Microsoft messaging and collaboration
Exchange Server is a difficult product to manage. Get tips to sort out issues related to connectivity and client issues to keep email flowing in the on-premises messaging platform. For enterprises on Office 365, find advanced tutorials designed to ease the management of Exchange Online and Microsoft Teams with PowerShell and Microsoft Graph.
Top Stories
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Tip
20 Mar 2023
How to prepare for the next version of Exchange Server
The Exchange Server roadmap charts several twists and turns that shows Microsoft deviating from its typical course with the server-based email platform. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
17 Mar 2023
How to transfer FSMO roles with PowerShell
You might need to shift Active Directory FSMO roles for a few reasons. If you need to do it more than once, there's a way to automate the procedure with PowerShell. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Feb 2019
The clock is ticking on the Exchange Web Services change
Another change that might affect your Exchange environment is coming in 2020. Here's what you need to know to prepare. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Feb 2019
Server Core vs. GUI: Is Server Core ready for prime time?
IT Director Christopher Rivers says the Windows Admin Center is a step in the right direction to boost adoption of Server Core, but administrators will still encounter challenges. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Feb 2019
What are some common Windows Server 2019 SDN errors?
The complexity of setting up and managing Microsoft SDN can increase the risk of administrators facing common networking errors that are difficult to troubleshoot. Continue Reading
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Quiz
25 Jan 2019
How well do you know open source PowerShell Core?
Do you know how PowerShell Core differs from Windows PowerShell? Find out with this quiz on the open source PowerShell management utility. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Jan 2019
What are some Microsoft SDN features in Windows Server?
SDN functionality helps administrators shape network traffic to reduce congestion and boost security. Discover what other SDN features Microsoft added to its Windows Server offerings. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Dec 2018
Discover the top Windows Server and PowerShell tutorials of 2018
Administrators can level up their management game with these Windows Server tips and PowerShell tutorials that got the most attention on the SearchWindowsServer site in 2018. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Dec 2018
Ways administrators can avoid IT burnout
The last thing an overextended admin needs is additional work, but there are certain practices that, once introduced, can curb tech burnout in the long run. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Nov 2018
Unlock storage savings with Windows Server deduplication
Windows Server comes with a data deduplication feature to reduce the organization's storage crunch, but it's important to plan around some potential drawbacks. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
05 Nov 2018
How PowerShell Direct helps polish off those VMs
PowerShell Direct offers administrators a remoting option that does not rely on a network connection to manage Hyper-V VMs, but be sure you meet the requirements for its use. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Oct 2018
Use this Microsoft deployment tool for easier setups
It's not new, but the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit tends to be overlooked when administrators need a way to set up Windows in an automated fashion. See why MDT is worth using. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Oct 2018
Why do admins need both powershell.exe and pwsh.exe?
While the PowerShell development team wants IT to move on to the newer PowerShell version, the powershell.exe executable will remain to avoid breaking changes. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
11 Oct 2018
Tips to track down and neutralize PowerShell malware
The benefit of PowerShell is its wide-ranging access to Windows systems, but industrious hackers can exploit its abilities to launch attacks from inside your data center. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Oct 2018
Make IT infrastructure documentation a regular task
Even though documenting IT processes might not be at the top of an admin's to-do list, they should not let it fall by the wayside. Learn documentation best practices here. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
04 Oct 2018
Getting started with AWS Tools for PowerShell
Want to make a move from on-premises systems? The AWS Tools for PowerShell module builds on your knowledge of handling Windows machines and carries it into the Amazon cloud. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
03 Oct 2018
How to track Office 365 guest users
Administrators should get familiar with the platform tools at their disposal to check Office 365 Groups access and ensure tenant security. Continue Reading
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Opinion
01 Oct 2018
How to compare Windows and Linux for enterprise workloads
How do Windows and Linux rank when it comes to running production workloads? Organizations should consider more than just the initial cost. Continue Reading
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News
26 Sep 2018
Windows Admin Center unlocks Server 2019 features
Not just for troubleshooting, Windows Admin Center helps admins unlock the full potential of the latest Windows Server offering. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Sep 2018
Mulling a public folders migration? Weigh your options
Should you stay or should you migrate? Microsoft offers a bevy of alternatives to public folders. This tip breaks down each option to help you make a decision. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Sep 2018
What are the steps for an Exchange certificate renewal?
