Chapter 4. SQL Server Enterprise Manager

by Paul Jensen

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Establishing Server Groups and Registering SQL Server in Enterprise Manager

• Server Configuration

• Databases

• Security

• Server Management

• Data Transformation Services

• Support Services

• System Tools

• Replication

• Using the Database Taskpad

• Using the Query Designer

• Scripting Objects

• Getting Help

Enterprise Manager (EM) is a Microsoft Management Console (MMC) plug-in used to manage SQL Server through a GUI environment. Those of you accustomed to using Microsoft's GUI tools will find it familiar and intuitive to use. For database administrators coming from a command-line environment, I encourage you to dig in and try some of its features. The more you use it, the more you appreciate how it simplifies day-to-day tasks . As EM can be used to control practically all aspects of SQL Server, this chapter could encompass the entire book. To avoid that, I will concentrate here on features specific to EM and on finding your way around the tool. For example, you will see how to use EM to create a database, but for the details on creating databases, you should reference Chapter 11, "Creating and Managing Databases."

Many database operations also can be accessed through a wizard or the Taskpad. The wizards take you through a procedure step by step and can be accessed through the Magic Wand icon on the Enterprise Manager toolbar. The Taskpad groups functions in the Details pane of EM. Therefore, you often can perform the same task three or more ways. It's up to you to choose the one with which you are most comfortable.

The best way to appreciate EM is to open it and follow along as you read through this chapter. Don't be daunted by the number of functions available. Take each one on its own, and when in doubt, right-click; if that doesn't help, refer to the supporting chapter for the feature. You will be surprised at how quickly you can manage administrative tasks using this tool.