End-User Computing
Top Stories
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Opinion
01 Oct 2026
Omnissa One 2026: What stood out for the agentic end-user era
Highlights from Omnissa's annual event included a hosted MCP server, an AI governance tool, a virtual desktop agent, the Cloud PC DaaS platform -- plus a new CEO appointment. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Sep 2026
Using the Intune Management Extension for PowerShell scripts
Intune and PowerShell have a lot of unique management actions they can take, but with the help of the Intune Management Extension, they can communicate and manage more efficiently. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Mar 2010
Windows 7 system diagnostic reports: Using Performance Monitor
Using the Performance Monitor, solutions providers can view Windows 7 system diagnostic reports to resolve performance issues and prevent problems before they occur. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Mar 2010
Troubleshooting Windows 7 hardware and performance issues
Solutions providers need to be aware of the top methods for troubleshooting Windows 7 hardware and performance issues, including how to properly deal with error messages. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Feb 2010
Assessing your IT infrastructure for desktop virtualization
Enterprises are increasingly using desktop virtualization for centralized application management. Make sure to remember performance and storage requirements when making VDI plans. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Feb 2010
What USMT will and won't do
Microsoft's User State Migration Tool does have limitations. See what it can and can't do. Continue Reading
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News
02 Feb 2010
Enterprises hold onto Microsoft Office despite Google Apps option
Google Apps is making headway over Microsoft Office in startups and SMBs. But inside enterprises? Not so much. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Feb 2010
virtual machine configuration
Virtual machine configuration is the arrangement of resources assigned to a virtual machine. The resources allocated to a virtual machine (VM) typically include allocated processors, memory, disks, network adapters and the user interface. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jan 2010
How to build a native-boot VHD for Windows 7 in a few simple steps
Booting natively to a VHD in Windows 7 can be a complicated. This step-by-step guide breaks down and simplifies the process. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jan 2010
Mobile device integration services: Choosing a mobile operating system
To offer mobile device integration services, a solution provider must be able to recommend the right operating system for mobile devices. Depending on a customer's needs, a solution provider should be able to provide a mobile OS comparison and guide the customer toward the right mobile operating system. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Jan 2010
Top 5 registry keys for Windows 7
Use these helpful Windows 7 registry keys to manage user account control, prevent the computer from rebooting after installing patches and more. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
28 Dec 2009
Back ends for desktop virtualization: A guide
This guide on desktop virtualization and back-end virtualization engines covers how hypervisors from VMware, Microsoft and Citrix Systems enable desktop virtualization. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Dec 2009
Group Policy tricks to secure network endpoints
There are thousands of Group Policy settings available -- lock down your network endpoints with these favorites. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Dec 2009
Which form of app virtualization is best: streaming or localized?
Follow these steps to determine which method of application virtualization is best for your IT shop: streaming mode or localized mode. Know your IT environment to find the way. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Nov 2009
Monitoring Hyper-V performance and utilizing System Center VMM
See the benefits of monitoring Hyper-V performance and utilizing System Center Virtual Machine Manager, including centralized management and organized placement of virtual machines. Continue Reading
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News
29 Oct 2009
Can open source OSes ever compete against Windows desktops?
Though Linux desktops get better and better, convincing a Windows shop to switch remains wishful thinking. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Oct 2009
FAQ: Windows 7 hardware requirements and compatibility
Use this FAQ to learn about Windows 7 hardware requirements and notebook compatibility factors, and find out when you should recommend 32-bit vs. 64-bit architecture. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Oct 2009
Installing, configuring and testing a UPS for Windows 7
This chapter excerpt teaches you how to choose a UPS for multiple Windows 7 workstations and provides step-by-step processes for UPS installation, configuration and testing. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Sep 2009
Key concepts for server, storage and client virtualization
This chapter excerpt explores the different aspects of IT virtualization, such as server, storage and client virtualization, and covers virtual servers and virtual data storage. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2009
Top 5 registry keys for Windows XP
Systems administrators may not know about useful registry keys for Windows XP. Learn how they can help you secure your network, create drive shares, manage passwords and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Sep 2009
Deploying Terminal Services Web Access
Need to facilitate a remote Terminal Services session? The easiest method to use -- and set up -- is Terminal Services Web Access, a feature of Windows Server 2008. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Sep 2009
Windows 7 virtual memory performance optimization
In order to ensure virtual memory performance optimization in Win 7, you need to consider page file customization techniques, location, size, how to split a page file and more. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Sep 2009
Windows 7 performance monitoring tools
Use updated tools such as Performance Monitor, Resource Monitor or Task Manager to focus on specific performance aspects and capabilities while enhancing and measuring system performance. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Aug 2009
Emulation, paravirtualization, and pass-through: what you need to know for client hypervisors
