User passwords and network permissions

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E-Zine 29 May 2018
Get smart with IAM tools for your EUC strategy

Identity and access management (IAM) is an evolving market that now includes software and services that incorporate machine learning, analytics and microservices. IT departments can use IAM tools to strengthen end-user security. This month's cover story of Access magazine delves into the latest trends in IAM tools and how IT pros are taking advantage.
Also in this issue, learn about mobile and desktop malware detection and how risks differ on these devices, plus what tools are available to help. One expert column explores the reality of cross-platform mobile application development and what vendors are doing in this area. Another explains whether IT pros should consider moving away from Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager and why. Finally, get some stats on IT's priorities around mobility projects.
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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

Tip 30 Jan 2017

Office 365 vs. Office 2013: What are the key differences?

Software as a service may be one reason for choosing Office 365 over Office 2013, but licensing and update frequency are other considerations. Continue Reading
Answer 05 Mar 2015

How do I open an .xpx file in Office 2002 SP3?

An .xpx file can cause problems for Office 2002 SP3 users, but Microsoft does provide help in Windows 7 and with a free XPS viewer. Continue Reading
Answer 26 Feb 2015

Why doesn't closing a file return me to Microsoft Windows Explorer?

If you open a Windows document in Windows Explorer rather than in the Microsoft Word interface, closing it launches File Explorer. The file hasn't moved. Continue Reading
Answer 25 Feb 2015

What are some alternatives to Windows Defender?

Windows Defender is useful for Windows 8 security, but it can't keep up with malicious software alone. Several third-party products can help. Continue Reading
Answer 11 Feb 2015

How does Windows 8.1 support affect Active Directory?

Windows 8.1 support for endpoint security includes Open MDM and biometrics, but removing Remote Server Administration Tools can affect Active Directory. Continue Reading
Answer 03 Feb 2015

What Web application monitoring tools exist for desktops?

Microsoft Intune and other mobile device management tools are also useful for desktop management from the cloud and Web application monitoring. Continue Reading
Tip 28 Jan 2015

Tighten Windows 8.1 security in five simple steps

Microsoft has improved Windows 8.1 security, but no OS is free of vulnerabilities. Some basic settings can further protect Windows 8.x systems. Continue Reading
Answer 05 Jan 2015

How do I remove admin restrictions from Windows 7 laptops?

To relax the usual restrictions on Windows 7 laptops, use the Windows administrator account, but remember to record your password. Continue Reading
Feature 22 Dec 2014

Registry tweaks can speed up Windows 8 performance

Our latest article on using the Windows registry to improve Windows 8 performance looks at disk access and shutting down Windows Store apps Continue Reading
Tip 10 Nov 2014

Four utilities can verify Group Policy object settings

Client-side extensions could cause a Group Policy object to fail. Fortunately, there are a few different ways to track down Windows GPO settings. Continue Reading
Feature 30 Sep 2014

How to enable Windows 8.1 kiosk mode for Modern apps

It's possible to control user application access on startup with Assigned Access, but note that Windows 8.1 kiosk mode works only for Modern apps. Continue Reading
Feature 18 Sep 2014

Windows kiosk mode locks down PCs, but note workarounds

Switching from the Windows Explorer shell to a particular app can be useful for single-purpose devices, but users can still foil Windows kiosk mode. Continue Reading
Tip 21 Jul 2014

Office Telemetry reports on Office 2013 docs and apps

If IT administrators need information on document and application usage, they can use Office Telemetry, an Office 2013 feature that gathers such data. Continue Reading
Answer 08 Jul 2014

How to allow multiple users to share an Excel workbook

Public folders allow users to share an Excel workbook, but OneDrive and Windows 8.1 HomeGroups might be better. Continue Reading
Tip 02 Jun 2014

For missing GPO settings, check the Winlogon component

If a Windows system isn't applying certain Group Policy settings, you may need to check Winlogon and common client-side extensions. Continue Reading
Photo Story 10 Apr 2014

Five Windows Sysinternals utilities can aid in desktop troubleshooting

There are many free tools in the Windows Sysinternals suite, but some might help admins more than others for viewing data and managing desktops. Continue Reading
Tip 11 Dec 2013

