IT Operations
Top Stories
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Tip
14 Aug 2026
Prompts vs. loops: Why prompt engineering won't build your AI workforce
Execution loops move enterprise AI beyond prompt engineering, enabling agents to plan, act, verify results, recover from failures and deliver outcomes. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Aug 2026
5 reasons hardened images are seeing a resurgence
Hardened container images reduce software supply chain risk by minimizing vulnerabilities, improving compliance, reducing toil and boosting performance. Continue Reading
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Podcast
16 May 2014
Where are Citrix and VMware headed with end-user products?
In this podcast, we shed light on Citrix and VMware end-user product roadmaps with a recent news recap and an interview with VMware CTO Kit Colbert. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Apr 2014
How to leverage the power of open source BPM
Establishing a relationship with open source BPM providers can help users quickly resolve technical issues and reduce internal IT staff. Continue Reading
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Opinion
16 Apr 2014
Database performance tuning: Five ways for IT to save the day
IT teams can play heroes when database performance issues disrupt applications. Try these five tips for performance tuning before there's a problem. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Apr 2014
Traditional IT silos face a hostile software-defined environment
Think you got rid of data center silos when you adopted virtualization? Not so fast. Software-defined data center tools promise more silo-busting. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Mar 2014
Successful DevOps practices from the start
Here's all you need to know to get started with DevOps, from identifying goals and roadblocks, to useful tools to scale DevOps to the next level. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Mar 2014
How to build an enterprise private cloud that looks better than AWS
Clouds that enterprises build rarely stack up to AWS and its ilk in a public cloud. Follow these steps if you want a viable private cloud for users. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Mar 2014
IT asset management best practices for any data center
Choosing a data center asset management tool depends on how the infrastructure functions, the mix of hardware and software in action and more factors. Continue Reading
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News
05 Feb 2014
Can Microsoft's new CEO change its cloud and mobile fortunes?
Microsoft's new CEO Satya Nadella brings technical expertise to the helm, but can he provide a roadmap that offers IT pros reason for optimism rather than continued frustration? Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jan 2014
Set up an ADFS server to manage Office 365 identities
As long as you know how to set it up and install it, ADFS can be a good identity management option for Office 365. Continue Reading
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Guide
16 Dec 2013
Should you migrate to Windows Server 2012 R2?
It's time to seriously consider migration plans for Windows Server 2012 R2. Learn best practices, what's new and more. Continue Reading
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E-Zine
09 Dec 2013
Modern Infrastructure Impact Award winners
The votes are in, and the winners determined. The first edition of the Modern Infrastructure Impact Awards gave prizes to winners in eight categories, which reflect the big topics affecting data center professionals today. Cloud computing, converged infrastructure, enterprise mobility management, hybrid flash storage and desktop and application delivery are all in the spotlight for the Impact Awards. The winning companies and products are those that really stood out for their innovation and intelligence in solving the problems of today’s IT teams.
