Enterprise Server Strategies for the CIO- Design and Administration
- Upgrades and Migration
- DNS
- Replication
- Security
- Group Policy
- Backup and Recovery
- Scripting
- Tools and Troubleshooting
Email Alerts
-
VPN Reconnect
VPN Reconnect is a feature of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 that allows a virtual private network (VPN) connection to remain open during a brief interruption of Internet service.Definition
-
Prepping Active Directory for a hybrid Office 365 deployment
Configuring a hybrid Office 365 deployment involves several steps. To start, prepare your Active Directory forest to use Active Directory Federation Services.Tip
-
Five quick links: top five Active Directory tips of 2012
In 2012, admins were interested in Group Policy and Windows Server 2012 when it came to Active Directory. These are the top tips.Feature
-
Revisiting DCPromo in Active Directory: what's changed?
Admins might have experience with the DCPromo tool in Windows Server's Server Manager. Learn about its history and where it's going.Tip
-
Taking the primary domain controller offline to rebuild it
Need to take an in-place upgraded PDC offline to rebuild it and use the second and third freshly-built 2003 DCs to handle services? Our expert explains.Answer
-
How Windows Server 2012 enables Active Directory cloud deployments
Learning from past mistakes, Microsoft has added features that improve domain controller deployment, whether on-premises or not.Tip
-
transitive trust
Transitive trust is a two-way relationship automatically created between parent and child domains in a Microsoft Active Directory forest.Definition
-
Active Directory tree (AD tree)
An Active Directory tree is a collection of domains within a Microsoft Active Directory network.Definition
-
Active Directory domain (AD domain)
An Active Directory domain is a collection of objects within a Microsoft Active Directory network. An object can be a single user or a group or it can be a hardware component, such as a computer or printer.Definition
-
Active Directory forest (AD forest)
An Active Directory forest is the highest level of organization within Active Directory. Each forest shares a single database, a single global address list and a security boundary. By default, a user or administrator in one forest cannot access another forest.Definition
- VIEW MORE ON : Design and Administration
-
Year of PowerShell? The best Windows Server tips of 2012 for admins
We compiled our most popular Windows Server tips from this year and included Windows Server 2012 with its new and improved features.Feature
-
Five quick links: top five Active Directory tips of 2012
In 2012, admins were interested in Group Policy and Windows Server 2012 when it came to Active Directory. These are the top tips.Feature
-
Windows Azure Active Directory enables single sign-on with cloud apps
Linking Active Directory to multi-tenanted Windows Azure apps can simplify user sign-on in the cloud.Tip
-
IT Quiz: Test your Active Directory knowledge
It pays to know about Active Directory. Test your knowledge with a quick quiz.Quiz
-
Active Directory and Windows 2008: New features you may have missed
In this video from TechEd 2008, Microsoft senior technical product manager Justin Graham discusses some of the lesser known improvements made to Active Directory with Windows Server 2008. Here you'll get details on features such as stickiness prevention and fine-grained password policies, plus info on what new auditing enhancements to AD mean to administrators.Video
-
Unable to check webmail after migration
After migrating from Windows NT to Windows Server 2003, users may have trouble checking common products like webmail. Here's how to address it.Answer
-
Author Mark Minasi dissects Windows 2008
Whether you are looking for reasons to deploy Windows Server 2008 or waiting, best-selling Windows server author Mark Minasi offers his usual trenchant opinion in this exclusive interview. Minasi parses the best and worst of Microsoft's newest server operating system and explains why you will probably have to wait until R2 to manage administrative tools like PowerShell as an object in Group Policy.Video
-
Down the chimney, through the firewall: Holiday quiz
Well, you've almost made it through the holiday season and into the new year. There's just one thing left standing in the way…this holiday quiz! Kill a little time before your New Year's celebration with us, finding out if you know your stuff when it comes to Windows networking security, Windows Firewall, Windows Vista security and anything else you'll need heading into 2008. Be sure to keep checking in with SearchWindowsSecurity.com next year to keep pace with the latest Microsoft security tips, news and trends.Quiz
-
How to use Microsoft's IIS Diagnostics Toolkit
In this resource guide, contributor Tim Fenner offers an overview of the seven utilities in the IIS Diagnostics Toolkit and provides instructions on how to download and use them.Resource Guide
-
What factors need to be considered during an NT4 to Windows Server 2003 migration?
