Sabdar Syed

Hello,

This is to share with you all that Oracle Published my interview in the
peer-topeer column of Oracle Magazine (March - April 2010 Edition).





Regards,
Sabdar Syed.
http://sabdarsyed.blogspot.com

I have been given with a challenging task to convert one of our critical production databases, which is of 1 TB (Terabyte) in size, to Oracle 10g RAC with ASM storage option. Even though, there are many methods and tools available to perform this activity, I have preferred to use the RCONFIG tool.

We prepared an input XML file required for RCONFIG tool, and run the RCONFIG utility as follows:

$ cd /oracle/ora102/db_1/assistants/rconfig/sampleXMLs
$ rconfig ConverToRAC.xml

When we start the RCONFIG tool to convert the database to RAC, the RCONFIG tool initially moves all the non-ASM database files to ASM disk files, for this RCONFIG tool internally invokes RMAN utility to backup the target database to the ASM disk groups, eventually the database is converted to RAC using RCONFIG.

The conversion took almost 9 hours to complete the process, because during the conversion RMAN used only one channel per data file to backup to ASM disks. There was no chance of improving the RMAN copy process by allocating more channels in the input XML file, and also Oracle doesn’t recommend doing other changes in the input XML file.

One thing was observed during the RMAN copy that RMAN is using target database control file instead of recovery catalog, and also using the RMAN default preconfigured settings for that database.

To know the RMAN default preconfigured settings for the database:

$ export ORACLE_SID=MYPROD
$ rman target /
Recovery Manager: Release 10.2.0.4.0 - Production on Wed Aug 5 10:21:05 2009

Copyright (c) 1982, 2007, Oracle. All rights reserved.

connected to target database: MYPROD (DBID=1131234567)

RMAN> show all;

using target database control file instead of recovery catalog
RMAN configuration parameters are:
CONFIGURE RETENTION POLICY TO REDUNDANCY 1; # default
CONFIGURE BACKUP OPTIMIZATION OFF; # default
CONFIGURE DEFAULT DEVICE TYPE TO DISK; # default
CONFIGURE CONTROLFILE AUTOBACKUP OFF; # default
CONFIGURE CONTROLFILE AUTOBACKUP FORMAT FOR DEVICE TYPE DISK TO '%F'; # default
CONFIGURE DEVICE TYPE DISK PARALLELISM 1 BACKUP TYPE TO BACKUPSET;
CONFIGURE DATAFILE BACKUP COPIES FOR DEVICE TYPE DISK TO 1; # default
CONFIGURE ARCHIVELOG BACKUP COPIES FOR DEVICE TYPE DISK TO 1; # default
CONFIGURE MAXSETSIZE TO UNLIMITED; # default
CONFIGURE ENCRYPTION FOR DATABASE OFF; # default
CONFIGURE ENCRYPTION ALGORITHM 'AES128'; # default
CONFIGURE ARCHIVELOG DELETION POLICY TO NONE; # default
CONFIGURE SNAPSHOT CONTROLFILE NAME TO '/oracle/ora102/db_1/dbs/snapcf_T24MIG1.f'; # default

Here we see that the PARALLELISM is 1 (default), that’s why the RMAN using only one channel during backing up the non-ASM datafiles to ASM Disk Groups, and were taking 9 hours to complete the backup.

We have changed the PRALLELISM count to 6 (it depends upon number of CPUs you have in the server).

Solution:

RMAN> CONFIGURE DEVICE TYPE DISK PARALLELISM 6;

old RMAN configuration parameters:
CONFIGURE DEVICE TYPE DISK PARALLELISM 1 BACKUP TYPE TO BACKUPSET;
new RMAN configuration parameters:
CONFIGURE DEVICE TYPE DISK PARALLELISM 6 BACKUP TYPE TO BACKUPSET;
new RMAN configuration parameters are successfully stored

RMAN> show all;

RMAN configuration parameters are:
CONFIGURE RETENTION POLICY TO REDUNDANCY 1; # default
CONFIGURE BACKUP OPTIMIZATION OFF; # default
CONFIGURE DEFAULT DEVICE TYPE TO DISK; # default
CONFIGURE CONTROLFILE AUTOBACKUP OFF; # default
CONFIGURE CONTROLFILE AUTOBACKUP FORMAT FOR DEVICE TYPE DISK TO '%F'; # default
CONFIGURE DEVICE TYPE DISK PARALLELISM 6 BACKUP TYPE TO BACKUPSET;
CONFIGURE DATAFILE BACKUP COPIES FOR DEVICE TYPE DISK TO 1; # default
CONFIGURE ARCHIVELOG BACKUP COPIES FOR DEVICE TYPE DISK TO 1; # default
CONFIGURE MAXSETSIZE TO UNLIMITED; # default
CONFIGURE ENCRYPTION FOR DATABASE OFF; # default
CONFIGURE ENCRYPTION ALGORITHM 'AES128'; # default
CONFIGURE ARCHIVELOG DELETION POLICY TO NONE; # default
CONFIGURE SNAPSHOT CONTROLFILE NAME TO '/oracle/ora102/db_1/dbs/snapcf_T24MIG1.f'; # default

After changing the PARALLELISM count to 6, the RMAN has allocated 6 channels and the conversion process has improved greatly and reduced the downtime drastically to 4 Hours 30 minutes.

