Microsoft Windows Server Provisioning
Top Stories
-
Tip
28 Nov 2018
Choosing the best OS: Linux server vs. Windows Server
When determining the best server OS for a data center, you have Windows Server and multiple Linux options. For both, you'll want to look at vendor support, cost and functionality. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Nov 2016
Microsoft SCORCH lights an automated path to more efficiency
System Center Orchestrator tackles tedious tasks and can even make autonomous decisions based on conditions set by the Windows administrator. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
03 Jun 2015
Advanced threat protection add-on comes to Microsoft EOP
The ATP add-on for Exchange Online Protection gives on-premises Exchange Server and Office 365 customers another layer of security. Continue Reading
-
Tip
01 Jun 2015
A Windows Server 2016 Group Policy walkthrough
Administrators who work with Group Policy will appreciate that the structure hasn't changed in Windows Server 2016, but there are new policies unique to the release worth noting. Continue Reading
-
Answer
04 May 2015
What are SR-IOV pros and cons with Hyper-V?
SR-IOV in Windows Server 2012 R2 supports Hyper-V Live Migration, but system requirements hampered adoption for some cases. Should everyone put PCIe SR-IOV to use? Continue Reading
-
Feature
30 Apr 2015
Learn how to use BitLocker in Windows Server 2012
BitLocker is an encryption feature in all versions of Windows Server 2012 that can protect the data on your PC and hard drive. Learn how to install and use it. Continue Reading
-
Answer
29 Apr 2015
What are the limitations and drawbacks of an IPAM server?
Windows Server IPAM can only handle one Active Directory forest. Learn about other limitations. Continue Reading
-
Quiz
24 Apr 2015
Test your knowledge of Microsoft Azure
How much do you know about Microsoft Azure, the latest version of Microsoft’s Azure cloud software? This quiz will test your knowledge. Continue Reading
-
Tip
21 Apr 2015
Switch authentication modes during a disaster recovery
Converting authentication modes is a rare thing admins need to address, but it must be fixed right away when it happens -- and Microsoft's documentation on it is incorrect. Continue Reading
-
Tip
26 Mar 2015
This PowerShell module takes control of NTFS permissions
One simple install of the File System Security PowerShell Module can help manage NTFS permissions for user access to folders. Continue Reading
-
Tip
24 Feb 2015
IIS exploits in Windows Server and how you can fix them
There are several flaws in IIS that can jeopardize the security of Windows servers. Here are some of the top threats and how to solve them. Continue Reading
-
Opinion
09 Feb 2015
What a hybrid setup means for Exchange's future
Organizations that don't want to move entire workloads to the cloud have another option that's gaining popularity. Continue Reading
-
Answer
15 Dec 2014
How do I grant users outside the LAN access to OWA?
Our company has users who reside outside the local area network. What's the best way to grant those users access to Outlook Web App? Continue Reading
-
News
10 Dec 2014
Google Compute Engine adds Windows, Exchange support
Google Compute Engine adds Windows support -- another sign of the platform's growing maturity and one fewer reason for enterprises to say no. Continue Reading
-
Tip
31 Oct 2014
Hidden vulnerabilities on your IIS 8 servers
IIS 8 isn't completely immune to security flaws. Here are some vulnerabilities you might be missing. Continue Reading
-
Answer
27 Oct 2014
How does Exchange Native Data Protection work?
Take a look at what Exchange Native Data Protection does in Exchange 2013 to decide if it fits into your organization. Continue Reading
-
Answer
22 Oct 2014
How can I delete Exchange audit logs?
Admins don't have to sidestep the default settings for deleting logs, but if needed, these PowerShell cmdlets will get the job done. Continue Reading
-
Tip
21 Oct 2014
Set rules with Office 365 message classification
Message classifications are some of the handiest tools Exchange Online admins can have in their toolkits. Continue Reading
-
Answer
20 Oct 2014
How does write back cache improve performance?
With Windows Server 2012 R2 and earlier, admins have access to write-back caching, leading to reasonable improvements for mission-critical workloads. Continue Reading
-
News
11 Jul 2014
Microsoft cloud storage may lift Azure skyward
Microsoft will continue to blare its Azure cloud next week with several cloud storage announcements. Will users listen this time? Continue Reading
-
News
08 Jul 2014
Internet Explorer, Windows Server Service Bus receive patches
In July's Patch Tuesday update, Microsoft issued critical fixes for Internet Explorer and a lesser-known Windows program. Continue Reading
-
News
03 Jul 2014
Two new SCCM add-ons for advanced IT management
Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager tools fit the bill for small shops, but enterprises may have to spring for third-party SCCM add-ons. Continue Reading
-
Answer
30 Jun 2014
When to use CPU affinity with Windows Server 2012 R2
There are several issues to consider before you decide to use CPU affinity in Windows Server 2012 R2. Continue Reading
-
News
05 Feb 2014
Can Microsoft's new CEO change its cloud and mobile fortunes?
