Using Windows Tools

You can use Windows tools in the following ways to manage Oracle Database:

Using Event Viewer to Monitor a Database

Event Viewer lets you monitor events in your system. An event is an important occurrence in the system or application (such as Oracle Database) that requires user notification.

While messages for major events can appear on-screen as you work at your computer, events that do not require your immediate attention are recorded by Windows in the Event Viewer log file. You can then view this information at your convenience.

Use Event Viewer to monitor Oracle Database events, such as:

  • Initialization of System Global Area for active instance

  • Initialization of Program Global Area (PGA) for background processes of the active instance

  • Connection to Oracle Database using AS SYSDBA

In addition, the operating system audit trail is logged in the Event Viewer log file, which can be viewed using Event Viewer.

Using Microsoft Management Console to Administer a Database

Microsoft Management Console provides a central location for network administration.

Microsoft Management Console hosts applications (called snap-ins) that administrators can use to manage their networks. Oracle snap-ins enable database administrators to:

  • Configure Oracle Database administrators, operators, users, and roles so the Windows operating system can authenticate them

  • Configure OracleServiceSID

  • Modify registry parameters for all Oracle homes on the computer

  • Modify the computer host name, user name, and password for the database

  • View and terminate an Oracle Database thread

Using Registry Editor to Modify Configuration Information

Oracle Database stores its configuration information in a structure known as the registry.

You can view and modify this configuration information through Registry Editor. The registry contains configuration information for your computer and must not be accessible for editing by inexperienced users. Only experienced administrators must view and change this information.

Registry Editor displays configuration information in a format similar to Windows Explorer. In the left-hand window is a tree-like format consisting of keys (or folders). When one of these keys is highlighted, parameters and values assigned to that key are displayed in the right-hand window.

When you install products from your media, configuration parameters are automatically entered in the registry. These parameters are read each time your Windows computer is started and whenever an Oracle Database product is started. These parameters include settings for:

  • Oracle home directory

  • Language

  • Company name

  • Oracle home subdirectories for individual products

  • Individual products such as SQL*Plus

  • Services

Using Task Manager to Monitor Applications and Processes

Task Manager monitors applications and processes.

Task Manager has the following tabs:

  • Applications tab displays what applications run. This is useful for identifying and ending unresponsive tasks. (Oracle Database does not appear as an application because it runs as a service.)

  • Processes tab displays details of the currently running processes and their resource usage. Columns are customizable.

  • Performance tab graphically displays real-time CPU and memory usage, which is useful for spotting sudden changes.

  • Networking tab graphically displays the network traffic taking place over the computer's network connections.

Using Local Users and Groups to Manage Users and Groups

Local Users and Groups enable you to manage users and groups on Windows.

Specifically, you can:

  • Create and modify Local User Accounts

  • Create and modify user profiles

  • Create, add, and delete local groups