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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Opinion
20 May 2019
You can now see if Chrome extensions are safe with Duo’s free, new CRXcavator tool
Free-to-use tool provides some additional insight into Chrome extensions across an entire organization before users install. Continue Reading
-
Tip
15 May 2019
What IT should know about the Microsoft Office app for Windows 10
Microsoft released a new Microsoft Office app during an update to Windows 10. Learn about the changes that this new app brings and how to take advantage of its features. Continue Reading
-
News
06 May 2019
IE mode unburdens IT admins by running legacy apps on Microsoft Edge
At its annual developer conference, Microsoft introduced IE mode to Microsoft Edge. The new feature will help IT admins run legacy applications on a more modern browser. Continue Reading
-
Tip
01 May 2019
How to add MDT applications with Chocolatey package manager
The Microsoft Deployment Toolkit allows administrators to install applications during deployment. Here's how IT can simplify the process with Chocolatey's command-line input. Continue Reading
-
News
25 Apr 2019
Microsoft acquisition of Express Logic adds IoT improvements
Microsoft's acquisition of Express Logic is another example of its $5 billion investment in IoT. One expert sees the move as a step toward an end-to-end IoT OS. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
22 Apr 2019
How Google manages Chrome extensions without manually white/blacklisting each one
The key is to make policies based on permissions or runtime actions, not manually whitelisting each one. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
05 Mar 2019
Why can’t other apps get real-time co-authoring right like Google Docs?
Google Docs has been the supreme co-authoring experience for years, why can’t anyone else offer anything as good? Just a frustrating thing, really. Continue Reading
-
Tip
25 Jan 2019
How to manage cookies across web browsers
There are pros -- saved login credentials -- and cons -- privacy concerns -- to cookies. Either way, IT should understand how to manage cookies across web browsers. Continue Reading
-
Feature
21 Jan 2019
Government shutdown raises end-user security risks
The government shutdown could be a boon for hackers, as end-user resources are a prime attack vector. An expert explains what IT should be on the lookout for. Continue Reading
-
Answer
16 Jan 2019
How can you improve Google Chrome management?
IT professionals should deploy Group Policies to their browsers to improve the user experience. Check out this step-by-step guide on applying Group Policies to Google Chrome. Continue Reading
-
Quiz
20 Dec 2018
Test your phishing security knowledge with this quiz
Email phishing can cause major security breaches if users aren't careful. IT must train users on email security best practices to defend against these attacks. Continue Reading
-
Quiz
11 Dec 2018
Web browser quiz: Do you know Chrome, Firefox, Edge and IE?
Users work with web browsers constantly. As a result, it's important for IT to know how to manage the top options, including Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
27 Nov 2018
Recapping end-user computing strategy evolutions of 2018
It's time to take a look back and consider how end-user computing has evolved over the past year. AI made an obvious mark, but what about hosted desktops and new management approaches? Continue Reading
- 27 Nov 2018
-
E-Zine
27 Nov 2018
Advantages of hyper-converged infrastructure for virtual desktops
Advantages of hyper-converged infrastructure compared with a traditional data center setup include improved scalability and availability, simpler management and better integration. And when it comes to virtual desktops and applications, those benefits lead to better performance. This month's cover story explores the advantages of hyper-converged infrastructure powering VDI and virtualized apps.
Also in this issue, a columnist explains the evolution of desktop storage and how the cloud continues to be the next big things in this area. Expert Jack Madden takes a deep dive into Microsoft's new desktop as a service offering, which is set to shake up the DaaS industry. Plus, this month's App Spotlight shines on Evernote, a compelling option for business organizing and note-taking. And to wrap up another year of the Access e-zine, the editor's note takes a look back at the biggest end-user computing trends and lessons from 2018.
