Microsoft SQL Server 2000 Performance, Optimisation and Tuning Guide
Ken England Digital Press
I find myself continually referring to this great book, and its predecessor. Ken England has 'served in the trenches' and knows what it is like to tackle a real under performing database. He tackles, methodically, all the available routes to finding why a database is sick, and is particularly good on how to heal it..
He is particularly strong on explaining the issues around locking, hinting, and on the choice of indexes. He has the rare talent of being able to explain the intricacies of the database system, such as the way indexes work, without lapsing into acronyms and technical clichés, or patronising the reader.
If only Ken's publishers had given the book a catchy title, it would be clutched by every aspiring DBA.