An expired Exchange 2010 certificate is one of those issues that catches everyone's attention. Check and replace certificates with these basic commands. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Sep 2018
Explore the Cubic congestion control provider for Windows
Microsoft made Cubic the default congestion control provider for Windows 10 and plans to do the same for Windows Server 2019. Learn what this means for your organization. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Aug 2018
Learn the tricks for using Microsoft Teams with Exchange
As Microsoft Teams gains prominence for business collaboration, administrators should investigate the integration options with their Exchange Online or on-premises Exchange setup. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Aug 2018
Set up Office 365 alerts to keep threats at bay
Office 365 offers administrators integrated tools to warn the IT staff about potential attacks or breaches of conduct. Find out what the options are and how to configure them. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jul 2018
Exchange 2013 hybrid to Exchange 2016 hybrid considerations
Part of the work required for a successful shift from one hybrid Exchange environment to another is to have a full understanding of all the areas that will be affected by the move. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jul 2018
How a bastion forest limits exposure of admin privileges
A Windows Server 2016 feature called a bastion forest is the centerpiece of Microsoft's privileged access management model that limits the exposure of admin rights. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Jul 2018
What are the Microsoft IRM requirements for Exchange 2016?
Before a company can take advantage of information rights management on the Exchange 2016 platform, administrators must ensure the server setup meets the technical requirements. Continue Reading
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Answer
11 Jul 2018
How do you use Outlook IRM to protect email content?
The information rights management feature in Exchange prevents unauthorized parties from viewing sensitive content. Admins can tailor the settings to fit the company's needs. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jul 2018
July Patch Tuesday brings three public disclosures
Microsoft resolved three public disclosures and updated its Spectre and Meltdown advisory this July Patch Tuesday. In total, Microsoft addressed about 54 vulnerabilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jul 2018
Authenticating email in Exchange for brand protection
With help from the combined use of the SPF, DKIM and DMARC technologies, Exchange administrators can curb email spoofing to protect users and the company brand. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 Jul 2018
What are the Windows Defender management tools?
If you're using Windows Defender AV to protect your company, it's imperative to configure the malware protection properly. This tip lays out the management options for admins. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jul 2018
Taking stock of Windows Server management tools
Microsoft provides a mix of server management tools that administrators can choose from to control the machines that run the business. This comparison can help steer your decision. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jun 2018
How to tackle an email archive migration for Exchange Online
A move from on-premises Exchange to Office 365 also entails determining the best way to transfer legacy archives. This tutorial can help ease migration complications. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jun 2018
How to build a Packer image for Azure
Packer is an open source tool that automates the Windows Server image building process to give administrators a consistent approach to create new VMs. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Jun 2018
How do I get access to Office 365 preview versions?
Your power users will want to be the first in line to try out upcoming features through the Office 365 targeted release program. Set up early access with this step-by-step guide. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jun 2018
Thorough Exchange Server testing regimen eliminates doubt
Don't assume your Exchange 2016 implementation will work because you bought the right gear. Follow these pointers to execute a successful Exchange 2016 migration project. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jun 2018
Organize Active Directory with these strategies
Administrators tasked with cleaning up the Active Directory user group structure need not search any further. Use these tips to avoid Active Directory maintenance headaches. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jun 2018
Adobe zero-day fix precedes June Patch Tuesday
Adobe closed a zero-day vulnerability last week, which Microsoft added to its June Patch Tuesday updates. Administrators have a lighter workload, with about 50 exploits to address. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jun 2018
What is the future for Microsoft Exchange Unified Messaging?