Following is the extract of rconfig.log file, this file is located under:

$ORACLE_HOME/db_1/cfgtoolslogs/rconfig
............................................................................
............................................................................
............................................................................
[17:17:16:43] Log RMAN Output=RMAN> backup as copy database to destination '+DATA_DG';
[17:17:16:53] Log RMAN Output=Starting backup at 04-AUG-09
[17:17:16:258] Log RMAN Output=using target database control file instead of recovery catalog
[17:17:16:694] Log RMAN Output=allocated channel: ORA_DISK_1
[17:17:16:698] Log RMAN Output=channel ORA_DISK_1: sid=866 devtype=DISK
[17:17:17:9] Log RMAN Output=allocated channel: ORA_DISK_2
[17:17:17:13] Log RMAN Output=channel ORA_DISK_2: sid=865 devtype=DISK
[17:17:17:324] Log RMAN Output=allocated channel: ORA_DISK_3
[17:17:17:327] Log RMAN Output=channel ORA_DISK_3: sid=864 devtype=DISK
[17:17:17:637] Log RMAN Output=allocated channel: ORA_DISK_4
[17:17:17:641] Log RMAN Output=channel ORA_DISK_4: sid=863 devtype=DISK
[17:17:17:967] Log RMAN Output=allocated channel: ORA_DISK_5
[17:17:17:971] Log RMAN Output=channel ORA_DISK_5: sid=862 devtype=DISK
[17:17:18:288] Log RMAN Output=allocated channel: ORA_DISK_6
[17:17:18:293] Log RMAN Output=channel ORA_DISK_6: sid=861 devtype=DISK
[17:17:20:416] Log RMAN Output=channel ORA_DISK_1: starting datafile copy
[17:17:20:427] Log RMAN Output=input datafile fno=00053 name=/oradata/MYPROD/users_01.dbf
[17:17:20:532] Log RMAN Output=channel ORA_DISK_2: starting datafile copy
[17:17:20:544] Log RMAN Output=input datafile fno=00021 name=/oradata/MYPROD/ users_02.dbf
[17:17:20:680] Log RMAN Output=channel ORA_DISK_3: starting datafile copy
[17:17:20:694] Log RMAN Output=input datafile fno=00022 name=/oradata/MYPROD/ users_03.dbf
[17:17:20:786] Log RMAN Output=channel ORA_DISK_4: starting datafile copy
[17:17:20:800] Log RMAN Output=input datafile fno=00023 name=/oradata/MYPROD/ users_04.dbf
[17:17:20:855] Log RMAN Output=channel ORA_DISK_5: starting datafile copy
[17:17:20:868] Log RMAN Output=input datafile fno=00024 name=/oradata/MYPROD/ users_05.dbf
[17:17:20:920] Log RMAN Output=channel ORA_DISK_6: starting datafile copy
[17:17:20:930] Log RMAN Output=input datafile fno=00011 name=/oradata/MYPROD/ users_06.dbf
............................................................................
............................................................................
............................................................................
[21:29:5:518] Log RMAN Output=Finished backup at 04-AUG-09
............................................................................
............................................................................
............................................................................

[21:39:10:723] [NetConfig.startListenerResources:5] started Listeners associated with database MYPROD
[21:39:10:723] [Step.execute:255] STEP Result=Operation Succeeded
[21:39:10:724] [Step.execute:284] Returning result:Operation Succeeded
[21:39:10:724] [RConfigEngine.execute:68] bAsyncJob=false
[21:39:10:725] [RConfigEngine.execute:77] Result= < version="1.1">

&ltConvertToRAC&gt
    &ltConvert&gt
      &ltResponse&gt
        &ltResult code="0" &gt
          Operation Succeeded
        &lt/Result&gt
      &lt/Response&gt
      &ltReturnValue type="object"&gt
&ltOracle_Home&gt
         /oracle/ora102/db_1
       &lt/Oracle_Home&gt
        &ltSIDList&gt
          &ltSID&gtMYPROD1&lt\SID&gt
          &ltSID&gtMYPROD2&lt\SID&gt
        &lt\SIDList&gt     &lt/ReturnValue&gt
    &lt/Convert&gt
  &lt/ConvertToRAC&gt&lt/RConfig&gt

Note: For the sake of look and feel format, the above output has been trimmed neatly. You can also observer that 6 channels were being allocated, timings of backup start and end, and the success code end of the rconfig.log file.

