MCSE:SQL Server 2000Design Study Guide

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MCSE: SQL Server™ 2000Design Study Guide

Marc IsraelJ. Steven Jones

San Francisco • Paris • Düsseldorf • Soest • London

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Associate Publisher: Neil EddeAcquisitions and Developmental Editor: Jeff Kellum Editor: Malka Geffen Production Editor: Elizabeth CampbellTechnical Editors: Scott Warmbrand, Scott SanfordBook Designer: Bill GibsonGraphic Illustrator: Epic Studios, Tony JonickElectronic Publishing Specialist: Interactive Composition CorporationProofreaders: Laurie O’Connell, Nancy Riddiough, Jennifer Greiman, Suzanne SteinIndexer: Ann Rogers CD Coordinator: Christine HarrisCD Technician: Kevin LyCover Designer: Archer DesignCover Photographer: The Image Bank

Copyright © 2001 SYBEX Inc., 1151 Marina Village Parkway, Alameda, CA 94501. World rights reserved. No part ofthis publication may be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or reproduced in any way, including but not limited tophotocopy, photograph, magnetic, or other record, without the prior agreement and written permission of the publisher.

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To Our Valued Readers:

In recent years, Microsoft’s MCSE program has established itself as the premier computer and net-working industry certification. Nearly a quarter of a million IT professionals have attained MCSE sta-tus in the NT 4 track. Sybex is proud to have helped thousands of MCSE candidates prepare for their exams over these years, and we are excited about the opportunity to continue to provide people with the skills they’ll need to succeed in the highly competitive IT industry.

For the Windows 2000 MCSE track, Microsoft has made it their mission to demand more of exam candidates. Exam developers have gone to great lengths to raise the bar in order to prevent a paper-certification syndrome, one in which individuals obtain a certification without a thorough under-standing of the technology. Sybex welcomes this new philosophy as we have always advocated a com-prehensive instructional approach to certification courseware. It has always been Sybex’s mission to teach exam candidates how new technologies work in the real world, not to simply feed them answers to test questions. Sybex was founded on the premise of providing technical skills to IT professionals, and we have continued to build on that foundation, making significant improvements to our study guides based on feedback from readers, suggestions from instructors, and comments from industry leaders.

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To my wife, Claire, and to our boys, Thibault and Quentin. Love and

tolerance are values you share. I love you.

—Marc Israel

Not a day goes by when I do not think of my wife, Tia. For you, my

darling.

—Steve Jones

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Acknowledgments

Like a piece of software, a book is seldom the work of only one manor woman, but the work of a team of people, aiming at one goal: to teachand bring enjoyment to the future reader. While the author is focused onwhat to say, dozens of other people are helping him to say it well, fromeditors to the art crew, in order to publish the best computer book. Iwould like to acknowledge all the crew who worked with me on this book,beginning with my co-author, Steve. Co-authoring is not an easy task whenyou sit in the same office, but when 10,000 miles are between bothauthors, it’s a tough challenge. I think trust did it all! And everybody atSybex trusted us, including Jeff, Elizabeth, Malka, and all those who I donot know but who worked on this book. Be thanked beyond your wildestdreams!

—Marc Israel

This book is my first and was a great experience. It was also more tryingand difficult than I had imagined. It would not have been possible withoutthe support and assistance of my wife, Tia, who put up with quite a fewlate nights and weekends away from her and our children. I also have mymother, Mary Jones, to thank for her limitless enthusiasm and support.Her constant praise helped to keep me going when the writing was slow toappear.

Writing with someone is always a difficult chore and writing when youare physically removed is even more of a challenge. I’d like to thank myco-author, Marc, for his efforts in working with Sybex and myself fromhalf a world away.

I also have to thank the IT staff at IQdestination for putting up with aco-worker who was distracted at times and exhausted at others. Thanks toAdam, Charles, Chris, Corey, Dave, Kevin, Matt, Michael, and Mindy.

