End-User Computing

False Bug ID Causes 1809 Re-Release

When Windows Central reports that a false bug ID causes 1809 re-release, it turns out that the real data losses for 1809 looked enough like illusory ones in earlier releases to fool MS engineers. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Command-line Sequence Kills Resistant Windows.old Files

When a specific set of folders defies normal clean-up techniques I learn a command-line sequence kills resistant Windows.old files and folders. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

What problems occur with Intune app protection for Outlook?

IT needs to configure settings a certain way to avoid problems when end users connect Outlook to Exchange Online. Here are steps to ensure that end users experience little friction. Continue Reading

By

• Peter Daalmans

Microsoft acquisition of FSLogix to help push cloud desktops

FSLogix can help Microsoft solve problems that have plagued the integration of Office 365 and virtual desktops, and it will immediately benefit the new Windows Virtual Desktop. Continue Reading

By

• Eddie Lockhart, Site Editor

How Windows 10 certificates create a chain of trust

Certificates in Windows 10 create a chain of trust that confirms the identity of the user accessing corporate resources and ensures that she is doing so over a trusted connection. Continue Reading

By

• Robert Sheldon

Integrate legacy Windows applications with modern device capabilities

Enabling virtual desktop users to open apps in the format that allows the apps to function best would be ideal, but there's work to do to enable this capability. Continue Reading

By

• Alastair Cooke

Default Screen Res Kills Event Viewer Log Filtering

Although default Screen Res kills Event Viewer log filtering in Win10 versions 1803, 1809, and Insider Preview, it's easily worked around by temporarily resetting Scale and Layout to 100%. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Citrix acquisition of Sapho has legroom for integration

Citrix customers will get new capabilities around simplifying common business workflows with the company's latest acquisition, which could bear fruit in a number of areas. Continue Reading

By

• Alyssa Provazza, Editorial Director

RDP Win10 Black Screen Fixes

After a recent Insider Preview upgrade I lose the ability to see the desktop in inbound RDP sessions. Along the way, I uncover some RDP Win10 Black Screen fixes. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Understand the dangers of cloud-based VDI management

Managing VDI with a cloud-based tool can become very complicated if IT hosts different aspects of its deployment through multiple cloud vendors. Continue Reading

By

• Theresa Miller

Create and enforce a password policy across the enterprise

There are new-fangled approaches to enterprise security, such as biometric authentication, but tried-and-true passwords are still critical to protecting an organization's network. Continue Reading

By

• Kevin Beaver, Principle Logic, LLC

Take a methodical approach to mobile deployment

Purchasing and enrolling a device fleet can get messy if organizations let it get out of hand. Here's how to keep one of the first steps of the MDM process simple and streamlined. Continue Reading

By

• Jack Gold, J.Gold Associates, LLC.

Microsoft reissues Windows 10 October Update, Server 2019

Windows Server 2019 and the Windows 10 October Update are back in IT admins' hands, six weeks after the company pulled them from the market when some users reported lost data. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Scannell, Freelancer

Settle the debate on how to deploy Windows 10 desktops

IT pros have a decision to make when delivering and managing Windows 10. They can use a DaaS provider, manage the desktops with cloud-based tools or keep everything on premises. Continue Reading

By

• Eddie Lockhart, Site Editor

What are the CIS benchmarks for iOS security?

Devices are only as secure as end users enable them to be. Here's how IT can use CIS benchmarks to enforce strong iOS security standards across an organization. Continue Reading

By

• Alexander S. Gillis, Technical Writer and Editor

Win10 1809 Is Re-released

After a 40-day hiatus, Win10 1809 is re-released. You can get the latest version through Windows Update, or use the Windows 10 Download page to force the upgrade or build installation media. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

1809 Users Missing Critical Fixes

I was surprised to learn that 1809 users missing critical fixes must join the Insider Preview program to receive them. Fortunately, it's an easy fix. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Prepare for the death of Intune's hybrid MDM

Microsoft is making some changes that could affect mobile device management with Intune. Here's how admins can stay prepared and reap the benefits of the stand-alone service. Continue Reading

By

• Peter Daalmans

MS Activation Server Issues Temporarily Negate Win10 Licenses

When MS Activation Server issues temporarily negate Win10 licenses, consternation reigns for a few hours. A couple of simple fixes will set affected PCs straight, though. No biggie! Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

How should IT assess zero client vs. thin client devices?

