Windows Server and Network Security
Top Stories
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Feature
03 Mar 2023
Hone your PowerShell text manipulation skills
Retrieving content from and modifying content in text files with PowerShell are skills many administrators need to cultivate to aid their automation efforts. 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
07 May 2019
Is Windows Server troubleshooting on the way out?
When a Windows Server workload starts to falter, what's the best way to proceed before it keels over? Once upon a time, you would try to fix it, but times have changed. 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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Tip
29 Apr 2019
Windows Compatibility module expands PowerShell Core reach
The PowerShell team closed the cmdlet coverage gap with a compatibility module release for PowerShell Core, but its use requires some caution. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2019
How will Microsoft role-based certifications affect admins?
IT administrators should already know that the only constant for Microsoft products is change. Certifications are the next thing to get an overhaul. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Apr 2019
Potential PowerShell telemetry raises security concerns
When admins discovered the PowerShell team proposal for additional telemetry, some bristled; however, the data collection could mean a better management language for IT pros. 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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Answer
18 Apr 2019
How should you handle Exchange Server updates?
Microsoft changed its release model after Exchange 2010, which has caused some confusion for administrators who work on newer versions of the messaging platform. Continue Reading
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Answer
17 Apr 2019
What service does the Microsoft WSSD program provide?
A do-it-yourself approach with hyper-converged infrastructure can lead to trouble when software-defined features just won't work. See how the WSSD program can prevent issues. 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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Feature
08 Apr 2019
How to automate with PowerShell in Windows Server 2019
Microsoft developed many tools to simplify tasks in Windows Server 2019, but PowerShell skills still remain a staple of an administrator's tool set. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
01 Apr 2019
How to uninstall Exchange 2013 after a cutover migration
Don't throw a retirement party for that Exchange 2013 server and pull the plug prematurely without going through this checklist to avoid any issues. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Mar 2019
Windows Server cluster sets add more protection to workloads
Microsoft stepped up its high availability game with its cluster sets technology in Windows Server 2019 to give on-premises workloads more cloudlike resiliency. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Mar 2019
Server 2008 R2 end of life hitting home for many in IT
As Microsoft support for Server 2008 R2 nears its sunset, a raft of complications make it difficult for many in IT to get on board with the Azure platform. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Mar 2019
Got infrastructure needs? These PowerShell tutorials can help
From streamlining remote sessions to setting up an SSL certificate, these PowerShell tutorials show IT admins how to get more done with the management tool. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Mar 2019
Understand Azure Update Management basics
Microsoft provides a variety of tools that IT administrators can use to simplify update deployment, including Azure Update Management. Find out if the service will work with your systems. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Mar 2019
What are some potential Windows Server cluster set snags?
Windows Server 2019 cluster sets bring some Azure-like capabilities into the data center, but new features also bring new challenges for administrators. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Mar 2019
What are some Microsoft SDDC integration challenges?
Microsoft added a number of new software-defined features in Windows Server 2019, but deploying a fully virtualized data center remains a challenge for several reasons. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Mar 2019
How is the Microsoft SDDC concept becoming a reality?
The promise of a software-defined infrastructure and its ability to pool resources require the right administrative tool to keep the virtualized fabric from fraying. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Mar 2019
How do you build Windows Server 2019 cluster sets?
Microsoft debuted cluster sets in its Windows Server 2019 release. Here's a rundown on how to deploy this high availability feature in your organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Mar 2019
Understanding the three main goals of PowerShell Core 6
The book 'Learn PowerShell Core 6.0' offers a closer look into the history of PowerShell and its evolution into the PowerShell Core open source project. Continue Reading
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News
12 Mar 2019
March Patch Tuesday shuts down two zero-day exploits
In addition to the March Patch Tuesday updates, Microsoft's attempts at improving performance following Spectre variant 2 patches backfire for some users on Windows 10. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Mar 2019
Lessons learned during a migration to Exchange Online
There are a number of perks for administrators who move to Exchange Online, but there are spots of frustration that will require a few workarounds to ease the transition process. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Mar 2019
What Windows Server 2019 SDN features should I know about?