References:

To know more about RCONFIG tool and other Metalink references on it, please take a look at the below blog post written by Mr. Syed Jaffar Hussain.

http://jaffardba.blogspot.com/2008/09/my-experience-of-converting-cross.html

Oracle 10g R2 Documentation information on RCONFIG:

http://download.oracle.com/docs/cd/B19306_01/install.102/b14205/cvrt2rac.htm#BABBAAEH

Regards,
Sabdar Syed,
http://sabdarsyed.blogspot.com/

Hello,

Of late, in one of our test unix (Sun Solaris) boxes, a database user is trying to connect to the database, but getting an error “ORA-27123: unable to attach to shared memory segment” with permission denied issue.

Initially we thought that there might be an issue with SGA memory area or may be an issue with the shared memory segments and semaphores for the instance allocated. But later we found that the permission on ORACLE_HOME directory got changed accidentally with the full permission.

Here are our findings:

$ sqlplus testusr/password@testdb

SQL*Plus: Release 10.2.0.2.0 - Production on Tue Jan 27 20:53:44 2009

Copyright (c) 1982, 2005, Oracle. All Rights Reserved.

ERROR:
ORA-01034: ORACLE not available
ORA-27123: unable to attach to shared memory segment
SVR4 Error: 13: Permission denied 

As per Oracle Error Messages:

Error: ORA-27123: unable to attach to shared memory segment
Cause: shmat() call failed
Action: check permissions on segment, contact Oracle support

Check the oracle executable file permission.

$ cd $ORACLE_HOME/bin
$ ls -l oracle
-rwxrwxr-x 1 oracle dba 119582976 Feb 3 2008 oracle

Here the oracle file permission has -rwxrwxr-x i.e. 775, but this file must have the permission -rwsr-s- -x i.e. 6751

Change the permissions for oracle file.

$ cd $ORACLE_HOME/bin
$ chmod 6751 oracle
$ ls -l oracle
-rwsr-s--x 1 oracle dba 119582976 Feb 3 2008 oracle

After changing the permissions on oracle executable file, all the users are now able to connect to the database without any errors.

Note: For further information refer the Oracle Metalink Note ID: 1011995.6 Subject: COMMON ORACLE PERMISSION PROBLEMS ON UNIX.

Regards,
Sabdar Syed

Hello,

I wanna wish you all a very Happy New Year 2009 before being discussed on “How Important Having UNIX OS Knowledge for Oracle DBA?”

The main reason for discussing this topic is to encourage the novice or junior DBAs to have command on Unix/Linux Operating System as part of Database Administration. Because, when they were asked how comfortable they are working as DBA on Unix/Linux environment, then their responses are as following.

“They are pretty much comfortable working and administrating the databases on Windows Operating System as they were trained on administrating the database on Windows OS during their DBA Training”

“They are not enough confident in using the Unix/Linux OS commands to administer the databases”

“We didn’t get the chance yet to maintain the database on UNIX environment including Solaris, HP-Unix, IBM AIX, etc.”

“Working on windows environment is easier than working on Unix/Linux environment as it’s only required, on Windows OS, to select the files physically/copy/cut & paste from one location to another, or delete the files, and stopping the services by simply clicking, where as in Unix/Linux, one should use commands manually for the same”

…. and so on.

If anyone is with the above impression about administrating databases on Unix/Linux OS, then here are my suggestions as follows.

• First of all, it’s not compulsory for DBAs to have operating system administration skills. But, working knowledge, on both the operating systems including Windows and Unix/Linux, is always value added to Oracle DBAs
• The majority of the production database administration on Unix/Linux based operating systems is enormous in the globe, i.e. very large and mission critical databases are being maintained on Unix/LinuxOS.
• Obviously, all big companies require the database administrator who’s having good UNIX scripting knowledge and working knowledge of UNIX based environments. It means that the Oracle DBAs, having good working knowledge of UNIX, have demand in the IT market.
• Even though the DBAs intervention is manual in terms of creating directories, files, setting up environment variables, and starting/stopping the services in Unix environment, it’s very easy as good as maintaining in Windows environment.
• Administration and OS commands are more or less similar on any flavor of Unix/Linux Operating system i.e. Solaris, HP-Unix, IBM AIX, Red Hat, Fedora, Ubuntu, etc., So, start practicing Oracle database administration on Unix/Linux based systems.
• Probably, it may be difficult to have Unix OS installed in the personal computer for practical purpose. So, download the free/trail version of Linux (Oracle Unbreakable Linux) from Oracle, install and configure in the PC, and start practicing on Linux. To practice on different Unix/Linux OS flavors, get your pc installed with the VM Ware, where you can set up multiple and different flavors of Unix/Linux OS.
• Note: Of course, this post is not for showing the difference between Windows and Unix/Linux Operating Systems as every OS has its own significance, but to encourage the Oracle DBAs to learn the commands of Unix/Linux required administering the databases.