Zero clients and thin clients can simplify the endpoints users work with in VDI deployments. The makeup of each option affects the benefits it delivers. Continue Reading

By

• Robert Sheldon

Get to know third-party Windows 10 migration tools

IT professionals should look to third-party migration tools during a transition to Windows 10 to provide any features that the native Windows migration tools do not. Continue Reading

By

• Brien Posey

How VDI admins can earn VMware and Citrix certifications

Certifications from Citrix and VMware validate an IT professional's skills with respect to a certain program or tool, and they can help VDI pros improve their careers. Continue Reading

By

• John Powers, TechTarget

How can you deal with all the new macOS security controls?

How to deal with KEXT whitelisting and TCC controls, and how to stay up to date on the latest developments. Continue Reading

By

• Jon Towles

New Win10 Zoom Controls Are Coming

For the 19H1 release, new Win10 zoom controls are coming. They'll make it much easier to resize command windows (PowerShell, cmd.exe and WSL) and the text they contain. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Test your knowledge of VDI vs. RDS for desktop hosting

RDS and VDI each offer benefits for certain use cases. Test yourself to see if you know when RDS is a good idea and when organizations should opt for VDI. Continue Reading

By

• John Powers, TechTarget

Cross-platform frameworks offer one-code path to mobile dev

Cross-platform app development frameworks enable developers to create native apps for iOS and Android. At a Progress conference, developers discuss different approaches. Continue Reading

By

• Erica Mixon

Learn how to best deploy VDI on HCI

IT pros considering using HCI to power their VDI deployments should listen to this advice from three IT pros on how to get buy-in throughout the organization and more. Continue Reading

By

• Eddie Lockhart, Site Editor

How can you pause Windows Update with Group Policy?

Mistimed updates in Windows 10 can drive users crazy and cost organizations in terms of productivity. There are steps you can take to pause these updates, however. Continue Reading

By

• Brien Posey

Handy Win10 USB Eject Tool

When Windows 10 won't properly handle or report on ejecting USB devices, this handy Win10 USB Eject tool does the job quite nicely. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

A look at Jamf Connect (formerly NoMAD Pro) and how it helps with identity management on macOS

Jamf Connect, based on the recent NoMAD acquisition, can set up user accounts and link them to modern authentication. It will soon be adding support for Azure AD, on top support for Okta and AD. Continue Reading

By

• Jack Madden

The complete Apple iOS guide for IT administrators

Apple iOS has become a legitimate enterprise option. IT admins must know about its security capabilities and how to manage devices. Developers should also learn the ins and outs of iOS app development. Continue Reading

Win10 Registry Backup Task Broken

A Win10 Registry Backup task broken: it's named RegIdleBackup and it reports successful completion in Task Manager even though it writes no backup files. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

5 Windows 10 management tools every IT pro must know

With tools such as PowerShell and the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit, IT can make managing Windows 10 much simpler from deployment through mobile device management. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

An admin's guide to discover Microsoft Intune updates

Microsoft Intune is always changing, so administrators should know what's new and what's coming down the pike. Find out how to begin and where to look for new updates. Continue Reading

By

• Peter Daalmans

Are application layers always a good idea?

App layering, which separates apps from the underlying OS, helps IT in several ways, including allowing it to deliver apps to specific groups, but it's not always a great fit. Continue Reading

By

• Brien Posey

How DaaS platforms handle cost optimization in the public cloud

When virtual desktops are running in the cloud, we need to keep a close eye on resource consumption to keep costs down. Here’s how DaaS platforms do it. Continue Reading

By

• Marius Sandbu, Sopra Steria

Top Microsoft Office alternatives for enterprise use

Microsoft's productivity suite sees the most enterprise use, but organizations can switch to certain Microsoft Office alternatives for lower licensing costs and more. Continue Reading

The complete guide to Windows 10 security tools

IT professionals must carefully consider which security tools they use to protect their Windows 10 desktops. They may want to stray from the Microsoft path in some instances. Continue Reading

MS Posts New Win10 1809 Group Policy Reference

When MS posts new Win10 1809 Group Policy Reference in Excel spreadsheet format it provides a rare (and fairly complete) snapshot of state-of-the-art management stuff. Grab your copy soon! Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

How Linux thin clients have improved

VDI shops should consider Linux-based thin clients as endpoints for their users for several reasons, including the fact that they are cheaper than Windows thin clients. Continue Reading

By

• Alastair Cooke

Operator Error Makes Insider Preview Reflect Bug Persist

When operator error makes Insider Preview Reflect bug persist, my colleagues at TenForums guide me back to the solution I'd already tried, using the proper patch this time instead. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Buy the right help desk tools to track and resolve incidents

Help desk management tools help admins manage, track and resolve problems. Learn about the leading products and the reporting, communication and support features they offer. Continue Reading

By

• Gary Olsen

How are application layering and app virtualization different?