Since desktop virtualization is fairly new, no one's really started out their careers from scratch focusing on this space. Instead, people start in another area of IT and kind of "fall into" (or are forced into) desktop virtualization after they've been working awhile. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
04 Aug 2009
Ten steps to a Windows Server 2003 virtual cluster configuration
Configure and test a Windows Server 2003 cluster on your desktop using virtualization technology with these ten easy steps. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jun 2009
Configuring Active Directory GPOs in a VDI environment
For an easy transition to virtual desktops, focus on configuring Group Policy Objects for VDI OS images. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jun 2009
Understanding application virtualization as a software hosting strategy
Application virtualization is a software hosting strategy that can increase system protection and eliminate incompatibilities with configuration data by using APIs to emulate middleware and OS interfaces. Continue Reading
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News
03 Jun 2009
Parsing virtual apps, streaming and isolation
Do you know the difference between application virtualization, isolation and streaming? Find out in this week's column from Brian Madden. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 May 2009
Ubuntu Linux installation and hard drive setup guide
Learn how to set up a client's hard drive for proper Ubuntu Linux installation with this chapter excerpt. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 May 2009
Four Internet Explorer 8 Group Policy security settings
Internet Explorer 8 doesn't have nearly as many new security mechanisms as its predecessor; however, there are four Group Policy security settings for IE8 worth mentioning. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Feb 2009
How to determine your virtual machine per-core ratio
Discover industry standards, real-world examples and a sample equation to help you determine how many virtual machines can fit onto a core server. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Feb 2009
Using Sysinternals tools in security management scenarios
Discover three valuable Sysinternals tools and common Windows security management scenarios in which these tools would be used. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Feb 2009
Ten steps for smooth desktop virtualization deployment
Pulling off a successful desktop virtualization deployment project means you have to first understand which virtualization method is best for your client. This 10-step plan addresses common mistakes that are made in desktop virtualization deployment and offers guidelines for taking the correct approach. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Feb 2009
Sysinternals tools: A must-have for every Windows security toolbox
Learn about the free Sysinternals tools that make managing and troubleshooting Windows-based PCs almost effortless for administrators. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Nov 2008
Windows 7 news and features
Learn about Windows 7 features now so your organization will be prepared when it drops. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
24 Sep 2008
Step-by-step guide: Laptop hacking
Laptops with sensitive data are getting stolen every day. Contributor Kevin Beaver says the best way to secure your laptops is to understand how they will be attacked. He provides the basic attack methods and a set of contingencies in this step-by-step guide. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Sep 2008
The 10 most common Windows security vulnerabilities
Most Windows networks, including yours, have a number of security holes. Fortunately, though, many of these holes can be filled quickly and easily before they pose a major threat to your business-critical data. In this tip, learn what security expert Kevin Beaver feels are the 10 most common and correctable Windows security vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
24 Sep 2008
Step 4: Start the BitLocker encryption process
In Vista, the BitLocker function allows you to encrypt your hard drive, but a computer with Trusted Platform Module is preferred. Not to worry … learn how to use BitLocker on a computer without TPM and encrypt your hard drive with this step-by-step guide. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Sep 2008
VMware Workstation 6.5: Installation how-to's and notable features
Take a first look at VMware's latest Workstation release. We review the most useful new features, such as unity mode and integration with VMware Converter 3. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Aug 2008
key-value pair (KVP)
A key-value pair (KVP) is a set of two linked data items: a key, which is a unique identifier for some item of data, and the value, which is either the data that is identified or a pointer to the location of that data. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Aug 2008
WiMAX devices
WiMAX devices will become more readily available as carriers deploy widespread WiMAX service. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 May 2008
Advantages and disadvantages of Hyper-V
Microsoft's Hyper-V is at the release candidate stage, and some companies already have it in production use. Find out the advantages and disadvantages of the virtualization tool so you can help customers at a server virtualization decision point. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
08 May 2008
Application virtualization guide
This series takes a look at the basics of application virtualization, with details on what it means to Terminal Services as well as info on how to implement the technology with Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Mar 2008
Troubleshooting IEEE 1394 bus devices for Windows machines
FireWire (or 1394) devices work well most of the time, but when things go wrong, troubleshooting techniques can vary depending on what's causing the problem. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Mar 2008
How to recover from lost BitLocker PINs and startup keys
Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption makes it possible to encrypt your system drive, but permanent data loss can occur if you forget the PIN or lose the startup key. This article explains some steps that you can take to regain your lost data. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Mar 2008
Installing Windows Server 2008 inside VMware Workstation
Do you want to test Windows Server 2008 but remain hesitant to throw it on a production server? Test it for free with VMware Workstation. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Mar 2008
