Where to start learning to understand SQL Server architecture and internals?
Just to add to the suggestions on this thread, you might find these interesting
Books:
I found Thomas Larock's DBA Survior very useful. It doesn't go deep into SQL Server internals, but it has right pointers to guide a newbie towards becoming a successful DBA. If you are past that newbie stage, you can skip this.
Rod Colledge's SQL Server 2008 Administration in action was useful for me as a next step from DBA Survior
Troubleshooting SQL Server by Jonathan Kehayias is a great book. It is available as a free download. Also take a look at other books available on SSC. I am currently reading a book on execution plans by Grant Fritchey.
There are some awesome blogs out there:
Read everything under the category "involuntary DBA" on Paul Randal's blog. While I understand that you obviously are not an involuntary DBA, they tend to be simpler while explaining things to newbies.
Buckwoody has a great blog here and also a useful SQL Server reference guide here. He is blogging about Windows Azure stuff thesedays but you can check the archives
Other Blogs in random order
- Aaron Bertrand
- Grant Fritchey
- Brent Ozar
- Thomas LaRock
- Pinal Dave
- Phil Factor
Podcasts:
- There are a few SQL Server related podcasts on DotNetRocks
- Also here on SQL Down Under
Other great sites - SSC, MSSQL Tips, SQLCAT, LessThanDot.
This list is in no way complete and if I have missed some important books/sites/blogs, thats because I too am still learning and my knowledge is limited. Lets hope the others on this thread add more resources.
Good luck!
UPDATE: I forgot to include SQL Server Performance Survival Guide technet article which has loads of links and pointers.
There are a lot of very good resources out there. Microsoft certifications are a good place to start, especially if you have no formal training or experience.
To add to the above links,
- SQL Skills w/ Paul Randal, Kimberly Tripp
- Glenn Berry
- Denny Cherry
- SQL ServerPedia (Now Toad World)
- Brad McGehee
- Adam Machanic
Topics covered in these blogs may be a bit advanced if you are just starting out. There is a lot of information to know for SQL Server, try not to get ahead of yourself. These days, there are a lot of SQL deployments involving SANs, so you will want to eventually look at storage sites as well. IMO, try to follow the Microsoft certification because it is a structured process that will provide a very good foundation to build from(no i don't work for microsoft). It may also help you get your foot in the door somewhere to start using what you learn.
It's an interesting journey..Good luck!
edit: corrected the spelling of Adam's last name
Definately SQL Server 2008 Internals (MSPress) by Kalen Delaney is a good book on the internal workings of the product itself. For a reference book, I'd also check out Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Bible (Wiley) by Paul Nielsen. This is a great desk reference book for the professional DBA. Unfortunately there is no "one-stop-shop" when it comes to a particular book on SQL Server, but these are good to start your journey.
Good luck!