Microsoft Active Directory Security
Top Stories
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Quiz
17 Oct 2018
Can this Active Directory quiz stump you?
How much do you know about Active Directory? Find out with this Active Directory quiz on the service's basics, structure and capabilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Apr 2018
Azure AD B2B offers a secure way to grant external access
Organizations that open up their resources to external users can restrict access using the Azure AD B2B service with minimal effort on the part of the administrators. Continue Reading
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News
14 Apr 2021
Exchange Server bugs continue to bite on April Patch Tuesday
Microsoft resolves 110 vulnerabilities, including a zero-day and four public disclosures, but the company says admins should prioritize four critical bugs on Exchange Server. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Apr 2021
Azure MFA NPS extension boosts authentication capabilities
With help from the Network Policy Server extension, organizations can expand their on-premises authentication features by tapping into Microsoft's cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Apr 2021
Azure File Sync service puts pep in hybrid storage setups
Microsoft's Azure Files offering alleviates traditional support efforts and hardware costs. Using this additional service can improve performance and keep end users happy. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
05 Apr 2021
Try default values in PowerShell parameters for flexibility
When you lock down your code to work in specific conditions, your automation efforts can fall flat. Try these techniques to add more versatility to your PowerShell scripts. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
29 Mar 2021
Cut coding corners with return values in PowerShell functions
In certain instances, a return keyword is a good option to exit the current scope of a function and to reduce the bloat from a PowerShell script. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Mar 2021
Stay in control with Azure AD Privileged Identity Management
Rampant use of elevated privileges can prove hazardous to enterprises. Rein in access and manage resource access with help from this Azure Active Directory feature. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
17 Mar 2021
Build a Windows Server 2019 file server cluster for stability
Learn how to use the clustering tools provided by the Microsoft server OS to create a highly available file server to avoid downtime if disaster strikes. Continue Reading
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News
09 Mar 2021
Exchange Server issues loom over March Patch Tuesday
For many organizations that rely on Exchange for reasons in addition to email, a move to a more secure messaging platform is not an option. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Mar 2021
Microsoft Cloud App Security aims to expand your defenses
Data center security tools have little control over the plethora of SaaS apps used in the enterprise. A Microsoft offering attempts to bridge that gap to ward off threats. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Mar 2021
Optimize Windows Server 2019 with file server best practices
A file server deployment must satisfy the needs of both the end user and the IT staff. Tune up Windows Server for a secure and performant repository for your critical data. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
26 Feb 2021
Learn to use a PowerShell call function from another script
Don't use the same lines of code in several places in your scripts. Learn how to use functions and reap the benefits of a more streamlined approach. Continue Reading
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News
10 Feb 2021
Microsoft plugs Windows zero-day for February Patch Tuesday
Microsoft addresses 56 total unique vulnerabilities, including six that were publicly disclosed, and gives administrators their second dose for August's Zerologon issue. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Feb 2021
Level up with these advanced PowerShell commands to copy files
Take a closer look at Copy-Item cmdlet coding examples to build advanced PowerShell scripts that copy files with safety measures to ensure the duplicates reach their destinations. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jan 2021
Azure Information Protection P1 vs. P2: What's the difference?
Azure Information Protection adds security to files such as sensitive emails and files copied to flash drives. See which features Microsoft offers in its two licensing levels. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
14 Jan 2021
SharePoint Online PowerShell commands for admin tasks
You can avoid the admin portal when you pick up your PowerShell game and learn how to manage cloud-based resources in Office 365, including the SharePoint collaboration platform. Continue Reading
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News
13 Jan 2021
Microsoft Defender zero-day fixed for January Patch Tuesday
In addition to the fix for its antivirus software, Microsoft also corrected a publicly disclosed printer driver flaw that affected Windows client and server systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jan 2021
WUfB vs. WSUS: Which handles Windows updates better?
Trying to get a handle on Windows updates can frustrate even the most seasoned administrators. Which of these two patch management tools fit best in your environment? Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Dec 2020
Azure AD Premium P1 vs. P2: Which is right for you?
