Application management
While the desktop OSes provide the framework for end user computing, end users -- knowledge workers especially -- rely on desktop applications to perform almost every task on their desktop. Applications allow users to view, edit and repackage corporate data and files, so IT needs to keep a close eye on all applications from a security and UX perspective.
Top Stories
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Tip
25 Sep 2023
Using the Intune management extension for PowerShell scripts
Intune and PowerShell have a lot of unique management actions they can take, but with the help of the Intune management extension, they can communicate and manage more efficiently. Continue Reading
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Opinion
19 Sep 2023
4 ways that I use generative AI as an analyst
Many use cases for generative AI involve projecting to the future and aren't currently easy to use. However, these four use cases are available currently with generative AI. Continue Reading
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Opinion
30 Aug 2023
Google builds Cameyo app virtualization into ChromeOS
Google removes a significant barrier to ChromeOS adoption by partnering with Cameyo to deliver Windows applications -- SaaS, legacy, custom or otherwise -- natively to Chromebooks. Continue Reading
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Opinion
26 Jul 2023
Windows apps are here to stay, and that's OK
Windows applications are essential to so many businesses, so IT teams need a comprehensive strategy that can handle all types of applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jul 2023
Maximize PC lifespans with effective PC lifecycle management
When IT departments set lifecycle policy for PCs and desktops, they will need to set the length of a PC's life for user groups. Learn how to calculate the ideal lifecycle length. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jul 2023
Exchange Online post-migration steps for admins
A move to the hosted email platform is an opportunity to streamline how users work with other Microsoft 365 services. But it requires IT to stay current with the product roadmap. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jul 2023
What's new with Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows Server 2022
Not every organization can move to the cloud but using Microsoft Office apps on premises might not be an option beyond 2026. Are the days of the RDS role numbered? Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jun 2023
4 PC lifecycle management best practices
There isn't a perfect PC lifecycle plan for all organizations, so IT teams and management should ask themselves these four questions to shape their PC policy. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Apr 2023
Tips to avoid a bumpy Exchange 2010 migration to Office 365
Now that Exchange Server 2010 and Exchange 2013 are legacy products, administrators should make the push to migrate to avoid becoming the next ransomware target. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Apr 2023
Comparing enabled and enforced MFA in Microsoft 365
When managing Microsoft 365 authentication, IT admins may encounter the distinction between enabled and enforced MFA. Find out what those terms mean. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Apr 2023
How to set up MFA for an organization's Microsoft 365
To deploy MFA to an entire Microsoft environment, specifically to Microsoft 365, IT administrators will need to set up authentication via Azure AD. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Mar 2023
9 end-user experience monitoring tools to know
The end-user experience monitoring market is chock-full of options that can be confusing to keep track of. Take a look at nine EUEM tools IT professionals should know about. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Mar 2023
What does a Windows 11 license cost for business?
There are many approaches to licensing Windows 11 along with other Microsoft business software and services, which can be daunting, but executives and IT teams can learn the basics here. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Mar 2023
How to prepare for the next version of Exchange Server
The Exchange Server roadmap charts several twists and turns that shows Microsoft deviating from its typical course with the server-based email platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Feb 2023
How to enable Internet Explorer mode on Microsoft Edge
Internet Explorer mode lets users view legacy IE websites not supported by other browsers, which can increase productivity and improve security for IT administrators. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Jan 2023
Exploring Edge Chromium requirements for system admins
Edge Chromium adapts many of Chrome's greatest strengths to create a compelling browser alternative for system admins. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Oct 2022
How will Microsoft Loop affect the Microsoft 365 service
While Microsoft Loop is not yet generally available, Microsoft has released details about how Loop can connect users and projects across the Microsoft 365 service. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Oct 2022
Comparing Microsoft Loop vs. SharePoint for businesses
Microsoft's announcement of Loop came with various questions -- in particular, how the new product compares to legacy products, like SharePoint. Here, find out how the two differ. Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2022
Microsoft introduces premium add-on for Teams meetings
Microsoft plans to release the Teams Premium add-on in February but won't launch advanced AI capabilities until later in the year. The company hasn't released pricing. Continue Reading
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News
12 Oct 2022
Google opens Workspace apps to developers
Google has introduced APIs and an SDK for third-party software integrations with Workspace apps. The company also unveiled enhancements to the productivity suite. Continue Reading
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News
06 Oct 2022
Automation and digital assistants in a post-pandemic world
