Desktop operating systems
Windows may be the most common desktop operating system in the enterprise, but it's not alone. Linux and macOS are two other OSes IT pros could run into. As a result it's important to understand the inner workings of each OS to ensure that whatever a user is working with functions at its peak and keeps corporate data secure.
Top Stories
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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
13 May 2022
How to support Mac computers in Windows environments
Organizations that support both Windows and Mac desktops must approach them differently, but there is plenty of overlap with the tools and practices they can use. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Dec 2021
How to scan and repair disks with Windows 10 Check Disk
Windows 10 Disk Check is an intuitive tool that can scan and repair hard drives to reduce the risk of total disk failure and loss of critical information. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
17 Nov 2021
Try these PowerShell Start-Job examples for more efficiency
It might take some effort to rework scripts to take advantage of PowerShell jobs capabilities, but it will free you to handle other work while running code behind the scenes. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Nov 2021
Why you should consider an upgrade from PowerShell 5.1 to 7
A switch to PowerShell 7 will bring performance benefits along with expanded functionality to help administrators keep pace with changing needs in the enterprise. Continue Reading
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News
19 Oct 2021
Apple ditches hated MacBook Pro features, adds M1 chips
The new MacBook Pro laptops come in 14-and 16-inch models, return ports that were missing in the past few iterations, and add faster, more energy-efficient processors. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Sep 2021
How to perform Windows 10 disk optimization
Normal use of a PC causes the disk drive to fragment over time, resulting in suboptimal performance. Use Windows 10 disk optimization to defragment a drive and increase efficiency. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Sep 2021
Windows 11 explained: Everything you need to know
Windows 11 becomes available Oct. 5, but Windows 10 will be supported through October 2025. Here's what you need to know about the newest OS. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Sep 2021
Windows 11 vs. Windows 10: What are the differences?
While Windows 10 users won't need to upgrade right away, Windows 11 does have some new features worth considering. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Aug 2021
How to choose the right PC for business
With seemingly endless options to choose from, finding the right PC for a business can feel daunting. Explore these top seven choices below. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Aug 2021
How to choose the right Mac for business
Despite a smaller selection than Windows PCs, finding the right macOS device can still be challenging. Learn more about the available options and how they compare. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Aug 2021
Comparing macOS vs. Windows security
Windows and macOS have their pros and cons and, often, security comes down to the individual use case. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Aug 2021
How to evaluate Mac vs. PC for businesses
While PCs have long been the preferred option for businesses, Mac computers are gaining in popularity due to improved functionality. Continue Reading
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News
12 May 2021
Dell releases 7 PCs for CAD, graphic designers
Dell has designed the Precision series desktops for power-hungry tasks like CAD and data science. But they come when desktop sales are on the decline. Continue Reading
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Guest Post
21 Jan 2021
CompTIA troubleshooting steps and solving common computer problems
This excerpt from 'ITF+ CompTIA IT Fundamentals All-in-One Exam Guide, Second Edition,' published by McGraw-Hill Education, provides a practical framework to follow when troubleshooting is necessary. Continue Reading
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News
07 Oct 2020
Lenovo launching the first foldable PC, the ThinkPad X1 Fold
Lenovo touted the ThinkPad X1 Fold as a unified experience for workers who use laptops and tablets. The company has started taking orders. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Aug 2020
10 RDP security best practices to prevent cyberattacks
Securing remote connections is critical, especially in a pandemic. Enact these RDP security best practices at your organization to prevent ransomware, brute-force attacks and more. Continue Reading
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News
12 Aug 2020
Microsoft plugs 2 zero-days on August Patch Tuesday
In addition to the actively exploited flaws, IT workers must contend with a domain controller exploit that could give an attacker administrative access. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2020
COVID-19 recession looms for PC market
The PC market will likely contract as 2021 nears, analysts say. The second quarter was a positive one for PCs, as companies bought laptops to enable remote work. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jun 2020
Macs to run on Apple silicon, leaving Intel behind
Future Macs will not run on Intel processors but on Apple silicon chips. The change could present compatibility issues, although it could be a step toward a consistent user experience. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 May 2020
What is a roaming profile and how does it work?
