Evaluate
Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.
Evaluate
Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.
Explore print server alternatives to avoid IT headaches
Increased difficulties related to printing have many organizations exploring their options. See what these third-party print management alternatives have to offer. Continue Reading
Do you meet all the modern authentication requirements?
Microsoft's push to a more secure method for user authentication and authorization could catch some enterprises flat-footed if IT hasn't done its homework. Continue Reading
8 WSUS alternatives for patch management
Compare the features and functionality of eight prominent patch management tools for Microsoft OSes and third-party applications to find the right option for your organization. Continue Reading
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Why admins should learn how to use Azure Logic Apps
In an increasingly cloudy IT world, the iPaaS offering from Microsoft can bridge management gaps with automated workflows that require little technical expertise. Continue Reading
Guide to Windows Server Hybrid Administrator certification
The new accreditation takes a more focused approach with exams that require knowledge of deploying traditional infrastructure components and their Microsoft Azure equivalent. Continue Reading
Use these PowerShell add-ons to supercharge your experience
These PowerShell new features and modules introduce several customization and functionality features to the popular automation tool to ease coding tasks for administrators.Continue Reading
Microsoft cloud certifications Windows admins should pursue
The surge in remote work means admins with skills with Microsoft's cloud technologies are in demand. You can prove your proficiency by acquiring these Microsoft certifications.Continue Reading
Compare the features in the Windows Server 2022 editions
Microsoft unveiled a Datacenter Azure edition to go with the traditional Standard and Datacenter editions. See what else is new with this server OS release in this breakdown.Continue Reading
How to perform Azure AD bulk operations with PowerShell
Microsoft offers multiple ways to manage users and groups in Azure Active Directory. PowerShell is one option, but it requires knowing which module to use to handle coverage gaps.Continue Reading
Microsoft Teams lifecycle management with PowerShell and Graph
A rushed Microsoft Teams deployment could lead to unintended gaps in security and governance. Here's how to use PowerShell and the Microsoft Graph to regain control.Continue Reading
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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
How to assign Microsoft Teams policies with PowerShell
The admin center lags behind PowerShell when it comes to Microsoft Teams policy management due to the automation tool's superior logging and visibility features.Continue Reading
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
SCCM peer caching matters more now than ever
The three peer-to-peer technologies in System Center Configuration Manager smooth out traffic over the network, but one might be a better fit for your organization than the others.Continue Reading
SCCM vs. Intune: A closer look at the capabilities of each
Microsoft Endpoint Manager packages the two well-known administration tools, which have grown closer in functionality but still have some unique capabilities.Continue Reading
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
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
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
WUfB vs. WSUS: Which handles Windows updates better?
Trying to get a handle on Windows updates can frustrate even the most seasoned administrators. Which of these two patch management tools fit best in your environment?Continue Reading
Azure AD Premium P1 vs. P2: Which is right for you?
Azure Active Directory is more than just Active Directory in the cloud. See how the premium editions of the directory service stack up to find the best fit for your organization.Continue Reading
Explore the benefits of Azure AD vs. on-prem AD
A move to Office 365 doesn't require cutting the cord from on-premises Active Directory, but it is an option. Here's what you need to know when comparing Azure AD vs. on-prem AD.Continue Reading
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
Clearing up the Nano Server vs. Server Core confusion
The debut of Windows Server 2016 contained a lighter server OS deployment to replace Server Core, but then Microsoft made a drastic change that still has some admins puzzled.Continue Reading
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
What admins should know about Microsoft Windows Terminal
There's a new terminal that puts a different spin on the traditional command-line tools used by Windows administrators with extensive functionality and customization options.Continue Reading
WVD vs. RDS vs. VDI: Which should you choose?
Application and desktop virtualization delivered by Windows Server continues to do the job, but is it time to give Microsoft's new cloud-based desktop service a look?Continue Reading
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
Is SCCM in Azure right for your organization?
System Center Configuration Manager still has a long life, which was further underscored by Microsoft supporting deployments of the endpoint management tool to Azure.Continue Reading
PowerShell book captures the tool's intense early days
Getting PowerShell off the drawing board and into Windows required an iron will, as well as technical chops. A new book unveils the story behind its development process.Continue Reading
Q&A: Recounting the rough-and-tumble history of PowerShell
Today, PowerShell is a key tool for many Windows administrators, but its developers had to battle to get it launched. Don Jones talks about PowerShell's tumultuous start.Continue Reading
VMs vs. containers: What Windows admins need to know
VMs have high resource overhead, but they're dependable. Containers can scale dramatically, but they require a different mode of management. Which is right for your workloads?Continue Reading
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
Windows Server 2019 RDS updates a boon for remote work needs
Enhanced security, improved end-user experience and cloud integration are just a few of the perks for organizations that move to Windows Server 2019 RDS.Continue Reading
Consider Office 365 MFA to thwart attacks
More remote users are working on their own equipment, which opens an organization to a hack attempt. Office 365 customers can use multifactor authentication to lower this risk.Continue Reading
Remote access is just one of many COVID-19 IT challenges
The coronavirus outbreak stretched many in IT to the limit of their abilities to find ways to accommodate the surge in remote workers.Continue Reading
PowerShell ForEach-Object cmdlet picks up speed
Administrators get extra incentive to switch to PowerShell 7 after an existing cmdlet acquires a performance enhancement to run multiple iterations in parallel.Continue Reading
Do you need to make Exchange Online backups?
