The New Virtual Desktop Infrastructure

Desktop computing has become one of the cores of the enterprise IT infrastructure. Unfortunately, the desktop PC wasn't designed to handle the requirements of an enterprise infrastructure. This prompted an examination of how to reduce the cost and improve the reliability of desktop computing.

This white paper discusses a new approach to desktop computing that leverages new technologies to overcome many of the limitations found in early approaches and also allows, for the first time, broad user adoption.

>> More information <<

Source: http://techrepublic.com.com

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DB block size VS File system block size

In oracle tuning there is one turning concept were discussed about, the topic was about oracle DB Clock Size, how much should it be.
As I read through I came up with the conclusion that

DB block size = File system block size

and the db block size should be 8K on windows.

How do you find what file system block size you system is using on windows.
On dos prompt enter
1. chkdsk partition (ie. c:, d:)
the result may be something similar to this

20482874 KB total disk space.
8898184 KB in 12301 files.
5652 KB in 461 indexes.
0 KB in bad sectors.
116126 KB in use by the system.
65536 KB occupied by the log file.
11462912 KB available on disk.

4096 bytes in each allocation unit.
5120718 total allocation units on disk.
2865728 allocation units available on disk.

the 4096 bytes in each allocation unit, third last row is the one telling what file system block size is.

or you could use

2. fsutil fsinfo ntfsinfo partition (ie. c:, d:)
the result may be something similar to

NTFS Volume Serial Number : 0x8aec1303ec12e8e9
Version : 3.1
Number Sectors : 0x0000000002afd736
Total Clusters : 0x000000000055fae6
Free Clusters : 0x000000000013f71b
Total Reserved : 0x0000000000000040
Bytes Per Sector : 512
Bytes Per Cluster : 4096
Bytes Per FileRecord Segment : 1024
Clusters Per FileRecord Segment : 0
Mft Valid Data Length : 0x00000000102cc000
Mft Start Lcn : 0x00000000000c0000
Mft2 Start Lcn : 0x00000000002afd73
Mft Zone Start : 0x0000000000253980
Mft Zone End : 0x0000000000253a00


Bytes Per Cluster is the one telling what file system block size your system is using.

To find out what db_block_size your oracle uses use the following command.
log in as sysdba and enter

show parameter db_block_size.



Resource:

• 
  buffered_block_size.htm


• http://asktom.oracle.com


• db_block_size.html


• block-size-does-matter-just-not-in-the-way-you-think


• multiple_blocksizes_summary.htm

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Oracle Licensing

Oracle database software can be very expensive or very cheap (even free), depending on what you buy/use:

* Oracle Enterprise Edition is very expensive - and it should be: It is the most powerful database management system on the planet! [Note: The neutrality of this statement is disputed!]

* Oracle Standard Edition costs about the same as Microsoft SQL Server. It can only be licensed on servers, or server clusters, that have a maximum capacity of 4 processor sockets.

* Oracle Standard Editon One is less expensive than SQL Server. It may only be licensed on servers that have a maximum capacity of 2 processor sockets.

* Oracle PE is very inexpensive, full-featured version of Oracle DB, but is restricted to one user per database (server, not instance, most likely). The license however allows a developer to use all of the features of the EE (with the exception of the Options and Management Packs).

* Oracle XE is provided free of charge.

* Oracle Enterprise Manager (OEM) Database Control and Grid control is provided free of charge, however, the management packs needs to be licensed for the number of users or CPU's that you "monitor" with it.

* Oracle Application Server (iAS) Standard Edition One may only be licensed on servers that have a maximum capacity of 2 processor cores.

A great comparison document showing what is included and what isn't for all of the editions of the Database is available at Oracle.com. See page 10 for the beginning of the comparison table.