—J. Steven Jones

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Introduction

Microsoft’s Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) track forWindows 2000 is the premier certification for computer industry profes-sionals. Covering the core technologies around which Microsoft’s futurewill be built, the MCSE Windows 2000 program is a powerful credentialfor career advancement.

This book has been developed to give you the critical skills and knowl-edge you need to prepare for one of the electives for the MCSE certifica-tion program: Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft®SQL Server™ 2000 Enterprise Edition (Exam 70-229).

This exam is also one of the required exams for the Microsoft CertifiedDatabase Administrators (MCDBA). We have chosen to focus on the MCSEtrack as that is by far the most popular of Microsoft’s certification tracks.As of this printing, there were over 400,000 MCSEs, and roughly 20,000MCDBAs. We will discuss all of the different tracks below.

Since the inception of its certification program, Microsoft has certifiedover one million people. As the computer network industry grows in bothsize and complexity, these numbers are sure to grow—and the need forproven ability will also increase. Companies rely on certifications to verifythe skills of prospective employees and contractors.

Microsoft has developed its Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)program to give you credentials that verify your ability to work withMicrosoft products effectively and professionally. Obtaining your MCPcertification requires that you pass any one Microsoft certification exam.Several levels of certification are available based on specific suites ofexams. Depending on your areas of interest or experience, you can obtainany of the following MCP credentials:

Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) This certification trackis designed for network and systems administrators, network andsystems analysts, and technical consultants who work with MicrosoftWindows 2000 client and server software. You must take and passseven exams to obtain your MCSE.

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Since this book covers one of the MCSE elective exams, we will discuss theMCSE certification in detail in this Introduction.

Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA) This track isdesigned for database administrators, developers, and analysts whowork with Microsoft SQL Server. As of this printing, you can takeexams on either SQL Server 7 or SQL Server 2000, but Microsoft isexpected to announce the retirement of SQL Server 7. You must takeand pass four exams to achieve MCDBA status.

The Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft® SQL Ser-ver™ 2000 Enterprise Edition exam is one of the MCDBA required exams.

Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) This track is designedfor software engineers and developers and technical consultants whoprimarily use Microsoft development tools. Currently, you can takeexams on Visual Basic, Visual C++, and Visual FoxPro. However, withMicrosoft’s pending release of Visual Studio 7, you can expect therequirements for this track to change by the end of 2001. You must takeand pass four exams to obtain your MCSD.

Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) The MCT track is designed forany IT professional who develops and teaches Microsoft-approvedcourses. To become an MCT, you must first obtain your MCSE, MCSD,or MCDBA; then you must take a class at one of the Certified TechnicalTraining Centers. You will also be required to prove your instructionalability. You can do this in various ways: by taking a skills-building ortrain-the-trainer class; by achieving certification as a trainer from any ofa number vendors; or by becoming a Certified Technical Trainerthrough the Chauncey Group (www.chauncey.com/ctt.html). Last ofall, you will need to complete an MCT application.

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As of March 1, 2001, Microsoft no longer offers MCSE NT 4 required exams.Those who are certified in NT 4 have until December 31, 2001, to upgradetheir credentials to Windows 2000. Also, Microsoft has retired three othercertification tracks: MCP+Internet, MCSE+Internet, and MCP+Site Builder.The topics and concepts that are tested in these certifications have beenincorporated into the MCSE and MCSD exams.

How Do You Become an MCSE?

Attaining MCSE certification has always been a challenge. In the past,students have been able to acquire detailed exam information—even mostof the exam questions—from online “brain dumps” and third-party“cram” books or software products. For the new MCSE exams, this issimply not the case.

Microsoft has taken strong steps to protect the security and integrity ofthe new MCSE track. Now, prospective MSCEs must complete a courseof study that develops detailed knowledge about a wide range of topics.It supplies them with the true skills needed, derived from working withWindows 2000 and related software products.

