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San Francisco • London

OCA/OCP:

Oracle9i


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To Our Valued Readers:
In a CertCities.com article dated December 15, 2001, Oracle certification was ranked #2 in a list
of the “10 Hottest Certifications for 2002.” This shouldn’t come as a surprise, especially when you
consider the fact that the OCP program nearly tripled in size (from 30,000 to 80,000) in the last year.
Oracle continues to expand its dominance in the database market, and as companies begin integrating
Oracle9i systems into their IT infrastructure, you can be assured of high demand for professionals with
the Oracle Certified Associate and Oracle Certified Professional certifications.

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son Joshua. I thank my parents for taking care of the baby and house for the
past five months. Thank you, Shiji, for your endless support and love.
Last, but not least, I thank my colleagues for their support and friendship.
Thank you, Wendy, for understanding me so well and all the help you pro-
vided. Thank you all—you are the best to work with.
—Biju Thomas
I would like to thank all the folks at Sybex that made this a most enjoyable
and rewarding experience, including Elizabeth Campbell and Jeff Kellum,
who reinforced my attention to detail. Thanks go to Biju for not letting me
write too many of these chapters myself. Thanks also to Pat Coleman, who
filled in the gaps from my college writing courses, and to Ashok and Betty for
their insightful comments and suggestions.
This book wouldn’t be possible without the love and support from my
family throughout the long nights and weekends when I still managed to find
time to give the kids a bath and read books before bedtime. I loved every
minute of it.
Thanks also to my professional colleagues, both past and present, who
provided me with inspiration, support, and guidance and pushed me a little
further to take a risk now and then: Joe Johnson, Julie Krause, Karen Kressin,
Chuck Dunbar, and that math teacher in high school, whose name eludes me
at the moment, who introduced me to computers on a DEC PDP-8 with a
teletype and a paper tape reader.
—Bob Bryla
Copyright ©2002 SYBEX, Inc., Alameda, CA
www.sybex.com

Introduction

T


greater access to the industry’s most challenging opportunities. Oracle cer-
tification is the best way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in Oracle
database systems. The certification tests are scenario-based, which is the
most effective way to assess your hands-on expertise and critical problem-
solving skills.
Copyright ©2002 SYBEX, Inc., Alameda, CA
www.sybex.com

xviii

Introduction

Certification is proof of your knowledge and shows that you have the
skills required to support Oracle core products. The Oracle certification pro-
gram can help a company to identify proven performers who have demon-
strated their skills and who can support the company’s investment in Oracle
technology. It demonstrates that you have a solid understanding of your job
role and the Oracle products used in that role.
OCPs are among the best paid in the IT industry. Salary surveys consis-
tently show the OCP certification to yield higher salaries than other certifi-
cations, including Microsoft, Novell, and Cisco.
So, whether you are beginning a career, changing careers, securing your
present position, or seeking to refine and promote your position, this book
is for you!

Oracle Certifications

Oracle certifications follow a track that is oriented toward a job role. There
are database administration, database operator, and developer tracks. Within
each track, Oracle has a three-tiered certification program:

xix

Oracle9i Certified Database Associate

The role of the database administrator (DBA) has become a key to success in
today’s highly complex database systems. The best DBAs work behind the
scenes, but are in the spotlight when critical issues arise. They plan, create,
maintain, and ensure that the database is available for the business. They are
always watching the databaseµ for performance issues and to prevent
unscheduled downtime. The DBA’s job requires broad understanding of the
architecture of Oracle database and expertise in solving problems.
The Oracle9i Certified Database Associate is the entry-level certification
for the database administration track and is required to advance toward the
more senior certification tiers. This certification requires you to pass two
exams that demonstrate your knowledge of Oracle basics:


1Z0-007: Introduction to Oracle9i: SQL


1Z0-031: Oracle9i Database: Fundamentals I
The 1Z0-007 exam, Introduction to Oracle9i: SQL, is offered on the
Internet. The 1Z0-031 exam, Oracle9i Database: Fundamentals I, is offered
at a Sylvan Prometric facility.

Oracle9i Certified Database Administrator (DBA)

The OCP tier of the database administration track challenges you to dem-
onstrate your continuing experience and knowledge of Oracle technologies.
The Oracle9i Certified Database Administrator certification requires achieve-



Oracle9i: SQL Tuning Workshop


Oracle9i: High Availability in an Internet Environment


Oracle9i: Database: Implement Partitioning


Oracle9i: Real Application Clusters Implementation


Oracle9i: Data Warehouse Administration


Oracle9i: Advanced Replication


Oracle9i: Enterprise Manager

Passing Scores

The 1Z0-031: Oracle9i Database: Fundamentals I exam consists of two
sections—basic and mastery. The passing score for basic section is 71 per-
cent and for mastery section is 56 percent at the time of writing this book.
Please download and read the Oracle9i Certification candidate guide before
taking the exam. The basic section covers the fundamental concepts, and
the mastery section covers more difficult questions, mostly based on practice
(exam 1Z0-031: Oracle9i Database: Fundamentals I)
Copyright ©2002 SYBEX, Inc., Alameda, CA
www.sybex.com

Introduction

xxi


OCP: Oracle9i™ DBA Database Fundamentals II Study Guide(exam 1Z0-032: Oracle9i Database: Fundamentals II)


OCP: Oracle9i™ DBA Performance Tuning

(exam 1Z0-033:
Oracle9i Database: Performance Tuning)
Additionally, these four books are offered in a boxed set:

OCP:
Oracle9i

™

DBA Certification Kit


able to manage space allocation and growth.