More information on oracle licensing at:
http://www.orafaq.com/wiki/Oracle_Licensing

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Oracle on Windows Server 2008

New Windows Operating System Support


Announcing ODAC 10.2.0.4 and Oracle Database 10.2.0.4 on Windows Server 2008
32–bit ODAC and Oracle Database 10.2.0.4 (single instance and RAC) support 32–bit Windows Server 2008, all editions. When installing, please follow installation instructions.
Download ODAC for Windows Server 2008
Download Oracle Database for Windows Server 2008

Installation Media for Windows Server 2008

Oracle Database is supported on Windows Server 2008 with the 10.2.0.4 release.
For new installations on Windows Server 2008, use the Oracle Database 10g Release 2 (10.2.0.3.0) for Microsoft Windows Vista and Microsoft Windows Server 2008 media. This new software is available in the updated media pack.

• Do not install Oracle Database on Windows Server 2008 using the media for Oracle Database 10g Release 2 (10.2) for Microsoft Windows. 
• Do not use the Oracle Database 10g Release 2 (10.2.0.3.0) for Microsoft Windows Vista and Microsoft Windows Server 2008 media to install on operating systems other than Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008.

Installing Oracle Database on Windows Server 2008

To install a single instance Oracle Database:

1. Install Oracle Database using the 10.2.0.3 media.
2. To install Oracle Data Provider for .NET Framework 2.0 or Oracle Database Extensions for .NET Framework 2.0 on Windows Server 2008, install the 10.2.0.2.21 Oracle Data Access Components. This software can be downloaded from http://www.oracle.com/technetwork/indexes/downloads/index.html
3. Install the 10.2.0.4 or later patch set.
4. Run Database Upgrade Assistant to upgrade the database.

Avoid the upgrade process by following these steps:

1. Use the software only installation option on the 10.2.0.3 media.
2. Install the 10.2.0.4 or later patch set.
3. Run Net Configuration Assistant and Database Configuration Assistant to create a listener and a database.

Installing Oracle RAC Database on Windows Server 2008:

1. Install Oracle Clusterware using the 10.2.0.4 media.
2. Install Oracle RAC using the 10.2.0.3 media.
3. Install the 10.2.0.4 or later patch set on Oracle RAC.
4. Run Database Upgrade Assistant to upgrade the database.

You can avoid the upgrade process by following these steps:

1. Install Oracle Clusterware using the 10.2.0.4 media.
2. Install the 10.2.0.3 software only Oracle RAC Database.
3. Stop OracleRemExecService on all the nodes.
4. Install the 10.2.0.4 or later patch set on Oracle RAC.
5. Run Net Configuration Assistant and Database Configuration Assistant to create a listener and a database.

Installing Oracle Database Client Windows Server 2008

1. Install Oracle Database Client using the 10.2.0.3 media.
2. Use the installer that is installed from step 1 to install Oracle Data Access Components (10.2.0.2.21). Oracle Data Access Components (10.2.0.2.21) can be downloaded from Oracle Technology Network:
3. Run setup.exe use_prereq_checker=false from ORACLE_HOME\oui\bin.
4. Install the 10.2.0.4 or later patch set.

Note

• 32-bit Oracle software (10.2.0.4) is supported on Windows Server 2008 x64 and Windows Vista x64.

Issues and work around solution:
The following list are the problem you may have on installation or upgrading:

• Undefined ORACLE_SID After Database Upgrade
• Limitations with 32-Bit Windows
• Oracle RAC and ASM Interoperability with Oracle Database 10g Release 2
• Shutdown of Oracle Clusterware Stack May Leave Processes Running
• Remote Node Listener Resource Offline after 10.1.0.4 to 10.2 Oracle Clusterware Upgrade
• Modifying a Virtual IP Address Node Application
• 10.2 Oracle RAC Installations on an Oracle Database Release 10.1.0.4 Cluster
• Error While Deleting a Remote Instance from an Oracle RAC-Shared Oracle Home Database
• Reading a Downgraded Oracle Cluster Registry with Database Management Tools
• Oracle Database 9.2 Startup Error with srvctl when the Global Services Daemon is Running in a 10.2 Home
• Oracle Database 9.2 Startup Error with srvctl when the Global Services Daemon is Running in an Oracle 10.2 Clusterware
• Deleting a Node from Oracle Clusterware
• Installing Enterprise Security Manager
• Configuring Raw Devices for Storage
• Central Configuration of Oracle Real Application Clusters Disabled on Windows
• Postinstallation Steps for Oracle Database Extensions for .NET
• ODBC Online Help in Japanese is Not Installed
• Re-Creating a Service on a Remote Node Throws Exception
• Oracle Universal Installer Help Files Incorrect for Oracle Database Companion CD
• Database Control Startup Not Timed Properly after Oracle RAC Database Creation
• Error Message in Cluster Verification Utility
• OracleCRService Fails on Computer Restart
• oraxml10.dll Error
• Oracle Instance Startup Error with Database Upgrade Assistant
• Oracle Home Inaccessibility on Remote Nodes with Windows Server 2008
• Issues When Reading Prerequisite Checks
• Error When Installing Oracle RAC on Windows Server 2003

