Windows Server OS and management
Windows Server is the foundational technology that supports the services and handles resources relied on by enterprises worldwide. Get administrative tips that explain how to troubleshoot, migrate, monitor and improve the security on Windows Server workloads.
Top Stories
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Tip
13 May 2025
How to use Windows Server 2025 hotpatching
Microsoft expanded this functionality to the Standard and Datacenter editions of its latest server OS to cover more environments and reduce reboots for critical workloads. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Apr 2025
Try these strategies to modernize Windows workloads
Legacy applications create tough choices for admins who must balance business needs and security. This article covers these challenges and modernization strategies. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Oct 2021
These Office 365 migration tools cover more than just email
Vendors have adapted their migration products to handle more than just email as an increasing number of enterprises see the value in shifting more data away from the data center. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Sep 2021
Get to know the new Exchange admin center features
After a lengthy development process, Microsoft unveiled its new admin portal for Exchange Online for a more consistent look with other management areas in Office 365. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
21 Sep 2021
Working with the Microsoft Defender for Identity portal
The security product, formerly Azure Advanced Threat Protection, taps into the cloud to uncover suspicious activity across the on-premises network. Continue Reading
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News
15 Sep 2021
September Patch Tuesday fixes zero-day, print spooler flaw
The two notable vulnerabilities, disclosed prior to this month's security update releases, receive permanent fixes to supersede earlier mitigation instructions. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
31 Aug 2021
Minimize headaches with these Office 365 PST migration tips
A bulk email import into the hosted email service in Microsoft's cloud takes a little effort -- and some help from the AzCopy utility -- but it's a job you can handle yourself. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Aug 2021
Fine-tune Exchange Online security for your organization
After a move to Microsoft's hosted email service, Exchange admins must learn how to tailor the integrated and supplemental security features to cover several threat scenarios. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Aug 2021
Boost security with Office 365 privileged access management
Understand how to thwart cyber attacks on privileged user accounts on Microsoft's collaboration platform to avoid becoming that next security breach statistic. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Aug 2021
Reduce your risk with Exchange Server security best practices
The unique nature of your on-premises Exchange Server makes it an attractive target for threat actors. Take these recommended steps to avoid being the next breach victim. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jul 2021
What admins need to know about CMG client authentication
A System Center cloud management gateway keeps your organization's devices in compliance and running as they should, but which authentication option would work best for you? Continue Reading
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News
14 Jul 2021
3 Windows zero-days fixed on July Patch Tuesday
Microsoft addressed 116 unique CVEs, including several corrections for Exchange Server, in this month's batch of security updates. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
24 Jun 2021
Avoid data overflows with PowerShell Remove-Item
The cmdlet helps delete misplaced files and outdated documents, but you should tune the code to optimize execution and avoid errors when the work entails many files and folders. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jun 2021
Get a grasp on using group managed service accounts
When you create a group managed service account, it relieves some administrative duties and bolsters the security related to passwords for services in a Windows environment. Continue Reading
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News
09 Jun 2021
Microsoft resolves 6 zero-days for June Patch Tuesday
The tech company confirmed there were signs of exploitation in the wild for the vulnerabilities that affect Windows desktop and server operating systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jun 2021
Explore the benefits behind SCCM tenant attach
When you plug your System Center Configuration Manager into the Microsoft cloud with this feature, you add more flexibility to your device management capabilities. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
26 May 2021
Use PnP PowerShell commands to fortify SharePoint management
A new PowerShell module pares down the work required to handle administrative tasks on several Office 365 services, such as SharePoint Online and Microsoft Teams. Continue Reading
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News
13 May 2021
May Patch Tuesday brings more bad news for Exchange admins
Microsoft releases four fixes for the email server product, which remains firmly in the sights of threat actors seeking new ways to exploit the system. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Apr 2021
How to choose between Azure Files vs. an on-prem file server
Many organizations still need a file server, but some of the advantages of Microsoft's cloud storage option might persuade companies to make the switch. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
20 Apr 2021
Generate a Windows file server audit via PowerShell
Learn how to generate a detailed report that uncovers unusual activity by users on a Windows file share without having to manually investigate every file and folder. 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
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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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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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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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
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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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
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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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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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
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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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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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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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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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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Tip
31 Dec 2019
Using the Windows Admin Center Azure services feature
Microsoft wants you to add more of its Azure cloud services to your data center by using its new administrative tool to streamline the setup process. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Dec 2019
How to navigate a ransomware recovery process
If you find your systems locked up from a ransomware attack, what should you prioritize? Before you start your recovery, follow this plan to avoid additional trouble. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Dec 2019
PowerShell tutorials capture attention of admins in 2019
Interest in automation continues to trend upward for administrators of Windows systems, particularly when it involves PowerShell. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
20 Dec 2019
Using wsusscn2.cab to find missing Windows updates
Avoid unnecessary security headaches by using the Windows Update offline scan file and PowerShell to ensure your systems have all their Microsoft patches. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Dec 2019
Are containers on Windows the right choice for you?
