IT Operations
Top Stories
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News
15 Oct 2026
Vendors build safeguards for autonomous software factories
Experts say baked-in workload isolation, network controls and continuous verification are important safeguards for autonomous software development. Continue Reading
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News
14 Oct 2026
Gartner forecasts massive AI infrastructure write-downs
Gartner forecasts that up to 80% of neoclouds will cease independent operations by 2030, as projected AI infrastructure costs exceed projected revenue. 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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Feature
17 Oct 2011
Using AuditPol to audit Windows users and set policies
Solution providers may find value in the AuditPol utility for auditing and organizing Windows users, setting policies and configuring settings such as user privileges. 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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Feature
24 Nov 2010
How to use nsswitch.com to find Linux system information
In this chapter excerpt, learn to find information in your customers' Linux systems by using nsswitch.conf to search for information types, including netgroups or networks, and method searches such as dns or nis. 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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Feature
01 Nov 2010
Exchange Management Shell, Queue Viewer: Message tracking tools
Learn how Exchange 2010 message tracking tools, such as Queue Viewer, allow solution providers to uncover potential mail flow issues in their customers' Exchange Server 2010 systems. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Nov 2010
Monitoring Exchange Server 2010 : Using event logs, ExBPA
Using the Exchange Best Practices Analyzer (ExBPA) for an Exchange health check and monitoring event logs will help keep Exchange Server 2010 at peak performance. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Oct 2010
MMC console management: Adding Windows 7 snap-ins
From ActiveX Control to Task Scheduler, there are many Windows 7 snap-ins available. Check out the different user and configuration settings that manage a customer's MMC console. 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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Feature
21 Jul 2010
Windows 7 administrative tools: Creating shortcuts
Windows 7 administrative tools such as the iSCSI Initiator may be under your radar, but you can use them to help customers more easily manage everyday tasks. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Jul 2010
Windows 7 compatibility: Solving Hardware, software issues
Windows 7 compatibility has improved over previous Windows versions, especially when it comes to finding and installing hardware easily, and overcoming software incompatibilities. 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
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Tip
16 Jun 2010
Selecting benchmarking tools for specific needs
Narrowing down the best benchmarking tool requires testing and a careful evaluation of needs, including system compatibility, level of technical depth and scalability. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jun 2010
Improve application performance with multithreaded applications
Multi-core CPUs fuel a server's operating system performance and virtualization technologies. Can multithreaded applications and multi-core CPUs fuel application performance as well? Continue Reading
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Tip
14 May 2010
Open source Xen vs. Citrix XenServer
Our expert compares the three major open source Xen contenders with Citrix XenServer to help you determine which Xen management product is best for your customers. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 May 2010
Exchange Server 2010 requirements: Hardware, Active Directory
You should know the hardware and Active Directory requirements for Exchange Server 2010 before deployment, including the memory needed and global catalog server placement. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Apr 2010
Architecting application failover in your data center
Attempting application failover by re-coding your apps may not be the right choice for every data center, as several factors, including virtualization and coding languages, affect which method you should use. This tip offers advice for finding the application failover option that best suits your IT infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Apr 2010
PowerShell commands in Windows Server 2008 R2
Use this chapter excerpt to learn about PowerShell commands for Windows Server 2008 R2, as well as other PowerShell uses, features, enhancements and command types. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Apr 2010
PowerShell remoting in Windows Server 2008 R2
Learn the best methods to enabling PowerShell remoting in Windows Server 2008 R2, including using cmdlets or the Server Manager to configure PowerShell remoting. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Mar 2010
Using Group Policy preferences for immediate and scheduled tasks
The scheduling tools in Group Policy preferences let you run a command across an entire infrastructure quickly and easily. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Mar 2010
New virtual machine management using VMM, PowerShell
Use this chapter excerpt to get tips for new virtual machine management, including how to add a managed host to Virtual Machine Manager by using PowerShell scripts. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Mar 2010
Using Windows PowerShell scripts for task automation
Solutions providers will find that executing Windows PowerShell scripts for task automation will make jobs, such as creating virtual machines or consolidating old servers, easier. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Mar 2010
Why is Microsoft Outlook blocking attachments?
