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
26 Jun 2025
Comparing MSI vs. MSIX
While MSI was the preferred method for distributing enterprise applications for decades, the MSIX format promises to improve upon the deployment process. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jun 2025
How to perform an in-place upgrade to Windows 11
While they have some disadvantages, in-place Windows upgrades can deliver a smooth transition between the OSes with minimal IT oversight. There are two main methods IT can use. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jun 2025
How to set up Windows Hello for Business, step by step
Licensing for Windows Hello for Business is a simple process, but the setup involves making several decisions, including how to host the service, authentication types and more. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Jun 2025
What is app virtualization (application virtualization)?
App virtualization (application virtualization) is the installation of an application on one computer and enabling an end user's client computer to remotely access that application. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Jun 2025
What is application portfolio management (APM)?
Application portfolio management (APM) is a standardized process that enables businesses to manage the software applications and software-based services their employees use to complete job-related tasks. Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 May 2025
With shadow AI, sometimes the cure is worse than the disease
Organizations need to implement policies and restrictions around AI productivity tools, but they also need to make sure the policy isn't causing more harm than good. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 May 2025
What is Google Docs?
Google Docs is a free web-based word processor that can be used to create, edit and store digital documents. Continue Reading
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Opinion
30 Apr 2025
End users can code with AI, but IT must be wary
The scale and speed of generative AI coding -- known as vibe coding -- are powerful, but users might be misapplying this technology to create efficiency and security problems. Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 Apr 2025
3 EUC security topics I'll be looking for at RSAC 2025
There will be a ton of security topics that RSA Conference-goers can check out, but IT admins should be aware of three common themes surrounding email and endpoints. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Apr 2025
What is APM? Application performance monitoring guide
Application performance monitoring is a technology-driven process to ensure business applications perform as expected through real-time performance tracking and trend analysis. Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Apr 2025
Canva: The business productivity app flying under IT's radar
Don't know what Canva is? Your employees do -- and they probably use it for work. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Mar 2025
Use the 7 Rs to develop an app modernization strategy
Application modernization can be the bane or boon of app development. Learn how to use the seven Rs to create an effective development strategy for your business's applications. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Mar 2025
What is a proxy server? Definition and use cases
A proxy server is an intermediary between a user and the internet. It's a dedicated computer or software-driven service that acts as an intermediary or gateway between an endpoint or client device, such as a computer, and a server on the internet. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Feb 2025
How to troubleshoot issues with the Intune Company Portal app
The Company Portal app controls access to critical business resources, so IT administrators should try to fix any issues with this app quickly and effectively. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Feb 2025
How to troubleshoot Intune app deployments
When there is an issue with an application within the management lifecycle, IT administrators can turn to Intune to diagnose the issue and determine the root cause. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jan 2025
Google lowers Gemini pricing, pressuring Microsoft Copilot
Google introduces new Gemini pricing in Workspace, making AI features available at $14 per user, per month, challenging Microsoft's Copilot in 365. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Dec 2024
How to install Homebrew on macOS for software distribution
Organizations that want to automate software distribution can use package managers such as Homebrew to simplify their business software deployment process. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Dec 2024
Comparing Microsoft 365 Copilot vs. GitHub Copilot
There are significant differences between the various Copilots Microsoft has brought to market. Find out details about two of the most significant copilots. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Nov 2024
What is Microsoft Copilot? In-depth guide to versions and uses
Microsoft Copilot is an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chat service that integrates with many other Microsoft applications and services to support user efficiency and productivity. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Oct 2024
What is remote desktop protocol (RDP)?
Remote desktop protocol (RDP) is a secure network communications protocol developed by Microsoft. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Oct 2024
What is image metadata and how is it used?
Image metadata is text information pertaining to an image file that is embedded into the file or saved to a separate file that is associated with the image file. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Oct 2024
What does Microsoft Copilot for Sales offer?
Copilot for Sales is Microsoft's generative AI assistant designed to optimize sales teams' workflows, automate simple tasks and offer more insights into the sales pipeline. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Aug 2024
Assessing the competitors of Copilot for Microsoft 365
There are numerous generative AI tools that focus on enhancing user productivity, so organizations should survey the market to evaluate which product they should deploy and use. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Aug 2024
What is a device driver?
A device driver, or driver, is a special kind of software program that controls a specific hardware device attached to a computer. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Aug 2024
What is a data flow diagram (DFD)?
A data flow diagram (DFD) is a graphical or visual representation that uses a standardized set of symbols and notations to describe a business's operations through data movement. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Aug 2024
What is a kernel?
A kernel is the essential foundation of a computer's operating system (OS). It's the core that provides basic services for all other parts of the OS. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jul 2024
How to enable and set up Copilot in Microsoft Teams
Microsoft 365 Copilot, an AI assistant, offers several promising features. Find out how to configure Copilot with Teams workflows and its licensing prerequisites. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jul 2024
What is an API endpoint?
