How to Monitor SQL Activity

SQL Server has a monitoring application you use to evaluate performance and database usage. The application is called "Performance Monitor," and it is included with the SQL Server database software. You must set up the software to monitor the SQL Server database use. This monitor software lets you track changes to tables, CPU usage, table layout and the user accounts that make changes to the tables.

Instructions

1

Click the Windows "Start" button and type "perfmon" into the text box. Press "Enter" to open the monitoring software.

2

Click the plus sign next to "Performance Logs and Alerts." In the expanded list of options, right-click "Computer Logs" and select "New Log Settings From."

3

Select a log template in the opened dialog box. Click "OK." A list of options is shown. These options are the variables you can monitor. For instance, if you want to monitor the time used to write to the local hard drive, choose "Disk Queue Length."

4

Click "OK." Select "Manually" for both the start and stop time. This lets you manually stop and start logging. Click "OK." This closes the setup menu and brings you to a window with a shortcut to your new log configuration.

5

Right-click the new log name and select "Start" to begin logging the SQL Server behavior. A window opens with a view of the current activity.