Administrators in highly virtualized environments can tap into enhanced Windows Server 2019 SDN functionality to run Hyper-V VMs more efficiently. Continue Reading
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Answer
07 Mar 2019
What features make up Windows Server 2019 cluster sets?
Windows Server 2019 takes clustering to a new level with the cluster sets feature that wraps another layer of high availability around critical VMs. 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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Tutorial
26 Feb 2019
Set up users with key PowerShell Active Directory commands
User management in Active Directory doesn't have to fill you with click-induced anxiety. Try these PowerShell tips for a more efficient way to get this work done. Continue Reading
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Answer
26 Feb 2019
What advantages do Windows Server cluster sets offer?
Administrators don't need to stress about workload uptime with a new Windows Server 2019 clustering feature, which makes sharing resources and moving VMs easier. 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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News
12 Feb 2019
Microsoft zero-day vulnerability closed on Patch Tuesday
Administrators should prioritize patching systems affected by a zero-day vulnerability resolved by the February Patch Tuesday updates. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Feb 2019
What key SDN features are in Windows Server 2019?
Microsoft SDN capabilities got a boost in Windows Server 2019 to wrap more security around VMs and make networking tasks less painful to execute. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Feb 2019
How much does Azure Update Management cost?
The Azure Update Management cost is free, but organizations that require the tool's advanced features might have to contend with additional fees. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
25 Jan 2019
How to configure SSL on IIS with PowerShell
SSL encryption is a necessary component when building an IIS website that communicates with the outside world. Use this PowerShell tutorial to streamline the deployment process. 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 Jan 2019
Q&A: Will Microsoft artificial intelligence change your job?
Technical architect Jason Wynn says the data center is already on the path to a more autonomous future due to the acceleration of Microsoft artificial intelligence efforts. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Jan 2019
How does Azure Update Management handle integration?
Azure Update Management works with other Microsoft administrative tools to give IT pros a more complete offering to patch operating systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jan 2019
How to set up and enforce Azure multifactor authentication
Azure Active Directory offers multifactor authentication to further secure login credentials. Get started with these instructions to set up this Microsoft cloud service. 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
09 Jan 2019
What OSes does Azure Update Management handle?
Azure Update Management supports a large number of Windows and Linux systems on premises and in the cloud, but there are certain requirements to meet to utilize the service. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jan 2019
Light January Patch Tuesday follows IE out-of-band security update
Administrators should prioritize an out-of-band patch that addresses an Internet Explorer zero-day before tackling the 47 vulnerabilities corrected by the January Patch Tuesday fixes. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jan 2019
Compliance with GDPR in Exchange requires extra effort
Exchange administrators outside of the European Union might not think that GDPR affects them, but they should work toward compliance to avoid a stiff penalty if a violation occurs. 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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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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Tutorial
13 Dec 2018
Working with PowerShell module downloads from the gallery
Learn how to get the most out of the PowerShell Gallery with some distinctions for administrators who use Windows PowerShell or PowerShell Core. 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
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
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
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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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Tip
27 Nov 2018
Resolve an Outlook outage when using Office 365
When administrators get reports about an Outlook outage, they must work quickly to identify the affected accounts, research the causes and know where to turn for support. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Nov 2018
Hyper-convergence forms core of Windows Server 2019 features
The latest server OS release from Microsoft upgrades many of its software-defined features to make it easier to use a hybrid cloud model. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Nov 2018
Understanding what Azure AD federation really means
A company that adopts SaaS apps to get work done can ease the transition by implementing a single sign-on method. Learn how to set up this arrangement in a secure manner. Continue Reading
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News
13 Nov 2018
Windows zero-day fix highlights November Patch Tuesday
