Applications using the Microsoft SQL Server Database Engine can alter the default locking and row versioning.
Customizing the Lock Time-Out
Handling time-outs and setting the lock time-out duration.
Customizing Transaction Isolation Level
Setting the transaction isolation level.
Locking Hints
Using table-level locking hints with the SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE statements.
Customizing Locking for an Index
Configuring the locking granularity for an index.