Microsoft Outlook blocks email attachments to protect the Exchange Server organization from malware and viruses. This can be frustrating if it blocks safe attachments. Here are two workarounds you can use to make sure users can open safe attachments without opening the system up to threats. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Mar 2010
IT systems management: The production acceptance process
This chapter excerpt on IT systems management explains how solutions providers can benefit from production acceptance and details the steps to effective implementation. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Mar 2010
Windows 7 system monitoring: Resource Monitor, Performance Monitor
Help your customers get a handle on PC resource usage and bottlenecks with two built-in Windows 7 system monitoring tools: Resource Monitor and Performance Monitor. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Mar 2010
Standalone versus domain-based namespaces in Windows DFS
When setting up namespaces in Windows DFS, be aware that the popular choice may not be the best fit for your environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Mar 2010
Active Directory Web Services brings new power to R2
Admins running Windows 2008 R2 might be interested in Active Directory Web Services, a new interface for accessing Active Directory and AD Lightweight Directory Services. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Feb 2010
Resolving a Windows 7 crash or freeze
This FAQ helps solutions providers give users the best assistance when Windows 7 issues arise, such as the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), crashes and random freezes. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Feb 2010
Recovering an Active Directory root domain in a multiple domain forest
Imagine your entire forest root domain failed. What would you do? This case study explores the steps taken in such a situation. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Feb 2010
Defining the relationship between Outlook, AD and Exchange Server
Find out how Outlook, AD and Exchange are connected and the roles each play for users. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Jan 2010
Performing an automated Ubuntu install using preseeding
When performing an automated Ubuntu install, preseeding is an integral part of the process. Learn the different variables and settings necessary for a basic preseed configuration. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
05 Jan 2010
Set-ExchangeServer cmdlet can ease domain controller workloads
Exchange Server can distribute workloads evenly among domain controllers, but external factors can cause them to become overworked . Executing Exchange Management Shell's Set-ExchangeServer command can help lessen domain controller workloads. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Dec 2009
Fixing lingering object problems in complex Active Directory forests
Lingering objects can provide an inconsistent view of the Active Directory and confuse administrators. Learn how to find and remove them in complex forests. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Nov 2009
Setting Windows 7 environment variables
This chapter excerpt can teach you how to use Windows 7 environmental variables to locate your customers' system files and folders. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Nov 2009
Windows 7 command-line tools and programs
Learning how to use Windows 7 command-line tools and programs can help solutions providers perform maintenance, configuration and diagnostic tasks for customers. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Nov 2009
Installing and managing Hyper-V on Windows Server 2008 Server Core
Follow the necessary steps to install Hyper-V on Windows Server 2008 Server Core and learn how to remotely manage your customers' Hyper-V environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Oct 2009
Perfmon made easy with PAL utility
Performance Monitor in Windows is a great troubleshooting tool, but analyzing logs can be tedious. Learn to use the free PAL utility to take the time out of troubleshooting. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Oct 2009
Host and guest virtual machine: Definitions
We explain the two components of a virtual machine -- the host and the guest -- in this installment of virtualization explained series. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Oct 2009
Check server specs before upgrading your operating system
Operating system upgrades can be tricky with the number of variables involved. Users need to research server hardware specifications and OS requirements before upgrading. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Oct 2009
WIndows 7 dual monitor not working? Read these tips
Use this chapter excerpt to get rules, tips and troubleshooting advice for setting up dual monitors in Windows 7 and adding a secondary display adapter. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Oct 2009
Adding and removing Windows 7 hardware
Use this chapter excerpt to become an expert on adding PnP and non-PnP hardware. You'll also get tips on providing drivers for hardware, troubleshooting and removing hardware. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Aug 2009
Microsoft Outlook error message: 'Mailbox Size Limit exceeded'
An Exchange administrator keeps receiving an error message stating 'Mailbox Size Limit exceeded.' See what to check before taking action. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Aug 2009
Top five keys to success for a new CMDB project
