It’s Monday time for this week’s weekly link round-up.  If you want to catch these links “live” (so exciting), follow me on twitter (@StrateSQL).  And see these throughout the day as I tweet out links of things I find interesting.  While these links aren’t the answer to life, the universe, and everything, they often share a few things about SQL Server and related technology topics that others may find useful. The links included in this summary are those prefixed with “Reading” and are items I’ve read over the past few days, usually after hours when sharing would be less than useful, and spaced out to avoid spamming.  The content of the links usually pertain to SQL Server, technology, and career topics; which I think others would find useful.

The Most Popular “Reading” Link

This weeks most popular item from last week is a post summarizing the changes to SQL Server certifications that is coming down the pipeline.  These are changes that most people that follow the SQL Server certifications probably expected.  With the change to exams expiring after three years, it doesn’t necessarily make sense to have specifically versioned exams.  As long as the exams cover current features, one set is probably best per topic area.

Reading: "Certification Update: SQL Server 2014" http://t.co/MFJF7REzW5 #sqlserver

— Jason Strate (@StrateSQL) April 4, 2014

Last week’s top 20 “Reading” Links

Along with the top link, here are the top twenty items relating to SQL Server, technology and careers that were shared last week.  If you missed them throughout the week, here’s the opportunity to get caught up on some items that other’s read after I linked them out.

1. Certification Update: SQL Server 2014 [34 clicks]
2. The Top 5 SQL Server Features You Aren’t Using And Why [28 clicks]
3. The SQL Server 2012 Periodic Table of Dynamic Management Objects [19 clicks]
4. SQL Server Optimizer – Under the Hood Part 1 [16 clicks]
5. Database Administrators are Plumbers [16 clicks]
6. Fresh Fuel for Dry Tanks [15 clicks]
7. How To: Troubleshooting SQL Server I/O bottlenecks [14 clicks]
8. How to Do Some Very Basic SQL Server Monitoring [12 clicks]
9. Why Old Leaders Drive Young Leaders Crazy [10 clicks]
10. Data, Data, Everywhere, Not an Insight to be Seen [8 clicks]
11. Is Your DR Plan Ready For The Zombie Apocalypse? [8 clicks]
12. 10 Simple Things You Can Be Grateful for Even When Times are Tough [8 clicks]
13. Why Young Leaders Drive Old Leaders Crazy [7 clicks]
14. These “Never Forget” Items are Cornerstones of a Successful Career [7 clicks]
15. Generate a set or sequence without loops – part 2 [7 clicks]
16. 15 Ways to Help Without Getting in the Way [7 clicks]
17. Ultimate cloud speed tests: Amazon vs. Google vs. Windows Azure [7 clicks]
18. Generate a set or sequence without loops – part 3 [6 clicks]
19. Generate a set or sequence without loops – part 1 [6 clicks]
20. Race Condition when Creating Unique Values [6 clicks]

Other Stuff Shared

Of course, no week would be complete without a few off-topic links.  These have nothing to do with technology or your career, but they are interesting and worth a second look.

1. LG TV as a Window – Atomic Bomb Prank During Interview [20 clicks]
2. Office 2013 Tip: Disable Send to OneNote Tool [6 clicks]

Got something you think I should read and share, leave a comment below.  Also, if you want to see all of the links that were tweeted out last week?