Containers have grown in popularity, but there are some considerations to weigh before you decide to migrate Server 2008 workloads to this technology. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
17 Dec 2019
Get back on the mend with Active Directory recovery methods
Administrators should have a few of these data protection techniques up their sleeves to keep Active Directory from a total breakdown. Continue Reading
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Video
13 Dec 2019
How to install and test Windows Server 2019 IIS
The installation process for the Windows Server 2019 IIS role is fairly straightforward. This tutorial explains how to stand up the web server and check its ports and bindings. Continue Reading
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News
11 Dec 2019
December Patch Tuesday resolves Windows zero-day
Microsoft delivers the final batch of security fixes for the year with a Windows zero-day vulnerability getting top billing for administrators. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Dec 2019
How to manage Exchange hybrid mail flow rules
Duplicating your existing transport rule collection won't work when you move to an Exchange hybrid deployment. Learn how to set up a proper mail flow with these tips. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
27 Nov 2019
Learn PowerShell scripting using the PSKoans module
Want to get started with PowerShell automation to manage your Windows systems? Try the PSKoans module to learn as you go through its exercises to build your scripting skills. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Nov 2019
URL filtering brings additional Office 365 protection
Ransomware attacks evolve to evade Office 365's integrated protection systems. A third-party security tool can help shore up your defenses. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Nov 2019
Tips for ransomware protection on Windows systems
No one product can prevent every ransomware attack, but there are several defensive practices Windows administrators can take to stop an encryption infection from ruining their day. Continue Reading
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News
13 Nov 2019
Microsoft closes IE zero-day on November Patch Tuesday
Security updates for the month also include corrections for bugs in the Hyper-V virtualization platform, Excel for Mac systems and Exchange Server. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Nov 2019
How to lock down rising Office 365 costs
Avoid springing a money leak in your Office 365 tenant by keeping closer tabs on several areas and following more frugal practices. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
13 Nov 2019
Microsoft Ignite 2019 conference coverage
Expect Microsoft to continue its cloud push at its annual conference for IT pros to get more organizations moving to Azure and its Office 365 collaboration platform. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Nov 2019
What are the Azure Stack HCI hardware and support costs?
Organizations can cap their hyper-converged infrastructure costs when they deploy the Azure Stack HCI platform, but once they plug into the cloud, it's a different story. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
31 Oct 2019
How to manage Server Core with PowerShell
New PowerShell users will need to overcome a learning curve to work with Server Core, but the tool has some built-in aids to help you progress. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Oct 2019
Consider these Office 365 alternatives to public folders
Public folders in Exchange still exist, but they're considered legacy features that haven't kept up with the times. See what Office 365 alternatives might be a better fit. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Oct 2019
Cloud adoption a catalyst for IT modernization in many orgs
Sloppy and insecure IT procedures that had been overlooked before the cloud arrived must evolve with the times to prevent data exposure and system breaches. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Oct 2019
What are the Azure Stack HCI deployment, management options?
While the Windows Admin Center is one way to manage the Azure Stack HCI platform, you can also use traditional, battle-tested tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Oct 2019
What's new with the Exchange hybrid configuration wizard?
The Exchange configuration wizard continues to evolve into a refined utility with enhanced capabilities that administrators should explore when considering a hybrid deployment. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Oct 2019
Do you know the difference in the Microsoft HCI programs?
Hyper-converged infrastructure that runs on Windows Server is not a new concept, but Microsoft's Azure Stack HCI program has one big difference from earlier HCI incarnations. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Oct 2019
Top Office 365 MFA considerations for administrators
A complex password only goes so far to stop a breach. Implementing multifactor authorization can help, but make sure the product you select fits your current and future needs. Continue Reading
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News
09 Oct 2019
October Patch Tuesday resolves 59 vulnerabilities
Microsoft attempts to stamp out printing issues that originated from a faulty out-of-band patch for an Internet Explorer zero-day. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Sep 2019
Are you ready for the Exchange 2010 end of life?