Although several newer tools are available, Microsoft roaming profiles is a simple and time-tested way to manage a user's profile across physical and virtual desktop environments. Continue Reading
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News
30 Apr 2020
Security is central in Ubuntu 20.04 LTS release
Canonical released its Ubuntu 20.04 LTS Linux distribution, emphasizing a holistic approach to security -- from hardware to applications. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Apr 2020
How Jamf is managing Apple devices during quarantine
Managing Apple devices remotely has been made easier through cloud-based products and administration software. Continue Reading
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News
16 Apr 2020
COVID-19 drives PC market supply down, demand up
The COVID-19 pandemic pushed PC market shipments down, despite higher demand for remote work devices. A looming recession, though, could dampen sales. Continue Reading
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News
28 Feb 2020
Windows 10X OS may be a preview of features to come
Microsoft is aiming its new Windows 10X OS at dual-screen devices such as the Surface Neo, but it could have a big impact on the enterprise if its features migrate to mainline Windows. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jan 2020
Windows 7 sunset gives PC market a boost in 2019
Does the growth of the PC market in 2019 reflect an increased appetite for the devices? Experts discuss the PC's role in the workplace and the influence of the Windows 7 sunset. Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Jan 2020
You should know about Neverware CloudReady when planning Chromebook and thin client projects
CloudReady is a Chromium OS variant that you can install on existing x86 hardware, and then manage with Google Chrome Enterprise alongside Chrome OS devices. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jan 2020
With support for Windows 7 ending, a look back at the OS
With support for Windows 7 ending and Microsoft ushering in the end of life for the OS, tech experts and IT pros look back at its legacy of reliability and stability. Continue Reading
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Opinion
06 Jan 2020
3 EUC inflection points for 2020: WVD, modern management, and yes, BYOD
There are plenty of important topics for 2020, but these will be affected by specific events. Continue Reading
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News
16 Dec 2019
5 end-user computing trends for 2020
With Windows 7 coming to an end and more businesses developing cloud strategies, 2020 is set to bring end-user computing changes for IT. Here are five trends to watch. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Dec 2019
Comparing Linux distributions: Red Hat vs. Ubuntu
Before selecting a Linux distribution, compare Red Hat Enterprise Linux and Ubuntu when it comes to features, ease of use, licensing and documentation. Continue Reading
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News
04 Dec 2019
Windows 10 issues top list of most read stories for IT pros
IT pros seemed focused on the latest Microsoft OS, based on our most read stories for 2019. That may not come as a surprise, given next month's end-of-life deadline for Windows 7. Continue Reading
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News
04 Oct 2019
HP Inc. laying off up to 9,000 workers in latest reorg plan
With its printer and printing supplies business fortunes continuing to slide, HP Inc. is undergoing a major reorganization that includes up to 9,000 layoffs. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Sep 2019
What are the differences between Google Chromebook Enterprise and Chrome Enterprise?
Google recently announced Chromebook Enterprise, which follows similarly named management products, so let’s figure out what each means. Continue Reading
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News
30 Aug 2019
New, updated Lenovo laptops for business coming this fall
The X1 Carbon, ThinkPad X1 Yoga, ThinkPad X390 and ThinkPad T490 have all been updated, and Lenovo has added ThinkPad L13 and L13 Yoga to its offerings. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Aug 2019
How Windows Admin Center stacks up to other management tools
Microsoft is putting a lot of resources into this relatively new tool to manage Windows systems, but is it ready for prime time when compared with more seasoned offerings? Continue Reading
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News
27 Aug 2019
Dell, Google team up on Chromebooks for enterprise
The Latitude 5400 and Latitude 5300 2-in-1 give enterprise users the Dell Latitude hardware with the Google Chrome operating system in an effort to provide security and speed. Continue Reading
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News
16 Aug 2019
New Windows vulnerabilities reveal there is no rest for weary IT
The two latest Windows security vulnerabilities reiterate the importance for IT admins to stay diligent when updating and managing an organization's operating system. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jun 2019
$35 Raspberry Pi 4 Model B brings power, 4K and faster CPU
The Raspberry Pi 4 brings significant upgrades from the previous version, according to the vendor, such as multiple memory capacities to choose from and 4K support. Continue Reading
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News
05 Jun 2019
Apple iPadOS brings new features, plus more from WWDC
At the WWDC 2019 keynote, Apple unveiled iPadOS, an operating system specifically for iPads, along with a new Mac Pro, macOS Catalina, new iOS 13 features and watchOS 6. Continue Reading
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News
29 May 2019
New Dell Precision, Inspiron, XPS products coming soon
Dell announced the upcoming launch of new Dell Precision, Inspiron and XPS products. These include the Precision 5000, Precision 7540, Precision 7740, XPS 13, XPS 15 and new Inspiron PCs. Continue Reading
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News
29 May 2019
Intel 10th Gen CPUs are here, AMD follows with 3rd Gen Ryzen
Intel's 10th Gen CPUs, codenamed Ice Lake, are available now, and the 7nm AMD 3rd Gen Ryzen lineup will be available on July 7. Both releases will increase competition among chip vendors. Continue Reading
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News
22 May 2019
Apple's 8-core MacBook Pro is Apple's fastest laptop yet