Microsoft's new CEO Satya Nadella brings technical expertise to the helm, but can he provide a roadmap that offers IT pros reason for optimism rather than continued frustration? Continue Reading
-
Tip
22 Jan 2014
Set up an ADFS server to manage Office 365 identities
As long as you know how to set it up and install it, ADFS can be a good identity management option for Office 365. Continue Reading
-
Tip
20 Jan 2014
Customize Exchange ActiveSync settings for virtual directories
Knowing the settings for the mailbox server and the Client Access server role is the key to customizing ActiveSync virtual directories. Continue Reading
-
Guide
16 Dec 2013
Should you migrate to Windows Server 2012 R2?
It's time to seriously consider migration plans for Windows Server 2012 R2. Learn best practices, what's new and more. Continue Reading
-
Tip
11 Dec 2013
Five ways to troubleshoot Outlook Group Policy setting problems
When Group Policy configurations aren't working like they should in Outlook, these five steps can help you figure out what's wrong. Continue Reading
-
Answer
20 Nov 2013
How a shared virtual disk can benefit a Windows Server data center
With the introduction of Windows Server 2012 R2, shared virtual disks have capabilities to improve failover clusters in a few ways. Continue Reading
-
Answer
20 Nov 2013
A closer look at virtual hard disks in Windows Server 2012 R2
The VHDX format includes performance-enhancing features and capabilities that let virtual servers recover VMs with little to no data loss. Continue Reading
-
Tip
01 Nov 2013
Using OWA offline mode for expanded Outlook access in Exchange 2013
Exchange Server 2013 gives OWA users offline access to features and functionality that had previously only been available to Outlook users. Continue Reading
-
Tip
01 Nov 2013
Running PowerShell scripts can ease Windows virtualization tasks
Put PowerShell cmdlets to work with Windows virtualization by automating setup, maintenance and configuration tasks in your organization. Continue Reading
-
Answer
30 Oct 2013
Windows Server 2012 R2 makes VM migration faster, smoother
The Windows Server 2012 R2 release continues to push the trend of faster and less disruptive VM migrations in the data center. Continue Reading
-
Answer
30 Oct 2013
Compression eases Live Migration process in Windows Server 2012 R2
By using Live Migration compression, smaller VM files are transferred more quickly between systems and have fewer resent or dropped packets. Continue Reading
-
Answer
30 Oct 2013
How Remote DMA improves Live Migration in Windows Server 2012 R2
The RDMA feature can use high-throughput, low-latency data exchanges to improve Live Migration's performance in Windows Server 2012 R2. Continue Reading
-
News
08 Oct 2013
Facing threat from competitors, Microsoft spells out cloud plans
With stiff competition from cloud competitors like Amazon, Microsoft is offering Azure discounts to customers who enter into enterprise agreements. Continue Reading
-
Tip
30 Sep 2013
Essential Windows Server 2012 R2 system requirements
Before upgrading to Windows Server 2012 R2, read up on hardware requirements to ensure there are enough resources to preserve performance. Continue Reading
-
Answer
30 Sep 2013
Windows Server 2012 R2 Storage Spaces boosts performance
Three new features in Windows Storage Spaces -- storage tiering, write-back caching and dual parity -- boost storage performance. Continue Reading
-
Answer
30 Sep 2013
Windows Server 2012 R2 Storage Spaces addresses storage growth demands
Windows Server 2012 R2 Storage Spaces offers an alternative to traditional SAN storage and includes updates for virtualizing shared storage. Continue Reading
-
Answer
30 Sep 2013
Windows Server 2012 R2 Storage Spaces suits SSD deployments
With the new storage tiering feature, Storage Spaces in Windows Server 2012 R2 works best with solid-state-drive devices. Continue Reading
-
Tip
25 Sep 2013
Troubleshoot Exchange Admin Center access issues in Exchange 2013
It's common for users to have trouble accessing the Exchange Admin Center in Exchange 2013. Keep these fixes handy in case this happens to you. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Aug 2013
Desired State Configuration helps admins avoid configuration drift
The new feature Desired State Configuration feature in Windows Server 2012 R2 gives admins yet another reason to learn PowerShell. Continue Reading
-
Tip
23 Aug 2013
PowerShell 4.0 further facilitates task automation for Windows admins
Has PowerShell finally grown up? A mature PowerShell 4.0 in Windows Server 2012 R2 brings with it new parameters, simpler implementation and more. Continue Reading
-
News