Azure Active Directory is more than just Active Directory in the cloud. See how the premium editions of the directory service stack up to find the best fit for your organization. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Dec 2020
Explore multiple Office 365 PowerShell management options
Why use PowerShell for Office 365 and Azure? In some instances, it's the only way to tap into some of the hidden management settings in these Microsoft cloud products. Continue Reading
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News
09 Dec 2020
Microsoft closes out year with light December Patch Tuesday
In addition to the monthly security updates, Microsoft shares a fix to address a DNS cache poisoning vulnerability that affects Windows Server systems. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Nov 2020
Learn how to start using Docker on Windows Server 2019
Getting started with Windows containers requires an understanding of basic concepts and how to work with Docker Engine. Orin Thomas' book covers the topics admins need to know. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Nov 2020
Boost Windows Server performance with these 10 tips
A small investment in time to execute these Windows Server performance tuning tips and techniques can optimize server workloads for more satisfactory results. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Nov 2020
Explore the benefits of Azure AD vs. on-prem AD
A move to Office 365 doesn't require cutting the cord from on-premises Active Directory, but it is an option. Here's what you need to know when comparing Azure AD vs. on-prem AD. Continue Reading
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News
11 Nov 2020
Windows zero-day shut down on November Patch Tuesday
In addition to fixing the exploited Windows flaw, Microsoft rolls out a new look to the Security Update Guide that draws some criticism. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Nov 2020
Remote possibilities: Out-of-band management admin options
COVID-19 puts added strain on administrators who need to compensate for lack of personnel in data centers, which leads to the need for a remote access strategy. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Oct 2020
Using the Office 365 Recommended Configuration Analyzer
Learn how this free PowerShell-based utility digs into your Office 365 security setup and offers guidance for administrators looking to stop the latest online threats. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
27 Oct 2020
Build a Power Automate flow using the Graph API
Administrators of Office 365 or Azure platforms can benefit from using newer Microsoft software technologies to handle many jobs, such as automating tasks and generating reports. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Oct 2020
How to work with Azure DNS zones
Microsoft's hosting service for DNS domains is an option for organizations with a heavy Azure investment that want the benefits associated with a cloud service. Continue Reading
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News
14 Oct 2020
Critical TCP/IP bug gets fixed for October Patch Tuesday
The number of security updates from Microsoft dips below the average of the previous several months, but a TCP/IP bug looms large for administrators. Continue Reading
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News
02 Oct 2020
Exchange Server vNext will have subscription requirement
The news from Microsoft from this year's Ignite show for Exchange administrators was: You can keep your on-premises email platform, but you'll have to pay for it like Office 365. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Sep 2020
Microsoft 365 E3 vs. Office 365 E3: What admins need to know
The rumors of Office 365's death have been greatly exaggerated. Microsoft still offers an Office 365 E3 plan, but how does it stack up to the Microsoft 365 E3 plan? Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Sep 2020
Clearing up the Nano Server vs. Server Core confusion
The debut of Windows Server 2016 contained a lighter server OS deployment to replace Server Core, but then Microsoft made a drastic change that still has some admins puzzled. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Sep 2020
Windows file systems showdown: FAT16, FAT32, NTFS and ReFS
Some older file formats continue to find life in the enterprise decades after they were developed for their versatility -- in certain situations. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Sep 2020
What admins should know about Microsoft Windows Terminal
There's a new terminal that puts a different spin on the traditional command-line tools used by Windows administrators with extensive functionality and customization options. Continue Reading
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News
09 Sep 2020
SharePoint gets multiple fixes for September Patch Tuesday
There were no zero-days or public disclosures from Microsoft this month, but patches for SharePoint and Exchange should get prompt attention. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Aug 2020
Securing Active Directory also involves good backup practices
The 'Active Directory Administration Cookbook' covers what admins can do in advance to bring the identity and access management platform back online after an attack. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Aug 2020
WVD vs. RDS vs. VDI: Which should you choose?