The new MCSE program is heavily weighted toward hands-on skillsand experience. Microsoft has stated that “nearly half of the core requiredexams’ content demands that the candidate have troubleshooting skillsacquired through hands-on experience and working knowledge.”

Fortunately, if you are willing to dedicate the time and effort to learnWindows 2000, you can prepare yourself well for the exams by using theproper tools. By working through this book, you can successfully meet theexam requirements.

This book is part of a complete series of Sybex MCSE Study Guides,published by Sybex Inc., that together cover the core Windows 2000requirements as well as the new Design exams and a number of theelectives needed to complete your MCSE track. Study Guide titles includethe following:

� MCSE: Windows 2000 Professional Study Guide, Second Edition,by Lisa Donald with James Chellis (Sybex, 2001)

� MCSE: Windows 2000 Server Study Guide, Second Edition, by LisaDonald with James Chellis (Sybex, 2001)

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� MCSE: Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure AdministrationStudy Guide, Second Edition, by Paul Robichaux with James Chellis(Sybex, 2001)

� MCSE: Windows 2000 Directory Services Administration StudyGuide, Second Edition, by Anil Desai with James Chellis (Sybex,2001)

� MCSE: Windows 2000 Network Security Design Study Guide, byGary Govanus and Robert King (Sybex, 2000)

� MCSE: Windows 2000 Network Infrastructure Design Study Guide,by Bill Heldman (Sybex, 2000)

� MCSE: Windows 2000 Directory Services Design Study Guide, byRobert King and Gary Govanus (Sybex, 2000)

� MCSE: SQL Server 2000 Administration Study Guide, by LanceMortensen, Rick Sawtell, and Joseph L. Jorden (Sybex, 2001)

� MCSE: Exchange 2000 Server Administration Study Guide, byWalter Glen with James Chellis (Sybex, 2001)

� MCSE: Exchange 2000 Server Design Study Guide, by WilliamHeldman (Sybex, 2001)

� MCSE: Windows 2000 Migration Study Guide, by Todd Phillips(Sybex, 2001)

Please visit certification.sybex.com for a complete list of our offerings,including our Virtual Trainers, Virtual Test Centers, and Exam Notes.

Exam Requirements

Candidates for MCSE certification in Windows 2000 must pass sevenexams, including four core operating system exams, one design exam, andtwo electives.

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For a more detailed description of the Microsoft certification programs,including a list of current and future MCSE electives, check Microsoft’s Train-ing and Certification Web site at www.microsoft.com/trainingandservices.

The Designing and Implementing Databases with Microsoft®

SQL Server™ 2000 Enterprise Edition Exam

The Designing and Implementing Databases with SQL Server 2000Certification exam covers concepts and skills required for the support ofSQL Server 2000. It emphasizes the following areas:

� Creating and maintaining tables

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� Implementing data integrity using rules, constraints, and keys

� Creating and maintaining indexes

� Creating views, defaults, stored procedures, and triggers

� Accessing and modifying data in SQL Server and remote datasources

� Working with data in an XML format

� Using SQL Server utilities to import and export data in bulk

� Developing a security plan for a database

� Understanding locking and its impact on the server

� Tuning SQL Server query performance

If we had to create a single sentence to describe the test, it would be asfollows: The exam will test your knowledge of designing, creating, andmaintaining a database on SQL Server 2000. To pass the test, you need tofully understand these topics.

Microsoft provides exam objectives to give you a very general overview ofpossible areas of coverage on the Microsoft exams. For your convenience,this study guide includes objective listings positioned within the text atpoints where specific Microsoft exam objectives are discussed. Keep inmind, however, that exam objectives are subject to change at any time with-out prior notice and at Microsoft’s sole discretion. Please visit Microsoft’sTraining and Certification Web site (www.microsoft.com/trainingand-services) for the most current listing of exam objectives.