Quick Links:

Download: Enterprise Linux and Oracle VM

Information: Oracle and Linux

Installation Guides: Oracle 10g Instalaltion on Unix/Linux OS

Books: Oracle9i UNIX Administration Handbook

Linux Recipes for Oracle DBAs

Training: Oracle Database 10g: Managing Oracle on Linux for DBAs

Exam: Oracle Database 10g: Managing Oracle on Linux Certified Expert Oracle

** Your comemnts and inputs are welcomed to this post. **

Regards,

Sabdar Syed

Dear All,

I’m pleased to inform you all that I have received an email from Oracle ACE Program Committee that I have been nominated for the prominent Oracle ACE Award. I’m honored to be the second person working in the Saudi Arabia to be an Oracle ACE.

Hope you are curious to know who the first person is working in the Saudi Arabia to be an Oracle ACE. Well, he is none other than my elder brother & mentor – Mr. Syed Jaffar Hussain . We are proud to be the Oracle ACE brothers from one family members and I can say, this kind of achievement is a unique combination, isn’t it?

Take a look at my Oracle ACE Profile – Sabdar Syed.

I would like to convey my sincere thanks to my elder brother, colleagues, ex-colleagues, blog viewers, friends and well-wishers for their support to aim this award.

Thanks

Thanks to Mr. Mohan Dutt, OCP Advisor, for publishing about my achievement, Oracle ACE Award, in his blog - OCP Blog Community.

Take a look at - Featured Expert Wins Oracle ACE Award!

Your precious comments are welcomed!

Regards,
Sabdar Syed.
http://sabdarsyed.blogspot.com

This blog post is for them; those who are desperately looking for free Oracle Certification dumps.

Well, you might be surprised to see the message of the post is irrelevant to the subject. All my intension is to bring your attention towards “How bad it is? Cheating the Oracle Certifications by simply reading the exam dumps”.

Mr. Paul Sorensen, Director of Oracle Certification, and other certification team members have launched the Oracle Certification Blog , where they blog about everything on Oracle Certification. Interestingly, there are a couple of blog posts on “Cheating Hurts the Oracle Certification Program” and others.

For list of blog posts on Cheating, then take a look at – Cheating Oracle Certifications . Do not forget to read the comments of every post in the above link.

Quick Links to Prepare for Oracle Certification

• Previous Post: The books, guides, and materials used for my OCA/OCP/OCE Exam Preparation.
• On the Blog: My Other Blog Posts on Certifications.
• On the Web: Oracle Certification Program.

Keywords:

OCA, OCP, OCE, Dumps, Brain dumps, Practice Questions, Sample Questions, Cheat sheet, Test papers.

Regards,
Sabdar Syed.

Hello All,

Choosing whether to go for Oracle 10g OCA/OCP or 11g OCA/OCP Certification is becoming complex to the Novice or Newbie DBAs. And also, I have seen a couple of posts asking such similar certification doubts more frequently in the OTN Forums, when they are not really sure or confused.

Well, this is ever been told by everyone that going for latest version certification is good and ideal. But, what I advise is, first go for Oracle 10g OCA and OCP, then upgrade to Oracle 11g OCP.

Following are my views on why to go for Oracle 10g OCA/OCP initially rather than 11g OCA/OCP directly.

• As we all know that newer version (11g) does include older version features plus new features and bug fixes of older version issues.
• Retirement date for Oracle 10g Certification has not yet been announced by Oracle. Moreover, Oracle Database 11g: Administration I (OCA) exam is only on production i.e. regular and Oracle Database 11g: Administration II (OCP) exam is not yet gone for Production i.e. still Beta Exam.
• Oracle Database 10g is still being used as Production for the business in all most all the organizations in the globe. But very less companies are using the Oracle Database 11g for their business, as Oracle 11g is still a base release 11.1.0.6 and yet to go for standard release 11g (11.2.X.X) shortly. This means that Oracle 11g is not fully deployed or used for Production purpose yet.
• Oracle Database 10g Release (10.2) still has Oracle primary and extended (Metalink) support for few more years from now, after that Oracle 10g will also be de-supported by Oracle.
• Both versioned (10g and 11g) certifications have two exams – Administration I (OCA) and Administration II (OCP). Each exam fees of them is $125 US i.e. there is no vary.
• It’s mandatory for the OCP candidates to undergo one approved course from the Approved list of Oracle University Courses for hands on course requirement. This applies to both Oracle 10g and 11g Certification takers.
• For Oracle 10g OCP Certification holders, there is only one exam 1Z0-050 - Oracle Database 11g: New Features for Administrators given to upgrade directly to the Oracle 11g OCP. No course or hands on course requirement form is to be submitted to achieve the Oracle 11g OCP (Upgrade) Certification.
• In this way, one will have both Oracle 10g and 11g Certifications in hand, and can show the same in their resume or CV. This also fulfills the requirement where the companies are looking for the candidates those are having enough experience with Oracle 10g and 11g, and holding multiple certifications in it.