In addition, the Modern Infrastructure Bright Idea award recognizes an emerging technology concept or product with the potential to really shake up data center operations. The inaugural winner of the Bright Idea award reflects the changing market around using flash storage to improve virtualization practices. Continue Reading -
Answer
20 Nov 2013
How a shared virtual disk can benefit a Windows Server data center
With the introduction of Windows Server 2012 R2, shared virtual disks have capabilities to improve failover clusters in a few ways. Continue Reading
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Guide
18 Nov 2013
A look inside the DevOps movement
DevOps is a culture, not a job or procedure for an IT team. That said, there are DevOps tools and organizational strategies to help you get there. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Nov 2013
Running PowerShell scripts can ease Windows virtualization tasks
Put PowerShell cmdlets to work with Windows virtualization by automating setup, maintenance and configuration tasks in your organization. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Oct 2013
Windows Server 2012 R2 makes VM migration faster, smoother
The Windows Server 2012 R2 release continues to push the trend of faster and less disruptive VM migrations in the data center. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Oct 2013
Compression eases Live Migration process in Windows Server 2012 R2
By using Live Migration compression, smaller VM files are transferred more quickly between systems and have fewer resent or dropped packets. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Oct 2013
How Remote DMA improves Live Migration in Windows Server 2012 R2
The RDMA feature can use high-throughput, low-latency data exchanges to improve Live Migration's performance in Windows Server 2012 R2. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Oct 2013
Five tips for selecting system management tools
Too much granularity? Not enough? Need alerts? Maybe not. There are five considerations for systems management tools -- and cost isn't one of them. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Oct 2013
How and when to enable hardware-based TPM security on servers
Most servers include a Trusted Platform Module, but you only want to turn it on and manage TPM when the server handles high-value encrypted workloads. Continue Reading
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News
08 Oct 2013
Facing threat from competitors, Microsoft spells out cloud plans
With stiff competition from cloud competitors like Amazon, Microsoft is offering Azure discounts to customers who enter into enterprise agreements. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Oct 2013
How to write your IT automation wish list
IT automation is great, unless complicated, underperforming products that hog resources, time and money overwhelm IT staff. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Sep 2013
Essential Windows Server 2012 R2 system requirements
Before upgrading to Windows Server 2012 R2, read up on hardware requirements to ensure there are enough resources to preserve performance. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Sep 2013
Windows Server 2012 R2 Storage Spaces boosts performance
Three new features in Windows Storage Spaces -- storage tiering, write-back caching and dual parity -- boost storage performance. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Sep 2013
Windows Server 2012 R2 Storage Spaces addresses storage growth demands
Windows Server 2012 R2 Storage Spaces offers an alternative to traditional SAN storage and includes updates for virtualizing shared storage. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Sep 2013
Windows Server 2012 R2 Storage Spaces suits SSD deployments
With the new storage tiering feature, Storage Spaces in Windows Server 2012 R2 works best with solid-state-drive devices. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Sep 2013
Troubleshoot Exchange Admin Center access issues in Exchange 2013
It's common for users to have trouble accessing the Exchange Admin Center in Exchange 2013. Keep these fixes handy in case this happens to you. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Sep 2013
Frequently asked questions about server automation tools
Server automation tools save time and reduce errors. But what should tools offer, and are point systems or suites the way to go? Find out in this FAQ. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Aug 2013
Desired State Configuration helps admins avoid configuration drift
The new feature Desired State Configuration feature in Windows Server 2012 R2 gives admins yet another reason to learn PowerShell. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2013
The requisite and advanced features of performance monitoring software
All performance monitoring tools must include certain core features, and advanced features can boost application performance and return on investment. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2013
PowerShell 4.0 further facilitates task automation for Windows admins
Has PowerShell finally grown up? A mature PowerShell 4.0 in Windows Server 2012 R2 brings with it new parameters, simpler implementation and more. Continue Reading
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News
09 Aug 2013
Microsoft hikes Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter edition pricing
Microsoft made changes to its license pricing, upping the cost of Windows Server 2012 R2 by as much as 28%. It also discussed a new licensing option. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Jul 2013
Virtual security tactics for Type 1 and Type 2 hypervisors
It's no surprise that Type 1 and Type 2 hypervisors require different security considerations, but we asked an expert to clarify. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jul 2013
Tailoring server BIOS settings for cool servers without wasting energy
A few tweaks to server BIOS settings will keep fans quiet and workloads processing smoothly, allowing data centers to consume less energy. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Jun 2013
Recognizing and correcting common VM migration problems
A careful and systematic approach can speed the recognition and correction of common VM migration problems. Continue Reading
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News
27 Jun 2013
Declarative vs. imperative: The DevOps automation debate
Users say Puppet Enterprise 3.0 is a boon, but some industry experts say Puppet's declarative configuration management approach is subject to debate. Continue Reading
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27 Jun 2013
"Expert advice on Windows-based systems and hardware" RSS feed is moving!
As of July 1, the "Expert advice on Windows-based systems and hardware" RSS feed will be moving off of the Pheedo platform. Instead, please bookmark the following URL to make sure you continue to receive our content: http://searchwindowsserver.techtarget.com/rss/Expert-advice-on-Windows-based-systems-and-hardware.xml Continue Reading
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27 Jun 2013
"Windows Server Download" RSS feed is moving!