Manage data, including its storage, loading, and reorganization.


Manage redo logs, automatic undo, and rollback segments.


Use globalization features to choose a database character set and
National Language Support (NLS) parameters.


Configure Net8 on the server side and the client side.


Use backup and recovery options.


Archive redo log files and hot backups.


Perform backup and recovery operations using Recovery Manager
(RMAN).


Use data dictionary views and set database parameters.


Configure and use multithreaded server (MTS) and Connection


Tune the size of data blocks, the shared pool, the buffer caches,
and rollback segments.


Diagnose contention for latches, locks, and rollback segments.

Tips for Taking the OCP Exam

Use the following tips to help you prepare for and pass each exam.


Each OCP test contains about 55–80 questions to be completed in
90 minutes. Answer the questions you know first so that you do not
run out of time.


The answer choices for many questions on the exam look identical at
first. Read the questions carefully. Do not just jump to conclusions. Be
sure that you clearly understand exactly what each question asks.


Most of the test questions are scenario-based. Some scenarios contain
nonessential information and exhibits. You need to be able to identify
what’s important and what’s not important.


Do not leave any questions unanswered. There is no negative scoring.
After selecting an answer, you can mark a difficult question or one
that you’re unsure of and come back to it later.


).
At the time of this writing, the online 1Z0-007 exam is $90. If you do not
Copyright ©2002 SYBEX, Inc., Alameda, CA
www.sybex.com

Introduction

xxiii

have a credit card to use for payment, you will need to contact Oracle to pur-
chase a voucher. You can pay with a certification voucher, promo codes, or
credit card.
You can take the other exams at any of the more than 800 Sylvan Pro-
metric Authorized Testing Centers around the world. For the location of a
testing center near you, call 1-800-891-3926. Outside the United States and
Canada, contact your local Sylvan Prometric Registration Center. Usually,
you can take the tests in any order.
To register for a proctored Oracle Certified Professional exam at a Sylvan
Prometric test center, do the following:


Determine the number of the exam you want to take.


Register with Sylvan Prometric online at



or,


Discusses the various tools available to DBAs, connecting to
the Oracle database, and startup/shutdown of the database.
Copyright ©2002 SYBEX, Inc., Alameda, CA
www.sybex.com

xxiv

Introduction

Chapter 4

Discusses how to create a database manually as well as how
to use the Database Configuration Assistant. It also discusses the Oracle
data dictionary.

Chapter 5

Explains the uses and contents of the control files and redo
log files.

Chapter 6

Discusses tablespaces and data files. The logical structure
of the tablespace within he database and Oracle Managed Files are dis-
cussed.

Chapter 7

Explains logical storage structures such as blocks, extents,

chapter. Pay extra close attention to any chapter related to questions
you missed in the Assessment Test.
3.
Complete all hands-on exercises in the chapter, referring to the chap-
ter so that you understand the reason for each step you take. If you do
Copyright ©2002 SYBEX, Inc., Alameda, CA
www.sybex.com
Introduction xxv
not have an Oracle database available, be sure to study the examples
carefully. Answer the Review Questions related to that chapter. (The
answers appear at the end of each chapter, after the “Review Ques-
tions” section.)
4.
Note the questions that confuse or trick you, and study those sections
of the book again.
5.
Before taking the exam, try your hand at the Bonus Exams included on
the CD that comes with this book. The questions on these exams
appear only on the CD. This will give you a complete overview of
what you can expect to see on the real test.
6.
Remember to use the products on the CD included with this book. The
electronic flashcards and the Edge Test exam preparation software
have been specifically designed to help you study for and pass your
exam. You can use the electronic flashcards n your Windows com-
puter or on your Palm device.
To learn all the material covered in this book, you’ll need to apply yourself
regularly and with discipline. Try to set aside the same time period every day
to study, and select a comfortable and quiet place to do so. If you work hard,
you will be surprised at how quickly you learn this material. All the best!

How to Contact the Authors
To contact Biju Thomas, you can e-mail him at or visit
his website for DBAs at />To contact Bob Bryla, you can e-mail him at
About the authors
Biju Thomas is an Oracle9i certified professional with eight years of Oracle
database management and application development experience. He has
written articles for Oracle Magazine, Oracle Internals, and Select Magazine.
He maintains a website for DBAs at
Bob Bryla is an Oracle9i certified professional with more than ten years of
database design, database application development, and database adminis-
tration experience in a variety of fields. He is currently an Internet Database
Analyst and DBA at Lands’ End, Inc. in Dodgeville, Wisconsin.
Copyright ©2002 SYBEX, Inc., Alameda, CA
www.sybex.com
Assessment Test
1.
Multiple ____________ can share an SGA.
A.
PMON processes
B.
Server processes
C.
Instances
D.
Databases
E.
Tablespaces
2.
Which component in the following list is not part of the SGA?
A.