Apple introduced its newly updated 13- and 15-inch MacBook Pros, including Apple's first 8-core laptop, that are up to twice as fast as previous models, according to the vendor. Continue Reading
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News
15 May 2019
Lenovo to launch ThinkBook brand, next-gen ThinkPad X1
Lenovo announced the launch of its ThinkPad subbrand called ThinkBook. It will be focused on small and medium-sized businesses and will launch with two laptops. Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2019
Lenovo powers new ThinkPad series with AMD Ryzen Pro processors
Lenovo brings AMD CPUs to its ThinkPad portfolio. AMD Ryzen Pro processors will appear in the T495, T495s and X395 ThinkPads, available in May and June. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 May 2019
Windows 7 migration presents IT with an opportunity to modernize
Moving on from Windows 7 is still a necessity for more than one-third of organizations, and if done correctly, an OS migration can help modernize and secure your organization. Continue Reading
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News
11 Apr 2019
New HP business workstations have more memory, processing cores
The new HP business workstations, models Z6 and Z8, have more memory and processing cores to improve data access, graphics and power supply. They also provide remote workstation access. Continue Reading
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News
29 Mar 2019
Windows 10 security breach highlights third-party vulnerabilities
The recent Windows 10 PC security breach brought on by third-party software from a Chinese tech company raises concern about the security strength of third-party providers. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Aug 2018
How can IT fix Windows Update issues?
Microsoft offers some built-in troubleshooting methods to resolve Windows Update problems. There are also some third-party options IT should be aware of. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Jun 2018
WUMT Resolves Update Woes Yet Again
When one of my laptops balks at completing the update check for a current cumulative update, WUMT resolves update woes yet again for Windows 10. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
25 Jun 2018
MS Answers Offers 1803 Networking Resolution
MS Answers offers 1803 networking resolution for those seeking to make nodes or network resources visible or available using File Explorer and other tools. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
22 Jun 2018
Win10 Hyper-V VMs Benefit from More VRAM
Depending on the workload and applications in use Win10 Hyper-V VMs benefit from more VRAM (virtual RAM), easily allocated using the Hyper-V manager. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Jun 2018
What can you do if a Windows 10 keyboard or mouse is not working?
If users encounter problems with a Windows 10 mouse or keyboard, IT pros can follow these steps to troubleshoot the connectivity issue quickly and easily. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
13 Jun 2018
Sysprep Audit Mode Alternate Key Sequence
When the default Ctrl+Shift+F3 won't do it, try the Sysprep Audit Mode alternate key sequence instead: Ctrl+Fn+Shift+F3. Works for me! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
06 Jun 2018
NirSoft NetBScanner Offers Win10 LAN Insights
After the 1803 upgrade monkey with LAN visibility for some nodes, NirSoft NetBScanner offers Win10 LAN insights to help get things running again. Good stuff! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
04 Jun 2018
Set Win10 RS5 Rollback Retention Interval
I don't normally write much about the Insider Preview builds for this blog post. Practicing Enterprise admins have enough on their hands keeping up with current branch versions of the OS. But when ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
01 Jun 2018
AdDuplex-based Win10 Uptake Projections Mostly Bogus
When I first saw the news, I was stunned. But on further analysis, AdDuplex-based Win10 uptake projections mostly bogus, reflecting an incomplete and off-kilter subset of the user base. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 May 2018
Two Win10 Setup.exes Offer Differing Capabilities
If you build conventional Win10 installation media, you'll find two Win10 Setup.exes offer differing capabilities. One is good to upgrades or repair an existing Win10 install, the other for ... Continue Reading
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Blog Post
23 May 2018
Win10 NetBIOS Names Get Weirder
When I say Win10 NetBIOS names get weirder I mean two things: they are indeed case sensitive, and sometimes the actual defined case-correct name string won't resolve properly. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
21 May 2018
Bring Back PING in Win10 1803
As I troubleshoot an inexplicable inability to remote into one of my office PCs, I figure out how to bring back PING in Win10 1803. In short, my recent spate of networking issues continue! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
18 May 2018
Why Windows Machine Names Are Case-Sensitive in RDP
When the certificate warning shows up, I finally figure out why Windows machine names are case-sensitive in RDP. The machine name isn't case-sensitive, but the certificate name most certainly is! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
14 May 2018
Windows Command Line Reference Observations
By checking which commands work in PowerShell and which have PowerShell aliases, I compile an interesting set of Windows Command Line Reference observations. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 May 2018
Win10 DCOM 10016 Errors Are Mostly Benign
Finally! A Microsoft Support note explicitly confirms what I've long suspected: Win10 DCOM 10016 errors are mostly benign. They occur by deliberate design, in fact. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
09 May 2018
Bring Back Basic Win10 1803 Networking
The demise of HomeGroup makes it necessary to bring back basic Win10 1803 networking for Workgroup based Windows networks. Here's how! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
07 May 2018
MS Publishes Big Free Command Line Reference
Last Friday, my partner in crime at Win10.Guru, Kari Finn, sent me a link to a very interesting document. It comes from the Microsoft Download Center and shows up with very little descriptive ... Continue Reading
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Answer
02 May 2018
How can IT convince users of the benefits of Windows 10?