Types of Exam Questions

In an effort to both refine the testing process and protect the quality of itscertifications, Microsoft has focused its Windows 2000 exams on realexperience and hands-on proficiency. There is a higher emphasis on yourpast working environments and responsibilities, and less emphasis on howwell you can memorize. In fact, Microsoft says an MCSE candidate shouldhave at least one year of hands-on experience.

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Microsoft will accomplish its goal of protecting the exams’ integrity by reg-ularly adding and removing exam questions, limiting the number of ques-tions that any individual sees in a beta exam, limiting the number of ques-tions delivered to an individual by using adaptive testing, and adding newexam elements.

Exam questions may be in a variety of formats: Depending on whichexam you take, you’ll see multiple-choice questions, as well as select-and-place and prioritize-a-list questions. Simulations and case study–based for-mats are included, as well. You may also find yourself taking what’s calledan adaptive format exam. Let’s take a look at the types of exam questionsand examine the adaptive testing technique, so that you’ll be prepared forall of the possibilities.

For more information on the various exam question types, go towww.microsoft.com/trainingandservices/default.asp?PageID=mcp&PageCall=tesinn&SubSite=examinfo.

MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS

Multiple-choice questions come in two main forms. One is a straight-forward question followed by several possible answers, of which one ormore is correct. The other type of multiple-choice question is morecomplex and based on a specific scenario. The scenario may focus on anumber of areas or objectives.

SELECT-AND-PLACE QUESTIONS

Select-and-place exam questions involve graphical elements that you mustmanipulate in order to successfully answer the question. For example,you might see a diagram of a computer network, as shown in the follow-ing graphic taken from the select-and-place demo downloaded fromMicrosoft’s Web site.

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A typical diagram will show computers and other components next toboxes that contain the text “Place here.” The labels for the boxes representvarious computer roles on a network, such as a print server and a fileserver. Based on information given for each computer, you are asked toselect each label and place it in the correct box. You need to place all ofthe labels correctly. No credit is given for the question if you correctlylabel only some of the boxes.

In another select-and-place problem you might be asked to put a seriesof steps or lines of code in order, by dragging item from boxes on the leftto boxes on the right, and placing them in the correct order. One othertype requires that you drag an item from the left and place it under an itemin a column on the right.

CASE STUDY–BASED QUESTIONS

Case study–based questions first appeared in the MCSD program. Thesequestions present a scenario with a range of requirements. Based on theinformation provided, you answer a series of multiple-choice and select-and-place questions. The interface for case study–based questions has anumber of tabs, each of which contains information about the scenario.

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ADAPTIVE EXAM FORMAT

Microsoft presents many of its exams in an adaptive format. This format isradically different from the conventional format previously used forMicrosoft certification exams. Conventional tests are static, containing afixed number of questions. Adaptive tests change depending on youranswers to the questions presented.

The number of questions presented in your adaptive test will depend onhow long it takes the exam to ascertain your level of ability (according tothe statistical measurements on which exam questions are ranked). Todetermine a test-taker’s level of ability, the exam presents questions in anincreasing or decreasing order of difficulty.

Unlike the earlier test format, the adaptive test does not allow you to goback to see a question again. The exam only goes forward. Once you enteryour answer, that’s it—you cannot change it. Be very careful before enter-ing your answers. There is no time limit for each individual question (onlyfor the exam as a whole). Your exam may be shortened by correct answers(and lengthened by incorrect answers), so there is no advantage to rushingthrough questions.

Microsoft will regularly add and remove questions from the exams. This iscalled item seeding. It is part of the effort to make it more difficult for indi-viduals to merely memorize exam questions that were passed along byprevious test-takers.