Continue Reading -
Photo Story
30 Oct 2018
Top Microsoft Office alternatives for enterprise use
Microsoft's productivity suite sees the most enterprise use, but organizations can switch to certain Microsoft Office alternatives for lower licensing costs and more. Continue Reading
-
Feature
26 Oct 2018
Buy the right help desk tools to track and resolve incidents
Help desk management tools help admins manage, track and resolve problems. Learn about the leading products and the reporting, communication and support features they offer. Continue Reading
-
News
25 Oct 2018
Windows Server 2019 RDSH drops Office 365 ProPlus support
Microsoft hopes to accelerate customer cloud desktop adoption when it makes the Office 365 ProPlus suite a cloud-only product for Windows Server 2019 RDSH users. Continue Reading
-
Tip
19 Oct 2018
How to manage cookie privacy in the enterprise
Cookies can make life easier for users by preventing them from having to re-enter passwords and preferences on websites, but they also carry some legitimate privacy concerns. Continue Reading
-
Feature
15 Oct 2018
Create an email phishing test to minimize attack vectors
With email phishing testing, IT can improve its end-user security. Phishing attacks prey on user ignorance, so IT can use a test to teach users how to avoid this attack vector. Continue Reading
-
News
28 Sep 2018
Microsoft doubles down on Office 365 AI capabilities
Microsoft confirmed its strategic commitment to Office 365, delivering an improved version that includes new AI and machine learning features. Continue Reading
-
Tip
25 Sep 2018
How to create an internal phishing campaign from scratch
When IT begins an email phishing campaign, it must determine what server the emails will come from, consider phishing tool options and more. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
25 Sep 2018
Why you don't always need a general-purpose operating system
A purpose-built, or real-time, operating system could be more useful for applications that require a lot of data processing. Several options for this type of system exist today. Continue Reading
- 20 Sep 2018
-
Opinion
13 Sep 2018
What’s new with Workspace ONE Intelligence & Trust Network?
Announcements focused on improving security features and automating common processes. Continue Reading
-
Feature
11 Sep 2018
Assess IT help desk software options based on these features
Explore communication channels, ticket management, agent management, knowledge base options and reporting capabilities when evaluating prospective help desk management software. Continue Reading
-
Photo Story
04 Sep 2018
4 enterprise email clients to consider instead of Outlook
Organizations looking to cut costs or make a change for their business email client have numerous options to replace Microsoft Outlook, but not all of them are viable. Continue Reading
-
Feature
21 Aug 2018
MSIX app packaging gets a hand from Cloudhouse
The introduction of the MSIX packaging format creates potential app compatibility concerns for IT pros. With the right tool, however, they can make the transition much smoother. Continue Reading
-
Feature
31 Jul 2018
Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 laptop slims down, but it's no tablet
Despite Dell's best efforts, including combining CPU and GPU in a single processor to make the device smaller, the XPS 15 2-in-1 still falls short as a tablet. Continue Reading
-
News
31 Jul 2018
End-user security awareness training is a must-have
There are lots of different ways to keep users up to date on the latest security risks and how they should be handling their corporate resources. Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
31 Jul 2018
How to approach end-user security training
Most IT pros are aware that user behavior can be a security threat to an organization. But what is there to do about it? With end-user security training, IT can ensure that employees are updated on the latest risks and know how to access corporate resources in accordance with IT policies. There are several ways to approach end-user security training, from online resources to in-person meetings, so we explore the methods at hand in this month's cover story of Access magazine.
Also in this issue, learn how to prepare for Windows 7 end of life and what Apple's Device Enrollment Program can bring to the table for desktop and mobile environments. In another expert column, get to know how internet of things devices fit into unified endpoint management today. Plus, check out this month's Device Spotlight on the Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 and see what the editor has to say about monitoring mobile device usage in the enterprise.
Continue Reading - 24 Jul 2018
- 24 Jul 2018
-
Feature
27 Jun 2018
How to deploy and administer help desk management software
Help desk tools help IT manage the submission, status and resolution of employee help desk tickets. Read on to learn about common help desk challenges and the latest trends. Continue Reading
-
Tip
05 Jun 2018
How the Microsoft Teams app can boost collaboration
Microsoft Teams is an app users can work with to collaborate no matter where they're located. It comes as part of certain business-focused Office 365 subscriptions. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
29 May 2018
Tread carefully with modern Windows application management
With the Windows winds changing, IT pros must consider whether it's time to transition from SCCM to modern management via the cloud. Continue Reading
-
Feature
29 May 2018
LibreOffice 6.0 pushes for enterprise viability
The debate of office suites may boil down to Microsoft Office vs. LibreOffice. The former is an expensive but consistent native suite, and the latter is third-party and free. Continue Reading
-
Tip
21 May 2018
Create an effective email phishing test in 7 steps
The best way for IT to improve email phishing security is through comprehensive testing, which helps identify which users are susceptible and what type of fake email is most effective. Continue Reading
- 21 May 2018
- 21 May 2018
-
Feature
27 Apr 2018
Conquer the end-user productivity balancing act
Keeping users productive is one of the most critical jobs IT pros have. But there are some hurdles to jump, including understanding the risks with collaboration tools. Continue Reading
-
News
25 Apr 2018
Windows application management software comes to IT's aid
Application management software is a necessity for organizational continuity and security. Without any such software, absent patches threaten end users' applications. Continue Reading
-
News
18 Apr 2018
Workflow automation software improves LA court productivity
Court's in session, and the jury is unanimous: Automation software can help IT departments provide simpler workflows for end users on both desktops and mobile devices. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
28 Mar 2018
Microsoft Edge web browser has a long way to go against Chrome
Recent updates to Chrome continue to increase its viability for business users, which could make it difficult for Microsoft's Edge web browser to take over shares of Google's in the enterprise. Continue Reading
-
Answer
27 Mar 2018
What Microsoft Outlook alternatives can IT choose from?
