>Hello group,
>
>What are the best books and or lessons to becoming a competent database administrator?
>
>Thanks
>Jim

You could start by looking at the requirements for the Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA). Start at http://www.microsoft.com/traincert/mcp/mcdba/default.asp and be sure to look at the page on certification requirements: This should give you a pretty good idea what MS believes is the minimum knowledge and skill set for database administrators. There are numerous books covering each of the required and elective exams, so you've got a wide range to choose from. There are also certified training courses available for each content area, which are typically a good investment if you can afford them (or if your company is willing to foot the bill).

Having said all that, IMHO there is no substitute for experience. So read all you can, get certified if you want to, but spend as much time actually working with the SQL Server as you posssibly can. And don't overlook the value of going to conferences and attending sessions by guys like Mike Levy and others who really know SQL Server.