Users may not see the Windows 10 improvements as an upgrade from their current OS. As a result, IT must highlight relevant new features to gain user support. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
02 May 2018
Win10 1803 Sometimes Creates Phantom Recovery Drive
Thanks to a minor but annoying error, Win10 1803 sometimes creates phantom Recovery Drive during the upgrade process. Here are two easy fixes to make it go away. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
30 Apr 2018
Tune Into PortableApps.com
If you tune into PortableApps.com and use their platform, you'll find a great way to take tools, utilities and applications with you onto any PC. Great stuff! Continue Reading
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Quiz
26 Apr 2018
Are you prepared for a Windows 10 transition?
When IT executes a transition to Windows 10, it must understand all the potential pitfalls inherent in an OS migration. Quiz yourself to see if you are ready for this challenge. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
25 Apr 2018
Skippy Shows Off Lean Win10 Edition
The Windows Insider Skip Ahead Preview, aka Skippy Shows Off Lean Win10 Edition as a new SKU pops up in Build 17650. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
23 Apr 2018
Build 1803 Equals April Update
Based on the content of the Edge Welcome screen in Build 17134, it seems pretty safe to proclaim that Build 1803 Equals April Update. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
20 Apr 2018
God Mode Causes Win10 Office URL Insert Fail
If God Mode Causes Win10 Office URL Insert Fail and pasting URLs causes Word, Excel and so forth to crash, delete the God Mode parent folder to fix this problem. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
17 Apr 2018
Windows Server 2019 RDSH is a go
After some confusing messaging about whether Remote Desktop Session Host would be in Windows Server 2019, Microsoft said the role will in fact be coming to the preview and official release. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Apr 2018
Four Windows 10 built-in security features to know
IT needs an effective plan to maximize security for Windows 10 and get the most out of its built-in features. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
04 Apr 2018
MPP IT Support Track Offers Interesting Insights
For those interested in working in tech support, but also for those into understanding Microsoft, the MPP IT Support Track offers interesting insights. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
02 Apr 2018
Myerson's Farewell Reveals Interesting Win10 Stats
Myerson's farewell reveals interesting Win10 stats -- specifically that the total number of Win10 users is closing in on 700M with 15M members in the Windows Insider program. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
28 Mar 2018
Macrium Reflect Upgrade Cancels Backup Schedules
As I follow my twice-monthly drive cleanup routine, I realize that Macrium Reflect upgrade cancels backup schedules. Can't have that! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
26 Mar 2018
KB4089848 Poses Widely Reported Win10 Problems
With oodles and scads of users reporting issues, KB4089848 poses widely reported Win10 problems that occur often enough and with severity sufficient to make it advisable to block this update outright. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
23 Mar 2018
Script Out Your Win10 Build History Using PowerShell
A nifty pair of carefully crafted commands let you script out your Win10 build history using PowerShell for each PC you run it on. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
21 Mar 2018
Reducing Win10 Upgrade Offline Time
MS says a key goal in improving feature upgrades is reducing Win10 upgrade offline time. Personally, I find their current list of upgrade/install steps more informative. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
19 Mar 2018
Understanding NTUser.dat in Windows 10
Understanding NTUser.dat in Windows 10 means knowing that those files capture user profile settings and preferences, and are best left alone and untouched for proper OS operation. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
16 Mar 2018
Check Current Win10 for In-place Upgrade Repair
If you carefully check current Win10 for in-place upgrade repair, you'll be able to choose and download the proper ISO to attempt such repairs every time, without fail. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
14 Mar 2018
MS Offers New Spectre Updates
As MS offers new Spectre updates through the Microsoft Update Catalog, I realize that it's going to be a long slog to get those vulnerabilities patches on all my PCs. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 Mar 2018
Post Build 17115 Driver Fix Routine Still Works
