Oracle9i DBA Handbook

First off, I purchased this book as I am taking a course in Relational Database Design using Oracle 9i. I had labs to do that involved setting up user accounts, giving/revoking permissions to tables, etc. THe "Complete Reference" didn't have the necessary information--some but not all. This book--the DBA Handbook--had more complete information that quickly gave me me the information that I needed to answer the questions. I must admit that I shyed away from it at the beginning of the course because I read all the negative comments here. But I am glad that my desperation (because the Oracle product documentation was absolutely no help) pushed me to go to nearest Borders to check it out before purchasing it. I am happy with it.

I'm a beginner DBA, and this book had what I needed to get started. It has great coverage of 9i features. I used the scripts to create the database, set it up, and then tune it. I recommend DBAs also pick up a book on their operating system shell so you can program your management scripts.

I've bought the good Oracle8 Dba Handbook and I've to tell you that there are few differences between 9i Handbook and 8 Handbook.I expected that the new features will be explained ...But this book is very good anyway.

I was wondering how long it would be before this book was out. It sold clean off the shelves at OpenWorld in San Francisco, which was very disappointing for me. The chapter on RMAN was much needed. As usual the rest of the book has what you need as a DBA. Get this book!