The DBA Daily Checklist

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The average DBA has to perform many routine checks on his or her servers. There will be daily checks, weekly checks and, probably, monthly checks. A short while ago, we were having quite a debate about what items would be on the DBA Daily checklist. Because we all like lists with ten items in them, we compiled a list that goes something like this:

 

1. Connectivity: Make sure each database is available and accessible both by logging in via user applications, as well as running test scripts.
2. Backups: Check database and log backups, archiving and offsite storage.
3. Events: check all database logs, application logs and system logs, Agent history, device logs, NIC logs etc. Investigate any job failures
4. Processes: Check that all required processes on the server are running, including Replication
5. Integrity: Perform all database and server integrity checks; look for objects that break rules
6. Indexes: Check on indexes to see if they are being used, need re-creating, or if any are missing
7. Volumetrics: Check resources on the server such as files sizes and disk space, and monitor growth
8. Performance: Check application performance, and performance statistics, using the Perfmon tool; research and resolve any issues.
9. Procedures: Check all Disaster Recovery Plans
10. Security: Look for security policy violations