IT Operations
Top Stories
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Feature
24 Sep 2026
Capability risks rise with layoffs: What CIOs should know
Layoffs can lead to significant capability risk -- the loss of expertise and tacit knowledge. These hidden costs affect productivity, innovation and long-term efficiency. Continue Reading
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News
24 Sep 2026
Groundcover acquisition automates Kubernetes provisioning
Groundcover brings the contextual data, and Wand brings autonomous Kubernetes infrastructure setup. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 May 2015
How to integrate IT infrastructure monitoring tools
When done successfully, performance monitoring tool integrations enhance administrative insight and productivity across a busy data center. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 May 2015
What are SR-IOV pros and cons with Hyper-V?
SR-IOV in Windows Server 2012 R2 supports Hyper-V Live Migration, but system requirements hampered adoption for some cases. Should everyone put PCIe SR-IOV to use? Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Apr 2015
Learn how to use BitLocker in Windows Server 2012
BitLocker is an encryption feature in all versions of Windows Server 2012 that can protect the data on your PC and hard drive. Learn how to install and use it. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Apr 2015
What are the limitations and drawbacks of an IPAM server?
Windows Server IPAM can only handle one Active Directory forest. Learn about other limitations. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Apr 2015
Switch authentication modes during a disaster recovery
Converting authentication modes is a rare thing admins need to address, but it must be fixed right away when it happens -- and Microsoft's documentation on it is incorrect. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Apr 2015
Two ways to manage different server operating systems
Several tools and techniques let data center systems administrators work with multiple server OSes on one host system, and manage it effectively. Continue Reading
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E-Zine
14 Apr 2015
Big data workloads live on-premises
Seven years after its birth, the frenzy around cloud is beginning to subside. IT organizations have embraced public cloud for some workloads, and built private clouds for others.
IT is having productive discussions about which applications to leave where they are, and which applications to re-platform. They're considering the pros and cons of renting shared infrastructure rather than buying dedicated on-premises resources.
You may not get the raw performance from a virtualized cloud instance that you could from dedicated bare-metal hardware -- you need to weigh that against the cost of hiring data center operations staff.
Meanwhile, the hype around big data and social media has just begun. The technology for doing this kind of analytics exists today. You can build a Hadoop-based repository to store the untold amounts of raw data that can later be used to discover unimagined relationships and patterns. It all sounds very promising, but for now, the jury's still out about the value of these initiatives.
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Definition
31 Mar 2015
Microsoft Network Policy and Access Services (Microsoft NPAS)
Microsoft Network Policy and Access Services (Microsoft NPAS) is a server role in Windows 2008 and Windows Server 2012 that allows administrators to provide local and remote network access. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Mar 2015
This PowerShell module takes control of NTFS permissions
One simple install of the File System Security PowerShell Module can help manage NTFS permissions for user access to folders. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Mar 2015
What's the effect of network switch buffer in a data center?
What's causing buffer? How much buffer should ideally be available in a network switch? Is there any standard available for buffer? Continue Reading
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E-Zine
17 Mar 2015
The new face of scale-out storage
There are plenty of new approaches to address ever-growing data needs, including scale-out vs. scale-up designs, the shift from hierarchical file systems to object storage, and the Hadoop Distributed File System. Pretty soon there will be absolutely no excuse not to store every crumb of data ever created.
Delivering Windows applications remotely is another area that could use some improvement, especially in today's age of tablets and mobile devices. App transformation takes existing Windows applications and intelligently delivers them to the target device, similar to how responsive web design principles package web pages differently depending on whether the client is a traditional PC, tablet or smartphone.
VMware, meanwhile seems to have hit a home run among users with its latest release to its venerable vSphere virtualization platform. Some things, it seems, get better with age.
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Tip
24 Feb 2015
IIS exploits in Windows Server and how you can fix them
There are several flaws in IIS that can jeopardize the security of Windows servers. Here are some of the top threats and how to solve them. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Feb 2015
Three apps in which Docker containers really shine
Docker containers offer a variety of benefits. But apply the software to these three application types to get the biggest bang for your buck. Continue Reading
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E-Zine
16 Feb 2015
Hybrid cloud command and control
Expectations set by the public cloud around self-service and speed of deployment are beginning to creep into the enterprise. In the early days of cloud, developers were so wowed -- and the controls around accessing it were so loose -- that many organizations didn't even bother to try to control it. That's changing.