Locking down Internet Explorer settings with Group Policy in IE 11

New Internet Explorer settings can tighten enterprise security, but only if Group Policy is properly enabled in IE 11 and you have Windows 8. Continue Reading
Tip 07 Oct 2013

Learn how to install Office 2013 with Group Policies or SCCM

To successfully deploy Office 2013 across a network, you'll need Group Policies or tools such as Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager. Continue Reading
Tip 31 May 2013

Using Active Directory activation and other new Office 2013 tools

Among the new Office 2013 tools for IT admins are a method for volume activation, administrative template files and files for custom installations. Continue Reading
Tip 23 Apr 2013

Stripping a Microsoft Office password from a document with DocRecrypt

DocRecrypt, an Office 2013 tool, allows an admins to get into an otherwise inaccessible file by stripping it of its Microsoft Office password. Continue Reading
Answer 27 Feb 2013

Ways to detect and delete duplicate files in Windows systems

Our enterprise desktop expert answers a question about some third-party tools for eliminating duplicate files in Windows desktops. Continue Reading
Tip 07 Jan 2013

Microsoft Office 2013 crackable, so look to Office password recovery

Microsoft Office 2013 may have improved protection, but third-party tools have already cracked passwords. See how to use Office password recovery. Continue Reading
Tip 02 Mar 2011

Resetting passwords in the enterprise without the help desk

While there are several self-service password-reset options on the market, many organizations are hesitant to implement them -- even though the payoffs are significant. Continue Reading
Tip 25 Aug 2010

Where does Windows store its temporary files?

The temporary files generated by Windows can pile up and become a security hazard. Learn how to track them down and tidy up your systems. Continue Reading
Tip 28 Jul 2010

How to crack a password

Expert Brien Posey describes some techniques used to crack Windows passwords and offers several defenses against attack. Continue Reading
Tip 20 Jan 2010

Five network security resolutions for 2010

Tighten your enterprise's network security this year with these simple steps, which include regularly changing passwords, keeping patches up to date and talking to end users. Continue Reading
Tutorial 24 Sep 2008

Step 4: Start the BitLocker encryption process

In Vista, the BitLocker function allows you to encrypt your hard drive, but a computer with Trusted Platform Module is preferred. Not to worry … learn how to use BitLocker on a computer without TPM and encrypt your hard drive with this step-by-step guide. Continue Reading
Tutorial 24 Sep 2008

Step-by-step guide: Laptop hacking

Laptops with sensitive data are getting stolen every day. Contributor Kevin Beaver says the best way to secure your laptops is to understand how they will be attacked. He provides the basic attack methods and a set of contingencies in this step-by-step guide. Continue Reading
Tip 25 Mar 2008

How to recover from lost BitLocker PINs and startup keys

Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption makes it possible to encrypt your system drive, but permanent data loss can occur if you forget the PIN or lose the startup key. This article explains some steps that you can take to regain your lost data. Continue Reading
Answer 19 Mar 2007

Restricting user permissions in folders

If you have a question about managing the permissions of a folder in your domain, this advice from Jonathan Hassell tells you how to set those permissions and prevent users from deleting that folder. Continue Reading
Tip 12 Sep 2005

How to Bypass BIOS Passwords

BIOS passwords can be a liability if a user forgets his password. Here are a few tips and tricks that can help to bypass or reset the BIOS password on most systems. Continue Reading
News 19 Dec 2004

#7: How to manage multiple unique passwords

Do you really need to use unique passwords for every account? Get Roberta's answer to that question and her advice for managing multiple passwords in this expert response. Continue Reading
News 12 Nov 2004

Access control how-tos

From setting account options to limit systems access to implementing permissions in Windows 2000, check out this collection of how-tos for preventing unauthorized access to Windows systems. Continue Reading
News 19 Aug 2004

Graphical passwords still far from picture perfect

The proliferation of data and devices is making more enterprises consider graphics-based authentication, from which arises a greater pool of possibilities -- and problems. Continue Reading