Whether you want to stay on premises with a newer version of Exchange Server or lift that workload into Microsoft's cloud version, there are pros and cons to weigh on each end. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
29 Aug 2019
How to automate patch management in Windows
Automating Windows updates with PowerShell will ease some of the labor associated with the routine patch deployment process. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Aug 2019
How Windows Admin Center stacks up to other management tools
Microsoft is putting a lot of resources into this relatively new tool to manage Windows systems, but is it ready for prime time when compared with more seasoned offerings? Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Aug 2019
Sizing up the Office 365 protection options
Get serious about protecting your organization from ransomware and phishing attacks by taking a closer look at the leading Office 365 security offerings. Continue Reading
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News
14 Aug 2019
August Patch Tuesday corrects new 'wormable' exploits
Administrators weighed down by news of the BlueKeep vulnerability will have to contend with a similar bug some are calling DejaBlue. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jul 2019
Check Office 365 usage reports for user adoption insights
Microsoft gives administrators access to many Office 365 reports to pinpoint ways to improve user adoption rates and tighten up potential security leaks. Continue Reading
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News
10 Jul 2019
Microsoft patches two Windows zero-days in July Patch Tuesday
Microsoft fixed two Windows zero-day flaws as part of the July 2019 Patch Tuesday release, which also saw the remediation of 75 other vulnerabilities across Microsoft products. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Jul 2019
How to deal with the on-premises vs. cloud challenge
Some tools and applications aren't a good fit outside of the data center. Try these tactics to cope as more tools and application vendors start to migrate to the cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jun 2019
Office 365 multiple tenants vs. single tenant considerations
A migration to Office 365 will require the IT staff to adjust how it manages the collaboration platform, which can get complicated if more than one tenant is involved. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jun 2019
3 steps to prepare for Exchange updates
If you dread the process of updating Exchange and the possibility that patches will break the servers, you can take control by putting best practices in place with three steps. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jun 2019
Linux on Windows helps systems administrators gain new skills
The line between Windows and Linux is starting to blur in most organizations. Here's what systems administrators need to know about working with Linux and Windows. Continue Reading
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Guide
13 Jun 2019
Stay informed about Microsoft security patches in 2019
Administrators can get up-to-date information about Microsoft security updates and expert advice on patch prioritization to ensure a smooth Patch Tuesday process all year long in this guide. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 May 2019
7 Windows Server 2019 features to know
If administrators want to get the most from Windows Server 2019 features, they should familiarize themselves with this cheat sheet of the improvements Microsoft has made. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 May 2019
Explore Office 365 phishing protection updates
Administrators who move to Exchange Online or the entire Office 365 platform will have a veritable arsenal of antiphishing tools, but their use requires attention to detail. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
10 May 2019
Painlessly deploy Azure File Sync with PowerShell
Have you ever run low on file server capacity or struggled to access files? Setting up Azure File Sync can give your organization centralized file shares with local accessibility. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 May 2019
Windows Admin Center brings server management under one roof
Microsoft built Windows Admin Center to make administrators' jobs easier, but the tool has many facets to learn to expertly manage Windows servers. Continue Reading
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Answer
02 May 2019
Why should I use Exchange Server maintenance mode?
When applying security updates or cumulative updates to Exchange Server, it's important to take your time and use maintenance mode to avoid disruption and data corruption. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Apr 2019
How to successfully migrate Exchange Servers
Admins have a few options to upgrade their servers, but whether they choose cloud or on premises, the update process involves the same steps to transition old servers and avoid issues. Continue Reading
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Guide
19 Apr 2019
Latest Microsoft SDDC updates improve security, performance
Microsoft enhanced Windows Server 2019 software-defined networking and other virtualization facets of its latest server OS to improve security and increase workload performance. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Apr 2019
4 Windows Server 2019 storage features to ease management
Microsoft includes storage features in Windows Server 2019 to ease migration and create highly available and scalable software-defined storage in data centers. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Apr 2019
How do I avoid Exchange security certificate issues?
Exchange SSL certificates keep communications secure, so it's important avoid the bargain bin when shopping for them. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Apr 2019
How to upgrade Windows Server 2008 before support ends
With the end of Windows Server 2008 support drawing closer, administrators must navigate multiple obstacles, from locating old software to ensuring hardware compatibility. Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2019
April Patch Tuesday closes 2 zero-day exploits
In addition to Microsoft's fixes, administrators should patch holes in several Adobe products to keep attackers from creating havoc in their systems. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
28 Feb 2019
Windows Server 2019 features admins should explore
This slideshow of Windows Server 2019 features highlights some of its key additions built to bring more flexibility and reliability to the enterprise. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Feb 2019
IT pros must adapt to Azure certification path changes
Microsoft reworked its Azure certifications recently and offers an upgrade path for IT pros with older credentials, but there is little time before the transition tests expire. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jan 2019
Migrate Exchange to Office 365 with these tips
Check this list of common issues that can occur during an Exchange migration to steer the organization away from potential mishaps during the messaging platform's relocation. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Dec 2018
How does Azure Update Management handle patching?
Microsoft built Azure Update Management for administrators who require a centralized tool to automate patches for systems both on premises and in the cloud. Continue Reading
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News
11 Dec 2018
December Microsoft security patches bring a light end to 2018
Microsoft resolved a zero-day and a public disclosure this December patch Tuesday, while experts revisit 2018 in patching and what needs improvement. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Dec 2018
Windows Admin Center lures IT pros with Azure integration
If System Center is overkill for your needs and the older tools aren't up to task, then the Windows Admin Center just might be the tool to manage your data center. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Nov 2018
Stay in control with these Active Directory basics
Administrators have an ever-increasing number of resources to handle and permissions to track, but they can cut this seemingly impossible task down to size with Active Directory. Continue Reading