I have tested and verified the information in this book to the best of my ability, but you may find that features have changed or that I have made mistakes. If so, please notify me by email. My email will be posted on this book's web page located at the OraPub web site (http://www.orapub.com).

1 Few people know that Cary Millsap and I grew up at Oracle together. We started and also ended our careers at Oracle Corporation within a few months of each other. I tell people that I cofounded both Oracle's Core Technologies and the System Performance Groups. What I usually don't tell them is that one of the other cofounders is Cary. Those years at Oracle were filled with some of the best memories of my life.

2 It's a very good thing that Oracle keeps improving its technology. My students and clients frequently ask, "Will I be replaced by Oracle's automated features?" My answer is that if Oracle stops developing its technology then, yes, you will be replaced! Because with no innovation, the supporting automation will catch up. So if you keep on the edge, you'll stay in front of automation.