Exam Question Development

Microsoft follows an exam-development process consisting of eightmandatory phases. The process takes an average of seven monthsand involves more than 150 specific steps. The MCP exam develop-ment consists of the following phases:

Phase 1: Job Analysis Phase 1 is an analysis of all the tasks that makeup a specific job function, based on tasks performed by people who

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are currently performing that job function. This phase also identifiesthe knowledge, skills, and abilities that relate specifically to theperformance area being certified.

Phase 2: Objective Domain Definition The results of the job analysisphase provide the framework used to develop objectives. Develop-ment of objectives involves translating the job-function tasks into acomprehensive package of specific and measurable knowledge, skills,and abilities. The resulting list of objectives—the objective domain—isthe basis for the development of both the certification exams and thetraining materials.

Phase 3: Blueprint Survey The final objective domain is transformedinto a blueprint survey in which contributors are asked to rate eachobjective. These contributors may be MCP candidates, appropriatelyskilled exam-development volunteers, or Microsoft employees. Basedon the contributors’ input, the objectives are prioritized and weighted.The actual exam items are written according to the prioritizedobjectives. Contributors are queried about how they spend their timeon the job. If a contributor doesn’t spend an adequate amount of timeactually performing the specified job function, his or her data areeliminated from the analysis. The blueprint survey phase helpsdetermine which objectives to measure, as well as the appropriatenumber and types of items to include on the exam.

Phase 4: Item Development A pool of items is developed to measurethe blueprinted objective domain. The number and types of items tobe written are based on the results of the blueprint survey.

Phase 5: Alpha Review and Item Revision During this phase, a panelof technical and job-function experts review each item for technicalaccuracy. The panel then answers each item and reaches a consensuson all technical issues. Once the items have been verified as beingtechnically accurate, they are edited to ensure that they are expressedin the clearest language possible.

Phase 6: Beta Exam The reviewed and edited items are collected intobeta exams. Based on the responses of all beta participants, Microsoft

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performs a statistical analysis to verify the validity of the exam itemsand to determine which items will be used in the certification exam.Once the analysis has been completed, the items are distributed intomultiple parallel forms, or versions, of the final certification exam.

Phase 7: Item Selection and Cut-Score Setting The results of the betaexams are analyzed to determine which items will be included in thecertification exam. This determination is based on many factors,including item difficulty and relevance. During this phase, a panel ofjob-function experts determine the cut score (minimum passing score)for the exams. The cut score differs from exam to exam because it isbased on an item-by-item determination of the percentage ofcandidates who answered the item correctly and who would beexpected to answer the item correctly.

Phase 8: Live Exam In the final phase, the exams are given tocandidates. MCP exams are administered by Prometric and VirtualUniversity Enterprises (VUE).

Tips for Taking the SQL Server 2000 Design Exam

Here are some general tips for achieving success on your certificationexam:

� Arrive early at the exam center so that you can relax and reviewyour study materials. During this final review, you can look overtables and lists of exam-related information.

� Read the questions carefully. Don’t be tempted to jump to an earlyconclusion. Make sure you know exactly what the question isasking.

� Answer all questions. Remember, a guess is better than a blankanswer. Also, make sure that you can go back, and if you can’t, donot go onto the next question without answering the previous one.On simulations, do not change settings that are not directly relatedto the question. Also, assume default settings if the question doesnot specify or imply which settings are used.

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� For questions you’re not sure about, use a process of elimination toget rid of the obviously incorrect answers first. This improves yourodds of selecting the correct answer when you need to make aneducated guess.

Exam Registration

You may take the Microsoft exams at any of more than 1,000 AuthorizedPrometric Testing Centers (APTCs) and VUE Testing Centers around theworld. For the location of a testing center near you, call Prometric at 800-755-EXAM (755-3926), or call VUE at 888-837-8616. Outside the UnitedStates and Canada, contact your local Prometric or VUE registrationcenter.