From the food industry to manufacturing and healthcare, enterprises are looking for more ways to enhance their businesses and scale their growth with digital automation. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Sep 2022
An introduction to Edge Chromium vs. Edge
The shift to Chromium has improved several aspects of Microsoft's Edge browser -- from privacy settings to reliability. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Aug 2022
Comparing web browser privacy and security features
While the four most common browsers -- Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari -- have largely the same feature sets, there are subtle differences when it comes to privacy and security. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jul 2022
Web browser comparison of Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Edge
Many user tasks rely on the browser used, but not all browsers are well suited to these tasks. Learn the strengths and weaknesses of each major browser. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jul 2022
Comparing RAM usage across common web browsers
While there are plenty of similarities across web browsers, the processes that they consume RAM with can greatly differ. This may be critical information for some IT teams. Continue Reading
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News
30 Jun 2022
Microsoft will sign idle users out of Office web apps
Hybrid work puts corporate data at risk as employees use various devices to access company resources. Microsoft has worked to address that risk in Office web apps. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jun 2022
Guide to Linux patch management
While patching desktops has some universal aspects across systems, there are specific Linux best practices that Linux administrators need to know. Here are eight important ones. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jun 2022
Patch management vs. vulnerability management: Key differences
Although both patch and vulnerability management are intertwined, they differ in critical ways, and it's important to have tools and processes for executing both. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jun 2022
Creating a patch management policy: Step-by-step guide
A comprehensive IT patch management policy is insurance against network hardware and software prone to bugs and vulnerabilities that can disrupt critical business processes. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Jun 2022
Use this 10-step patch management process to ensure success
Following these steps will help keep your software updated, largely bug-free and secure from cyberthreats while making patch management more reliable and less stressful. Continue Reading
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News
26 May 2022
Microsoft won't lower software costs on AWS, Google clouds
Microsoft plans to loosen restrictions to lower the cost of running Office and Windows on clouds smaller than Azure. The changes won't affect running the products on its largest rivals. Continue Reading
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News
15 Apr 2022
Microsoft responds to cloud antitrust complaints
Microsoft has drawn antitrust scrutiny for rules that make it more expensive to run Windows and Office on rivals' clouds. The company promised a fix but has provided no details. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Mar 2022
Understanding the features of Windows 11 Enterprise
IT admins considering a migration to Windows 11 should learn how the features of the Enterprise edition can benefit their organizations. Continue Reading
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News
17 Mar 2022
Microsoft updates Teams, Outlook for hybrid work challenges
Microsoft's upcoming hybrid work features will help remote and in-office employees schedule meetings, share presentations and collaborate more effectively. Continue Reading
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News
11 Mar 2022
File Explorer tabs reappear in new Windows 11 preview build
The latest Windows 11 developer build lets people open multiple folders in the file management app. The feature is supposed to cut down on time switching between folders. Continue Reading
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News
17 Feb 2022
Microsoft boosts productivity in Windows 11 through taskbar
The latest Windows 11 update lets video conference participants use the taskbar to mute and unmute audio and share content without opening the Teams app. Continue Reading
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News
11 Feb 2022
Microsoft brings parity to OneNote web, desktop apps
OneNote web app users will be able to set a view-only mode, copy and paste objects without changing their format, and perform other functions found in the desktop version. Continue Reading
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News
03 Feb 2022
Apple working with Dropbox, Microsoft to fix macOS 12.3
Apple said it will work with Dropbox and Microsoft on the macOS 12.3 problem that prevented their file storage software from running correctly on the upcoming version of the OS. Continue Reading
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News
14 Dec 2021
Microsoft gets kudos for bringing OneDrive to Apple M1 Macs
OneDrive will soon run on ARM-based laptops, joining Box, Dropbox and Google storage services. Analysts said the ARM-based laptop market will grow in the coming years. Continue Reading
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News
08 Dec 2021
Microsoft to increase monthly subscription costs by 20%
Monthly subscribers to Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365 and Windows 365 will have to pay a premium or switch to an annual pricing model starting July 2022. Continue Reading
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News
19 Nov 2021
Microsoft Loop adds project management to 365
Loop lets teams track project status while editing documents in a single app. The Microsoft 365 software works with Word, PowerPoint and Excel document snippets. Continue Reading
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News
18 Nov 2021