Even post Build 17115 Driver Fix routine still works to fix most common driver issues and difficulties. Try this 3-step sequence and see! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
09 Mar 2018
MS Foils Coin Mining Compelling Telemetry Case
Through clever and effective use of telemetry data, AI and machine learning, MS foils coin mining in a big way in Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Mar 2018
How to take advantage of SCCM and Intune co-management
IT can combine Microsoft Intune and System Center Configuration Manager to manage users' mobile devices, as well as any legacy systems in its network. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
06 Mar 2018
Day 1: Global Microsoft MVP Summit
During Day 1: Global Microsoft MVP Summit I learn that proper feedback is the real reason why Microsoft operates the Insider program, and provide tips on how to provide quality feedback on Windows. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
02 Mar 2018
MS Offers Spectre Meltdown Updates Via Catalog
Is is because OEM are taking too long to pony up that MS offers Spectre Meltdown updates via catalog downloads? I don't know, but I'm glad somebody's doing something! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
01 Mar 2018
Firmware Update Proceeds at Glacial Pace
Given that the Spectre and Meltdown vulnerabilities created such a furor, one can only observe that the attendant firmware update Proceeds at glacial pace. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
28 Feb 2018
Fixing Missing Mouse or Keyboard
When it comes to fixing missing mouse or keyboard in Win10 you can either try different hardware, or boot from a different Windows, to effect repairs. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
27 Feb 2018
Win7 Still Activates Win10 2/27/18
After skipping key entry on a clean Windows 10 install, I learn that Win7 Still Validates Win10 for activation. Woo hoo: my sister's HP Pavilion Dv6 is back in action. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
25 Feb 2018
Win10 Upgrade Repair Install Tips
When it comes to fixing misbehaving or flaky Windows PCs, here are some hopefully useful Win10 upgrade repair install tips. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
21 Feb 2018
Win10 Safe Mode Breakout Technique
If you get stuck in a boot loop while in safe mode, you'll need a Win10 Safe Mode breakout technique. Here's one that works from the command line. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
19 Feb 2018
Bootrec Fixes Win10 Boot Problems
When boot-up goes wonky, remember this: Bootrec fixes Win10 boot problems! Here, you'll learn how to launch and run this boot repair tool, and what it can do to help. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
16 Feb 2018
Do Try Microsoft Teams
Having now used the platform for a couple of month, I enthusiastically exhort you: Do try Microsoft Teams! You may be in for a pleasant and productivity-enhancing surprise. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
14 Feb 2018
Update 7-ZIP to 18.01 NOW
Because of some recently-discovered and somewhat nasty vulnerabilities, you really, really want to update 7-ZIP to 18.01 NOW!! Continue Reading
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Blog Post
11 Feb 2018
KB4058258 Install Fail Fix
Those who try, and fail, to install KB4058258 should try this simple recipe for a KB4058258 install fail fix. It takes a little while but works pretty well. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
07 Feb 2018
Windows 10 Gets S Modes
In a surprising twist, Microsoft does away with standalone Windows 10 S. Instead, Windows 10 gets S Modes for most consumer (and Education) versions. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
06 Feb 2018
Timely Firmware Update Rescues Surface Pro 3
After my PC gets caught in an ongoing crash loop, a timely firmware update rescues Surface Pro 3, thanks in large part to the Windows Update MiniTool. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
02 Feb 2018
Windows 10 Count Finally Exceeds Windows 7
According to several sources now, the Windows 10 count finally exceeds Windows 7 from both USA and global perspectives. Continue Reading
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Blog Post
29 Jan 2018
MS Issues Spectre Reversal Update (Catalog Only)
Because Intel is taking its sweet time fixing microcode, and reboot and stability problems continue, MS issues Spectre reversal update (Catalog Only). Continue Reading
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Blog Post
26 Jan 2018
Skip Product Key When Sysprepping Win10
To skip Product Key when Sysprepping Win10, you must supply a generic product key instead. Here's a list of same to use. Continue Reading