Configuration management database (CMDB) projects require a steady hand and a lot of help from IT staff. Here are some tips to help you ensure CMDB success. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Aug 2009
How SQL Server recovery models impact your SharePoint databases
SharePoint administrators can minimize data loss by selecting the appropriate SQL Server recovery model. But which model is right for your enterprise? Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jul 2009
Debugging Windows client logon delays: Narrowing the scope
There are several potential causes of slow client logons. The question is, once you find the source, how do you fix it? Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jul 2009
Forcing the removal of a Windows Server 2008 domain controller
Need solutions for Microsoft Active Directory 2008? This excerpt from "Active Directory Domain Services 2008 How-To" explains how to force the removal of a Windows Server 2008 Domain Controller and how to perform a metadata cleanup. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Jun 2009
Sending poll questions through Exchange to non-Outlook users
Learn if you can send out polling questions through Exchange Server to recipients who don't use Microsoft Outlook. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
10 Jun 2009
Exchange Performance Monitor tracks domain controller communication
Using Performance Monitor counters is an effective way to keep an eye on Exchange Server health. Learn which Performance Monitor counters you should watch to ensure that your Exchange Servers are communicating effectively with your domain controllers. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
28 Apr 2009
Windows Distributed File System (DFS) Tutorial
This short guide breaks down Microsoft's Distributed File System, with tips, articles and how-tos on topics ranging from DFS Namespace and DFS Replication to migration, we've got all the resources Windows admins need. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Mar 2009
Windows Distributed File System (DFS) Namespace primer
This excerpt from "The Complete Guide to Windows Server 2008" goes over the basics of Distributed File System Namespace (DFSN). Learn the applications, components and mechanics of DFSN, as well as what's new with Windows Server 2008. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Feb 2009
Quest Authentication Services
Quest Authentication Services allows organizations to extend Active Directory (AD) to Unix, Linux and Mac platforms and enterprise applications. It enables the unification of identities and directories for simplified identity and access management. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Feb 2009
Group Policy Object modeling simplifies network security
Group Policy modeling is a great security tool for troubleshooting Group Policy settings and testing GPOs before they are applied with Windows Server 2008. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Feb 2009
How to revoke and delete Active Directory user certificates
In this Ask the Expert Q&A, our identity and access management expert examines how to set up Active Directory autoenrollment feature to revoke and delete user certificates on the Certificate Authority (CA) automatically. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Feb 2009
Using HP Systems Insight Manager (SIM) 5.2 for systems management and monitoring
Hewlett-Packard (HP) Co.'s Systems Insight Manager (SIM) 5.2 offers systems management and monitoring for HP servers or WMI-, SNMP- or WBEM-enabled systems. SIM works with HP's Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) management modules to detect hardware problems and can monitor system information such as processor and memory utilization, network bandwidth, and more. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
13 Jan 2009
Enabling Unified Messaging mailboxes and users
When Unified Messaging is deployed in an Exchange 2007 environment, the Exchange Recipient Administrator can configure UM mailbox-enabled users and begin to allow email, voicemail and faxes to be delivered to their Inboxes. In this excerpt from "Microsoft Exchange Server 2007: The Complete Reference," get step-by-step instructions on how to enable these users and their mailboxes. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Dec 2008
A quick guide to Server Manager for Windows Server 2008
New to Windows Server 2008, the Server Manager feature can be a huge benefit to admins – once they figure out where to find everything. This article gives you a crash course on everything Server Manager has to offer. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Dec 2008
Creating a SharePoint site map using out-of-the-box features
Giving SharePoint site owners the power to manage their own part of the SharePoint site map frees up administrators to manage more critical areas of the SharePoint environment. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
20 Oct 2008
Microsoft Group Policy Tutorial
This guide introduces you to Group Policy. From the basics of using GP to run your environment to the changes you can expect after migrating to Windows Vista, we've got all the tips, article and how-to's administrators need to know. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Sep 2008
What are the 3 core deliverables of basic MSP offerings?
Developing an efficient managed services offering is essential to building loyal clientele. Learn about the three core deliverables that comprise a managed services offering. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Sep 2008
Why can't I grant users permissions to an Exchange public folder?
