Operating System Hardening

I've been asked this question at a couple of interviews and I figured that I would post some information that I have found in my travels on how to answer this question.

In short hardening is making a system or an application more secure that it's starting or default configuration.

Determine version and edition of SQL Server:

To check the version and edition of Microsoft® SQL Server on a machine:

1. Press Windows Key + S.
2. Enter SQL Server Configuration Manager in the Search box and press Enter.
3. In the top-left frame, click to highlight SQL Server Services.
4. Right-click SQL Server (MSSQLSERVER) and click Properties.
5. Click the Advanced tab.
6. Browse to Stock Keeping Unit Name and Version.

original article from: https://support.cch.com/kb/solution.aspx/sw1873