Find out the number of the exam you want to take, and then registerwith the Prometric or VUE registration center nearest to you. At this point,you will be asked for advance payment for the exam. The exams are $100each and you must take them within one year of payment. You can sched-ule exams up to six weeks in advance or as late as one working day priorto the date of the exam. You can cancel or reschedule your exam if youcontact the center at least two working days prior to the exam. Same-dayregistration is available in some locations, subject to space availability.Where same-day registration is available, you must register a minimum oftwo hours before test time.

You may also register for your exams online at www.prometric.com orwww.vue.com.

When you schedule the exam, you will be provided with instructionsregarding appointment and cancellation procedures, ID requirements, andinformation about the testing center location. In addition, you will receivea registration and payment confirmation letter from Prometric or VUE.

Microsoft requires certification candidates to accept the terms of aNon-Disclosure Agreement before taking certification exams.

Is This Book for You?

If you want to acquire a solid foundation in SQL Server 2000 Design,and your goal is to prepare for the exam by learning how to use the

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database program, this book is for you. You’ll find clear explanations ofthe fundamental concepts you need to grasp, and plenty of help to achievethe high level of professional competency you need to succeed in yourchosen field.

If you want to become certified as an MCSE, this book is definitely foryou. However, if you just want to attempt to pass the exam withoutreally understanding SQL Server 2000, this Study Guide is not for you.It is written for people who want to acquire hands-on skills and in-depthknowledge of SQL Server 2000, paying particular attention to thepublished exam objectives.

How to Use This Book

What makes a Sybex Study Guide the book of choice for over 100,000MCSEs? We took into account not only what you need to know to passthe exam, but what you need to know to take what you’ve learned andapply it in the real world. Each book contains the following:

Objective-by-objective coverage of the topics you need to know Eachchapter lists the objectives covered in that chapter, followed by detaileddiscussion of each objective.

Assessment Test On the CD you’ll find an Assessment Test that youshould take. It is designed to help you determine how much you alreadyknow about SQL Server 2000. Each question is tied to a topic discussedin the book. Using the results of the Assessment Test, you can figure outthe areas where you need to focus your study. Of course, we do recom-mend you read the entire book.

Exam Essentials To highlight what you learn, you’ll find a list ofExam Essentials at the end of each chapter. The Exam Essentials sectionbriefly highlights the topics that need your particular attention as youprepare for the exam.

Key Terms and Glossary Throughout each chapter, you will be intro-duced to important terms and concepts that you will need to know forthe exam. These terms appear in italic within the chapters, and a list ofthe Key Terms appears just after the Exam Essentials. At the end of thebook, a detailed Glossary gives definitions for these terms, as well asother general terms you should know.

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Review questions, complete with detailed explanations Each chapter isfollowed by a set of Review Questions that test what you learned in thechapter. The questions are written with the exam in mind, meaning thatthey are designed to have the same look and feel of what you’ll see onthe exam. Question types are just like the exam, including multiplechoice, exhibits, select-and-place, and prioritize-a-list.

Hands-on exercises In each chapter, you’ll find exercises designed togive you the important hands-on experience that is critical for yourexam preparation. The exercises support the topics of the chapter, andthey walk you through the steps necessary to perform a particularfunction.

Real World Scenarios Because reading a book isn’t enough for you tolearn how to apply these topics in your every-day duties, we have pro-vided Real World Scenarios in special sidebars. These explain when andwhy a particular solution would make sense, in a working environmentyou’d actually encounter.

Interactive CD Every Sybex Study Guide comes with a CD completewith additional questions, flashcards for use with a palm device, andthe electronic book. Details are in the following section.

The topics covered in this Study Guide map directly to Microsoft’s officialexam objectives. Each exam objective is covered completely.

What’s on the CD?

