SQL Server 2000 is the leading relational database in the Windows market. The increased manageability of SQL Server 2000 has also increased its popularity - anyone, not just database administrators, can use a SQL Server database. This book recognizes that aspiring database administrators need more than just a basic knowledge of the available features in order to be considered "a safe pair of hands" for the database and the mission-critical data that is stored in it. Aspiring database administrators can benefit from the direction and advice of an expert mentor who not only understands the features available and how they should be used, but also knows what it takes to be a good and effective database administrators. In essence, this book is that "mentor," which is what sets it apart from the other books on the market that only present feature overviews. Database novices will learn the core job and roles involved in administering a SQL Server database. You'll follow the life cycle of the database from installation, design, and modeling through to development, tuning, and securing, and onto growth and migration. This comprehensive guide provides practical advice, answers typical questions that you'll encounter from managers and developers, and offers practical steps to overcome issues with which new database administrators traditionally struggle. At every stage of the life cycle, this book supplies a range of tried-and-tested practices and techniques that will help you to establish and maintain a healthy database system.