Active Directory expert suggests some helpful resources to help when performing a migration from NT4 to Windows Server 2003.Ask the Expert
- VIEW MORE ON : Upgrades and Migration
-
IT Quiz: Test your Active Directory knowledge
It pays to know about Active Directory. Test your knowledge with a quick quiz.Quiz
-
How DNS devolution works in Windows Server 2008 R2
Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 ship with built-in changes to the DNS name devolution process that help boost security and simplify client access to network resources.Tip
-
Can Windows Server 2008 R2 save you money?
Times are tough, but new features in R2 could have a positive impact on the bottom line.Tip
-
DNS troubleshooting best practices
There are several methods to troubleshooting DNS in Windows. In this screencast, Directory Services MVP Gary Olsen demonstrates a few different techniques.Video
-
Generating a DNS health check in Windows
In this short screencast, Directory Services MVP Gary Olsen demonstrates how to use the DCDIAG /TEST:DNS command when troubleshooting DNS issues in Windows Active Directory environments. Click for full sizeVideo
-
Unable to check webmail after migration
After migrating from Windows NT to Windows Server 2003, users may have trouble checking common products like webmail. Here's how to address it.Answer
-
Give your system memory a boost with x64
It's no secret that memory for 32-bit systems has its limitations. By upgrading to x64 processor architectures, IT pros can access more memory while still executing the same application codes. Microsoft MVPs Danielle and Nelson Ruest break down the benefits of implementing x64 architectures in your Windows enterprise.Tip
-
Domain Name System (DNS) Guide
Active Directory relies heavily on DNS to function. This guide breaks down the basics of DNS, and provides some helpful tips on how to assess, manage and protect your environment.Learning Guide
-
An alternate strategy for DNS server backup
While Microsoft recommends performing a system state backup when backing up a DNS, it's an all-or-nothing proposition. Using alternative methods such as backing up Active Directory integrated zones is a better strategy for admins who want to back up DNS independently.Tip
-
OmniAnalyser 9.0
Hypersoft OmniAnalyser is a cross-platform service management solution, providing a foundation for decision-making processes.New Product Showcase
- VIEW MORE ON : DNS
-
global catalog (Active Directory)
A global catalog is a data storage source containing partial representations of objects found in a multidomain Active Directory Domain Services (ADDS) forest.Definition
-
Five quick links: top five Active Directory tips of 2012
In 2012, admins were interested in Group Policy and Windows Server 2012 when it came to Active Directory. These are the top tips.Feature
-
Active Directory tree (AD tree)
An Active Directory tree is a collection of domains within a Microsoft Active Directory network.Definition
-
IT Quiz: Test your Active Directory knowledge
It pays to know about Active Directory. Test your knowledge with a quick quiz.Quiz
-
Start here: a guide to Active Directory
guide
-
Active Directory replication tips, tricks and best practices
If you have Active Directory in your shop, no matter how large or small, replication is a basic fact of IT life. Here's advice on how to get the most out of the replication process.Tip
-
Repadmin diagnoses Active Directory replication issues in Windows
Repadmin troubleshoots Active Directory replication issues, but it also includes some commands that Windows administrators might not recognize.Tip
-
Tracking a deleted Active Directory object's replication status
Learn how to track a deleted Active Directory object's replication status and how to determine if the object has been replicated throughout the DC forest.Tip
-
How to build redundancy in Active Directory replication
Building redundancy in Active Directory replication is one way an administrator can ensure AD replication continues even if critical domain controllers fail.Tip
-
Bad external time source stops Active Directory replication
Not all time sources are created equal. Here's a way to avoid problems when synching to an external time source.Tip
- VIEW MORE ON : Replication
-
controller
A controller, in a computing context, is a hardware device or a software program that manages or directs the flow of data between two entities. In a general sense, a controller is just something or someone that interfaces between two systems and manages communications between them.Definition
-
Five quick links: top five Active Directory tips of 2012