Microsoft could make Edge default browser for opening links
People might no longer be able to use workarounds like EdgeDeflector to set another browser, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, as their default for opening links. Continue Reading
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News
04 Nov 2021
Microsoft Loop bolsters collaboration in 365
Loop lets people collaborate on Word and Excel content through Teams, Outlook and OneNote. The new software is based on the Fluid open source framework. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Sep 2021
The options for running Microsoft 365 on a Chromebook
Without access to the Microsoft 365 service locally, IT admins will have to consider a few workarounds to deliver Microsoft's productivity apps to Chromebook devices. Continue Reading
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News
01 Sep 2021
Microsoft announces release date for Windows 11
Windows 11 will include integration with unified communications platform Teams but won't initially include the option to download Android apps. Continue Reading
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News
30 Aug 2021
Microsoft to offer online-only Office, Outlook on Chromebooks
Starting on Sept. 18, Chromebook users will have to rely on the web-based versions of the popular Microsoft apps. Google welcomed the move as better for Chromebook users. Continue Reading
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News
17 Aug 2021
Monday.com brings document editing to project management
Monday.com has launched workdocs, targeting the document editing tool for brainstorming and goal setting. The tool is included in the company's project management platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jul 2021
Comparing offerings: Microsoft 365 vs. Google Workspace
Microsoft 365 vs. Google Workspace is a difficult choice, so organizations should evaluate each offering's features and pricing before they pick a cloud productivity service. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jun 2021
What's included in Microsoft 365 subscription plans
Microsoft 365 has different licensing plans for all kinds of businesses. Learn about the different subscription plans that Microsoft offers for this cloud-based platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jun 2021
A Microsoft 365 email migration checklist
When an organization migrates its email servers and profiles to Microsoft 365, it could use several different processes. Sort through the five options listed below. Continue Reading
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News
28 May 2021
Google lowers power use in latest Chrome update
The latest Chrome update changes the way the browser handles tabs to reduce CPU and power consumption. Chrome 91 also lets people copy and paste files directly into emails. Continue Reading
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News
25 May 2021
Samsung releases two more smart TV, PC hybrids
The new 24- and 43-inch Smart Monitors will run Microsoft 365 and support Bixby, Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa voice assistants. Pricing for Smart Monitors starts at $200. Continue Reading
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News
19 Mar 2021
Microsoft makes PowerPoint Presenter Coach widely available
Microsoft has added features to PowerPoint Presenter Coach. The enhancements in the self-help tool provide better tips on how to improve presentations that use PowerPoint slides. Continue Reading
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News
04 Mar 2021
Microsoft makes Universal Print generally available
Microsoft wants Universal Print to replace on-premises print servers. The cloud service provides printer management and eliminates the use of printer drivers. Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2021
Microsoft bolsters data security in 365
Microsoft said the latest 365 security features provide better protection for corporate data. The improvements guard sensitive information against attacks and leaks. Continue Reading
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News
23 Feb 2021
Microsoft to add a text prediction feature to Word
The feature, scheduled for release next month, makes suggestions as a person types in Word. Microsoft said the predictive text feature will make writing faster and more efficient. Continue Reading
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News
22 Feb 2021
Microsoft announces Office 2021, Office LTSC
Microsoft will launch two versions of Office for those who don't want Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Office 2021 and Office LTSC will be available in the second half of the year. Continue Reading
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News
17 Feb 2021
Microsoft crowdsources notifications for Edge
Microsoft wants the crowd to determine which notification requests are seen in Edge. The company has introduced a system to show useful notifications and hide annoying ones. Continue Reading
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News
12 Feb 2021
Google adds alias email addresses to Gmail search
Google has added to Gmail the ability to search all of a person's email addresses. The more comprehensive search results make it easier to find emails within inboxes. Continue Reading
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News
29 Jan 2021
Microsoft launches Application Guard for Office
Microsoft's new Application Guard for Office opens untrusted Word, PowerPoint and Excel documents in a container to protect a user's computer from threats. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jan 2021
Otter.ai helps Google Meet stay competitive
Otter.ai provides captioning, live transcription and recording options in Google Meet. The features match those in Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Dec 2020
How to set up MFA for Office 365 on end-user devices
When it comes to authentication factors, more is always better from a security perspective. Find out how to deploy MFA on end-user devices for Microsoft 365 users. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Nov 2020
How does Microsoft 365 extend Windows 7 support?