One can go for direct Oracle 11g Certification under the following circumstances.

• If you are forced, by your company or manager, to undergo Oracle 11g Course and take Oracle 11g Certification Exams, for their specific requirement on Oracle Database 11g related projects.
• When there is no Oracle 10g course listed in the training institute in your city, instead only Oracle 11g Courses are available.
• When unable to afford to take Oracle 11g Upgrade exam.
• If my above views are not Okay with you -:)

Note: Folks, above are only my views, and need not to be the same with others. So, it’s left up you to decide whether to go for Oracle 10g OCA/OCP or 11g OCA/OCP Certification. For any information or doubts, then refer the Oracle Certification Program link and navigate yourself to the options to know more about Beta Exams, Retirements, List of Exams, Upgrade your Certification, Hands on Course Requirement etc.,

Your comments are welcomed if this article information helps you.

Regards,
Sabdar Syed,
http://sabdarsyed.blogspot.com

During the last year, I wrote and published good articles. I would like to thank all of my blog viewrs who made my blog popular by reading the interesting posts in m blog.

I hope, I would write more and more good articles which my blog viwers definitely like them and definitely get benifit from them.

Feel free to give comments, suggestions, and advices to improve this blog with more articles.

Once again thank you all.

Regards,

Sabdar Syed,

http://sabdarsyed.blogspot.com

Hello All,

Here is the list of Oracle University Approved Educational Training Partners/Centers, and the certification test taking sites in Saudi Arabia.

Oracle University Approved Education Partners - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

New Horizons Jeddah - Oracle Approved Education Center

P.O. Box : 52171
Telephone : 026642277
Fax : 026642454
Address : Al Rawda St, Jeddah ,KSA

New Horizons Khobar - Oracle Approved Education Center

P.O. Box : 2060
Telephone : 038588882
Fax : 038584014
Address : AL Khaleej Blg, Khobar, KSA

Al-Khaleej Training and Education Co.(New Horizons Computer Learning Center,KSA)

Al Wallan Building,
Takhasusi Street,
Riyadh,Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Contact: Louai Al-Amir Salem, PMP
Title: Platinum Center Manager
Tel: 009661 416 0123 Ext. 400

Prometric Test Sites and Address for taking Oracle Certifications OCA/OCP/OCE

Riyadh:
=======

NEW HORIZONS COMPUTER LEARNING

ABOVE AL WALAN SHOW ROOM
AL KHURAIS ROAD NEAR AL AZIZA
PANDA TAKAHASSUI PO 295300
RIYADH 11351
Phone: 14160123 Site Code: SU7

NEW HORIZONS COMPUTER LEARNING

Olya Main Street
Behind Jareer Bookstore
Al Khaleej Ladies Center
Newhorizons P O Box 295300
RIYADH 11351
Phone: 1462 8393 Site Code: SU7M1

ALFAISAL INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY

IMAM SAUD BIN ABDULAZIZ ROAD
KING FAHED DISTRICT
PO BOX 10202
RIYADH 11433
Phone: 14552444 Site Code: SU60

ExecuTrain of Riyadh

Zero Floor, South Bldg.
Khaledyah Business Centre ,
Olaya St .
Riyadh 11351
Phone: 14621118 Site Code: SU74

Jiddah:
======

NEW HORIZONS COMPUTER LEARNING CENTRE

AMIR ABDULLAH STREET
AL RAWDAH DISTRICT 1ST FLOOR
PO BOX 52171
JEDDAH 21563
Phone: 966 2 6642277 Site Code: SU5

ARABIAN COMPUTER PROJECTS CO.

Ibrahim Juffali Road
(P.O.Box 14730)
Jeddah 21434
Phone: 966 26678411 Site Code: SU59

Others Cities:
==========

New Horizons Computer Learning Centre

Al-Khaleej Training & Education Company
AL-FAYHA, NEAR CENTRAL MARKET
PO Box 10968
JUBAIL INDUSTRIAL CITY 31961
Phone: 966 3 348 1166 Site Code: SU52


New Horizons Computer Learning Center

Al Khaleej Training and Education
Dhahran Street
Mubaraz
Al Ahsa 31982
Phone: 966 3 5305007 Site Code: SU55

New Horizons Computer Learning Center

Khalid Bin Walid Street
Circle Masjid Qiblatein
Madinah 1875
Phone: 48223333 Site Code: SU48


Philippine International School Ruraydah

PISB
Information Technology Dept.
Faiziyah District
P.O. Box 27089
Buraydah, Al Qasim 51331
Phone: 966 63841975 Site Code: su120


Al-Khaleej Training and Edu. Mens Branch

New Horizons CLC
KSA - King Saud Street
Buridah, Al Qasim 51432
Phone: 966 6 3827999 Site Code: SU54


