SQL Server 2000 Best Practices

Very useful article on SQL Server 2000 Best Practices

http://www.extremeexperts.com/SQL/Articles/BestPractices.aspx

Normalize your tables
Avoid using cursors
Index Columns
Use transactions
Analyze deadlocks
GOTO Usage
Increase timeouts
Avoid NULLable columns
TEXT datatype
SELECT * Usage
Temporary tables usage
Using UDF
Multiple User Scenario
Use SCOPE_IDENTITY

Resolving Deadlocks in SQL Server 2000

Deadlocking can be a difficult problem in a multi-user SQL Server application. Deadlocks are caused when transactions mutually block each other, and each is waiting for the other to finish. SQL Server will detect deadlocks involving locked database resources and cancel one of the queries, and roll back the transaction.

Follow the link to gain more knwoldge on this topic:
http://www.code-magazine.com/Article.aspx?quickid=0309101