As of July 1, the "Windows Server Download" RSS feed will be moving off of the Pheedo platform. Instead, please bookmark the following URL to make sure you continue to receive our content: http://searchwindowsserver.techtarget.com/rss/WindowsServer-Download.xml Continue Reading
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27 Jun 2013
"Expert advice on Active Directory and Group Policy" RSS feed is moving!
As of July 1, the "Expert advice on Active Directory and Group Policy" RSS feed will be moving off of the Pheedo platform. Instead, please bookmark the following URL to make sure you continue to receive our content: http://searchwindowsserver.techtarget.com/rss/Expert-advice-on-Active-Directory-and-Group-Policy.xml Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jun 2013
How to synchronize SharePoint 2013 lists with Outlook 2013
Give users access to various SharePoint 2013 lists through Outlook 2013 with just a few simple configuration steps. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jun 2013
Q&A: Anderson talks BYOD management in Windows Server 2012 R2
Microsoft's Brad Anderson talks about changes to expect in Windows Server 2012 R2 features, including some to security and enterprise mobility. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jun 2013
Q&A: Microsoft's Brad Anderson talks Windows Server 2012 R2
Microsoft's Brad Anderson discusses new features in Windows Server 2012, including a faster update cycle and cross-platform integration. Continue Reading
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News
03 Jun 2013
Windows Server 2012 R2, System Center 2012 R2 support hybrid clouds
Microsoft will deliver new versions of Windows Server 2012 and System Center 2012 this year, with focus on hybrid clouds. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Apr 2013
Steps to read XML files with PowerShell
Wondering how to get PowerShell to read XML files? Our expert explains a few methods you could use. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2013
Five ways admins can embrace Windows Server 2012 Remote Management
As Microsoft encourages Windows admins to deal with servers offsite, here are some easy steps they can use for Windows Server 2012 Remote Management. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Apr 2013
How KVM over IP makes remote systems management easier
Remote systems management using KVM over IP is helping businesses avoid the costs associated with travel while improving support response times. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Apr 2013
Five things you might not know about the Hyper-V virtual switch
One of the most significant improvements in Windows Server 2012 might be the Hyper-V virtual switch. What makes this low-cost option such a big deal? Continue Reading
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Photo Story
28 Mar 2013
A closer look at Outlook 2013
Considering an upgrade to Outlook 2013, but unsure if it's worth it? Get a close look at the sleeker interface, new features and more in this slideshow. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Mar 2013
Optimal BIOS settings for server virtualization
The ideal mix of performance and reliability starts with learning which server BIOS settings you should configure for a virtualized system. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Feb 2013
Using Zabbix with embedded devices via SNMP monitoring
Some devices you want to monitor with Zabbix cannot have software installed. For these appliances, SNMP monitoring may be the right choice. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Feb 2013
Tips for improving Active Directory performance on servers
Striking the right balance of memory and disk performance can help optimize Active Directory performance. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jan 2013
Deciding whether to run Server Core in Windows Server 2012
Our expert breaks down the advantages and disadvantages of deploying Server Core in Windows Server 2012. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Dec 2012
peer-to-peer network (P2P network)
A peer-to-peer (P2P) network is a network in which each computer functions as a client or server for other computers in the network. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Nov 2012
Windows Server Failover Clustering gets boost from PowerShell cmdlets
In Windows Server 2012, there are 81 new and improved failover clustering PowerShell cmdlets. Here's how to make the most of their capabilities. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
29 Oct 2012
Windows Server 2012 interface tour
The new user interface in Windows Server 2012 seems scary, but it's easier to use than it looks. These are some of the best ways to work with it. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Oct 2012
Introducing Exchange Server 2013 modern public folders
Responding to demands from the Exchange community, Microsoft is keeping public folders in Exchange 2013 and surprise, they're much improved. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Oct 2012
Common causes of a failed Hyper-V live migration
Hyper-V live migration helps admins maintain infrastructures. But a few common configuration snafus can cause failures. Do you know what to look for? Continue Reading
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04 Oct 2012
Windows Server 2012 launch: Review, news and more
Windows Server 2012 is generally available. Find recent reviews, news and more in this comprehensive guide. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Aug 2012
Extracting data from memory dumps with Event Tracing for Windows