In 2012, admins were interested in Group Policy and Windows Server 2012 when it came to Active Directory. These are the top tips.Feature
-
transitive trust
Transitive trust is a two-way relationship automatically created between parent and child domains in a Microsoft Active Directory forest.Definition
-
IT Quiz: Test your Active Directory knowledge
It pays to know about Active Directory. Test your knowledge with a quick quiz.Quiz
-
Active Directory management services: cleanup and optimization
If you think there’s no demand for Active Directory management services, think again. Active Directory cleanup and optimization services can be valuable to your customers.Tip
-
Start here: a guide to Active Directory
guide
-
Managing access control with Windows Rights Management Services
Active Directory's Rights Management Services is a good way of managing access to data, but there are caveats.Tip
-
Top five security tips for domain controllers
Domain controllers are key to company security, so you need to keep them protected. Read on for advice on hardening virtual and physical environments.Tip
-
Five quick links: Active Directory Federation Services
With Active Directory Federation Services' single sign-on authentication, organizations can increase security when moving to the cloud. Explore these links for information on ADFS and its uses.Feature
-
Being proactive with Active Directory health
Active Directory is vital to Windows. These best practices will help engineers prevent mistakes and ensure a stable AD environment.Tip
- VIEW MORE ON : Security
-
Understanding Windows Group Policy management for virtual desktops
Windows Group Policy management can help you keep virtual desktops and their profiles consistent. Just watch out for disk consumption.Tip
-
Group Policy Editor (GP Editor)
Group Policy Editor is a tool that helps administrators manage policy settings in Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-ins.Definition
-
Local Group Policy Editor
Local Group Policy Editor is a user interface that allows all Local Group Policy objects and their settings to be managed in one place.Definition
-
network drive
A network drive is a storage device on a local access network (LAN) within a business or home. Within a business, the network drive is usually located on a server. In a home, the network drive may be located on a dedicated server, one of the networked computers or an external hard drive.Definition
-
Admin quiz: Test your Microsoft Group Policy knowledge
Think you're an expert in Microsoft Group Policy? Test your knowledge with our quiz.Group Policy Quiz
-
Five quick links: top five Active Directory tips of 2012
In 2012, admins were interested in Group Policy and Windows Server 2012 when it came to Active Directory. These are the top tips.Feature
-
transitive trust
Transitive trust is a two-way relationship automatically created between parent and child domains in a Microsoft Active Directory forest.Definition
-
Five Group Policy Preferences that replace Windows logon scripts
You don't need to deal with logon scripts any longer; these GPPs can solve the same problems without all the syntax hassle.Tip
-
Defining Active Directory Group Policy: Terms you need to know
Resultant Set of Policy? Group Policy Management Console? What does it all mean? Learn how to talk the talk with this Group Policy glossary.Feature
-
The top five Group Policy PowerShell commands
The GUI is great for some things, but these scripts will help make your Group Policy administration much more efficient.Tip
- VIEW MORE ON : Group Policy
-
Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM)
Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM) is a safe mode boot option for Windows Server domain controllers.Definition
-
Five quick links: top five Active Directory tips of 2012
In 2012, admins were interested in Group Policy and Windows Server 2012 when it came to Active Directory. These are the top tips.Feature
-
IT Quiz: Test your Active Directory knowledge
It pays to know about Active Directory. Test your knowledge with a quick quiz.Quiz
-
Start here: a guide to Active Directory
guide
-
When is a Recycle Bin Not a Recycle Bin? When it's in Active Directory
The Active Directory Recycle Bin isn't exactly the same as the one found on desktop operating systems. That doesn't mean it isn't useful.Tip
-
Free Windows performance monitoring tools not to be missed
Unbeknownst to some admins, the latest versions of Windows Server include new or updated tools that can minimize the need for third-party options.Article | 22 Jun 2010
-
Recovering an Active Directory root domain in a multiple domain forest
