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July 28, 2010

A Further Look at SQLOS

Microsoft MS SQL Server and Linux MySQL are the two primary database frameworks used in web hosting today. Each has different advantages and disadvantages with the choice coming down to what your specific needs are. Although they are similar, there are many different features and functions that specific web owners need. Microsoft MS SQL Server is the focus of this article.

One of the three components that comprise MS SQL is SQLOS. This module applies the main services needed for MS SQL to run. These include:

• Thread scheduling
• I/O stat management
• Memory management

SQLOS is the base constituent that comprises MS SQL architecture. Without it, the database would not function properly. Thread scheduling; I/O stat management memory management, buffer pool management, resource management, deadlock detection and synchronization are commonly major components of operating system platforms.

Due to the highly specialized necessities of MS SQL, the system utilizes its own thread and memory management system. Within an operating system, a generic management system is automatically assigned. Additionally SQLOS provides synchronization for locking and stellar monitoring of worker threads. This is advantageous as it can immediately detect, remove and recover from deadlocks.

Another major function of SQLOS is its ability to sufficiently manage the memory requirements of MS SQL. The primary goal of memory management is to reduce input/output on the disc which is the reason SQLOS handles memory so well. Furthermore, by cache data pages in a buffer pool, memory requirements and other internal data structures are satisfied.

Through constant monitoring, the memory within the buffer pool is efficiently utilized and all unused memory is returned to the pool for allocation. Concurrently any old data is rearranged to make way for new, incoming information.

If a change is made to the data while in the buffer pool, SQLOS writes to the disc when it’s available. To complete this step, the system implements a Lazy Writer. This simply writes the data back to the storage medium.

SQLOS is the primary component that comprises Microsoft MS SQL Server. It has many functions that mainly manage the memory usage of the system. SQLOS is an efficient tool that continuously improves speed and performance. Although MySQL has a similar constituent, it has nowhere near the functionality of SQLOS and its ability to handle memory. This is a primary example as to the reasoning some users choose Microsoft over Linux for their server needs.

Tags: memory management,  I/O stat management,  thread scheduling,  database,  linux,  MS SQL server,  MS SQL,  Microsoft