Who Should Read This Book?

This book is intended for anyone who works with databases, such as database administrators (DBAs), application developers, system administrators, and consultants. This book is a great introduction to DB2, whether you have used DB2 before or you are new to DB2. It is also a good study guide for anyone preparing for the IBM DB2 Universal Database Version 8 Certification exams 700 (DB2 UDB Family Fundamentals) and 701 (DB2 UDB Database Administration), or the DB2 UDB Version 8.1 Database Administration upgrade exam, number 706.

This book will save you time and effort because the topics are presented in a clear and concise manner, and we use figures, examples, case studies, and review questions to reinforce the material as it is presented. The book is different than many others on the subject because of the following.

1. Visual learning: The book relies on visual learning as its base. Each chapter starts with a "big picture" to introduce the topics to be discussed in that chapter. Numerous graphics are used throughout the chapters to explain concepts in detail. We feel that figures allow for fast, easy learning and longer retention of the material. If you forget some of the concepts discussed in the book or just need a quick refresher, you will not need to read the entire chapter again. You can simply look at the figures quickly to refresh your memory. For your convenience, some of the most important figures are provided in color on the CD-ROM accompanying this book. These figures in color can further improve your learning experience.

2. Clear explanations: We have encountered many situations when reading other books where paragraphs need to be read two, three, or even more times to grasp what they are describing. In this book we have made every effort possible to provide clear explanations so that you can understand the information quickly and easily.

3. Examples, examples, examples: The book provides many examples and case studies that reinforce the topics discussed in each chapter. Some of the examples have been taken from real life experiences that the authors have had while working with DB2 customers.

4. Sample exam questions: All chapters end with review questions that are similar to the questions on the DB2 Certification exams. These questions are intended to ensure that you understand the concepts discussed in each chapter before proceeding, and as a study guide for the IBM Certification exams. Appendix A contains the answers with explanations.