Exchange Server public folder permissions can be complex. Get troubleshooting advice on delegating permissions to Exchange Server public folders here. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Sep 2008
Troubleshooting Active Directory database errors
While database errors in Active Directory can crop up occasionally, they are usually simple to fix. Check out these troubleshooting tips for when you think your AD database might be corrupted. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Sep 2008
Troubleshooting slow Outlook Web Access (OWA) performance
Do your Exchange mobile users struggle with slow Outlook Web Access (OWA) server performance? The initial cause may not be your OWA server, but instead a firewall or infrastructure issue. To pinpoint the root cause of slow OWA server performance, use the Performance Monitor. If there isn't one particular issue causing slow performance, the entire server may be unable to support a normal workload. Replacing the server or using network load balancing can fix this. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Sep 2008
Downloading and Installing Windows PowerShell
In this excerpt from "Essential PowerShell" you'll learn the steps and procedures for downloading and installing Windows PowerShell. You'll also go over the process of taking WPS for a test run in interactive mode and script mode. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Aug 2008
Branch office security: Pros and cons of read-only domain controllers
Windows administrators have long wondered whether or not to use domain controllers for authentication in remote branch offices. In this tip, learn about the pros and cons of domain controllers in Windows environments and how read-only domain controllers can improve security in your organization. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
30 Jun 2008
How to install a certificate on a Windows Vista client
Learn how to install a certificate onto a Windows Vista client after downloading the certificate from the enterprise certificate authority. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jun 2008
How to access SharePoint sites through Microsoft Outlook
If you have both Microsoft Exchange Server and SharePoint, you can easily access SharePoint sites directly from Microsoft Outlook. Here's how. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jun 2008
Database grooming for System Center Operations Manager 2007
This excerpt from "System Center Operations Manager 2007 Unleashed" takes you through the process of grooming your operational, data warehouse and ACS databases in SCOM 2007 Continue Reading
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Tip
28 May 2008
Use the Exchange Management Shell Set command to block senders
Want to create a list of blocked mail senders and recipients in Exchange Server 2007? Use the Exchange Management Shell's Set verb to write this script. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
21 May 2008
How to test Exchange Management Shell commands
Understand how to use the Exchange Management Shell parameters WhatIf and ValidateOnly in Exchange 2007 to preview and test EMS commands before executing them. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 May 2008
Determining the cause of Windows server hang
Using the Windows Kernel Debugger (Windbg), learn to fix Windows server hang by analyzing a forced crash dump to determine the cause of the hung server. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Apr 2008
Tracking a deleted Active Directory object's replication status
Learn how to track a deleted Active Directory object's replication status and how to determine if the object has been replicated throughout the DC forest. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Apr 2008
How to build redundancy in Active Directory replication
Building redundancy in Active Directory replication is one way an administrator can ensure AD replication continues even if critical domain controllers fail. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Apr 2008
Why do Windows servers hang?
Troubleshooting a hung server begins by understanding why the problem occurs in the first place. Windows expert Bruce Mackenzie-Low takes a look at the big picture to explain some common causes of Windows server hang. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Mar 2008
How to create a cross-forest trust in Active Directory
Building a cross-forest trust in Active Directory allows a trust to be created between the root domain of two forests. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Feb 2008
Windows Server 2008: PowerShell basics and top commands
The Microsoft PowerShell team offers up the top commands and usage scenarios for the new command line shell and scripting language for Windows Server 2008 Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Feb 2008
Optimizing NTFS file system performance
The hard disk can sometimes become a bottleneck in overall system performance. While not much can be done to overcome hardware-related limitations, admins can optimize the NTFS file system for better performance. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jan 2008
How to set up Remote Desktop for Exchange Server administration
Learn how to use the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to manage and troubleshoot Microsoft Exchange Server from a distance via a terminal service session. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jan 2008
How to use RACI charts to define service desk roles and responsibilities
Using a management tool called RACI charting can help IT managers simplify the daunting task of clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the service desk. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Dec 2007
Best practices for using Outlook .PST files on portable USB drives
You can save Microsoft Outlook email data in a .PST file to a portable USB storage drive, but make sure you understand these best practices first. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Dec 2007
Troubleshoot Outlook Web Access (OWA) login error: 'Access denied'
Learn how to troubleshoot Outlook Web Access (OWA) login errors that prevent OWA users from accessing their email. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Dec 2007
Set Outlook calendar permissions for group to view private meetings
Learn how to grant Microsoft Outlook calendar permissions, including access to private Microsoft Outlook calendar meetings, to a select group of users. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Nov 2007
How the DC locator works in Active Directory
The DC locator depends heavily on DNS to not only locate a domain controller with the right role but also to locate one that will be efficient. Continue Reading