When IT pros are seeking an alternative to Outlook, they should consider the features their users need the most and select an email client that best matches those needs. Continue Reading
-
News
27 Mar 2018
AI tools fall into the hands of end users
Machine learning capabilities have made applications smarter, but IT pros are still in the early days of learning AI skills. Luckily, some tools only require the knowledge of an end user. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
19 Mar 2018
Logon times play key role in virtual desktop UX monitoring
Overly long logon times for virtual desktops and applications can lead to major losses in user productivity that costs organizations real money. Learn how IT can improve VDI performance using ... Continue Reading
-
Answer
16 Mar 2018
How does Microsoft Near Share for browser file sharing work?
Microsoft Edge, Windows 10's default browser, includes a file-sharing tool called Near Share, which is helpful, if not truly groundbreaking. Continue Reading
- 12 Mar 2018
-
E-Zine
12 Mar 2018
How AI and machine learning affect end-user computing
End-user computing administrators need to start paying attention to AI and machine learning, not because these technologies will take over their jobs, but because they can bring productivity benefits to both business software and IT management tools. As AI and machine learning capabilities grow in employees' applications, IT must know how to handle them, what data they can help glean, and how to get users involved in the customization process. This month's cover story explores how AI affects end-user computing and why users themselves are at the forefront of this issue.
In addition, this month's Deep Dive article looks at chatbots and how they can benefit the enterprise. Our columnists explain more about how AI can transform workflow processes and why IT should consider Macs for business use. Plus, the Device Spotlight shines on Samsung's latest Android flagship, the Galaxy S9, which brings a few fun new features for consumer and business users.
Continue Reading -
News
15 Feb 2018
VMware Workspace One helps Western Digital organize 3,000 apps
The application portal in VMware Workspace One allowed IT to streamline app delivery, and the product's cloud-based model proved the right fit for administration. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
31 Jan 2018
Announcing the winners of the Access Innovation Awards
These award-winning projects demonstrate how organizations that embrace endpoint diversity, cloud computing and user experience-focused strategies can transform existing end-user processes. Continue Reading
-
E-Zine
30 Jan 2018
Access Innovation Awards recognize desktop transformation
The Access Innovation Awards highlight two creative and successful end-user computing projects. One of these IT initiatives dove headfirst into cloud with a migration of physical and virtual desktops to desktop as a service, all while monitoring users and resources with a variety of tools. The other formulated a unique combination of products to deliver scalable, flexible and graphics-rich virtual desktops to diverse sites. Both of them enabled desktop transformation in their organizations to help end users do their work more efficiently and effectively.
The results were two strong end-user computing implementations that together represent this year's Access Innovation Awards winners. Read the stories of each of these desktop transformation initiatives in this special issue of the e-zine.
Continue Reading -
Tip
19 Jan 2018
Roll your own Windows patching tool with PowerShell
This tutorial based on PowerShell helps administrators build an automated routine that audits Windows machines, then applies missing patches to lighten this management task. Continue Reading
-
Blog Post
02 Jun 2017
Tip: Access HTML Files Using Edge
Even though the File - Open menu entry is MIA, turns out there are plenty of ways to access HTML files using Edge in Windows 10. Continue Reading
-
News
10 Apr 2017
Microsoft, Google vie to be masters of the universal OS
Developers and IT admins have to manage and build apps for a multitude of different operating systems and device types. Windows 10 and Google's universal OS could change that. Continue Reading