IT Operations
Top Stories
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Tip
15 Jul 2026
14 steps to implement IT automation at enterprise scale
IT organizations can't implement automation all at once. But by following proven steps, they can safely scale workflows while improving governance, efficiency and control. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jul 2026
6 trends shaping IT automation in 2026 and beyond
Enterprises are expanding their use of automation in IT, where AI is changing the landscape with trends such as agentic workflows, automated decision-making and AI-driven pipelines. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Feb 2016
Why is there an Outlook folder missing from Outlook Web App?
Some folders in a mailbox on Exchange Server 2013 are not showing up on the folder list in the OWA virtual directory but do appear in other views. Continue Reading
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Guide
08 Feb 2016
An initiation into infrastructure automation tools and methods
IT infrastructure automation isn't always easy, but the right tools with the right implementation strategy will pay off with faster provisioning and fewer errors. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Feb 2016
Six alternative Hyper-V management tools
There are a number of third-party Hyper-V management tools available for organizations that need to handle a few dozen nodes. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Dec 2015
What are my options for Azure ExpressRoute connections?
For companies that need a private connection and full access to different Azure regions, Microsoft offers a premium version of Azure ExpressRoute. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Nov 2015
Using PowerShell to create XML documents
Administrators can avoid introducing errors when building an XML file by using PowerShell to construct the document. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Nov 2015
Using XPath syntax to root through XML documents
Using XPath syntax and the Select-XML cmdlet can help uncover the information you need in an XML document. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Nov 2015
Server patch management for multi-OS data centers
If you have a multi-OS data center, you know the struggle that is server patch management. Don't fret, the right combination of tools and human intuition can alleviate the pain. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Oct 2015
Learn Group Policy basics for Windows administrators
Group Policy hasn't changed much since its introduction, but it can be overwhelming to beginners. Learn how to use Group Policy to manage users and computers. Continue Reading
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Guide
20 Oct 2015
2016 Modern Infrastructure Impact Awards
The 2016 MI Impact Awards recognize the top products, technologies and services in six categories. Here are the finalists that made the cut. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Sep 2015
How to calculate Exchange 2013 resource requirements
Inadequate server resources can impair performance and growth. Here's how to calculate megacycles of work and memory requirements for Exchange 2013. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Sep 2015
Use a PowerShell script to force logoff an RDP session
When end users remain logged in to an RDP session, it consumes valuable resources. Use this PowerShell script to force users to log off. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Aug 2015
Configure disk volumes to optimize your Exchange 2013 performance
The wrong disk volumes can foil Exchange optimization practices. Assess your configurations with support and compression in mind. Continue Reading
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Opinion
03 Jun 2015
Advanced threat protection add-on comes to Microsoft EOP
The ATP add-on for Exchange Online Protection gives on-premises Exchange Server and Office 365 customers another layer of security. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Jun 2015
A Windows Server 2016 Group Policy walkthrough
Administrators who work with Group Policy will appreciate that the structure hasn't changed in Windows Server 2016, but there are new policies unique to the release worth noting. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 May 2015
Facebook completes Chef DevOps migration, shares lessons
The mistakes, best practices and tools that Facebook shares from its migration to Chef configuration management apply to your DevOps shop too. 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
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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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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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
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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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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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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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
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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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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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
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
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
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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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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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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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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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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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
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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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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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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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
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
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
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
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
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
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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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
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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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
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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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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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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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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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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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