If IT pros effectively use either app layering or app virtualization, they can simplify management while improving the end-user experience. Continue Reading

By

• Brien Posey

Windows Server 2019 RDSH drops Office 365 ProPlus support

Microsoft hopes to accelerate customer cloud desktop adoption when it makes the Office 365 ProPlus suite a cloud-only product for Windows Server 2019 RDSH users. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Scannell, Freelancer

How to plan your mobile threat defense deployment

Practical advice on how to layer a mobile threat defense solution on top of your EMM, for single purpose, COPE, and BYOD devices. Continue Reading

By

• Colm Warner

Second Data Loss Bug in 1809 Raises Serious Concerns About Win10

As users report that unzipping files into folders with existing copies may cause earlier versions to be overwritten, a second Data Loss bug in 1809 raises serious concerns About Win10. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Can you put together an efficient help desk system?

Help desk software should not be an organization's only plan for incident management. An effective help desk should include agreed-upon timelines, a knowledge base and more. Continue Reading

By

• John Powers, TechTarget

Stay updated on the Android Enterprise Recommended program

Google made a few updates to Android Enterprise Recommended. Explore recent offerings from the proprietary Android enterprise device program, including support for rugged devices. Continue Reading

By

• Matt Schulz

Can WUMgr Replace WUMT?

As I get to know David Xanatos Windows Update Manager tool, I find myself asking: Can WUMgr replace WUMT. At present, I'm leaning toward "Yes!" But only time will tell. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Build 17763.55 Fixes USB Issues

After the initial release of Windows 10 1809 demoted USB 3.0 devices to 2.1, Build 17763.55 fixes USB 3.0 issues. All drivers back to current levels. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

How to manage cookie privacy in the enterprise

Cookies can make life easier for users by preventing them from having to re-enter passwords and preferences on websites, but they also carry some legitimate privacy concerns. Continue Reading

By

• Gary Olsen

How AI for IT operations improves VDI management

Enterprise AI tools help IT pros improve VDI management by providing accurate estimates of resource requirements, root cause analysis of issues and more. Continue Reading

By

• Robert Sheldon

Understanding third-party Windows 10 security tools

Third-party security tools provide value and new utilities for Windows 10 desktop administrators. IT should consider non-Microsoft options for patching, firewalls and more. Continue Reading

By

• John Powers, TechTarget

Navigating the cost mechanisms of running VMs on public clouds

Running desktop virtualization on IaaS in the public cloud means dealing with complicated billing mechanisms. Today, Marius lays everything out to make it easier to understand. Continue Reading

By

• Marius Sandbu, Sopra Steria

What's new in the Microsoft Windows 10 October 2018 Update?

The Windows 10 October 2018 Update might be best known for some of the problems it caused, but it also added some features that can help business users and IT pros. Continue Reading

By

• Eddie Lockhart, Site Editor

How to sharpen a corporate mobile device strategy

Mobile devices aren't easy to manage. When organizations hand over a corporate device, IT should check a few things off of their to-do list, including security and cost factors. Continue Reading

By

• Erica Mixon

Create an email phishing test to minimize attack vectors

With email phishing testing, IT can improve its end-user security. Phishing attacks prey on user ignorance, so IT can use a test to teach users how to avoid this attack vector. Continue Reading

By

• John Powers, TechTarget

Print Scan Drivers Move to Windows Update

Reducing the overall Win10 image size, print scan drivers move to Windows Update starting with Version 1809. Thus, WU must be available when adding new printers. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

RunAsTool Elevates Privileges Per Application

Because the RunAsTool elevates privileges per application, admins don't need to promote accounts to admin level unnecessarily. This reduces overall security risks. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Microsoft Windows 10 October 2018 Update stumbles out of gate

The most recent Windows 10 update includes enhancements for business users, but it ran into major problems shortly after its release. Continue Reading

By

• Eddie Lockhart, Site Editor

What does a Windows 10 digital certificate do?

IT pros can build trust into Windows 10 by adding certificates that form trusted connections by confirming the identity of any individuals or entities communicating with the OS. Continue Reading

By

• Robert Sheldon

How can IT improve its virtual application capacity plan?