With this new member of our best-selling MCSE Study Guide series, weare including quite an array of training resources. The CD offers numeroussimulations, bonus exams, and flashcards to help you study for the exam.We have also included the complete contents of the study guide inelectronic form. The CD’s resources are described here:

The Sybex Ebook for the SQL Server 2000 Design Study Guide Manypeople like the convenience of being able to carry their whole studyguide on a CD. They also like being able to search the text via computerto find specific information quickly and easily. For these reasons, theentire contents of this Study Guide are supplied on the CD, in PDF for-

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mat. We’ve also included Adobe Acrobat Reader, which provides theinterface for the PDF contents as well as the search capabilities.

The Sybex MCSE Edge Tests The Edge Tests are a collection ofmultiple-choice questions that will help you prepare for your exam.There are four sets of questions:

� Two bonus exams designed to simulate the actual live exam.

� An adaptive test simulator that will give the feel for how adaptivetesting works.

� All the questions from the Study Guide, presented in a test enginefor your review. You can review questions by chapter, by objec-tive, or you can take a random test.

� The Assessment Test.

Here is a sample screen from the Sybex MCSE Edge Tests:

Sybex MCSE Flashcards for PCs and Palm Devices The “flashcard”style of question offers an effective way to quickly and efficiently testyour understanding of the fundamental concepts covered in the exam.

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The Sybex MCSE Flashcards set consists of more than 150 questionspresented in a special engine developed specifically for this study guideseries. Here’s what the Sybex MCSE Flashcards interface looks like:

Because of the high demand for a product that will run on Palm devices,we have also developed, in conjunction with Land-J Technologies, a ver-sion of the flashcard questions that you can take with you on your PalmOS PDA (including Handspring’s Visor).

How Do You Use This Book?

This book provides a solid foundation for the serious effort of preparingfor the exam. To best benefit from this book, you may wish to use thefollowing study method:

1. Take the Assessment Test on the CD to identify your weak areas.

2. Study each chapter carefully. Do your best to fully understand theinformation.

3. Complete all the hands-on exercises in the chapter, referring back tothe text as necessary so that you understand each step you take.

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To do the exercises in this book, your hardware should meet the minimumhardware requirements for SQL Server 2000. Many of the exercises use theNorthwind database, which is included with SQL Server.

4. Read over the Real World Scenarios, to improve your understandingof how to use what you learn in the book.

5. Study the Exam Essentials and Key Terms to make sure you arefamiliar with the areas you need to focus on.

6. Answer the review questions at the end of each chapter. If you preferto answer the questions in a timed and graded format, install theEdge Tests from the book’s CD and answer the chapter questionsthere instead of in the book.

7. Take note of the questions you did not understand, and study thecorresponding sections of the book again.

8. Go back over the Exam Essentials and Key Terms.

9. Go through the Study Guide’s other training resources, which areincluded on the book’s CD. These include electronic flashcards, theelectronic version of the chapter review question (try taking them byobjective), and the two bonus exams.

To learn all the material covered in this book, you will need to studyregularly and with discipline. Try to set aside the same time every day tostudy, and select a comfortable and quiet place in which to do it. If youwork hard, you will be surprised at how quickly you learn this material.Good luck!

Contacts and Resources

To find out more about Microsoft Education and Certification materialsand programs, to register with Prometric or VUE, or to obtain other usefulcertification information and additional study resources, check thefollowing resources:

Microsoft Training and Certification Home Pagewww.microsoft.com/trainingandservices

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This Web site provides information about the MCP program andexams. You can also order the latest Microsoft Roadmap to Educationand Certification.

Microsoft TechNet Technical Information Networkwww.microsoft.com/technet800-344-2121

Use this Web site or phone number to contact support professionals andsystem administrators. Outside the United States and Canada, contactyour local Microsoft subsidiary for information.

Palm Training Product Development: Land-Jwww.land-j.com407-359-2217

Land-J Technologies is a consulting and programming business cur-rently specializing in application development for the Palm PersonalDigital Assistant. Land-J developed the Palm version of the Edge Tests,which is included on the CD that accompanies this Study Guide.

Prometricwww.prometric.com800-755-3936

Contact Prometric to register to take an MCP exam at any of more than800 Prometric Testing Centers around the world.