Application and desktop virtualization delivered by Windows Server continues to do the job, but is it time to give Microsoft's new cloud-based desktop service a look? Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Aug 2020
Shore up defenses with help from Office 365 logs
Logging on Microsoft's productivity platform used in conjunction with other tools can form an effective shield from malicious actors looking to find a way into your organization. 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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Tutorial
11 Aug 2020
Implement simple server monitoring with PowerShell
Administrators who build a server monitoring framework with PowerShell can develop their own customized checks for deeper insights into their environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Aug 2020
Techniques to troubleshoot Active Directory issues
Active Directory runs several key operational duties, such as validating access to resources. Keep the system from breaking down with help from these diagnostic methods. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Jul 2020
Office 365 Advanced eDiscovery goes beyond search basics
Microsoft streamlines the efforts to find pertinent documents and other data with help from the artificial intelligence embedded in the platform's analytics technology. Continue Reading
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News
24 Jul 2020
IT's move to Azure drives Microsoft revenues skyward
The shift to remote work and accelerated cloud migrations during the pandemic have resulted in strong revenue growth for Microsoft. The company reported its Q4 earnings this week. Continue Reading
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Video
17 Jul 2020
Windows Server System Insights steers admins from trouble
The predictive analytics feature in Windows Server 2019 gives administrators a heads-up to potential problems to avoid the scrambling when help desk tickets start to pile up. Continue Reading
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News
15 Jul 2020
DNS Server vulnerability tops July Patch Tuesday concerns
Microsoft warns administrators not to delay the deployment of a patch to shut down a critical bug in Windows DNS servers due to its potential to cause widespread damage. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
10 Jul 2020
PowerShell 7 remoting expands management horizons
Connecting to different operating systems to manage them from PowerShell requires SSH setup, which is less onerous in the version 7 release. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jul 2020
Active Directory replication troubleshooting tips and tools
When replication between domain controllers breaks down, just about everything else will grind to a halt. These utilities can help pinpoint the Active Directory issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jul 2020
Learn to configure Office 365 alerts and other security features
More users are working from home, which makes them tempting targets for malicious actors. Take the time to fortify your environment by deploying Office 365 protections. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jun 2020
Why Linux containers on Windows is a big deal
Microsoft introduced support for Docker Linux containers in its latest versions of the Windows client and server operating systems, so why should it matter to you? Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jun 2020
Is SCCM in Azure right for your organization?
System Center Configuration Manager still has a long life, which was further underscored by Microsoft supporting deployments of the endpoint management tool to Azure. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jun 2020
Microsoft Defender ATP taps into cloud for added protection
Enterprises that want to wrap up their systems in an extra layer of security have the option for more enhanced protection that integrates with other Microsoft products. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Jun 2020
PowerShell book captures the tool's intense early days
Getting PowerShell off the drawing board and into Windows required an iron will, as well as technical chops. A new book unveils the story behind its development process. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jun 2020
Microsoft issues 129 fixes for June Patch Tuesday
SharePoint continues to attract attention this month, with 12 unique vulnerabilities corrected in the document sharing and storage product. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jun 2020
How to take advantage of Teams-Exchange integration
The apps in Office 365 sometimes need a few tweaks to interact in a more seamless fashion. Learn how to combine the functionality of Exchange and Microsoft Teams. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 May 2020
Q&A: Recounting the rough-and-tumble history of PowerShell
Today, PowerShell is a key tool for many Windows administrators, but its developers had to battle to get it launched. Don Jones talks about PowerShell's tumultuous start. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
29 May 2020
Try an Azure Site Recovery setup for DR needs
Administrators who need some assurance that mission-critical workloads will stay up when trouble strikes can try out Microsoft's cloud-based disaster recovery service. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 May 2020
VMs vs. containers: What Windows admins need to know
VMs have high resource overhead, but they're dependable. Containers can scale dramatically, but they require a different mode of management. Which is right for your workloads? Continue Reading
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Tutorial
27 May 2020
Learn how to create a scheduled task with PowerShell
When you need a reliable way to create a scheduled task, you can use PowerShell’s automation capabilities to reduce the likelihood of keying in mistakes. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 May 2020
Steer clear of trouble while following the Office 365 roadmap
There are literally hundreds of changes coming to the collaboration platform that affect email and other services. Here's what IT can do to help ease the transition for end users. Continue Reading
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Video
21 May 2020
Use a Windows Server 2019 domain controller or go to Azure?