Microsoft has several protective measures in place to let customers restore deleted mail in Office 365, but backup vendors will say it's not enough to cover every scenario.Continue Reading
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
Comprehensive PowerShell guide for new and seasoned admins
PowerShell has emerged as an important IT automation tool for on-premises and cloud resources. This overview covers a range of topics to get you up to speed.Continue Reading
A closer look at new and updated Microsoft security features
Microsoft augments the native protection features in its newer Windows Server releases with cloud-based security products to reduce the likelihood of a successful breach attempt.Continue Reading
7 PowerShell courses to help hone skills for all levels of expertise
Online PowerShell courses, such as the seven examined here, offer systems administrators and other users basic tutorials as well as more advanced courses.Continue Reading
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
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
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
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
On-premises server monitoring tools meet business needs, budget
Compare these eight on-premises network, server and application monitoring tools to determine which best fits your organization's specific use cases, business needs and budget.Continue Reading
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
What admins need to know about Azure Stack HCI
Microsoft put its branding on a relatively new hyper-converged infrastructure offering that capitalizes on the software-defined features in Windows Server 2019.Continue Reading
Windows Server 2008 end of life: Is Azure the right path?
Time is almost up for support for your Windows Server 2008/2008 R2 workloads. Microsoft would like you to migrate those VMs to Azure, but is that the best choice?Continue Reading
Azure Bastion brings convenience, security to VM management
This cloud service gets around the problem associated with jump servers and cloaks the identity of your VMs to avoid potential security issues.Continue Reading
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
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
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
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
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
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
What are the Azure Stack HCI features?
An Azure Stack HCI system relies on Windows Server 2019 to deliver the software-defined compute, storage and networking technologies that integrate with the OEM hardware.Continue Reading
The future of PowerShell begins to sharpen in focus
PowerShell's promise as a cross-platform management tool has come a long way, but much work still needs to be done for both Linux and Windows admins to pick up adoption.Continue Reading
Lessons learned from PowerShell Summit 2019
Want to refine your automation abilities? Learn about some of the insights gleaned from the advanced sessions held at the PowerShell Summit.Continue Reading
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
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
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
Exchange Online vs. Office 365: Which plan is a better fit?
A switch from Exchange Server to Exchange Online might make financial sense, but it might not fit the needs of your organization. Here are some common migration mistakes to avoid.Continue Reading
What's new in hybrid Azure services in Windows Admin Center?
Trying to get the most out of Azure hybrid services? Discover Microsoft's latest developments to further centralize management in Windows Admin Center.Continue Reading
Does an Azure cloud migration make sense for your workloads?
While you can't move all of your Windows Server workloads into the Azure cloud and turn off your local server closet, you can get much closer than ever.Continue Reading
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
Hyper-V vs. vSphere: How do the latest versions stack up?
Microsoft recently released Windows Server 2019, so how do the features in this version of Hyper-V compare to VMware's virtualization platform?Continue Reading
Build a Hyper-V home lab in Windows Server 2019
Production servers aren't the place to experiment with Microsoft's Hyper-V technology. This guide helps you build a lab tailored for a nested virtualization environment.Continue Reading
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Windows Server upgrade plan can influence hardware decisions
A move to a new Windows Server operating system includes an extensive planning process, which has gotten more complicated by the influx of software-defined features.Continue Reading
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
Microsoft roadmap covers practical and wishful technology
The latest innovations on the Microsoft roadmap include familiar enterprise products, but its wager on an ambitious technology could one day alter the face of computing.Continue Reading
Microsoft Ignite 2017 conference coverage
Check all the developments from the Microsoft Ignite 2017 conference in Orlando and track the company's strategic moves in its hardware, software and services businesses.Continue Reading
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
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
configuration drift
Configuration drift occurs naturally in data center environments when changes to software and hardware are not recorded or tracked in a comprehensive and systematic fashion.Continue Reading
Crunching the costs of Microsoft Exchange on-premises vs. cloud services
Security concerns are less of an issue for most organizations, but do the costs of using Exchange on premises vs. the Office 365 mail service stack up?Continue Reading
Eight influential Microsoft experts to follow on Twitter
Stay up to date with all things Microsoft by following some of the most knowledgeable experts on Twitter, including CEOs, CTOs and MVPs.Continue Reading
Six alternative Hyper-V management tools
There are a number of third-party Hyper-V management tools available for organizations that need to handle a few dozen nodes.Continue Reading
Test your knowledge of the SharePoint 2016 Beta 2
Released in November 2015, the SharePoint 2016 Beta 2 introduced new compliance and site creation features. Find out what may be included in the RTM version.Continue Reading
How to calculate Exchange 2013 resource requirements
Inadequate server resources can impair performance and growth. Here's how to calculate megacycles of work and memory requirements for Exchange 2013.Continue Reading
Configure disk volumes to optimize your Exchange 2013 performance
The wrong disk volumes can foil Exchange optimization practices. Assess your configurations with support and compression in mind.Continue Reading
Advanced threat protection add-on comes to Microsoft EOP
The ATP add-on for Exchange Online Protection gives on-premises Exchange Server and Office 365 customers another layer of security.Continue Reading
What are SR-IOV pros and cons with Hyper-V?
SR-IOV in Windows Server 2012 R2 supports Hyper-V Live Migration, but system requirements hampered adoption for some cases. Should everyone put PCIe SR-IOV to use?Continue Reading
What are the limitations and drawbacks of an IPAM server?
Windows Server IPAM can only handle one Active Directory forest. Learn about other limitations.Continue Reading
Hidden vulnerabilities on your IIS 8 servers
IIS 8 isn't completely immune to security flaws. Here are some vulnerabilities you might be missing.Continue Reading
How does Exchange Native Data Protection work?
Take a look at what Exchange Native Data Protection does in Exchange 2013 to decide if it fits into your organization.Continue Reading
Microsoft cloud storage may lift Azure skyward
Microsoft will continue to blare its Azure cloud next week with several cloud storage announcements. Will users listen this time?Continue Reading