This morning I showed how I find DMVs, and find out how to use them. First, I just run this query:

 

USE MASTER;

GO

SELECT ‘sys.’ + name

FROM sys.sysobjects

WHERE name LIKE ‘dm%’

 

Then I copy and paste a result into the “Index” panel of Books Online. I also use a web search to learn more.

I also use the new Activity Monitor, and just hover over a column header in that tool – Microsoft tells you what DMV they are using (if they are using one) and even a little about it. How cool is that!