Microsoft is ending its official support for Windows 7. However, Microsoft 365 customers have the option to extend support via continued Windows security updates. Continue Reading
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News
13 Nov 2020
Google sunsetting G Suite unlimited storage
G Suite customers who enjoyed unlimited storage for years will have to switch to a plan with limits. Google announced the change when G Suite became Workspace. Continue Reading
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News
30 Oct 2020
Microsoft redirects to Edge as IE nears end of life
Microsoft will force some sites to open in Edge instead of IE, another sign the browser is nearing its end of life. Enterprise users must adapt, experts say. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Oct 2020
Does Office 365 include Teams with enterprise licenses?
There are numerous issues that come with licensing for Microsoft Teams, including this key question: Does Office 365 include Teams with the different Office 365 licenses? Continue Reading
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News
21 Sep 2020
Google Meet updates close in on Microsoft Teams, Zoom
The latest Google Meet features let participants see up to 49 people on-screen at a time. Other enhancements include better control over who gets access to meetings. Continue Reading
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News
02 Sep 2020
Microsoft launches Word transcription tool
The new Microsoft Word transcription feature makes crafting notes from an audio file a more streamlined process. The service is available with a Microsoft 365 subscription. Continue Reading
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News
28 Aug 2020
Microsoft ending 365 IE 11 support in 2021
With Microsoft 365 IE 11 support coming to an end, organizations must prepare for the day when relying on the browser is no longer an option, industry observers said. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Aug 2020
How to use the Office cloud policy service with Microsoft 365
The Office cloud policy continues Microsoft's trend of converging management utilities within Microsoft Endpoint Manager, and IT can manage all Office apps within this platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jul 2020
How IT admins can use PowerShell to monitor CPU usage
IT administrators that are familiar with PowerShell can use certain scripts to monitor CPU performance on desktops to determine the root cause of desktop performance issues. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jul 2020
New Microsoft Lists tracks info in 365 productivity suite
Microsoft Lists, launching in July, is intended to help organizations store and track selected information from 365. Lists will come with the productivity suite. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jul 2020
What IT can do when Microsoft 365 is not working
IT professionals who manage Microsoft 365 should be aware of common issues that administrators face. They can solve many of these problems with the right policy or PowerShell scripts. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jul 2020
Google Meet features counter Zoombombing, streamline mobile
New Google Meet features announced this week should make the platform better, analysts said. Google will need more to compete with Cisco, Microsoft and Zoom. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jul 2020
Ensure remote users meet data protection standards
During the pandemic, users may have adopted insecure applications as part of their workflows. IT pros must ensure remote data protection by securing or removing these apps. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Jun 2020
IT must prep for the rise of the hybrid team
Phased reopenings are on the horizon, so IT pros must prepare for a hybrid team approach -- with some employees in the office and others at home. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jun 2020
How to deploy Office 365 Applications with Microsoft Intune
Organizations that deploy Office 365 applications with Intune can set various configurations, such as what versions of the deployed apps and how the apps receive updates. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Apr 2020
Knoa software measures remote worker effectiveness
At a time when in-person interactions are at a minimum, how can companies tell if their employees are struggling? Knoa says user experience management metrics can help. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Apr 2020
Why isn't Adobe Reader working on Windows 10?
When Adobe Reader isn't working with Windows 10, admins can take a few troubleshooting steps to rectify the issue. Begin with Adobe's AcroMonitor tool. Continue Reading
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News
08 Apr 2020
Enterprise takeaways from Microsoft 365 news
The line between personal and professional lives continues to blur, and last week's Microsoft 365 news exemplified that point. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Apr 2020
Discover how Catchpoint helps end-user experience monitoring
The Catchpoint end-user experience monitoring tool supports several notable integrations with enterprise software and monitoring capabilities such as real user monitoring. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Mar 2020
4 negotiation tactics for success in a Microsoft software agreement
A Microsoft software agreement requires skill and knowledge. Use these four Microsoft negotiation tactics to get the best discounts for a productivity suite. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Mar 2020
COVID-19 sparks software licensing issues with remote users
Organizations face a range of issues with the spread of COVID-19, including how to support a newly remote workforce. Learn how to address these enterprise licensing concerns. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Mar 2020
Which Chrome browser management settings should IT deploy?