Virtual University Enterprises (VUE)www.vue.com888-837-8616

Contact the VUE registration center to register to take an MCP exam atone of the VUE Testing Centers.

MCP Magazine Onlinewww.mcpmag.com

Microsoft Certified Professional Magazine is a well-respected publica-tion that focues on Windows certification. This site hosts chats and dis-cussion forums, and tracks news related to the MCSE program. Some ofthe services cost a fee, but they are well worth it.

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Windows 2000 Magazinewww.windows2000mag.com

You can subscribe to this magazine or read free articles at the Web site.The study resource provides general information on Windows 2000.

Cramsession on Brainbuzz.comcramsession.brainbuzz.com

Cramsession is an online community focusing on all IT certificationprograms. In addition to discussion boards and job locators, you candownload one of a number of free cramsessions, which are nice supple-ments to any study approach you take.

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Database LogicalModeling

MICROSOFT EXAM OBJECTIVES COVERED INTHIS CHAPTER:

� Define entities. Considerations include entity composition and

normalization.

� Specify entity attributes.� Specify degree of normalization.

� Design entity keys. Considerations include FOREIGN KEY

constraints, PRIMARY KEY constraints, and UNIQUE

constraints.

� Specify attributes that uniquely identify records. � Specify attributes that reference other entities.

� Design attribute domain integrity. Considerations include

CHECK constraints, data types, and nullability.

� Specify scale and precision of allowable values for eachattribute.

� Allow or prohibit NULL for each attribute. � Specify allowable values for each attribute.

Chapter

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For many users, database design is a total mystery. Overthe years, database management systems became easier to use and wereincluded in office productivity tools. Databases were being created bypeople unaware of what a database design is. With a system like SQLServer, if the architecture of your database does not follow the rules ofrelational systems, you will end up with an unusable application.

In this chapter, we will discuss:

� Designing a database system

� The Entity/Relationship model

� The relational model and the normalization process

� The denormalization process

Designing a Database System

Whatever its size, the development of a database system may besplit into five stages:

1. Planning and Analysis

2. Conceptual Design

3. Logical Design

4. Physical Design

5. Implementation

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This chapter focuses on the first three phases of designing. Phase four iscovered in Chapter 2. Phase 5 is discussed throughout the book, since itconcerns the development of database objects.

The planning and analysis phase is an investigation phase, during whichyou are going to gather and analyze needed information. This stage is gen-erally done with the help of users, and is crucial to the second phase.

You should involve users in the analysis phase because you do not knowtheir job as well as they do, and because they should agree that what youare doing will work in the real world. You’ll probably encounter difficultiesin involving users because they may not have time nor feel concerned.Insist! Explain to them that you are working for them and that the time theyinvest now with you will prevent lost time later due to an inadequate appli-cation. Sometimes, people won’t want to meet with you because they areintimidated; they fear to tell you that they dislike computers or fear you aregoing to use computer words or idioms they won’t understand. Users areinvolved only up to the logical design; they do not need to be concernedabout DBMS systems or any computer related information.

The whole process of planning and analyzing information and buildinga conceptual design can be a long and costly one. That’s the reason whyit’s often skipped, which is a huge a mistake! You can compare these twosteps to designing a house. Would you think of building your house with-out blueprints? That’s the decision you make if you build a database with-out analysis and conceptual design. A deficient or even non-existent con-ceptual design leads to inaccurate logical design and an unusable physicalone. Of course, we know the real world is not perfect. The bordersbetween the analysis, conceptual, and logical designs are often blurred.You go from one stage to the other, back and forth. That’s why severalmethodologies or pieces of software will derive a conceptual design from alogical one, helping you to create your logical design step by step.

It’s always easier to modify the logical design than the physical one, once ithas been implemented. Spend time creating your design! Check it! Makeusers validate it!

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