Administrators must dig into the details to see if a swap from on-premises Active Directory to the Azure equivalent makes sense for their organization. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 May 2020
Windows Server 2019 RDS updates a boon for remote work needs
Enhanced security, improved end-user experience and cloud integration are just a few of the perks for organizations that move to Windows Server 2019 RDS. Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2020
May Patch Tuesday brings a bevy of SharePoint fixes
Microsoft delivers corrections for 111 unique vulnerabilities with a significant number aimed at SharePoint, which may signal growing interest from attackers. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
11 May 2020
Lighten up and install Exchange 2019 on Windows Server Core
Organizations looking to tighten up security in every aspect of their infrastructure now have the option to deploy their on-premises messaging system on Server Core 2019. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
04 May 2020
Find and lock down lax Windows share permissions
With help from PowerShell, you can identify the shares that need adjustments across your infrastructure then use a script to fix them to protect sensitive data. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Apr 2020
Consider Office 365 MFA to thwart attacks
More remote users are working on their own equipment, which opens an organization to a hack attempt. Office 365 customers can use multifactor authentication to lower this risk. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Apr 2020
Getting a handle on certificate management in Windows shops
A certificate that isn't renewed by its expiration date will cause dire consequences for administrators who will need to find a fast remedy when systems can't communicate. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Apr 2020
Remote access is just one of many COVID-19 IT challenges
The coronavirus outbreak stretched many in IT to the limit of their abilities to find ways to accommodate the surge in remote workers. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
24 Apr 2020
PowerShell ForEach-Object cmdlet picks up speed
Administrators get extra incentive to switch to PowerShell 7 after an existing cmdlet acquires a performance enhancement to run multiple iterations in parallel. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Apr 2020
Avoid common pain points when migrating to Exchange Online
Every Exchange Server configuration is unique, which makes a move to hosted email in Office 365 a complex undertaking, but some stumbling blocks are more frequent than others. Continue Reading
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Video
17 Apr 2020
Update makes Storage Migration Service more cloud-friendly
The latest version of the Windows Admin Center comes with a refinement to one of its tools to make moving a file server to Azure less of a challenge. Continue Reading
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News
15 Apr 2020
3 zero-day fixes in heavy April Patch Tuesday release
Complications arising from the coronavirus pandemic could slow the rollout of this month's Microsoft security updates as IT teams deal with an influx of remote workers. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
13 Apr 2020
Increase PowerShell security with help from AppLocker
Learn how to curb the native abilities of the expansive scripting tool in the Windows OS to prevent your users from being unwitting participants in a cyberattack. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Apr 2020
Learn to manage Office 365 ProPlus updates
The traditional Microsoft Office applications you get from Office 365 might appear to be the same on the surface, but how you administer them differs in several key ways. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Apr 2020
Active Directory nesting groups strategy and implementation
Does your current Active Directory permissions setup spark joy? If not, then it's time to unscramble that confusing design into something that's easier to use and maintain. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Mar 2020
Do you need to make Exchange Online backups?