As its cloud services have matured, Microsoft has adjusted the unified messaging features in Exchange Server. What will unified messaging look like on Exchange Server 2019? Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Jun 2018
Kubernetes in Azure eases container deployment duties
Using containers in the cloud will require an orchestration tool. Azure Kubernetes Service helps create and manage the clusters when running containers on the Azure platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 May 2018
Mind the feature gaps in the PowerShell open source project
Administrators who switch to the cross-platform version of PowerShell might find it challenging to use, but there are several ways to cope with a transition from Windows PowerShell. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 May 2018
The top 5 unheralded Windows Server 2016 features
Windows Server 2016 is still a novel operating system for many administrators. Check out some of its new and enhanced features that might have slipped under the radar. Continue Reading
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Opinion
18 May 2018
Will Exchange Server 2019 address admin issues?
As Exchange Server 2019 draws closer, one administrator hopes Microsoft will incorporate some of the feature requests from the Exchange technicians in the field. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 May 2018
How to protect PowerShell credentials in task automation
When administrators use unencrypted credentials in PowerShell scripts, they expose sensitive information. Find out the ways to secure credential use with automated tasks. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 May 2018
How do I avoid Windows Defender compatibility issues?
Microsoft offers a free antimalware tool for client and server systems, but administrators need to tune the layers of protection to avoid problems. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 May 2018
Azure IaaS vs. PaaS: Find the right service to reduce costs
Ready to migrate on-premises workloads to the cloud? Administrators should question their assumptions before diving in with Azure IaaS and consider the benefits of PaaS. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 May 2018
Exchange Online security setup requires joint effort
A company that moves to Exchange Online must coordinate the efforts of its email administrators and its security team to maximize protections and meet compliance requirements. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 May 2018
Failover cluster quorum considerations for Windows admins
Microsoft introduced Cloud Witness in Windows Server 2016, which adds a new wrinkle to its quorum model for failover clusters, but it might not be a good fit for some enterprises. Continue Reading
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News
08 May 2018
Zero-day exploits resolved by Microsoft on May Patch Tuesday
Microsoft resolved two zero-day exploits and two public disclosures, amid more than 65 exploits affecting operating systems, browsers and Microsoft Office this May Patch Tuesday. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 May 2018
Windows Server pricing muddies purchasing decision process
As the cost of Windows Server continues to rise with each new version, enterprises must evaluate whether the price of admission for the latest enhancements is too much to bear. Continue Reading
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Answer
03 May 2018
How do admins check the Exchange IRM setup?
Testing Exchange information rights management functionality can be tedious, but Microsoft offers a dedicated cmdlet for Exchange 2016 administrators that streamlines the process. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 May 2018
What are System Center DPM 2016 limitations?
Not every tool is right for the job of backing up data. Find out what limits System Center DPM 2016 protection and which alternatives cover what it lacks. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Apr 2018
How do I keep Windows Defender definitions current?
Administrators in charge of keeping antivirus software up to date have a few options to protect their servers. Learn about the methods and services to use with Windows Defender Antivirus. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Apr 2018
How does the Office Insider program work?
The Office Insider program can benefit organizations that want as much lead time as possible to see what new features Microsoft plans to release for its Office 365 platform. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Apr 2018
How does Windows Defender Antivirus protect against malware?
