How To: Turn on database statistics

Execute the following T-SQL:
ALTER DATABASE SET AUTO_UPDATE_STATISTICS ON

HOW TO: Get the database compability level

Execute the following query to get the compability level of all the databases.

SELECT name, compatibility_level FROM sys.databases

To change the compatibility level:

ALTER DATABASE SET COMPATIBILITY_LEVEL = 100

How To: Get the lastest version of SQL Server 2008

The @@VERSION returns the version, build date and other information about the SQL Server.
In Sql Server 2008, the return format is

major.minor.build.incremental-build

Example: SELECT @@VERSION

Microsoft SQL Server 2008 (RTM) - 10.0.1600.22 (X64)
Jul 9 2008 14:17:44
Copyright (c) 1988-2008 Microsoft Corporation
Enterprise Edition (64-bit) on Windows NT 6.0 (Build 6001: Service Pack 1)

HO TO: Clear procedure cache and empty the data cache

When profiling and optimizing a stored procedure or query, it is usefull to clean the sql server stored procedure and data cache.
The following T-SQL performes the task:

DBCC FREEPROCCACHE
DBCC DROPCLEANBUFFERS