Imagine your entire forest root domain failed. What would you do? This case study explores the steps taken in such a situation.Case Study
-
Built-in Active Directory backup feature falls short
Windows Server 2008 R2's Active Directory Recycle Bin feature is limited, so IT pros who need full features might be better off using third-party backup tools.Article | 18 Jan 2010
-
Disaster prevention strategies for Active Directory forests
While the need to restore an entire AD forest is rare, having a solid forest recovery plan in place can ensure that smaller components like objects and DCs are recovered quickly.Tip
-
Remoting tops Windows PowerShell 2.0 features
Of all the improvements made to PowerShell 2.0, the new remote management capabilities are expected to be the biggest hit among admins.Article | 10 Dec 2009
- VIEW MORE ON : Backup and Recovery
-
Five quick links: top five Active Directory tips of 2012
In 2012, admins were interested in Group Policy and Windows Server 2012 when it came to Active Directory. These are the top tips.Feature
-
The top five Group Policy PowerShell commands
The GUI is great for some things, but these scripts will help make your Group Policy administration much more efficient.Tip
-
IT Quiz: Test your Active Directory knowledge
It pays to know about Active Directory. Test your knowledge with a quick quiz.Quiz
-
Start here: a guide to Active Directory
guide
-
Alternative PowerShell commands for Active Directory management
While Microsoft has added many new cmdlets for PowerShell 2.0, admins can also use additional options from Quest Software and other outlets when working with Active Directory.Tip
-
Inside the new PowerShell 2.0 commands for Active Directory
Windows Server 2008 R2 comes with a bevy of new PowerShell cmdlets for managing AD. Here is a rundown of the key commands, with details on how they work and when to use them.Tip
-
Scripting domain controller installations: A must for Server Core
DC installation scripts have always been around, but only now are admins likely to use them. Learn how to install a DC from the command line in Windows Server 2008.Tip
-
Introducing Active Directory to Windows PowerShell
In this month's Scripting School column, Christa Anderson breaks down the process of using PowerShell to create or manipulate data in Active Directory.Scripting School
-
Windows scripting secrets for disk quota management
Despite improvements made to disk quota management, Windows Server 2003 does not include any built-in reporting tools. Fortunately, admins can use a simple script to create reports on disk space usage.Tip
-
Getting to know the read-only domain controller for Windows Server 2008
One of the most common questions surrounding the new Active Directory technologies for Windows Server 2008 involves the read-only domain controller. Active Directory expert Laura E. Hunter breaks down the key details of the RODC and how it can increase AD security and flexibility.Tip
- VIEW MORE ON : Scripting
-
disjoint namespace
Disjoint namespace is an occurrence in Active Directory when a member computer with one Domain Name Service (DNS) primary suffix does not have the same DNS domain name as the domain of which the computers are members.Definition
-
Five quick links: top five Active Directory tips of 2012
In 2012, admins were interested in Group Policy and Windows Server 2012 when it came to Active Directory. These are the top tips.Feature
-
Revisiting DCPromo in Active Directory: what's changed?
Admins might have experience with the DCPromo tool in Windows Server's Server Manager. Learn about its history and where it's going.Tip
-
Toni Boger
Toni Boger is the assistant site editor for SearchWindowsServer.com.Contributor
-
How Windows Server 2012 enables Active Directory cloud deployments
Learning from past mistakes, Microsoft has added features that improve domain controller deployment, whether on-premises or not.Tip
-
IT Quiz: Test your Active Directory knowledge
It pays to know about Active Directory. Test your knowledge with a quick quiz.Quiz
-
Ntdsutil
Ntdsutil.exe is a command-line tool for accessing and managing a Windows Active Directory database. Definition
-
Start here: a guide to Active Directory
guide
-
Managing access control with Windows Rights Management Services
Active Directory's Rights Management Services is a good way of managing access to data, but there are caveats.Tip
-
Top five security tips for domain controllers
Domain controllers are key to company security, so you need to keep them protected. Read on for advice on hardening virtual and physical environments.Tip
- VIEW MORE ON : Tools and Troubleshooting