Microsoft SQL Server is the unsung hero of many IT-infrastructures. It sits around quietly, powering your most critical applications such as SharePoint, Microsoft’s System Center suite and VMware’s vCenter, CRM, etc. Running a performing SQL server starts with the second part: the server. Just like your house needs a solid foundation, your database system needs a solid server. I have spent a lot of time (re-) building SQL servers and below is a list of things which you should do every time you install a new MS SQL server.