Oracle requires the use of hints to influence the operation and performance of its cost-based optimizer. The Microsoft SQL Server cost-based optimizer does not require the use of hints to assist in its query evaluation process. They are offered, however, as some situations do warrant their use.
The INDEX = {index_name | index_id} hint specifies the index name or ID to use for that table. An index_id of 0 forces a table scan, while an index_id of 1 forces the use of a clustered index, if it exists. This is similar to the index hints used in Oracle.
The SQL Server FASTFIRSTROW hint directs the optimizer to use a nonclustered index if its column order matches the ORDER BY clause. This hint operates in a similar fashion to the Oracle FIRST_ROWS hint.