The solution for these issues could be found at

• http://download.oracle.com/docs/cd/B19306_01/relnotes.102/b14264/toc.htm#BABIAGEF

References:

• Oracle Database Installation Guide for Microsoft Windows (32-Bit)
• Oracle Database Oracle Clusterware and Oracle Real Application Clusters Installation Guide for Microsoft Windows
• Installation, Configuration, and Upgrade Issues

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.NET at Oracle OpenWorld 2008

Feature:
.NET at Oracle OpenWorld 2008
Join the Oracle Develop conference at Oracle OpenWorld (September 21–25 2008, San Francisco). Oracle Develop will feature a .NET developer track. This track will provide comprehensive coverage of Oracle's .NET technologies, including introductory Oracle .NET material, Oracle Database 11g features for .NET, and deep dive content. Oracle Develop is perfect for all levels of developers, from beginner to advanced.

To register, go to Oracle Develop registration site.

Sessions



• Getting Started with Oracle and .NET
  
• New Oracle Features for .NET Developers
  
• ASP.NET Web Development with Oracle
  
• Building Microsoft Office Applications with Oracle Database and Visual
  Studio
  
• PL/SQL Programming for .NET Developers: Tips, Tricks,
  and Debugging
  
• Database Development Lifecycle with Visual Studio: SQL,
  PL/SQL, and .NET Stored Procedures, Source Control, and Deployment
  
• Optimizing .NET Data Access Performance with Oracle Database
  
• .NET Data Caching: Client Result Cache, Change
  Notification, and TimesTen to Maximize Performance



Hands–on Lab



• Building .NET Applications with Oracle Database: Part 1
  
• Building .NET Applications with Oracle Database: Part 2
  
• Building .NET Applications with Oracle Database: Part 3
Exhibition Hall Booth



• .NET Development for Oracle Database
  

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New Storage Strategies: How to Completely Secure Your Data‏

As the rate of information security breaches has skyrocketed, the top
priority for enterprises is the enforcement of better controls on
information security and better security management. Storage systems
provide a distinct opportunity to address multiple security
challenges consistently, through the integration of security directly
in information management systems.

Read this white paper to learn more about why storage management
systems are now the centerpiece of enterprise risk management
strategies and see why the storage and security worlds are
converging.

Download this new white paper now:
http://go.techtarget.com/r/4123328/6416364

Resource: Email

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How to Install Oracle Database 11g on Oracle Enterprise Linux 5

Installing and Configuring Oracle Enterprise Linux 5 with Oracle Database 11g Release 1 as a Paravirtualized Machine (PVM) on an Oracle VM Server

This tutorial describes how to install Oracle Enterprise Linux 5 with Oracle Database 11g Release 1 as a paravirtualized machine (PVM) on an Oracle VM Server.

This tutorial covers the following topics:

Overview

Prerequisites

Preparing the environment

Creating a paravirtualized machine with Oracle Enterprise Linux 5

Performing Linux operating system pre-installation steps for Oracle Database 11g

Installing Oracle Database 11g

Summary

Glossary

Link: http://www.oracle.com/technology/obe/ovm/ovmel5pvmdb11gr1/ovmel5pvmdb11gr1.htm

This is is a very good reference on istalling oracle data 11g on Oracle Enterprise Linux 5. It is a step by step how to with captured image.

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Tuning Database Links

• Drill-Down Monitoring of Database Servers

The article presents a process for identifying and resolving problems with the performance of database servers. Learn how to monitor and tune databases, as well as how to recognize if a shared memory segment uses ISM (Intimate Shared Memory).
Link: http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=28709


• Oracle Database Tuning

For optimum performance an Oracle database should be regularly tuned. Only tune a database after it has been up and running for a little while.