NEW HORIZONS

AL-AHSA 31982
DHARAN STREET MUBARAZ
PO BOX 5822
HOFUF
Phone: 966 530 5007 444 Site Code: SU17


AL-KHALEEJ TRAINING AND EDUCATION

NEW HORIZONS CLC
AL-DIYAFAH STREET
P.O BOX 50991
ETWID
KHAMIS MUSHAIT 61311
Phone: 72375051 Site Code: SU57

NEW HORIZONS TABUK BRANCH

50 STREET NEW HORIZONS BLD
TABUK
Phone: 966 4424 8613 Site Code: SU39

Note: Check the below URLs, if the details given above are found incorrect.

http://www.oracle.com/
http://www.prometric.com/

Regards,
Sabdar Syed.
http://sabdarsyed.blogspot.com/

Dear Blog Readers,

Even though we use some of the important Data Dictionary Tables and Dynamic Performance (V$) views regularly, sometimes we fall short to recall a particular view, i.e. It’s not easy to remember all the dictionary views.

And also, many times, it’s been asked by novice in the OTN Forums that

What is the view to find the information about data files, tablespaces, etc.,?

What are the list of Data Dictionary and Dynamic Performance Views in so and so Oracle Version?

Well, I hope all of we know that there is a data dictionary view called “DICTIONARY”, using this DICTIONARY view, we can find the particular or list of pertinent views of any object in the database.

What is the DICTIONARY view?

The DICTIONARY view is a data dictionary view used to find the list of Data Dictionary and Dynamic Performance (V$) views, and it contains description of data dictionary tables and views. It has two columns, one is ‘TABLE_NAME’ – Name of the object and another column is ‘COMMENTS’ – Text comment on the object.

Discription:

SQL> desc DICTIONARY;
Name Null? Type
--------------------- -------- --------------
TABLE_NAME VARCHAR2(30)
COMMENTS VARCHAR2(4000)

Usage:

To find the list of data dictionary tables and dynamic performance views.

SELECT * FROM dict;

To find the particular data dictionary table or dynamic performance view.

SELECT * FROM dictionary
WHERE table_name LIKE ‘%Search String%’;

i.e.

SELECT * FROM dictionary
WHERE table_name LIKE ‘%TABLESP%’;

Example:

SQL> SELECT * FROM dictionary
WHERE table_name='DICTIONARY';

TABLE_NAME
------------------------------
COMMENTS
-----------------------------------------------
DICTIONARY
Description of data dictionary tables and views

Note: While querying, either the complete word DICTIONARY or first four characters DICT, which is a synonym for DICTIONARY, can be used.

Reference: Oracle® Database Reference 10g Release 2 (10.2)

http://download.oracle.com/docs/cd/B19306_01/server.102/b14237/toc.htm

Regards,

Sabdar Syed

Dear Friends,

After a long wait, I have received the Oracle 10g RAC Expert Certification Kit in my hands today, as I have already taken this exam (1Z0-048) in the month of August-2008. More or less it took more than three months to reach in my hands.

Best of luck everyone who is preparing for the Oracle 10g RAC Expert Exam – 1Z0-048.

Check my other blog post on “How to prepare for 1Z0-048 - Oracle 10g RAC Certified Expert Exam.”

Regards,
Sabdar Syed,
http://sabdarsyed.blogspot.com

Dear Blog Readers,

Every now and then I do receive e-mails from the novice DBAs saying that:

“We could not perform well at the interview, as the questions were too technically based on real time requirements”

“Due to not having real time experience, we failed at the interview to explain the steps/approach to resolve the issue asked”

…… and so on

When I asked them how they prepare and practice the DBA Activities, their response is as follows:

“We brought the Oracle DBA Books written by so and so authors for reference.”

“We only practiced the scenarios what was taught and given as drill in the training institute.”

“We installed the Oracle Software with starter database and get started practicing.”

…… and so on

Well, here are my opinions/suggestions/advices, to them those who are preparing and practicing as above, to gain the real time experience/exposure.

A lot of novice or junior DBAs are out there, who do not know that Oracle offers online documentations on Oracle Database Administration. Rather they simply purchase the available books in the market and get started preparing it. I would advice them to make a habit of reading the Oracle online documentations daily whenever they have time.

As far as I know, in the training institutes, the trainers will only cover the basic and required information up to some level, and discussed the scenarios which are common and basic. I suggest them to not to treat those scenarios as real time questions. The trainers will give you or left up to you to practice and do the drill at your own.

In my opinion, the real time issues are not different from the issues you face while practicing. i.e. fixing the ORA-Errors generated. My strong advice is not to create the database while installing the database, instead create the database manually with very minimal size of SGA and data files. Then, put more load i.e. Insert/Updates/Deletes and look forward for errors and the slowness of database, then fix them and tune the database accordingly. This will not be possible where you have a database with good size of SGA and enough size of data files.

