Steve Jones - Editor (2/13/2008)
Major,I tend to agree with you on defaults. I think that most of the time they're just set to something without a lot of thought about what makes the most sense.
That's where I think MS should improve. Make a conscious decision that makes sense most of the time. Not all the time, but for the inexperienced or non-DBAs, set things in the way that is more secure and provides a good general setting.
Then give guidance on which way things ought to be. Presumably there are people talking to DBAs, customers, etc. about issues, what works, what doesn't , and they can make some good guesses about what works 80% of the time.
True. Unfortunately, there also hangs the problem. Should MS use a default that is potentially insecure but is what 80% of experienced DBAs use (good marketing), or a default that is secure, but will probably be altered (good administration)? Damned if they do, damned if they don't, hence why I admit to not having a silver bullet answer.
Semper in excretia, suus solum profundum variat