I’ve done many installs of triCerat’s Simplify Suite in my time. For those that don’t know, the Simplify Suite requires a database on the backend to save all its setting to. One of the most common questions I get is, “What is the difference between Windows Authentication and SQL Authentication?” First, don’t get Authentication and Authorization confused. Authentication is dealing with the user’s connection to the SQL Server. Authorization is dealing with the data privilege a user has once they are connected to the SQL server. This is a common problem when using Windows authentication as an end user will have no problem connecting, but then have problems accessing the data they need. On the SQL server itself, you can either be in Windows authentication mode, or Mixed authentication mode. Windows authentication mode only allows users to connect to the SQL server with windows authentication. Mixed mode allows users to connect with either windows authentication or SQL authentication. I personally always recommend using SQL authentication if it’s possible. Although it is allowing your users full access to the database, it often prevents hours of troubleshooting when they need access to something they don’t have. Although lots of companies have security policies in place which prevent admins from using SQL authentication, it is always good to check to see if it’s an option.