Connect to SQL Server 2017 on Compute Engine

B.

To connect to an instance of SQL Server 2017 on Compute Engine using the fewest number of steps, we need to choose the correct approach from the given options.

Option A suggests installing a Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) client on the desktop and verifying the existence of a firewall rule for port 3389. However, this option is incorrect because it does not provide any Windows credentials to authenticate the connection.

Option B is closer to the correct approach. It suggests installing an RDP client on the desktop, setting a Windows username and password in the GCP Console, and using these credentials to log in to the instance. This option is better than option A because it provides Windows credentials for authentication. However, it is not the most efficient method because it requires extra steps to set up the Windows username and password in the GCP Console.

Option C suggests setting a Windows password in the GCP Console, verifying the existence of a firewall rule for port 22, and clicking the RDP button in the GCP Console to log in. However, this option is incorrect because it specifies port 22, which is used for Secure Shell (SSH) connections and not RDP.

Option D is the correct approach. It suggests setting a Windows username and password in the GCP Console, verifying the existence of a firewall rule for port 3389, and clicking the RDP button in the GCP Console to log in. This option provides Windows credentials for authentication and does not require any additional steps to set up the credentials in the GCP Console. Moreover, it specifies port 3389, which is used for RDP connections.

Therefore, the correct answer is D: Set a Windows username and password in the GCP Console. Verify that a firewall rule for port 3389 exists. Click the RDP button in the GCP Console, and supply the credentials to log in.