Admins facing Windows Server frequent hangs and crashes can use a number of tools, like Event Tracing for Windows, to catch a badly behaving task. Continue Reading
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21 Aug 2012
Ten Windows Server experts to follow
On social media? Follow this list of the best bloggers, consultants and authors for Windows Server updates and tips on Twitter. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jul 2012
How to repair a corrupt Outlook 2010 deployment
When Outlook goes down, don’t automatically download a third-party tool. Instead, try one of these approaches suggested by our expert. Continue Reading
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21 Jun 2012
A guide to Microsoft Windows Server Hyper-V
Hyper-V, Microsoft's virtualization platform, helps admins to extend and manage their server networks Learn the basics or dig deeper in this expansive guide. Continue Reading
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17 Apr 2012
Microsoft System Center 2012 overview
Microsoft's systems management suite gets a major facelift this year. Here's what you need to know about licensing and product updates. Continue Reading
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05 Apr 2012
Start here: a guide to Active Directory
Get a handle on complex Active Directory topics such as security, replication and group policy in this comprehensive collection of tutorials. Continue Reading
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19 Mar 2012
Top 10 Microsoft Hyper-V tools to consider
When it comes to improving Hyper-V performance, Microsoft and third parties provide many useful tools. Here are 10 to pay attention to. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Mar 2012
Three reasons behind Exchange 2010 Management Console failures
It’s not uncommon for the Exchange 2010 management console to break down. Some failures may be attributed to changes made since Exchange 2007, but there are other causes as well. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
27 Feb 2012
Top 10 Microsoft Hyper-V tools to consider
When it comes to improving Hyper-V performance, Microsoft and third parties provide many useful tools. Here are 10 to pay attention to. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Feb 2012
Using Microsoft PerfView to profile process performance data
Microsoft made its internal performance monitoring tool available to the public. Here's how it offers an advanced peek at application processes. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Feb 2012
Microsoft System Center 2012
Microsoft System Center 2012 is a bundled suite of systems management products that offers tools to monitor and automate virtualized environments, including private clouds based on Microsoft Hyper-V. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Feb 2012
Microsoft Exchange Online explained
With all the chatter around hosted services these days, it pays to know about Exchange Online. Get a handle on its benefits and drawbacks. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Feb 2012
Distinguishing between mail contacts and mail users in Exchange 2010
It’s easy to confuse mail users with mail contacts in Exchange 2010. Our expert sorts out the differences between these seemingly interchangeable terms. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jan 2012
Managing and monitoring server log data
See how proactive system administrators help themselves avoid a security breach by putting an effective log management policy in place. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Dec 2011
Data center monitoring system considerations
An effective monitoring system can track environmental variables and alert admins of a potential problem before it becomes a critical emergency. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Nov 2011
The challenges of change and configuration management
Due diligence, business alignment and proper deployment are key to mastering change and configuration management tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Nov 2011
What to do when DNS records disappear
When working with DNS records in Active Directory, a small mistake can quickly become a big problem. Follow these steps to speed your recovery. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Nov 2011
Best Practices for Active Directory forest trusts
The more domains you manage, the more you rely on forest trusts. Follow these tips to manage your AD infrastructure – and maintain your sanity. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Nov 2011
Prioritizing alerts with server monitoring tools
Setting and prioritizing alerts with server monitoring tools can help an administrator respond quickly to critical problems without being bothered by insignificant alarms. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Nov 2011
Application performance tips: Workload optimization and software pathing
IT pros looking to maximize application performance should look beyond basic software, tuning to products from vendors pathing software and hardware. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Oct 2011
Migrating a Linux file system to a Windows file system (or vice versa)
In-place file system conversions are not only difficult – they're also downright dangerous. If you need to migrate data, you've got other options. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Oct 2011
Weighing the pros and cons of the Trusted Computing Platform