When IT deploys virtual apps, it must plan for the applications' capacity needs. Two common planning methods are monitoring app performance and load simulation. Continue Reading

By

• Brien Posey

Windows Virtual Desktop poised to shake up the DaaS market

Microsoft is finally throwing its hat into the desktop-as-a-service ring with Windows Virtual Desktop. The DaaS offering could shake up the competition significantly. Continue Reading

By

• Eddie Lockhart, Site Editor

IT must beware Apple DEP issues with authentication

IT admins can expose an organization to a variety of threats while using Apple DEP if they're not careful. But there are ways to sidestep a DEP security issue that could be problematic. Continue Reading

By

• Erica Mixon

SpiceWorld 2018 Confirms Win10 Migration Intelligence

SpiceWorld 2018 confirms Win10 migration intelligence, as I interact with attendees, and learn about their migration progress, plans, and challenges. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Plan for the future of 5G in the enterprise

5G networks will bring speed and reduced latency to mobile business users that can take advantage of it. Get prepared for other changes that 5G will bring to the enterprise. Continue Reading

By

• Matt Schulz

Alternate Win10 1809 Source During Hold Period

Right now MS has withdrawn the October 2018 release from circulation. For those in (dire) need, I provide an alternate Win10 1809 source during hold period. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Citrix Workspace Hub: Labor of love; not a full-fledged thin client option

Not designed to be an actual competitor, but remains a good, low-cost option. Continue Reading

By

• Kyle Johnson, Technology Editor

How to implement a mobile app blacklist

Mobile apps aren't always safe, but IT can ensure that end users err of the side of caution with a blacklist. It's simple to create and maintain one with these steps. Continue Reading

By

• Alexander S. Gillis, Technical Writer and Editor

How can IT put Windows 10 containers to use?

Using Docker containers in Windows 10, IT can isolate apps and processes from users' devices, which can help in several ways, including preventing conflicts with other apps. Continue Reading

By

• Robert Sheldon

Check Those Win10 Installer UFDs

To be absolutely, positively sure what you're about to install, here's how to check those Win10 installer UFDs for version info. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

How VDI performance monitoring tools help IT

When deciding on a VDI monitoring tool, IT must understand the unique functions and limitations of each tool. IT should find a tool that matches the exact needs of its organization. Continue Reading

By

• Brien Posey

Remote Desktop Services fireworks at Microsoft Ignite 2018

Benny provides more info that Microsoft revealed about RDS and WVD at the show. Continue Reading

By

• Benny Tritsch

How to develop a mobile incident response plan

Mobile devices are often overlooked when it comes to an incident response plan, but they shouldn't be. Here's how to integrate mobile devices into an essential security system. Continue Reading

By

• Kevin Beaver, Principle Logic, LLC

Interesting 1809 Disk Layout Changes

After I perform the 1809 upgrade on numerous PCs, I observe interesting 1809 disk layout changes on some machines, because WinRE partition size increases for this release. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Get to know virtual desktop image optimization tools

Desktop image optimization tools can help IT run a more efficient VDI deployment by overriding certain native OS functions and utilities. Continue Reading

By

• John Powers, TechTarget

Even basics like email & Wi-Fi make mobile device management worth doing

Some companies may not have a do-or-die security or workflow use case for MDM, but a good reason to use it might still be right under their nose! Continue Reading

By

• Jack Madden

IT must prime its desktop management strategy for the future

IT cannot rely on its traditional methods of desktop management to control all the devices, OSes and more in the enterprise today. Instead it must take a more modern approach. Continue Reading

By

• Eddie Lockhart, Site Editor

Low-code development platforms bring speed, friction

Low code is enabling organizations to push out mobile apps more quickly. But, for some organizations, low-code platforms introduce organizational challenges. Continue Reading

By

• Erica Mixon

Marginal Power Mars Win10 USB Flash Drive Access

When using 500 GB and 1 TB mSATA SSDs, I discover that marginal power mars Win10 USB flash drive access, with drives dropping out or completely inaccessible. Easy fix, though. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Microsoft doubles down on Office 365 AI capabilities

Microsoft confirmed its strategic commitment to Office 365, delivering an improved version that includes new AI and machine learning features. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Scannell, Freelancer

Does application container technology differ from virtualization?