Microsoft has several protective measures in place to let customers restore deleted mail in Office 365, but backup vendors will say it's not enough to cover every scenario. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Mar 2020
Updated Exchange Online PowerShell module adds reliability, speed
Microsoft assists Exchange Online administrators who rely on PowerShell by reworking the underlying functionality of several cmdlets used to manage the hosted email platform. Continue Reading
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News
11 Mar 2020
Mammoth March Patch Tuesday lands on Windows admins
Microsoft delivers corrections for 115 unique vulnerabilities, including 26 bugs rated critical in one of its largest Patch Tuesday releases in recent memory. Continue Reading
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Report
10 Mar 2020
Comprehensive PowerShell guide for new and seasoned admins
PowerShell has emerged as an important IT automation tool for on-premises and cloud resources. This overview covers a range of topics to get you up to speed. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Mar 2020
Understanding Windows PowerShell function parameters
Parameters in Windows PowerShell can help admins better customize their functions, leading to improved input testing and more extensible commands. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Mar 2020
Find and filter Windows event logs using PowerShell Get-EventLog
Use the Get-EventLog cmdlet in PowerShell to pinpoint problems among thousands of entries in Windows logs, on both local and remote systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Mar 2020
How to upload and download files with PowerShell FTP script
By using the .NET WebClient class and PowerShell, Windows admins can upload and download files to FTP. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Mar 2020
25 basic PowerShell commands for Windows administrators
Getting started with PowerShell or just need a quick refresher? This tip lists the most common PowerShell commands, with details on when to use them. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Mar 2020
A closer look at new and updated Microsoft security features
Microsoft augments the native protection features in its newer Windows Server releases with cloud-based security products to reduce the likelihood of a successful breach attempt. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Mar 2020
5 PowerShell tools to help simplify admin tasks and support
Learn how systems admins, software developers and engineers can use tools, such as Cimitra Software, to build better PowerShell scripts to manage and automate repetitive tasks. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Mar 2020
7 PowerShell courses to help hone skills for all levels of expertise
Online PowerShell courses, such as the seven examined here, offer systems administrators and other users basic tutorials as well as more advanced courses. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Feb 2020
How to fortify your virtualized Active Directory design
It takes a little work to fine-tune your Active Directory deployment, but the benefits will result in little to no service interruptions to your users if an outage occurs. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Feb 2020
What are Windows virtualization-based security features?
Microsoft Hyper-V on Windows comes with advanced protection schemes, including several virtualization-based security features the company introduced in Windows Server 2019. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Feb 2020
How does Microsoft BitLocker secure local, cloud resources?
The BitLocker encryption technology continues to evolve from its roots as a Windows Vista feature to protect resources both in the local data center and in the Azure cloud platform. Continue Reading
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Video
13 Feb 2020
Deploy and configure WSUS 2019 for Windows patching needs
You can update your Microsoft software with a few tools, but Windows Server Update Services is the go-to for many administrators who want a reliable patch deployment platform. Continue Reading
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News
12 Feb 2020
February Patch Tuesday resolves IE zero-day
Microsoft released security updates for 99 unique vulnerabilities, including an Internet Explorer flaw the company had notified customers about last month. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Feb 2020
What are some Windows Server 2019 SDN security features?
Microsoft continued to refine the software-defined networking capabilities in its latest server operating system by developing several new security features. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Feb 2020
What's new with PowerShell error handling?
PowerShell 7 introduces a new cmdlet to assist administrators who wanted a better way to find out what broke in the scripts they wrote to manage their systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Feb 2020
Why move to PowerShell 7 from Windows PowerShell?
The next major release of this venerable automation tool features performance improvements and a bevy of new features that could sway many administrators to switch. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jan 2020
Windows Server 2008 end of life means it's time to move
Your organization has a few options to migrate from unsupported Windows Server 2008/2008 R2 systems to avoid becoming another cyberattack statistic. Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Jan 2020
What are some features in Microsoft Defender ATP?
The threat protection platform, which underwent a recent name change, comes with some tailored features for Windows Server 2019 to stop attacks and reduce configuration issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jan 2020
Using Azure AD conditional access for tighter security
The cloud-based identity and access management service does not come with certain defensive features turned on by default, which administrators should rectify. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jan 2020
PowerShell 7 features admins should examine
The next version of the administrative tool introduces several features, including a new cmdlet to assist with troubleshooting errors. Continue Reading
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Video
23 Jan 2020
How to install the Windows Server 2019 VPN
A VPN prevents unauthorized users from gaining access to critical resources in your organization. This tutorial covers the deployment on Windows Server 2019. Continue Reading
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News
16 Jan 2020
Battle lines over Windows Server 2008 migration drawn
Microsoft and AWS stepped up their ongoing battle promoting a variety of Windows Server 2008 migration tools in hopes of luring users over to their respective ecosystems. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
15 Jan 2020
Build a PowerShell logging function for troubleshooting
A basic administrative skill is checking over logs to find out why something broke. Learn how to build a proper logging mechanism to catch errors for diagnostic purposes. Continue Reading