09 Aug 2013
Microsoft hikes Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter edition pricing
Microsoft made changes to its license pricing, upping the cost of Windows Server 2012 R2 by as much as 28%. It also discussed a new licensing option. Continue Reading
-
Tip
18 Jun 2013
How to synchronize SharePoint 2013 lists with Outlook 2013
Give users access to various SharePoint 2013 lists through Outlook 2013 with just a few simple configuration steps. Continue Reading
-
News
11 Jun 2013
Q&A: Anderson talks BYOD management in Windows Server 2012 R2
Microsoft's Brad Anderson talks about changes to expect in Windows Server 2012 R2 features, including some to security and enterprise mobility. Continue Reading
-
Feature
11 Jun 2013
Q&A: Microsoft's Brad Anderson talks Windows Server 2012 R2
Microsoft's Brad Anderson discusses new features in Windows Server 2012, including a faster update cycle and cross-platform integration. Continue Reading
-
News
03 Jun 2013
Windows Server 2012 R2, System Center 2012 R2 support hybrid clouds
Microsoft will deliver new versions of Windows Server 2012 and System Center 2012 this year, with focus on hybrid clouds. Continue Reading
-
Tip
06 May 2013
How to configure Office Web Apps Server for use with Exchange 2013
Get the steps necessary to build an Office Web Apps Server farm and integrate it with Exchange 2013. It's essential if you add other Wave 15 products. Continue Reading
-
Answer
29 Apr 2013
Steps to read XML files with PowerShell
Wondering how to get PowerShell to read XML files? Our expert explains a few methods you could use. Continue Reading
-
Answer
29 Apr 2013
Logging your every move with a PowerShell transcript
There are a few methods for creating a PowerShell transcript that logs everything. We highlight a few of these and what to know about each. Continue Reading
-
Tip
25 Apr 2013
Five ways admins can embrace Windows Server 2012 Remote Management
As Microsoft encourages Windows admins to deal with servers offsite, here are some easy steps they can use for Windows Server 2012 Remote Management. Continue Reading
-
Tip
01 Apr 2013
Five things you might not know about the Hyper-V virtual switch
One of the most significant improvements in Windows Server 2012 might be the Hyper-V virtual switch. What makes this low-cost option such a big deal? Continue Reading
-
Photo Story
28 Mar 2013
A closer look at Outlook 2013
Considering an upgrade to Outlook 2013, but unsure if it's worth it? Get a close look at the sleeker interface, new features and more in this slideshow. Continue Reading
-
Answer
14 Feb 2013
How do I use a PowerShell filter to identify files by date?
Our expert answers one of the most common questions he hears from admins about using a PowerShell filter to find a file's accurate date. Continue Reading
-
Tip
14 Feb 2013
Microsoft makes improvements to SharePoint workflows
The first thing to know about SharePoint workflows is that SharePoint 2013 actually contains two separate workflow platforms. Continue Reading
-
Tip
09 Jan 2013
Deciding whether to run Server Core in Windows Server 2012
Our expert breaks down the advantages and disadvantages of deploying Server Core in Windows Server 2012. Continue Reading
-
Quiz
21 Dec 2012
Test your knowledge of new Windows Server 2012 features with this quiz
Think you've done a good job in keeping up with all of the year's Windows Server news, updates and features? Take this short quiz to find out. Continue Reading
-
Feature
28 Nov 2012
Windows Server 2012 interface tour
The new user interface in Windows Server 2012 seems scary, but it's easier to use than it looks. These are some of the best ways to work with it. Continue Reading
-
Tip
12 Nov 2012
Windows Server Failover Clustering gets boost from PowerShell cmdlets
In Windows Server 2012, there are 81 new and improved failover clustering PowerShell cmdlets. Here's how to make the most of their capabilities. Continue Reading
-
Quiz
30 Oct 2012
Admin quiz: Test your Microsoft Group Policy knowledge
Think you're an expert in Microsoft Group Policy? Test your knowledge with our quiz. Continue Reading
-
Photo Story
29 Oct 2012
Windows Server 2012 interface tour
The new user interface in Windows Server 2012 seems scary, but it's easier to use than it looks. These are some of the best ways to work with it. Continue Reading
-
Tip
08 Oct 2012
Introducing Exchange Server 2013 modern public folders
Responding to demands from the Exchange community, Microsoft is keeping public folders in Exchange 2013 and surprise, they're much improved. Continue Reading
-
Tip
29 Aug 2012
Extracting data from memory dumps with Event Tracing for Windows