D.
Use the ALTER SESSION ENABLE RESTRICTED USERS command.
Copyright ©2002 SYBEX, Inc., Alameda, CA
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xxviii Assessment Questions
5.
When you connect to a database by using CONNECT SCOTT/TIGER AS
SYSDBA, which schema are you connected to in the database?
A.
SYSTEM
B.
PUBLIC
C.
SYSDBA
D.
SYS
E.
SCOTT
6.
Suppose the database is in the MOUNT state; select two statements from
the options below that are correct.
A.
The control file is open; the database files and redo log files are
closed.
B.
You can query the SGA by using dynamic views.
C.
The control file, data files, and redo log files are open.
D.
The control file, data files, and redo log files are all closed.

C.
Redo log files
D.
Alert log files
10.
What happens when one of the redo members of the next group is
unavailable when LGWR has finished writing the current log file?
A.
Database operation will continue uninterrupted.
B.
The database will hang; do an ALTER DATABASE SWITCH LOGFILE
to skip the unavailable redo log.
C.
The instance will be shut down.
D.
LGWR will create a new redo log member, and the database will
continue to be in operation.
11.
When you multiplex the control file, how many control files can you
have for one database?
A.
Four
B.
Eight
C.
Twelve
D.
Unlimited
12.
Which initialization parameter specifies that no more than the speci-

DB_CREATE_SPFILE
B.
DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST
C.
DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_n
D.
CONTROL_FILES
15.
The following are the steps required for relocating a data file belong-
ing to the USERS tablespace. Choose the correct order in which the
steps are to be performed.
1.
Copy the file /disk1/users01.dbf to /disk2/users01.dbf
using an operating system command.
2.
ALTER DATABASE RENAME FILE ‘/disk1/users01.dbf’ TO
‘/disk2/users01.dbf’
3.
ALTER TABLESPACE USERS OFFLINE
4.
ALTER TABLESPACE USERS ONLINE
A.
1, 2, 3, 4
B.
3, 1, 2, 4
C.
3, 2, 1, 4
D.
4, 2, 1, 3
Copyright ©2002 SYBEX, Inc., Alameda, CA

B.
DBA_TEMP_FILES
C.
DBA_DATA_FILES
D.
DBA_FREE_SPACE
19.
Which parameter is used to set up the directory for Oracle to create
data files, if you do not specify a file name in the DATAFILE clause
when creating or altering tablespaces?
A.
DB_FILE_CREATE_DEST
B.
DB_CREATE_FILE_DEST
C.
DB_8K_CACHE_SIZE
D.
USER_DUMP_DEST
E.
DB_CREATE_ONLINE_LOG_DEST_1
Copyright ©2002 SYBEX, Inc., Alameda, CA
www.sybex.com
xxxii Assessment Test
20.
Select the invalid statements from the list below regarding undo
segment management. (Choose all that apply.)
A.
ALTER SYSTEM SET UNDO_TABLESPACE = ROLLBACK;
B.
ALTER DATABASE SET UNDO_TABLESPACE = UNDOTBS;

DBA_SEGMENTS
B.
V$SORT_SEGMENT
C.
DBA_TEMP_SEGMENTS
D.
DBA_TABLESPACES
24.
The ALTER INDEX REBUILD command cannot ____________.
A.
Move index to a new tablespace
B.
Change the INITIAL extent size of the index
C.
Collect statistics on the index
D.
Specify a new name for the index
Copyright ©2002 SYBEX, Inc., Alameda, CA
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Assessment Test xxxiii
25.
Which command do you use to collect statistics for a table?
A.
ALTER TABLE <TABLE_NAME> COMPUTE STATISTICS
B.
ANALYZE TABLE <TABLE_NAME> COMPUTE STATISTICS
C.
ALTER TABLE <TABLE_NAME> COLLECT STATISTICS
D.
ANALYZE TABLE <TABLE_NAME> COLLECT STATISTICS

LIST
D.
COMPOUND
E.
HASH
29.
If you run the ALTER SESSION SET NLS_DATE_FORMAT = ‘DDMMYY’
statement, which dictionary view would you query to see the value of
the parameter?
A.
V$SESSION_PARAMETERS
B.
NLS_SESSION_PARAMETERS
Copyright ©2002 SYBEX, Inc., Alameda, CA
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xxxiv Assessment Test
C.
NLS_DATABASE_PARAMETERS
D.
V$SESSION
30.
Which NLS parameter can be specified only as an environment
variable?
A.
NLS_LANGUAGE
B.
NLS_LANG
C.
NLS_TERRITORY
D.