As a real time requirement, install and set up the Oracle Server on Linux Operating System, this confidence will help you in stalling the same on any flavor of the Unix/Linux operating system i.e. Sun Solaris, IBM AIX, HP-UX, Red Hat, Fedora etc, All you need to know that the commands which are specific to OS during the installation.

Never just be satisfied by simply reading the solutions given over the web for such problem which are treated as real time scenarios, rather try to reproduce the problem in your database system, if you can, and do apply the different solutions for that issue.

Do not mug up the procedural steps of any major activity in the database i.e. Upgrade, Migration, Installation, etc.., Even though these are not regular tasks or not possible to do it in the practice systems, I still insist to feel the taste of doing such activities. I can say these are the real time scenarios asked in the interviews.

There are many a lot to say…but at the end what all I can say is…..

Instead of waiting for not having the proper resource to practice the database real time scenarios or activities, at least try to search over the web to get to know what are other real time scenarios, I would strongly advice one to make a habit of regularly visiting OTN Database General Forums, where all kind of basic, advanced, real time, scenarios are questioned and answered by top experts with different and different solutions.

Forum: Database - General

Another good habit is referring the good Oracle Related Blogs to know how they resolved the issues, how they implement the things in their organization with their experience.

List of Oracle-related blogs

Do not forget to read and download this great document "Grow That DBA Career"

Note: Above suggestions are only my views and need not to be the same with others. Whoever have the information of real time ideas/tips and wanted share with the blog readers, they are free allowed to comment directly in the comments section of this blog post. I will also keep update this post with more and more real time experience ideas and tips.

Update: Take a look at the Mr.TOM comment in the comment section below, where he has given his own views on real time tips further to this blog post. Thanks to TOM for adding his views to this post.

Happy Reading !!!

Regards,
Sabdar Syed,
http://sabdarsyed.blogspot.com/

Dear Friends,

Here are the list of Oracle Metalink Notes, I do refer regularly. Moreover, these are very informative. So, I thought of sharing those note ids here with you.

Note: You have to have an account in Oracle Metalink to access notes.

Installation

Note: 452120.1 - How to locate the log files and troubleshoot RapidWiz for R12
Note: 329985.1 - How to locate the Rapid Wizard Installation log files for Oracle Applications 11.5.8 and higher
Note: 362135.1 - Configuring Oracle Applications Release 11i with Oracle10g Release 2 Real Application Clusters and Automatic Storage Management
Note: 312731.1 - Configuring Oracle Applications Release 11i with 10g RAC and 10g ASM
Note: 216550.1 - Oracle Applications Release 11i with Oracle9i Release 2 (9.2.0)
Note: 279956.1 - Oracle E-Business Suite Release 11i with 9i RAC: Installation and Configuration using AutoConfig
Note: 294932.1 - Recommendations to Install Oracle Applications 11i
Note: 403339.1 - Oracle 10gR2 Database Preparation Guidelines for an E-Business Suite Release 12.0.4 Upgrade
Note: 455398.1 - Using Oracle 11g Release 1 Real Application Clusters and Automatic Storage Management with Oracle E-Business Suite Release 11i
Note: 402311.1 - Oracle Applications Installation and Upgrade Notes Release 12 (12.0.4) for Microsoft Windows
Note: 405565.1 - Oracle Applications Release 12 Installation Guidelines

AD Utilities

Note: 178722.1 - How to Generate a Specific Form Through AD utility ADADMIN
Note: 109667.1 - What is AD Administration on APPS 11.0.x ?
Note: 112327.1 - How Does ADADMIN Know Which Forms Files To Regenerate?
Note: 136342.1 - How To Apply a Patch in a Multi-Server Environment
Note: 109666.1 - Release 10.7 to 11.0.3 : What is adpatch ?
Note: 152306.1 - How to Restart Failed AutoInstall Job
Note: 356878.1 - How to relink an Applications Installation of Release 11i and Release 12
Note: 218089.1 - Autoconfig FAQ
Note: 125922.1 - How To Find Oracle Application File Versions

Cloning

Note: 419475.1 - Removing Credentials from a Cloned EBS Production Database
Note: 398619.1 - Clone Oracle Applications 11i using Oracle Application Manager (OAM Clone)
Note: 230672.1 - Cloning Oracle Applications Release 11i with Rapid Clone
Note: 406982.1 - Cloning Oracle Applications Release 12 with Rapid Clone
Note: 364565.1 - Troubleshooting RapidClone issues with Oracle Applications 11i
Note: 603104.1 - Troubleshooting RapidClone issues with Oracle Applications R12
Note: 435550.1 - R12 Login issue on target after cloning
Note: 559518.1 - Cloning Oracle E-Business Suite Release 12 RAC-Enabled Systems with Rapid Clone
Note: 216664.1 - FAQ: Cloning Oracle Applications Release 11i

