Summary

Dealing with the large number of configurable options in SQL Server is a big undertaking. Not only do you need to know about the internal address space of SQL Server, but you also need to understand what type of applications will be running on the server so that the configuration decision that you make is not counter productive.

Many of the configurable options have a direct effect on the most dynamic part of SQL Server: the memory pool. This is truly where all the action is. Whether you have chosen to let SQL Server help you manage this space dynamically via self-configuring options, or you have decided to manage this yourself, you must constantly monitor the current settings and be prepared to modify them at any time. In general, you will be able to start with the default values given to the server at installation time and then slowly enhance these options over time.

In the next chapter, a detailed explanation of using XML in SQL Server 2000 will be provided that should allow you to start using this feature almost immediately.