Microsoft® SQL Server™ 2008 All-In-One Desk Reference For Dummies®

I.4.3. Streamlining Administration

Even though SQL Server is now installed and configured to your liking, your work isn't quite done. In this section, we show you how to take advantage of SQL Server's handy wizard-driven tools to create and maintain well-thought-out administration plans and procedures. This happens to be a great time to take these steps, too. You're likely to be up to your ears in database and application creation tasks before you know it, and administration often takes a back seat to these more glamorous responsibilities. After reviewing this wizard, we veer into the more intricate world of SQL Server's policy-based management capabilities.

I.4.3.1. SQL Server Maintenance Plan Wizard

To get maximum value from this exercise, we show you how to automate a few vital administrative tasks all within one procedure. Here's what to do:

1. Launch the SQL Server Management Studio.

   You find it directly under the SQL Server menu.

2. Connect to your new SQL Server instance.

3. Expand the Management folder.

4. Right-click the Maintenance Plans folder and then choose the New Maintenance Plan option.

   This launches the Maintenance Plan Wizard, which is an extremely easy-to-use tool to create and administer maintenance activities. Figure 4-13 shows the initial dialog box for the wizard.

5. Provide a name and description for your new maintenance plan.

6. Decide whether you want to run administrative jobs separately or together.

   In this example, we gather everything into one batch.

7. Set a schedule by clicking ...