Admins facing Windows Server frequent hangs and crashes can use a number of tools, like Event Tracing for Windows, to catch a badly behaving task. Continue Reading
-
Tip
19 Jul 2012
How to repair a corrupt Outlook 2010 deployment
When Outlook goes down, don’t automatically download a third-party tool. Instead, try one of these approaches suggested by our expert. Continue Reading
-
Quiz
18 Jul 2012
Test your Windows Server 2012 knowledge
How much do you know about Windows Server 2012, Microsoft's latest enhancement to its server product? Take our quick quiz. Continue Reading
-
Tip
16 Mar 2012
Three reasons behind Exchange 2010 Management Console failures
It’s not uncommon for the Exchange 2010 management console to break down. Some failures may be attributed to changes made since Exchange 2007, but there are other causes as well. Continue Reading
-
Photo Story
27 Feb 2012
Top 10 Microsoft Hyper-V tools to consider
When it comes to improving Hyper-V performance, Microsoft and third parties provide many useful tools. Here are 10 to pay attention to. Continue Reading
-
Tip
20 Feb 2012
Using Microsoft PerfView to profile process performance data
Microsoft made its internal performance monitoring tool available to the public. Here's how it offers an advanced peek at application processes. Continue Reading
-
Feature
07 Feb 2012
Microsoft Exchange Online explained
With all the chatter around hosted services these days, it pays to know about Exchange Online. Get a handle on its benefits and drawbacks. Continue Reading
-
Tip
06 Feb 2012
Distinguishing between mail contacts and mail users in Exchange 2010
It’s easy to confuse mail users with mail contacts in Exchange 2010. Our expert sorts out the differences between these seemingly interchangeable terms. Continue Reading
-
Tip
09 Nov 2011
What to do when DNS records disappear
When working with DNS records in Active Directory, a small mistake can quickly become a big problem. Follow these steps to speed your recovery. Continue Reading
-
Tip
01 Nov 2011
Best Practices for Active Directory forest trusts
The more domains you manage, the more you rely on forest trusts. Follow these tips to manage your AD infrastructure – and maintain your sanity. Continue Reading
-
Tip
24 Oct 2011
Migrating a Linux file system to a Windows file system (or vice versa)
In-place file system conversions are not only difficult – they're also downright dangerous. If you need to migrate data, you've got other options. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Sep 2011
Exchange 2010 auditing tools to track admin, end-user behavior
Compliance rules make tracking admin and email users a necessary evil. Thankfully, audit logging tools in Exchange 2010 can help. Continue Reading
-
Tip
01 Sep 2011
Using RamMap and VMMap Tools to Troubleshoot Windows Memory Issues
Even a veteran system admin can be challenged when investigating Windows memory issues. The free RamMap and VMMap tools remove much of the guesswork. Continue Reading
-
Tip
23 Aug 2011
Best practices for securing Exchange ActiveSync
Sure, ActiveSync is easy to set up and administer, but how comfortable are you with its security? These best practices will go a long way toward protecting your CAS. Continue Reading
-
Quiz
11 Aug 2011
Test your Exchange Server 2010 knowledge
How much do you know about Exchange Server 2010? Find out with this 10 question quiz on migration and deployment best practices, OWA changes and post-SP1 improvements. Continue Reading
-
Tip
06 Jul 2011
Scripting: VMware PowerCLI vs. Microsoft PowerShell
VMware's PowerCLI sits atop Microsoft's PowerShell, but does it make scripting on a virtualization platform better? Continue Reading
-
Tip
07 Jun 2011
Troubleshoot Windows boot problems with Xbootmgr
By working with the Xperf tool, Xbootmgr helps admins pinpoint the real cause of slow boot issues in Windows Server. Continue Reading
-
Answer
02 Jun 2011
Why mssphtb.dll was disabled in Outlook 2010
Exchange admins wonder why Microsoft disabled the mssphtb.dll utility in Outlook 2010. Our expert clears the air on this misunderstood search component. Continue Reading
-
Tip
03 May 2011
Repadmin diagnoses Active Directory replication issues in Windows
Repadmin troubleshoots Active Directory replication issues, but it also includes some commands that Windows administrators might not recognize. Continue Reading
-
News
02 May 2011
Microsoft hopes storage spec gets a boost under SCVMM 2012
Microsoft believes its SMI-S specification can address the needs of Windows shops with multi-vendor storage needs, but it will need support from storage vendors to make it happen. Continue Reading
-
Tip
01 Apr 2011