In addition to the November Patch Tuesday updates, Microsoft offered assistance to combat a new side-channel attack and rereleased a Windows 10 update and Windows Server 2019. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Nov 2018
Hunt down zombie VMs to trim Windows Server licensing costs
Temporary workloads can cause organizations to buy more Windows Server licenses than they need, but admins can track down zombie servers to consolidate workloads and keep costs down. 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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Feature
29 Oct 2018
Handy PowerShell ISE add-ons for server administrators
PowerShell ISE might be on the way out, but these extensions continue to sustain the development of management scripts for many Windows administrators. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Oct 2018
PowerShell Core 6.1 offers many small improvements
New PowerShell Core functionality includes the addition of Windows PowerShell 5.1 modules, making this version worth a closer look for administrators. 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
19 Oct 2018
How to use PowerShell JEA for task delegation
System administrators don't have to do every mundane task themselves anymore with help from Just Enough Administration. Get started with these instructions using PowerShell. Continue Reading
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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
15 Oct 2018
Microsoft Exchange Unified Messaging change presents dilemma
The arrival of Exchange 2019 also means the end of unified messaging in the on-premises offering. Admins who use voicemail in Outlook should explore their options. 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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Video
11 Oct 2018
Working with the VSCode PowerShell extension
PowerShell ISE remains one of the more popular PowerShell editors, but admins should explore the capabilities of VSCode if they want to manage more than just Windows systems. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
10 Oct 2018
How to manage Active Directory groups with 7 PowerShell commands
Managing users, devices and other resources with Active Directory doesn't always require a GUI tool. Try PowerShell to streamline some of your administrative workload. Continue Reading
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News
09 Oct 2018
October Patch Tuesday grounds JET Database Engine flaw
Administrators have a relatively light workload for October Patch Tuesday, but IT workers should pay attention to multiple workstation fixes and issues with older patches. 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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Answer
28 Sep 2018
How to deploy a Windows Server 2016 domain controller
Follow these tips to create a domain controller in Windows Server 2016 with these instructions, from server setup to adding users. 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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News
11 Sep 2018
Microsoft shuts down zero-day exploit on September Patch Tuesday
Administrators should prioritize patching systems affected by four public disclosures resolved by the Patch Tuesday updates. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
07 Sep 2018
Microsoft Ignite 2018 conference coverage
Keep up to date on the latest developments from the Microsoft Ignite 2018 conference and get a closer look at the latest software and hardware offerings from the company. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Sep 2018
Windows troubleshooting tools to improve VM performance
Fine-tune virtualized workloads and diagnose performance issues with help from these Windows troubleshooting tools every server administrator should know. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Sep 2018
How does AD DS differ from Microsoft Azure Active Directory?
On-premises Active Directory or Azure AD? It doesn't have to be an either/or situation, as more cloud services are making their way into traditional data center environments. 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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Tutorial
24 Aug 2018
How to start using Ansible for Windows management
Ansible is a configuration management offering that runs on Linux but controls Windows systems with PowerShell. Find out how to get the tool running in your data center. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
23 Aug 2018
PowerShell logging boosts security in the enterprise
Want to track any suspicious PowerShell activity across your network? Use these PowerShell logging techniques to curb potential threats that originate from scripts. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Aug 2018
Understand Active Directory basics for enterprise success
You can't get the most out of a tool unless you understand its features. This tip explains the basics of Active Directory and how it controls access and maintains order. Continue Reading
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News
14 Aug 2018
August Patch Tuesday closes CPU bug, two zero-day exploits
Administrators have their work cut out for them, with more than 60 vulnerabilities to handle for August Patch Tuesday, after reeling from the effects of a bad batch of July updates. 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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Guide
26 Jul 2018
Plan your Exchange migration to Office 365 with confidence
Make your move to Office 365 with help from our experts who explain how to prepare before the transition and provide checklists to make sure the migration goes as planned. 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