SQL Server service accounts
An important part of the configuration of your SQL Server environment is the service accounts used to run your SQL Server services. Many of these can be configured immediately during the installation of your SQL Server. There are several options for you to select from while configuring an account for SQL Server services:
- Virtual accounts
- Managed service accounts
- Built-in system accounts
- Group managed service accounts
- Domain user accounts
- Local Windows accounts
Virtual accounts
The default choice of any OS higher than Windows Server 2008 R2 is a virtual account. A virtual account is a managed local account for the simple administration of your services. One of the important benefits of virtual accounts is their auto management, so you don't need to worry about regular password updates on your accounts like you have to with domain and local accounts, where you're bound with your enterprise account and password policy.
A virtual account has two forms depending on whether...