Patching

Note: 225165.1 - Patching Best Practices and Reducing Downtime
Note: 62418.1 - PATCHING/PATCHSET FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Note: 181665.1 - Release 11i Adpatch Basics
Note: 443761.1 - How to check if a certain Patch was applied to Oracle Applications instance?
Note: 231701.1 - How to Find Patching History (10.7, 11.0, 11i)
Note: 60766.1 - 11.0.x : Patch Installation Frequently Asked Questions
Note: 459156.1 - Oracle Applications Patching FAQ for Release 12
Note: 130608.1 - AdPatch Basics
Note::60766.1 - Patch Installation FAQ (Part 1)

Upgrade

Note: 461709.1 - Oracle E-Business Suite Upgrade Guide - Plan
Note: 293166.1 - Previous Versions of e-Business 11i Upgrade Assistant FAQ
Note: 224875.1 - Installation, Patching & Upgrade Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Note: 224814.1 - Installation, Patching & Upgrade Current Issues
Note: 225088.1 - Installation, Patching & Upgrade Patches Guide
Note: 225813.1 - Installation, Patching & Upgrade Setup and Usage Guide
Note: 224816.1 - Installation, Patching & Upgrade Troubleshooting Guide
Note: 216550.1 - Oracle Applications Release 11i with Oracle9i Release 2 (9.2.0)
Note: 362203.1 - Oracle Applications Release 11i with Oracle 10g Release 2 (10.2.0)
Note: 423056.1 - Oracle Applications Release 11i with Oracle 10g Release 2 (10.2.0.2)
Note: 726982.1 - Oracle Applications Release 11i with Oracle 10g Release 2 (10.2.0.3)
Note: 452783.1 - Oracle Applications Release 11i with Oracle 11g Release 1 (11.1.0)
Note: 406652.1 - Upgrading Oracle Applications 11i DB to DB 10gR2 with Physical Standby in Place
Note: 316365.1 - Oracle Applications Release 11.5.10.2 Maintenance Pack Installation Instructions
Note: 418161.1 - Best Practices for Upgrading Oracle E-Business Suite

Printer

Note: 297522.1 - How to investigate printing issues and work towards its resolution ?
Note: 110406.1 - Check Printing Frequently Asked Questions
Note: 264118.1 - Pasta Pasta Printing Setup Test
Note: 200359.1 - Oracle Application Object Library Printer Setup Test
Note: 234606.1 - Oracle Application Object Library Printer Initialization String Setup Test
Note: 1014599.102 - Subject: How to Test Printer Initialization Strings in Unix

Performance

Note: 390137.1 - FAQ for Collections Performance
Note: 216205.1 - Database Initialization Parameters for Oracle Applications Release 11i
Note: 169935.1 - Troubleshooting Oracle Applications Performance Issues
Note: 171647.1 - Tracing Oracle Applications using Event 10046
Note: 153507.1 - Oracle Applications and StatsPack
Note: 356501.1 - How to Setup Pasta Quickly and Effectively
Note: 333504.1 - How To Print Concurrent Requests in PDF Format
Note: 356972.1 - 11i How to troubleshoot issues with printers

Others

Note: 189367.1 - Best Practices for Securing the E-Business Suite
Note: 403537.1 - Best Practices For Securing Oracle E-Business Suite Release 12
Note: 454616.1 - Export/Import Process for Oracle E-Business Suite Release 12 using 10gR2
Note: 394692.1 - Oracle Applications Documentation Resources, Release 12
Note: 370274.1 - New Features in Oracle Application 11i
Note: 130183.1 - How to Get Log Files from Various Programs for Oracle Applications
Note: 285267.1 - Oracle E-Business Suite 11i and Database FAQ
Note: 453137.1 - Oracle Workflow Best Practices Release 12 and Release 11i
Note: 398942.1 - FNDCPASS Utility New Feature ALLORACLE
Note: 187735.1 - Workflow FAQ - All Versions

Oracle Applications 11i/12 Online Documentation

http://www.oracle.com/technology/documentation/applications.html

Note: Above are only the few important notes, there are bunch of notes on many other issues and topics in the metalink. I would suggest one to refer the metalink for more note ids.

Leave your comments if you feel these Oracle Metalink Notes help you in solving your Application issues.

Regards,
Sabdar Syed,
http://sabdarsyed.blogspot.com/

Dear Blog Readers,

I wanted to have a feedback page as a post in my blog where my blog viewers can post their valuable comments and suggestion about my blog and articles.

In order to serve you better with required information in my blog, please leave your comments/suggestions/doubts/questions/requirements/ etc.

Link for comments here - Feedback Page !

Please check the comments submitted in the comments item below.

Thanks & Regards,
Sabdar Syed.
http://sabdarsyed.blogspot.com/