era of SQL Server 2005 with this comprehensive and invaluable guide to professional administration. Written by a team of industry-leading SQL Server experts, this book takes you on a journey through the vastly changed landscape of SQL Server administration. Covering essential topics and providing practical solutions, it helps you navigate the powerful yet complex features of SQL Server 2005.

Get a deep understanding of installation techniques, explore SQL CLR features and delve into securing your SQL Server from common threats. Learn to master the chosen hardware configuration, backup and recovery strategies, and clustering SQL Server with ease.

This book is perfect for experienced developers and DBAs who work with an SQL Server 2005 system and its Business Intelligence features. With step-by-step guidelines, practical examples, and expert educational content, Wrox Professional guides are designed to help programmers and IT professionals excel in their field.

Inside this 769-page comprehensive tutorial, you’ll find tips and tricks, unique workarounds, and best practices to solve even the most challenging SQL Server administration issues. Don’t wait — dive into the world of SQL Server 2005 administration with this indispensable guide.

  • Authors: Brian Knight, Ketan Patel, Wayne Snyder, Jean-Claude Armand, Ross LoForte, Brad McGehee, Steven Wort, Joe Salvatore, Haidong Ji
  • Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
  • Published Date: March 06, 2007
  • Page Count: 769
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Computers
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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2. Accelerated SQL Server 2008

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Prepare to embark on a fast-paced, straightforward journey into the world of SQL Server 2008 with Accelerated SQL Server 2008. Designed for seasoned database experts, this comprehensive guide is ideal for readers who prefer a rapid learning experience and are looking to bypass extensive introductory content.

Written by a team of accomplished professionals, the necessary information on utilizing SQL Server 2008 is skillfully imparted through its 799 pages. With a strong emphasis on conveying the essential concepts and features, Accelerated SQL Server 2008 empowers readers to quickly start using the software effectively. This insightful resource from Apress serves as an indispensable tool for those aiming to increase their mastery of SQL Server 2008.

  • Authors: Michael Coles, Fabio Claudio Ferracchiati, Robert Walters, Chris Farmer, Jonathan Rae
  • Publisher: Apress
  • Published Date: July 08, 2008
  • Page Count: 799
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Computers
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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3. Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Step by Step

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Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Step by Step is a comprehensive guide designed to teach readers how to master SQL Server 2008 and build database solutions that tackle real-world business challenges. With its step-by-step approach, even novices can easily grasp the concepts and techniques needed for success. The book covers a wide range of topics, including data manipulation, retrieval, and integration, as well as the implementation of powerful business intelligence systems.

Authors Mike Hotek ensures that readers are equipped with the essential knowledge and practical guidance to get the most out of their SQL Server 2008 experience. The book also provides invaluable tips and techniques for securing, managing, backing up, and recovering databases, resulting in high-performing and reliable database applications.

Moreover, the publication features an array of helpful tools, such as practice exercises and code samples, alongside a fully searchable eBook version. This is an excellent supplement for those who have purchased the eBook version, giving them access to the CD files for easier download and use on their devices.

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Step by Step is the perfect resource for individuals looking to enhance their skills in database management and business intelligence systems. With its practical advice, easy-to-follow steps, and engaging content, this book is sure to become an indispensable addition to any SQL Server enthusiast’s toolkit.

  • Authors: Mike Hotek
  • Publisher: Pearson Education
  • Published Date: November 12, 2008
  • Page Count: 544
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Computers
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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4. Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Management and Administration

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Dive into the world of Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Management and Administration, a comprehensive guide for database administrators, developers, and anyone looking to master SQL Server. Authored by SQL Server MVP and world-class expert, Ross Mistry, and co-written by SQL Server MVP, Hilary Cotter, this book delivers a fast-paced, detailed exploration of Microsoft’s flagship database platform.

From installation to security, backup, data transfer, and optimization, this book offers a wealth of practical advice, step-by-step solutions, and powerful tips. It takes advantage of extensive testing in high-profile production environments, ensuring the content is up-to-date and relevant.

The book begins with an overview of SQL Server 2008’s most significant new improvements and concludes with a summary of best practices. It also provides a comprehensive look at leveraging Windows Server 2008 to its full potential.

Some of the key concepts covered include mastering DBA tips, tricks, and best practices; installing, upgrading, or transitioning to SQL Server 2008; hardening and securing implementations; implementing high availability and failover clustering; optimizing application performance and managing workloads; and performance tuning.

Additionally, this book provides bonus content, including step-by-step instructions on how to implement a failover cluster, consolidate and virtualize SQL Server, proactively monitor SQL Server, and install Hyper-V certificates to encrypt SQL Server data.

Contributing writers, including renowned SQL Server and PowerShell MVPs, share their expertise to provide a well-rounded and in-depth understanding of SQL Server management and administration.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional, Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Management and Administration is an indispensable resource for anyone working with Microsoft’s flagship database platform.