Microsoft offers Windows Defender Antivirus as its native tool to prevent malware attacks. Discover how it works and what advanced protections it provides. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Apr 2018
Azure PowerShell cmdlets monitor, manage VMs
PowerShell gives administrators a way to customize reports that hone in on the details that matter to the business, such as the configuration of production VMs. Continue Reading
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Answer
13 Apr 2018
Exchange IRM helps enterprises lock down information
Exchange Server's information rights management features put boundaries on messages and documents to avoid the mishandling of restricted content. Continue Reading
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News
10 Apr 2018
Windows out-of-band patches overshadow April Patch Tuesday
Microsoft delivered out-of-band security patches to address the Total Meltdown and malware engine exploits as a precursor to its regularly scheduled April Patch Tuesday fixes. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Apr 2018
Microsoft Project Honolulu shows promise but needs work
Microsoft Project Honolulu is still in the technical preview stage, but it needs to resolve a number of issues before it's a viable alternative to manage production machines. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Apr 2018
Cloud-based email security tools barricade entry to Exchange
The pressure is on Exchange administrators to avoid a ransomware outbreak that cripples the on-premises email system. Cloud-based security tools can help blunt trending attacks. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Apr 2018
Migrating public folders requires extensive planning
Do your homework to find the right option for public folders when making a move to Exchange Online. Here are guidelines to help you navigate the requirements and limitations. 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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Tip
30 Mar 2018
PowerShell 6 expands reach but lags behind Windows version
Cross-platform PowerShell arrived without all the functionality that's available in Windows PowerShell -- but it brings the ability to manage Linux and macOS systems. Continue Reading
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News
26 Mar 2018
Windows Server 2019 preview draws Azure closer
Windows Server 2019 will come with a number of enhancements to cater to administrators who want a tighter connection to the Azure cloud platform, Microsoft said. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Mar 2018
Using Microsoft Exchange certificates requires planning
Exchange certificates typically require minimal management effort after they have been set up, and they offer a secure means of communication between different organizations. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Mar 2018
Creating PowerShell scripts for task automation
At a certain point, administrators who run PowerShell commands from the console will find it more efficient to develop a script that does not require manual intervention. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Mar 2018
Windows Defender Credential Guard secures login data
Windows Defender Credential Guard uses virtualization to isolate access to domain credentials and diminish the threat of attacks based inside the data center. Continue Reading
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News
13 Mar 2018
Intel microcode updates complicate admin patching duties
March Patch Tuesday adds several more mitigations for the Spectre and Meltdown exploits, this time for 32-bit server and client operating systems. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Mar 2018
How do you fix Outlook display issues?
Outlook crashes and rendering issues might require an upgrade -- or a downgrade -- for administrators who want to avoid a Band-Aid approach and want a permanent solution. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Mar 2018
CLI vs. GUI: Find the right admin tool for various scenarios
Standard Windows and Linux command-line utilities oftentimes have niche, yet important functionality not available in GUI tools that require IT workers to make custom workflows. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Mar 2018
These PowerShell script examples help tidy up code
Even the most grizzled scripting veterans might learn some new PowerShell tips and tricks to tighten their automation code or produce clearer error messages. Continue Reading
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News
08 Mar 2018
IT shops find their reasons to upgrade to Windows Server 2016
Selected technical features and technical support twilight inspires more Windows Server 2008 and 2012 IT shops to upgrade to Windows Server 2016. Continue Reading
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Answer
01 Mar 2018
What DPM monitoring options are there?
Administrators tasked with checking the status of System Center Data Protection Manager have a few choices, some of which are better suited for larger DPM deployments. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Mar 2018
Office 365 email encryption options grow for enterprise needs
Each enterprise has different needs when it comes to preventing data leakage. Admins should be aware of the Office 365 mailbox and encryption features that help the organization meet its requirements. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Feb 2018
Future of Windows might involve significant weight loss
The influence of containerized applications could sway Microsoft to introduce more far-reaching refinements to Windows Server and reduce the OS to the bare necessities. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Feb 2018
Five system administrator skills Windows admins should hone
IT workers need to learn how to ride the wave of innovation and master these five technologies related to Windows Server that can ease their workload and help the business. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Feb 2018
Be ready if Microsoft Exchange updates go wrong
Everyone wants a smooth patching process, but things can fall apart despite everyone's best efforts. Develop a solid recovery plan and test it before trouble strikes. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2018
Options for server management tools expand to meet IT needs
Not only do admins have to contend with a mix of server OSes, there are diverse scenarios to complicate their management. Learn about the tools worth exploring for administration. Continue Reading
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News
13 Feb 2018
CPU bugs add to IT stress as February Patch Tuesday drops
Administrators who rushed out fixes in January for the Meltdown and Spectre flaws then had to unwind some of those corrections after additional problems occurred. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Feb 2018
How do I build data protection policies in SCDPM 2016?