An API endpoint is a point at which an application programming interface -- the code that enables two software programs to communicate with each other -- connects with the software program. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jul 2024
Microsoft 365 Copilot features and architecture explained
Microsoft's new assistant adds generative AI to the workplace, using various features and architectural components for automated suggestions, content creation and data insights. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jul 2024
Understanding the use cases of Copilot for Microsoft 365
Copilot is a powerful generative AI technology with lots of integrations with Microsoft technology. But the usefulness of this tool will be driven by enterprise use cases. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jul 2024
Microsoft Copilot Copyright Commitment explained
The copyright laws around generative AI-created content are still somewhat unclear, so organizations should look to Microsoft's copyright protections for guidance. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jul 2024
How does Copilot enhance the user experience in Teams?
With its AI capabilities, Microsoft Copilot provides several enhancements to Microsoft Teams functionality, including meeting summaries and action item follow-up. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2024
Comparing Copilot Pro vs. Copilot for Microsoft 365
Microsoft Copilot takes many forms, but the main offerings for end users in an enterprise setting are Copilot Pro and Copilot for Microsoft 365. Learn how these offerings compare. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jul 2024
Learning the features and limitations of MSIX app attach
With MSIX app attach, IT can deploy and perform various management tasks for Windows applications. Despite new features, this tool still has some limitations. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jul 2024
How to install MSIX and msixbundle
IT admins should know that one of the simplest ways to deploy Windows applications across a fleet of managed desktops is with an msixbundle and MSIX files. Continue Reading
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Opinion
14 Jun 2024
Is it worthwhile to upgrade to Windows 11 right now?
As Microsoft prods its customers toward Windows 11, organizations should be asking what their approach to the new OS will be and when is best for them to migrate. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 May 2024
clipboard
A clipboard is a feature in an operating system or application that temporarily stores data copied or cut from a document or other location, allowing the user to transfer or duplicate it elsewhere. Continue Reading
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Opinion
14 May 2024
AI PCs need apps with broad use cases to gain traction
There are many ways local AI on PC hardware can help users, but the broader use cases aren't there yet. Learn about the emerging AI PC market and where it still needs to grow. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 May 2024
An 11-step patch management process to ensure success
Following these steps will make patch management more reliable and less stressful and keep your software updated, largely bug-free and secure from cyberthreats. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 May 2024
Patch management vs. vulnerability management: Key differences
Although patch and vulnerability management are intertwined, they differ in critical ways. It's important to have distinct tools and processes to execute both effectively. Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 May 2024
Reviewing the features of Copilot for Microsoft 365
Copilot and Microsoft 365 is a promising partnership. But the license price tag may cause second thoughts, so it's important to learn Copilot's features and use cases. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 May 2024
risk-based patch management (RBPM)
Risk-based patch management (RBPM) is an approach to implementing patches to fix software code that prioritizes patches that address security issues posing the highest risk to the organization. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 May 2024
risk-based vulnerability management (RBVM)
Risk-based vulnerability management (RBVM) is an approach to identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities in an organization's IT environment that prioritizes remediating vulnerabilities that pose the greatest risk. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 May 2024
How remote work is changing patch management
The work-from-home revolution is putting new demands on remote patch management. Here's how to tackle the challenges and make sure your remote workforce is protected. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Apr 2024
Navigating cloud patch management: Benefits, best practices
Bad actors use malicious code to exploit vulnerabilities, targeting on-demand systems and applications. Having an efficient mechanism to deploy patches in the cloud is critical. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Apr 2024
Creating a patch management policy: Step-by-step guide
A comprehensive patch management policy is insurance against security vulnerabilities and bugs in networked hardware and software that can disrupt your critical business processes. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Apr 2024
Automated patch management: 9 best practices for success
Automating the patching process is almost a necessity, especially in large organizations. Here's why, plus pros and cons, tips and best practices for keeping systems up to date. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Apr 2024
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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Definition
05 Apr 2024
patch catalog
A patch catalog is a repository of data associated with software patches. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Apr 2024
10 enterprise patch management best practices
It might not be the most exciting responsibility, but the value of a well-executed patch management strategy can't be denied. Use these best practices to build a smooth process. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Feb 2024
How does Microsoft 365 Copilot pricing and licensing work?