When delivering virtual apps to users, IT has a few options up its sleeve, including containers, which isolate the app from the OS and other applications. Continue Reading

By

• Robert Sheldon

Win10 WSUS Gets Smaller Downloads

Thanks to limiting update downloads to 64-bit only for commercial users of WSUS and SCCM, Win10 WSUS gets smaller downloads (as much as 40% smaller). Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

5 decisions for application and desktop virtualization

IT has to make several major decisions to ensure that it makes the most of its application and desktop virtualization deployment, such as selecting a hosting method and end-user devices. Continue Reading

Mobile app testing tools embrace automation, open source

Organizations should think about mobile app testing from the beginning. Discover other best practices from the CTO of Sauce Labs, a mobile app testing company. Continue Reading

By

• Erica Mixon

Hard Disk Warning Prompts Win10 Tool Search

Casual use of a freebie tool means hard disk warning prompts Win10 tool search. Net net: new hard disk arriving next week by mail. Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Get to know the Windows upgrade paths for different OSes

When organizations upgrade to Windows 10, they must understand the Windows XP, Windows 7 and Windows 8 upgrade paths, potential pitfalls and best practices. Continue Reading

IT pros see security win with Microsoft Managed Desktop

Microsoft's Managed Desktop service extends physical device management into the cloud era, with managed security updates and a monthly subscription fee. Continue Reading

By

• Nick Martin, Senior Director of Content Strategy and Member Engagement

Intune Win32 app management & more EUC news from Microsoft Ignite 2018

Here are more end user computing announcements that caught our attention at Microsoft Ignite, including Desktop App Assure and new AutoPilot features. Continue Reading

By

• Kyle Johnson, Technology Editor
• Jack Madden

How to create an internal phishing campaign from scratch

When IT begins an email phishing campaign, it must determine what server the emails will come from, consider phishing tool options and more. Continue Reading

By

• Kevin Beaver, Principle Logic, LLC

What mobile device analytics can do for you

The hype around analytics is real. When it comes to mobile, this technology can help IT administrators glean more information about users, business processes and more. Continue Reading

By

• Eric Klein

Why you don't always need a general-purpose operating system

A purpose-built, or real-time, operating system could be more useful for applications that require a lot of data processing. Several options for this type of system exist today. Continue Reading

By

• Tim Mangan, TMurgent Technologies, LLP

What mobile thin clients offer and why to consider them

The mobile thin client market might not be huge, but these portable devices can be a real boost for VDI shops in improving security and simplifying management. Continue Reading

By

• Eddie Lockhart, Site Editor

IT's essential toolbox for troubleshooting and managing users

End-user computing administrators spend a lot of time considering which products and services to deliver to end users that will make the employees' jobs easier. But what about the IT pros themselves? They need a variety of tools for managing users and the many issues that end users encounter daily. With help desk and remote access tools, plus a good password management system, IT admins are on their way to managing users and troubleshooting problems with all the necessities in hand.

Also in this issue, get a look at Samsung's Galaxy Note 9, learn whether IT departments should really focus only on general-purpose operating systems, and explore the emerging world of mobile analytics. Plus, take a deep dive into mobile thin clients and how these movable -- sometimes pocketable -- devices can be a solid option for VDI.

 Continue Reading

Get to know the device-as-a-service trend

Everything is a service these days. You can even get Yankee candles delivered from Amazon on a subscription basis. For EUC admins, device as a service is probably a bigger deal. Continue Reading

By

• Alyssa Provazza, Editorial Director

Essential desktop troubleshooting tools for every IT pro

Remote access tools, help desk systems and others are essential to managing end users. Without these tools, IT would have a much tougher time with even the simplest tasks. Continue Reading

By

• John Powers, TechTarget

Microsoft breaks into DaaS with Windows Virtual Desktop

Microsoft jumps onto the desktop-as-a-service bandwagon with its Azure-hosted Windows Virtual Desktop platform, but the service faces tough competition from market leader Amazon Workspaces. Continue Reading

By

• Nick Martin, Senior Director of Content Strategy and Member Engagement

Logoff Disconnected Win10 Users Via Command Line

Saw an interesting question raised on TenForums.com this morning. The thread was entitled “Log off all but current user.” On a PC where multiple users share the same machine, but don’t always log ... Continue Reading

By

• Ed Tittel

Five Microsoft Windows 10 features to know in the enterprise

IT professionals transitioning their organization's desktops to Windows 10 should understand the best Windows 10 features, such as Microsoft Cortana and Windows Defender's new tools. Continue Reading

How VDI provisioning can help IT effectively manage resources

VDI management requires more than simply monitoring desktops. IT must understand users' resource needs and provision its back-end infrastructure to reflect them. Continue Reading

By

• John Powers, TechTarget