How do I check Data Guard apply lag?

Query V$DATAGUARD_STATS and review the Apply Lag value.

How do I check Data Guard transport lag?

Query V$DATAGUARD_STATS and review the Transport Lag value.

How do I detect archive gaps?

Use SELECT * FROM V$ARCHIVE_GAP.

What is RMAN Backup Validation?

RMAN Backup Validation verifies Oracle backup integrity and recoverability without performing a restore.

What does RESTORE DATABASE VALIDATE do?

It verifies that RMAN backups can be restored successfully without actually restoring files.

How do I detect Oracle block corruption?

Use V$DATABASE_BLOCK_CORRUPTION and RMAN VALIDATE DATABASE CHECK LOGICAL.

What are the most important Oracle DBA interview topics?

Oracle Architecture, RMAN, Backup and Recovery, Data Guard, RAC, Performance Tuning, Security, and Troubleshooting are the most important Oracle DBA interview topics.

Is Oracle DBA still a good career in 2026?

Yes. Oracle DBA remains a strong career path due to the widespread use of Oracle databases in enterprise environments.

What Oracle version should I learn in 2026?

Oracle 19c and Oracle 23ai are the most valuable Oracle database versions to learn in 2026.

What does ORA-01034 ORACLE Not Available mean?

ORA-01034 indicates that the Oracle database instance is unavailable because it is not started, cannot be accessed, or failed during startup.

How do I fix ORA-01034?

Verify ORACLE_HOME and ORACLE_SID, review the Alert Log, check listener status, confirm background processes are running, and start the database using SQL*Plus as SYSDBA.

Why does ORA-27101 appear with ORA-01034?

ORA-27101 usually occurs when Oracle cannot locate the shared memory for the specified database instance because the database is not running or the environment variables are incorrect.

sys / as sysdba should require a password

Applies to:

Enterprise Linux – Version: 5

Description:

Sqlplus / as sysdba connections go through OS authentication rather than database authentication. Any user with OS access can log into database irrespective of valid account available in database. Sys / as sysdba could not login without a password.
How can we control OS authentication to stop any OS user to login as SYSDBA?

Solution:

Set the following parameter in init.ora file:
REMOTE_OS_AUTHENT = FALSE

open sqlnet.ora file and set the following parameter:
SQLNET.AUTHENTICATION_SERVICES=(NONE)

save and exit file.

now you cannot login "sys / as sysdba" without password.

👉 Check our complete guide: Oracle Error Codes Guide

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About the Author

Rana Abdul Wahid is an experienced Oracle Database Administrator with expertise in Oracle Database Administration, Oracle Data Guard, RMAN Backup & Recovery, Oracle RAC, Oracle E-Business Suite, Performance Tuning, and High Availability Solutions.

Through this blog, he shares practical Oracle DBA solutions, troubleshooting guides, interview preparation resources, and production-tested best practices for database professionals worldwide.