Getting access to Copilot for Microsoft 365 may be a simple process or almost completely unfeasible at this time, depending on the organization that wants to deploy it. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2024
How to run Windows 365 on a Chromebook
Windows 365 running on a Chromebook is a viable option for IT teams seeking a lower-cost and easy-to-maintain endpoint option for their end users. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jan 2024
How to deploy Office productivity apps on Chromebooks
Web app versions of the Microsoft Office productivity suite lack some features, so IT teams should learn how to deliver the full versions of the apps to systems such as ChromeOS. Continue Reading
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Opinion
22 Jan 2024
Build that elusive, winning generative AI business strategy
Analysts explain why so few enterprises can come up with generative AI strategies that can prove its value in hard dollars. Spoiler alert: First you need a problem to solve. Continue Reading
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Opinion
30 Nov 2023
Amazon thin client spurs conversation about replacing laptops
AWS bowed a new entry into the thin client space, which appeals to a limited audience of Amazon WorkSpaces-based orgs. What we really want is to ditch the work laptop for good. Continue Reading
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Opinion
01 Nov 2023
Observations from the intersection of UCC and EUC
End-user computing tends to overlap with numerous other business technologies, such as cloud computing, security and mobility. But one of the areas with the most overlap is UCC. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Nov 2023
end of life (EOL)
End of life (EOL), in the context of manufacturing and product lifecycles, is the final stages of a product's existence. Continue Reading
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News
20 Oct 2023
OneDrive 3.0 gets Microsoft 365 Copilot, refreshed interface
Microsoft dusts off its OneDrive cloud file-sharing utility and adds connectivity to Microsoft 365 Copilot AI digital assistant, a new look and more features coming in December. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Sep 2023
Citrix StoreFront
Citrix StoreFront is an enterprise application store that provides an interface for users to access Citrix Virtual Apps -- formerly XenApp apps -- and Citrix Virtual Desktops -- formerly XenDesktop -- remotely. Continue Reading
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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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Definition
25 Sep 2023
sideloading
Sideloading is the installation of an application on a mobile device without using the device's official application distribution method. 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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Definition
01 Aug 2023
extension
An extension typically refers to a file name extension. This suffix is added to the end of a file name, indicating its format. 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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Definition
25 Jul 2023
autofill
Autofill, also called autocomplete, is a software feature that automatically inserts previously entered personal information into web form fields for the user's convenience. 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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Definition
14 Jul 2023
Apache OpenOffice
Apache OpenOffice is an open source office productivity suite used to create and edit documents (Writer), presentations (Impress), spreadsheets (Calc), graphics (Draw), mathematical formulas (Math) and databases (Base). 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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Definition
06 Jul 2023
Internet Explorer (IE)
Internet Explorer (IE) is a web browser that formerly came bundled with the Microsoft Windows operating system. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jun 2023
cognitive computing
Cognitive computing is the use of computerized models to simulate the human thought process in complex situations where the answers might be ambiguous and uncertain. 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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Definition
01 Jun 2023
Netscape
Netscape Communications Corporation ("Netscape") was a computer services company best known for its web browser, Navigator. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 May 2023
presentation software
Presentation software, also known as graphics presentation applications or presentation graphics programs, is a category of software used to create content where information is often represented in a graphical or visual way. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 May 2023
Microsoft Office Delve
Microsoft Office Delve is a search engine and discovery tool for the Microsoft Office 365 productivity suite. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 May 2023
file extension (file format)
In computing, a file extension is a suffix added to the name of a file to indicate the file's layout, in terms of how the data within the file is organized. 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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Definition
24 Mar 2023
ActiveX
ActiveX is a set of object-oriented programming technologies and tools that Microsoft developed for Internet Explorer to facilitate rich media playback. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Mar 2023
Apple Bonjour
Apple Bonjour is a group of networking technologies designed to help devices and applications discover each other on the same network. 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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Definition
19 Jan 2023
software package
A software package is a group of programs bundled together into a product suite. 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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Definition
28 Dec 2022
Multiple Document Interface (MDI)
Multiple Document Interface (MDI) is a Microsoft Windows programming interface for creating an application that enables users to work with multiple documents simultaneously. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Nov 2022
autocorrect
Autocorrect is a word processing feature that identifies misspelled words, and uses algorithms to identify the words most likely to have been intended, and edits the text accordingly. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Nov 2022
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Portable Document Format (PDF) is a file format that has captured all the elements of a printed document as an electronic image that users can view, navigate, print or forward to someone else. 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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Definition
16 Sep 2022
Rich Text Format (RTF)
Rich Text Format (RTF) is a file format that lets you exchange text files between different word processors in different operating systems. 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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Definition
23 Aug 2022
Inbox Zero
Inbox Zero is a rigorous approach to email management that aims to keep an inbox empty -- or almost empty -- at all times. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Aug 2022
daemon
In computing, a daemon (pronounced DEE-muhn) is a program that runs continuously as a background process and wakes up to handle periodic service requests, which often come from remote processes. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Aug 2022
productivity software
Productivity software is a category of application programs that help users produce things such as documents, databases, graphs, spreadsheets and presentations. Continue Reading