Studs and duds in the Windows Server 2008 R2 feature set
R2 made a feature-savvy entrance when it was released almost two years ago, but not every enhancement has lived up to the hype. Continue Reading
-
Feature
30 Mar 2011
Five Quick Links: Windows server hardening
Learn to effectively lock down your systems with these server security resources, including must-have tips and tricks for hardening the Windows OS. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Mar 2011
Fighting off Microsoft Hyper-V security hacks
Although hypervisors are built with security in mind, a sloppy Hyper-V host configuration can still open up your servers to a wide range of exploits. Continue Reading
-
Feature
28 Mar 2011
Q&A: Microsoft positions Hyper-V for cloud-minded IT
Is the hypervisor war already over? Probably not, but Microsoft contends that its shift toward an app management approach to virtualization will put it ahead of VMware in the end. Continue Reading
-
Feature
23 Mar 2011
The SharePoint content repository: It's just a database
SharePoint's lifeline is the content repository, where all the content is housed. Learn how the database works as well as its challenges. Continue Reading
-
Tip
04 Mar 2011
Applying regular expressions (regex) to Windows PowerShell
It may seem daunting at first, but the combination of regular expressions (regex) with PowerShell can be an admin’s best friend when it comes to certain complex tasks. Continue Reading
-
Tip
22 Feb 2011
A closer look at the Ntdsutil command-line tools for Active Directory
Dig into the slew of Ntdsutil commands in Windows Server 2008 and R2 that provide admins with improved Active Directory management. Continue Reading
-
Tip
08 Feb 2011
Monitor SharePoint with Outlook 2010 email alerts
If you're an Exchange admin who’s been tasked with overseeing SharePoint, you can use a familiar tool -- Outlook 2010 -- to manage alerts. Continue Reading
-
Tip
11 Jan 2011
Top three Windows server crashes (and how to avoid them)
Why wait until a server crashes to start the troubleshooting process? Admins can squash potential outages ahead of time by zeroing on the most likely culprits. Continue Reading
-
Tip
10 Jan 2011
How to use WMI with Windows PowerShell scripts
With PowerShell, admins can harness the power of WMI to find all sorts of system and network information. The best part? It’s probably a lot easier than you think. Continue Reading
-
Tip
09 Dec 2010
How vulnerable is Microsoft IIS 7.5 to attacks?
While version 7.5 is more secure out of the box than past IIS releases, it doesn't guarantee 100% protection. Continue Reading
-
Tip
18 Nov 2010
Tracking system resources with free WinObj utility from Sysinternals
Mark Russinovich and company did Microsoft one better with the WinObj tool for tracking Windows system resources, though there’s still room for improvement. Continue Reading
-
Tip
14 Oct 2010
Controlling the output of Windows PowerShell commands
Windows PowerShell features several cmdlets for writing data. Knowing which commands do what can help control the output of your functions and keep your pipelines clean. Continue Reading
-
Tip
28 Sep 2010
Auditing AD administrators with Windows 2008 R2's Event Viewer
When it comes to admin rights, knowing who you can trust is not always easy. But while auditing limitations won’t do you any favors, new features in R2’s Event Viewer can help. Continue Reading
-
Feature
16 Sep 2010
Top iPhone apps for Windows admins: iPowerShell
This free Windows app gives admins PowerShell 2.0 knowledge straight from their iPhones. It includes advanced search capabilities and detailed cmdlet information. Continue Reading
-
Feature
16 Sep 2010
Ten cool iPhone apps for Windows admins
Are you an admin on the go? Check out some of the best iPhone apps available for Windows server and network management. Continue Reading
-
Tip
09 Sep 2010
Preparing for the inevitable move off Exchange 2010 public folders
Even you're even considering migrating public folders off of Exchange Server, pulling data reports will help you understand which folders are most important and which ones are just wasting space. Continue Reading
-
Tip
06 Aug 2010
Sysinternals RAMMap utility sheds new light on Windows memory usage
RAMMap, one of the latest offerings from Sysinternals, provides an in-depth overview of server memory usage that can't be matched by native Windows programs. Continue Reading
-
Tip
06 Jul 2010
Alternative PowerShell commands for Active Directory management
While Microsoft has added many new cmdlets for PowerShell 2.0, admins can also use additional options from Quest Software and other outlets when working with Active Directory. Continue Reading