  • Authors: Ross Mistry, Hilary Cotter
  • Publisher: Pearson Education
  • Published Date: December 23, 2008
  • Page Count: 1117
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Computers
  • Average Rating: 3.0
  • Ratings Count: 1.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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5. Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Internals

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Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Internals takes you on an exclusive journey into the most intricate workings of the powerful SQL Server engine. Led by a team of distinguished experts, readers will gain in-depth insights into this software’s architectural changes and harness its untapped potential. Covering critical topics such as events tracking, storage capabilities, query optimization, and more, this comprehensive guide offers valuable solutions for database professionals, developers, or administrators.

Authored by industry veterans like Calen Delaney, Adam Machanic, Paul S. Randal, Kimberly L. Tripp, Conor Cunningham, and Ben Nevarez, Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Internals provides an unparalleled understanding of the product’s inner workings. From exploring crucial database behavior like building, expanding, shrinking, and moving databases to mastering optimization techniques, this book holds the key to unlocking the true potential of SQL Server.

Don’t miss your opportunity to gain the competitive edge you need to succeed in your profession. Delve into Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Internals today and elevate your skills to new heights!

  • Authors: Kalen Delaney, Adam Machanic, Paul S. Randal, Kimberly L. Tripp, Conor Cunningham, Ben Nevarez
  • Publisher: Microsoft Press
  • Published Date: March 11, 2009
  • Page Count: 1244
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Computers
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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6. SQL Server 2008 Administration Instant Reference

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SQL Server 2008 Administration Instant Reference is the ideal companion for any professional working with SQL Server. This book is designed to provide quick and accurate answers for millions of IT professionals, system and database administrators, IT consultants, and database application developers.

The book offers essential information on day-to-day tasks for administering SQL Server 2008, with easy-to-use lookup features such as thumb tabs, secondary and tertiary tables of contents, and special heading treatments. The guide also includes quick-reference tables and lists for on-the-spot solutions. Covering topics like installing, configuring, managing, and maintaining SQL Server; optimizing server performance; and troubleshooting, this book will keep you up-to-date and efficient in your daily work with SQL Server 2008.

With 532 pages, this reference guide is a must-have for anyone working with Microsoft’s leading database manager.

  • Authors: Michael Lee, Mike Mansfield
  • Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
  • Published Date: August 19, 2009
  • Page Count: 532
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Computers
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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7. Professional SQL Server 2008 Internals and Troubleshooting

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“Expert SQL Server 2008 Internal Insights and Problem Solving” is a crucial hands-on manual for SQL Server administrators aiming to master troubleshooting techniques and tools for seamless SQL Server operations. Authored by renowned SQL Server specialists and Microsoft’s esteemed professionals, this extensive guide dives deep into the inner workings of both SQL Server and the Windows operating system, offering an extensive comprehension of SQL Server database design.

The resource covers a multitude of topics, including memory management, waits and prolonged events, CPU and query processing, locking and restraints, tempdb, and performance problem-solving strategies. With a robust grasp of the overall processing setting, readers will learn how to utilize a toolkit for detecting and remedying performance problems that may stem from either the database server or the operating system.

Subjects explored encompass SQL Server Architecture, Delving into Memory, SQL Server Waits and Prolonged Events, Engaging with Storage, CPU and Query Processing, Locking and Restraints, Becoming Acquainted with Tempdb, Formulating Your Strategy for Troubleshooting, Gaining Insight into Server Performance with PerfMon and the PAL Instrument, Tracing SQL Server with SQL Trace and Profiler, Combining Data Collection with SQLDiag and the PerfStats Script, Presenting RML Utilities for Stress Testing and Trace File Analysis, Synthesizing Everything with SQL Nexus, and Utilizing Management Studio Reports and the Performance Dashboard.

This comprehensive book constitutes an invaluable resource for individuals aiming to excel in SQL Server internal operations and problem solving. With its expert guidance and real-life examples, “Expert SQL Server 2008 Internal Insights and Problem Solving” is an indispensable resource for any SQL Server administrator.

  • Authors: Christian Bolton, Justin Langford, Brent Ozar, James Rowland-Jones, Jonathan Kehayias, Cindy Gross, Steven Wort
  • Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
  • Published Date: June 22, 2010
  • Page Count: 698
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Computers
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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8. Beginning Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Programming

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“Beginning Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Programming” offers comprehensive guidance for understanding the fundamentals of database design and the SQL query language, while providing a deep dive into the features and functionalities of the latest 2008 version of SQL Server. This book serves as a perfect guide for beginners, helping them understand basic concepts and providing the knowledge and skills necessary to implement those concepts.

With over 700 pages of content and updated material, this book covers a wide array of topics, including table creation and modification, key management, scripting, stored procedures, XML programming, and the utilization of SQL Server Reporting and Integration Services, among other subjects. The book also includes practical examples using the Microsoft’s AdventureWorks sample database to further solidify understanding and provide hands-on experience.

Written by industry veteran Robert Vieira and published by prestigious John Wiley & Sons, this book is an essential addition to any SQL Server enthusiast’s library. With an average rating of four stars and over one thousand ratings, “Beginning Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Programming” has proven to be an invaluable resource for those looking to master SQL Server programming.

  • Authors: Robert Vieira
  • Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
  • Published Date: January 31, 2011
  • Page Count: 725
  • Print Type: BOOK
  • Categories: Computers
  • Average Rating: 4.0
  • Ratings Count: 1.0
  • Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
  • Language: en

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