SQL Server 2005, the latest version of Microsoft's powerful database server is a hefty beast and also significantly different to the previous version in many ways, especially if you rely on the multitude of wizards the previous version had.

Anyone who administrates SQL Server systems will know the importance of a good guide. These tend to be the proverbial lap crushing tome that is hard enough to pick up let alone read and digest. What is needed is a nice compact guide that succinctly distils all the important stuff.

Product	Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Administrator's Pocket Consultant
From	Microsoft Press
	Task based layout, lots of information despite the size

Microsoft (who ought to know a thing or two about SQL Server) have produced a compact reference guide designed to be a one stop shop for any DBAs who are either new to SQL Server or migrating from an earlier version. We think the use of the phrase 'pocket' in the title is a little optimistic unless you have some seriously capacious pockets but it's still a lot smaller than most at around 4 X 7 x 1 inches and 500 odd pages.

The book is broken up in to four main sections covering fundamentals, server admin, data admin and optimisation/maintenance. Within each section things are broken down in to the various tasks an administrator needs to perform.

Whilst quite tightly written, the book still manages to provide clear and concise information. It is also well illustrated in terms of screen shots as well as command syntax and options meaning you have everything to hand without having to fire up the online help to check commands.

What you don't get is a lot of background detail and discussion but then that's not what this book is about. However, there are notes on the more important areas to aid understanding of what is going on.

There's not much here for developers, this is purely a book aimed at administrators and in that area the book scores highly. It covers all the tasks in a format that can be dipped into without reading the whole book cover to cover. As a bonus, it won't break your bank balance of shelf - what more could you ask for?