Social collaboration and sharing paradigms have revolutionized consumer behavior and habits. Consider the effects of sites like Facebook, Twitter-esque notions of followers and crowdsourcing knowledge on Wikipedia. IT is usually at the forefront to embrace new ideas, but it has been relatively slow to adopt these constructs.
No longer does every application require its own dedicated hardware; with server virtualization, IT pros can could simply package it up in a virtual machine and make better use of precious resources.
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Tip
16 Feb 2015
How virtualization can get you into software licensing trouble
Maintaining proper software licensing in virtual environments can be a challenge. Find a strategy to cope or you could find yourself out of compliance and in hot water. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Feb 2015
What a hybrid setup means for Exchange's future
Organizations that don't want to move entire workloads to the cloud have another option that's gaining popularity. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jan 2015
Microsoft System Center Operations Manager Management Pack (Microsoft SCOM Management Pack)
A System Center Operations Manager (SCOM) Management Pack is a pre-fabricated rule set intended to extend and configure SCOM for specific services or applications. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Jan 2015
How do I use SR-IOV for Hyper-V VMs?
Single Root I/O Virtualization, or SR-IOV, can help reduce latency and increase I/O throughput when enabled for Hyper-V VMs. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Jan 2015
Can you verify software compatibility on IT systems?
If you're thinking about deploying an application software package, how do you know if it is compatible with your particular systems and hardware? Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Dec 2014
How do I grant users outside the LAN access to OWA?
Our company has users who reside outside the local area network. What's the best way to grant those users access to Outlook Web App? Continue Reading
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News
10 Dec 2014
Google Compute Engine adds Windows, Exchange support
Google Compute Engine adds Windows support -- another sign of the platform's growing maturity and one fewer reason for enterprises to say no. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Dec 2014
IBM Tivoli software for enterprise system management
IBM Tivoli enterprise system management products are designed to manage all aspects of a data center, including storage, monitoring and automation. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Dec 2014
Dell OpenManage enterprise system management overview
Dell's OpenManage product suite provides tools and modules to manage both Dell and third-party IT infrastructures. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Nov 2014
What does ‘software defined’ actually mean?
Software defined is a term used to describe a wide variety of products, but it’s often used to catch your attention rather than describe a product’s function Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Oct 2014
Hidden vulnerabilities on your IIS 8 servers
IIS 8 isn't completely immune to security flaws. Here are some vulnerabilities you might be missing. Continue Reading
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Answer
27 Oct 2014
How does Exchange Native Data Protection work?
Take a look at what Exchange Native Data Protection does in Exchange 2013 to decide if it fits into your organization. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Oct 2014
How can I delete Exchange audit logs?
Admins don't have to sidestep the default settings for deleting logs, but if needed, these PowerShell cmdlets will get the job done. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Oct 2014
Know your data center monitoring system
You can't depend on a building system to run the data center. Implement a BMS and a DCIM tool to monitor and predict system changes, tighten security and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Oct 2014
Set rules with Office 365 message classification
Message classifications are some of the handiest tools Exchange Online admins can have in their toolkits. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Oct 2014
How does write back cache improve performance?
With Windows Server 2012 R2 and earlier, admins have access to write-back caching, leading to reasonable improvements for mission-critical workloads. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Sep 2014
What do you need to roll out application containerization?
Containers have a significant following these days, thanks to Docker. Find out how containers can help and what you need to get started. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Sep 2014
How to write server documentation
A data center should be prepared for the worst, but try to avoid that at all costs. Appropriate system documentation helps avoid critical errors. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jul 2014
Microsoft cloud storage may lift Azure skyward
Microsoft will continue to blare its Azure cloud next week with several cloud storage announcements. Will users listen this time? Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jul 2014
Component cloud model powers agile application development
In the future, IT pros see cloud as a place to spin up applications to respond to problems on the fly. The component cloud model is just step one. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jul 2014
Internet Explorer, Windows Server Service Bus receive patches
In July's Patch Tuesday update, Microsoft issued critical fixes for Internet Explorer and a lesser-known Windows program. 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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Feature
10 Dec 2013
Social media loosens up sober BPM
Companies are switching from closed-door BPM to a more democratic approach, and their cue comes from the madding crowd of social media. 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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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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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