Final answer:
In a standalone SharePoint installation, SQL Server Express and a configuration database are automatically created. These are essential components for the operation of SharePoint, with SQL Server Express hosting the necessary databases and the configuration database holding vital settings and topology information.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you install SharePoint in a standalone configuration, two primary components are automatically created for you: SQL Server Express and a configuration database.
SQL Server Express is a free edition of SQL Server, which is suitable for small to medium-sized applications. This database server hosts the databases required by SharePoint. The configuration database, on the other hand, contains important settings and information about your SharePoint farm. This includes details about the SharePoint topology, services, and other configuration data essential for the operation of the SharePoint environment.