Organizations that allow the use of Google Chrome should ensure that their IT departments understand the different settings that shape Chrome browser management practices. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Feb 2020
What IT needs to know about Chrome extension security issues
Google Chrome extensions can improve user experience, but they could access a lot of user data. Admins should take control over users' extensions for security and privacy reasons. Continue Reading
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Opinion
30 Jan 2020
Okta 2020 Businesses@Work report: security and data apps see growth, companies want best of breed
Always interesting to see data-driven studies showing what apps organizations are trending towards. Continue Reading
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News
23 Jan 2020
EG Enterprise v7 focuses on usability, user experience monitoring
New features in EG Enterprise v7, set to launch soon, enable simulated and real user monitoring, automated diagnosis and new dashboard and visualization features. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Jan 2020
Google is sunsetting Chrome apps. Let’s look at the Chrome OS app landscape
Not many people were using these apps anymore. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Jan 2020
Image-level methods for Windows application deployment
Imaging is a crucial process, but IT must also consider application deployment. Here are methods to deploy different types of Windows apps during installation. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Jan 2020
Will Microsoft's Edge start a new browser war?
Analysts say the new browser fight between Google and Microsoft could be about the future of work, as enterprises increasingly move to web applications. Continue Reading
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Opinion
03 Jan 2020
2020 Thoughts: I want browser extension security taken seriously & I will cover more desktop virt
New decade but same BrianMadden.com site. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
20 Dec 2019
Manage Windows 10 default file type associations with SetUserFTA
Windows 10 default file type associations dictate which applications open for different file types. Find out how IT can manage these associations with the SetUserFTA tool. Continue Reading
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News
06 Dec 2019
Microsoft extends Office 365 benefit to nonprofit volunteers
Thursday's announcement extends the company's September offering of 10 free Microsoft 365 Business licenses for nonprofits' employees to their volunteers. Continue Reading
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Opinion
19 Nov 2019
Google Chrome experiment crashes in RDS. What can we learn?
Environments using Google Chrome experienced some panic last week as tabs went blank. Continue Reading
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News
05 Nov 2019
New Microsoft Edge browser gets competitive with Chrome
The new version of Microsoft's Edge browser promises new enterprise features and simplified management for Windows admins. Experts say Edge is now competitive with Google Chrome. Continue Reading
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News
01 Nov 2019
Microsoft self-service policy for Office 365 raises concerns
Microsoft will allow end users to make certain purchases in Power Platform. Office 365 admins should know what this entails and how it will affect them. Continue Reading
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Opinion
31 Oct 2019
Is it acceptable to use ad blockers in the enterprise?
I’m a fan of ad blockers, but realize that might be a tad hypocritical given where some revenue for media is generated. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Sep 2019
4 steps to check application compatibility with Windows 10
Before a Windows 10 migration, IT admins should make sure all applications are compatible with the new OS. Here are four steps to get started with the process. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jul 2019
End users will make or break an Office 365 migration
When migrating to Office 365, IT admins need to keep the end users in mind. That was the big takeaway from a training session at a Virtual Technology User Group event in Maine. Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 Jul 2019
Google Safe Browsing can differ between desktop and mobile. Why?
Google continues to address security issues, but their blacklist service, Google Safe Browsing, doesn’t provide equal protection for desktop and mobile. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Jun 2019
User experience management from Knoa shines light on SAP app use
Agribusiness company Bunge improved its end-user experience with SAP applications by licensing Knoa. The software company helped provide insights into how its users were -- and weren't -- interacting with the applications. Continue Reading
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News
19 Jun 2019
Apica introduces desktop application performance monitoring tool
Designed for Windows desktop applications, Apica's Desktop Application Check intends to increase visibility and boost desktop application monitoring capabilities. Continue Reading