One size does not fit all when administrators develop a protection policy for specific applications. Learn about the configuration options in System Center DPM 2016. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Feb 2018
New Office 365 administrators grapple with challenges
More enterprises mulling the move to Office 365 should factor in the adjustments necessary to get the IT department up to speed to manage the platform properly. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 Feb 2018
What are some considerations for a public folders migration?
Contemplating a move to Exchange Online? Be sure you know what you're in for when shifting on-premises features, such as public folders, into Microsoft's cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jan 2018
Curb stress from Exchange Server updates with these pointers
Some administrators let the memories of a bad patch linger and put off Exchange updates. Here are some tips to make this necessary chore less of a traumatic experience. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jan 2018
Roll your own Windows patching tool with PowerShell
This tutorial based on PowerShell helps administrators build an automated routine that audits Windows machines, then applies missing patches to lighten this management task. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jan 2018
Server Core management remains a challenge for some
Server Core, the minimal Windows Server deployment, removes some admins from their GUI comfort zone, but its benefits reduce some chores associated with the full server OS. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Jan 2018
Compliance Manager tool aims to ease security audit process
Administrators who wrestle with compliance tasks in Office 365 and Azure workloads might find some relief with Microsoft's dashboard platform, which automates part of the process. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jan 2018
Meltdown and Spectre vulnerabilities dominate January Patch Tuesday
Complications surrounding the fix for the Meltdown and Spectre microprocessor architecture flaws will make the patching process more difficult for administrators. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Jan 2018
How does Data Protection Manager 2016 save and restore data?
Data Protection Manager 2016 works with a wide range of enterprise applications, but administrators need to be aware that some backup types do not work with every program. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Dec 2017
Set Office 365 group limits to avoid administrative hassles
With help from PowerShell, administrators can tailor Office 365 Groups to develop common-sense restrictions on the tools and other components in the collaboration service. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Dec 2017
Monitor Active Directory replication via PowerShell
Most enterprises rely on Active Directory to control access to resources on the network. Here's how admins can use PowerShell to check the health of the replication process. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Nov 2017
Set up remote domains to control Exchange messaging
Administrators can configure a remote domain to perform particular tasks, such as converting certain email formats and stopping users from forwarding messages to another domain. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Sep 2017
Server Core installation offers perks, challenges for IT
Server Core is a lighter Windows Server deployment that frees up server resources for additional workloads, but the management aspect will put some admins to the test. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jul 2017
Automate Active Directory jobs with PowerShell scripts
Much of what admins do in Active Directory is not exactly cutting-edge, and they don't want to waste time on mundane tasks. A dash of PowerShell can speed things along. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jul 2017
Lost and found: Use an Exchange recovery database to restore data
PowerShell can come to the rescue to restore messages and other items from an Exchange 2016 recovery database when trouble strikes -- or when lawyers make requests. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jul 2017
How to use Azure Active Directory differently than classic AD
Windows administrators can't just whip up an Azure Active Directory deployment and expect it to mimic the classic AD, but Azure AD has several meaningful uses. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jun 2017
Office 365 admin roles give users the power of permissions
No matter your organization's size, it's helpful to have users handle some functions typically reserved for IT. But limit access to elevated access to reduce security risks. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 May 2017
Manage Linux servers with a Windows admin's toolkit
Even Microsoft recognizes it's no longer just a Windows world. Here's what Windows administrators can do to pick up Linux management and monitoring. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Mar 2017
Tap PowerShell DSC resources to automate web server construction
Administrators will create numerous IIS web servers during their IT careers. With Desired State Configuration, admins can automate this task with cleaner results. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jan 2017
Dig into the Exchange 2016 hardware requirements
A move to Exchange 2016 may mean increased costs to hardware that can support the latest Microsoft messaging platform. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jan 2017
Ease migrations with Windows Server Migration Tools cmdlets
An in-place Windows Server upgrade is easier than a server migration. When an upgrade isn't possible, admins can ease the transition with a Microsoft snap-in. Continue Reading
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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
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Tip
16 Nov 2016
Use Windows PowerShell DSC to construct file servers from scratch
Administrators can take control over the deployment of common resources, such as Windows-based file servers, using PowerShell Desired State Configuration. Continue Reading