When used as designed, trusted computing can provide a high level of security, but limitations and potential for abuse prohibits its usefulness. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Sep 2011
Exchange 2010 auditing tools to track admin, end-user behavior
Compliance rules make tracking admin and email users a necessary evil. Thankfully, audit logging tools in Exchange 2010 can help. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Sep 2011
Using RamMap and VMMap Tools to Troubleshoot Windows Memory Issues
Even a veteran system admin can be challenged when investigating Windows memory issues. The free RamMap and VMMap tools remove much of the guesswork. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2011
Best practices for securing Exchange ActiveSync
Sure, ActiveSync is easy to set up and administer, but how comfortable are you with its security? These best practices will go a long way toward protecting your CAS. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jul 2011
Scripting: VMware PowerCLI vs. Microsoft PowerShell
VMware's PowerCLI sits atop Microsoft's PowerShell, but does it make scripting on a virtualization platform better? Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jun 2011
Troubleshoot Windows boot problems with Xbootmgr
By working with the Xperf tool, Xbootmgr helps admins pinpoint the real cause of slow boot issues in Windows Server. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 Jun 2011
Why mssphtb.dll was disabled in Outlook 2010
Exchange admins wonder why Microsoft disabled the mssphtb.dll utility in Outlook 2010. Our expert clears the air on this misunderstood search component. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 May 2011
Repadmin diagnoses Active Directory replication issues in Windows
Repadmin troubleshoots Active Directory replication issues, but it also includes some commands that Windows administrators might not recognize. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Mar 2011
The SharePoint content repository: It's just a database
SharePoint's lifeline is the content repository, where all the content is housed. Learn how the database works as well as its challenges. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Feb 2011
A closer look at the Ntdsutil command-line tools for Active Directory
Dig into the slew of Ntdsutil commands in Windows Server 2008 and R2 that provide admins with improved Active Directory management. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jan 2011
Top three Windows server crashes (and how to avoid them)
Why wait until a server crashes to start the troubleshooting process? Admins can squash potential outages ahead of time by zeroing on the most likely culprits. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jan 2011
How to use WMI with Windows PowerShell scripts
With PowerShell, admins can harness the power of WMI to find all sorts of system and network information. The best part? It’s probably a lot easier than you think. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Dec 2010
How vulnerable is Microsoft IIS 7.5 to attacks?
While version 7.5 is more secure out of the box than past IIS releases, it doesn't guarantee 100% protection. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Dec 2010
Using OpenNMS and SNMP for open source systems management
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) can allow a deeper look into system information gathered from OpenNMS. This tip walks through network monitoring with OpenNMS and SNMP. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Nov 2010
Tracking system resources with free WinObj utility from Sysinternals
Mark Russinovich and company did Microsoft one better with the WinObj tool for tracking Windows system resources, though there’s still room for improvement. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Nov 2010
Using Nagios plugins for configuration and system testing
Using Nagios plugins can be vital in performing specific system tests and configuration. In this tip, you'll learn about using default and custom plugins in Nagios. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Nov 2010
Hyper-V Dynamic Memory vs. VMware memory overcommit
Memory allocation can be a guessing game in virtualized environments. Hyper-V Dynamic Memory and VMware memory overcommit tackle the problem in different ways. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Sep 2010
Remote server monitoring with Nagios
After the network monitoring tool Nagios is fully configured, learn the next step in setting it up for remote server monitoring. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Sep 2010
Auditing AD administrators with Windows 2008 R2's Event Viewer
When it comes to admin rights, knowing who you can trust is not always easy. But while auditing limitations won’t do you any favors, new features in R2’s Event Viewer can help. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Sep 2010
Ten cool iPhone apps for Windows admins
Are you an admin on the go? Check out some of the best iPhone apps available for Windows server and network management. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Aug 2010
Sysinternals RAMMap utility sheds new light on Windows memory usage
RAMMap, one of the latest offerings from Sysinternals, provides an in-depth overview of server memory usage that can't be matched by native Windows programs. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jul 2010
Alternative PowerShell commands for Active Directory management
While Microsoft has added many new cmdlets for PowerShell 2.0, admins can also use additional options from Quest Software and other outlets when working with Active Directory. Continue Reading