700 MHz -- Why is it so valuable?
The 700 MHz wireless spectrum auction is causing a lot of excitement, yet the reasons why can be obscure -- Paul DeBeasi explains its importance and how it works. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
04 Mar 2008
Windows XP Troubleshooting Tutorial
Need help troubleshooting Windows XP? This tutorial features tons of tips and tricks that admins can use to solve a variety of system and network problems, with advice on troubleshooting Windows XP system startup issues, printer problems and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Feb 2008
How to troubleshoot Terminal Services connection problems
Having a problem with your Terminal Services connection resource limits? Find out how a registry key can help troubleshoot the issue. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Oct 2007
Troubleshooting Windows XP Device Manager error codes
Windows XP Device Manager alerts you if a system's hardware malfunctions, but often you need an advanced degree in unraveling cryptic code in order to understand the problem. Device Manager's error codes may be puzzling, but once you crack them, you'll be well on your way to fixing whatever hardware issues you're up against. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Oct 2007
Use Driver Query to resolve device driver problems
The Driver Query utility may not be perfect, but it can help to compile a device driver usage history. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Sep 2007
Find Windows vulnerabilities with a hex editor
If you haven't heard of a hex editor, then pay attention, because it could be the security testing tool that you've been waiting for all your life. Read how this underrated tool can help you find weaknesses and vulnerabilities in your Windows environment, if you dare. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Sep 2007
Can I delete certificates from the CA?
Learn how you can manage Microsoft security certificates and improve Internet Information Services (IIS) security. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Aug 2007
Windows pagefile security risks and how to avoid them
Learn about the security risks involved in using Windows pagefile, and avoid putting your sensitive data in harm's way. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Aug 2007
32-bit Remote Desktop Connection Client - Terminal Services for Windows Server 2003
Since most users who access Terminal Server environments do so from 32-bit Windows client devices, this is the client platform that Microsoft has spent the most effort on. Continue Reading
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Answer
25 Jul 2007
How to use GPOs to deny folder permissions
You can use a Group Policy Object (GPO) to deny folder permissions in Windows. Find out how to manage folder permissions with GPOs with this advice from Kevin Beaver. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
17 Jul 2007
Internet Explorer security settings and controls
Managing Internet Explorer security is a complicated job. You need to be aware of all of the latest IE flaws and threats as well as how to prevent hackers from using these flaws to hack your Windows network. Read about how you can keep IE secure in this Internet Explorer learning guide. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jun 2007
Fast Reboot: quick reboot utility for Windows
Windows' shut down/reboot process is not that snappy; it can take a couple of minutes for everything to terminate and be written to disk. You can initiate a reboot quickly with a tool like Fast Reboot, which performs the usual quick-reboot/shutdown functions from the command line. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Jun 2007
Prevent copying files from shared folders to remote computers
It's a tricky issue -- how to stop users from copying files from shared folders. Learn how to manage a user's file and folder copying rights with this advice from Windows security expert Kevin Beaver. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 May 2007
Installing device drivers in Windows Vista
Learn how to install pre-existing and new device drivers in Windows Vista, in this excerpt from William R. Stanek's Windows Vista Administrator's Pocket Consultant. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Apr 2007
BOOT.INI is gone, BCD is here
There's a little surprise waiting for you in Windows Vista: The boot options are different from those in previous versions of Windows. Learn more about the new boot tool called BCD. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Mar 2007
Restricting user permissions in folders
If you have a question about managing the permissions of a folder in your domain, this advice from Jonathan Hassell tells you how to set those permissions and prevent users from deleting that folder. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Mar 2007
What to do if system hangs when building DMI pool
When powered on, a PC creates the DMI pool, which shows the devices available to the BIOS. If a PC hangs at this point, here are some possible culprits. Continue Reading
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Opinion
19 Feb 2007
Updated: Lanmanserver and Lanmanworkstation Tuning
Follow Michel Roth's advice on how to tune fileserving environments; a complicated endeavor not everyone can handle on their own. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Feb 2007
Configure USB devices to Linux: task 2.4
Configuring USB devices to a Linux system important because most accessories now interface through computers with them. Learn more here. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Jan 2007
Making a Windows folder read-only
Windows hardening expert Jonathan Hassell explains how to make a Windows folder that multiple users share read-only. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Oct 2006
Device drivers: Installation and configuration
To install hardware devices on Windows servers, admins must install the appropriate device drivers first. Here are some guidelines for installing, configuring and troubleshooting device drivers. Continue Reading