• Tuning the cache hit ratio


• Tuning the library cache


• Tuning the log buffer


• Tuning buffer cache hit ratio


• Tuning sorts


• Tuning rollback segments


• Identifying missing indexes


• Identifying index fragmentation


• Identifying free list contention


• Identify significant reparsing of SQL


• Reducing database fragmentation


• Rebuilding indexes


• Reduce thrashing or poor system performance (or how to un-tune oracle?!)



Link: http://www.cryer.co.uk/brian/oracle/tuning.htm


• Database Performance Tuning




• What database aspects should be monitored?


• Why and when should one tune?


• Where should the tuning effort be directed?


• What tools/utilities does Oracle provide to assist with performance tuning?


• What is STATSPACK and how does one use it?


• When is cost based optimization triggered?


• How can one optimize %XYZ% queries?


• Where can one find I/O statistics per table?


• My query was fine last week and now it is slow. Why?


• Is my index being used or nor?


• Why is Oracle not using the damn index?


• When should one rebuild an index?


• How does one tune Oracle Wait events?


• What is the difference between DBFile Sequential and Scattered Reads?


• Where can one get more info about Oracle Tuning?


• How does one tune the Redo Log Buffer?



Link: http://www.orafaq.com/faq/performance_tuning


• Tuning Oracle on Windows for Maximum Performance on PowerEdge Servers

Executive Summary Microsoft
Windows is an excellent platform for running the Oracle
Database server. The Windows platform provides an easy to use graphical environment for managing your Oracle Database server. In addition, the Windows platform provides support for not only the Oracle Database server, but other Oracle add-ons and products as well, such as:



• Oracle Real Application Clusters (RAC)


• Oracle Fail Safe (using Microsoft Cluster Services)


• Oracle Application Server (AS)


• Oracle E-Business Suite


• Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions



In general the Windows platform is tuned in much the same manner as any other Oracle Database server; however, there are some key differences. These differences are mainly in the use of memory (32-bit Oracle on Windows) and in the process model. Since Oracle on Windows uses a threaded model, there are some additional concerns that you will not have on most UNIX platforms. As long as you are aware of these issues and have tuned appropriately, the Windows platform is a high-performing and stable platformfor your Oracle Database server. This paper covers some of the general Oracle tuning practices as well as specific tuning for the Windows platform.

Link: Oracle on Windows Tuning

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Oracle Monitoring Best Practices

All DBA's are required to set-up an Oracle monitoring infrastructure and the architecture of the monitoring system is directly dependent on the demands of management. Oracle system cost the end-user community millions of dollars, and the end-user often demand service-level agreements (SLA's) that impose strict monitoring tasks for the Oracle professional.

- In many shops, the end-user community is demanding Oracle performance statistics at a detailed level.

- A financial services company demands that 95% of their Oracle transactions complete within one wallclock second. The DBA most develop a monitoring strategy to ensure compliance. (Note: there are special techniques that can be employed to get end-to-end response time within Oracle).

- A stock brokerage demands that the DBA write a sophisticated real-time proactive monitor. This monitor will quickly diagnose and pinpoint Oracle bottlenecks, but getting the data is a problem. It requires real-time access to all internal Oracle control structures. Running the monitor imposes a measurable burden on overall system load.

- A manufacturing plant requires measuring response time by hour-of-the-day to ensure fast throughput for all shifts.
These are just a few examples of the business demands that drive the Oracle professional to create sophisticated monitoring infrastructures. Let's example some of the most important issues when making these decisions.

Read the entire article on Oracle monitoring tips here:
http://oracle-tips.c.topica.com/maal51fabI6i4cilq9pb/

Source: Email

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Oracle Architectural Component:

Here is a very good introduction to Oracle architecture:
this one Outline the Oracle architecture and its main components and
list the structures involved in connecting a user to an Oracle Instance.


Overview of Primary Components



Establishing a Connection and Creating a Session



Oracle Database

Reference: Oracle Architectural Component

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