Category Archives: Tools

Posts related to third-party and Microsoft tools, such as NUnit and Part Cover.NET

Simple Strategies to Boost SQL Server Performance

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Ashiq Alibhai, PMP

SQL Server can be a beast on your disk. Two easy ways to help raise performance for high-volume databases: Use a drive other than the Windows partition for the SQL Server DB files, and split the MDF and LDF files onto different drives if possible. Continue reading →

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SQL Server Indexed Views and View Performance

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Ashiq Alibhai, PMP

SQL Server allows you to index views, which caches the results; what’s more, indexed views may automatically be included in queries at SQL Server’s discretion — no application changes required. Wow! Continue reading →

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Visual Studio Automatic Version Numbering

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Ashiq Alibhai, PMP

Visual Studio (2010+) allows you to specify that it should generate (incremental) build versions for your projects. The syntax is quite simple (for AssemblyInfo.cs), but there are a few caveats to know. Continue reading →

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Integrating NUnit with CruiseControl.NET

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Ashiq Alibhai, PMP

Interested in using CruiseControl.NET to execute NUnit tasks and integrate the results in the dashboard, without using the nunit task type? You can do it through exec, if you merge the results. This article outlines how. Continue reading →

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Dropping an Active Database in SQL Server

Posted on September 14, 2011 by Ashiq Alibhai, PMP

How can you close open/active connections in SQL Server and drop the database? With a little statement like SET SINGLE USER. You can also abort transactions and force the database to drop immediately. Continue reading →

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Searching the Entire SQL Server Database

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Ashiq Alibhai, PMP

How can you search every row and column in a SQL Server database for a specific string? Well, we link you to a handy dandy SQL stored procedure that does just that! Invoke it, and be amazed! Continue reading →

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Selecting Encrypted Columns in SQL Server

Posted on September 7, 2011 by Ashiq Alibhai, PMP

Decrypting columns in SQL Server requires a security key and security certificate. You need to convert the resulting value into the correct type; we explain the process, and summarize what you need and how to do what you need to do. Continue reading →

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Moving a SQL Server Database with Encrypted Content: SMK, DMK, and You

Posted on June 20, 2011 by Ashiq Alibhai, PMP

Moving a SQL Server database with encrypted data is challenging, because the Service Master Key (SMK), which encrypts the Database Master Key (DMK) which encrypts the certificates and symmetric keys, uses local-PC information. Without the password, you can’t alter it; but you CAN back it up and restore it (with caveats). This article describes the encryption hierarchy, and the process to backup and restore the SMK. Continue reading →

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Generating a Build.Number File for NAnt

Posted on March 15, 2011 by Ashiq Alibhai, PMP

NAnt requires a build.number file. How do you generate or create this file? Simply create a file with a .NET assembly-style number, eg. 1.0.0.0, and you’re good to go. Continue reading →

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Adding Templates to Visual Studio Express 2010

Posted on March 12, 2011 by Ashiq Alibhai, PMP

You’ve probably read about Jeff Wilcox’s unit testing framework for Silverlight. It depends on a couple of templates being installed (one class, and one project). How do you install templates in Visual Studio Express versions? First, browse to %My Documents%\Visual … Continue reading →

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