Z-Widwil

I am a programming student working as a junior dev/DBA. Recently, I was assigned the task of setting up a test environment for some HA clustered servers with some added features like Resource Governor and monitoring. Aside from minor database jobs, I have no experience with most of these technologies. Given that we're coming into summer, I have extra time to read up on them and work has offered to cover the cost of the books within reason ($100-ish).

Why SQL Server: The industry I work in primarily uses Microsoft technologies. While I do plan on picking up other database related books that have been recommended on HN, I'm currently looking for those specific to MS SQL Server adminstration.

Why books: On top of building a physical library, I use books to keep a consistent schedule. Assigning chapters/sections to certain weeks. Missing a week throws off the schedule so it keeps me on track with a bit of flexibility. I've tried this with online training and it doesn't work as well.

Specifics: I'm currently working with SQL Server 2012 Enterprise. I'm looking for books that cover as much about DBA specific jobs as possible. Setup, best-practices, security, failover clusters, AlwaysOn Availability Groups, Resource Governor, monitoring. I'm fine with books that cover multiple or older versions. While newer books make sense for future proofing, I like having a foundational knowledge of what features were implemented when and how the technology evolved. Based on reviews, some newer books also skip over parts as they may have been covered in previous versions, but it's hard to tell which parts those are. The 'SQL Server Unleashed' and 'Professional SQL Server Administration' books have stood out. However, I'm not sure what year would be best to pick up. With that, can anyone recommend any books that would fit these requirement for a DBA in training?

I am a programming student working as a junior dev/DBA. Recently, I was assigned the task of setting up a test environment for some HA clustered servers with some added features like Resource Governor and monitoring. Aside from minor database jobs, I have no experience with most of these technologies. Given that we're coming into summer, I have extra time to read up on them and work has offered to cover the cost of the books within reason ($100-ish).

Why SQL Server: The industry I work in primarily uses Microsoft technologies. While I do plan on picking up other database related books that have been recommended on HN, I'm currently looking for those specific to MS SQL Server adminstration.

Why books: On top of building a physical library, I use books to keep a consistent schedule. Assigning chapters/sections to certain weeks. Missing a week throws off the schedule so it keeps me on track with a bit of flexibility. I've tried this with online training and it doesn't work as well.

Specifics: I'm currently working with SQL Server 2012 Enterprise. I'm looking for books that cover as much about DBA specific jobs as possible. Setup, best-practices, security, failover clusters, AlwaysOn Availability Groups, Resource Governor, monitoring. I'm fine with books that cover multiple or older versions. While newer books make sense for future proofing, I like having a foundational knowledge of what features were implemented when and how the technology evolved. Based on reviews, some newer books also skip over parts as they may have been covered in previous versions, but it's hard to tell which parts those are. The 'SQL Server Unleashed' and 'Professional SQL Server Administration' books have stood out. However, I'm not sure what year would be best to pick up. With that, can anyone recommend any books that would fit these requirement for a DBA in training?