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
-
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
-
Five quick links: Active Directory design in Windows Server
Find out important tips about Windows Server Active Directory design and administration, like sizing a domain controller and server identity management.Feature
-
Best Practices for Active Directory Forest Trusts
The more domains you manage, the more you rely on forest trusts. Follow these tips to manage your AD infrastructure – and maintain your sanity.Tip
-
Upgrading Server 2008 R2 Active Directory forest functional levels
Some Active Directory deployments have been around for over a decade, so it's time for some streamlining. Find out how to best upgrade functional levels in Windows Server R2.Tip
-
Why the Active Directory Federation Service is becoming more important
Version 2.0 of ADFS just may be the product that gets corporate IT shops to adopt single sign-on infrastructure.Tip
-
How to size an Active Directory domain controller in Windows
Although sizing a domain controller comes with its share of challenges, it is possible. Learn the ins and outs of the process and what to watch for.Tip
-
A closer look at the Ntdsutil command-line tools for Active Directory
Dig into the slew of Ntdsutil commands in Windows Server 2008 and R2 that provide admins with improved Active Directory management.Tip
-
DCs at sea: Configuring mobile Active Directory domain infrastructures
It’s common for admins to deal with mobile users, but what if the domain itself moves? See how basic AD principles always apply -- no matter what the situation is.Tip
-
Five Quick Links: Active Directory in Windows Server 2008 R2
Check out these quick hitters on Windows Server 2008 R2’s added functionality for Active Directory management and administration.Five Quick Links
-
Saving time with offline domain joins in Windows Server 2008 R2
An offline domain join allows Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 machines to join a domain without connecting to a DC. Here’s how the process works.Tip
- VIEW MORE ON : Design and Administration
-
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
-
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
-
Stop disk drive overload to increase system performance
This user submitted tip reveals how admins can can use RAID arrays stop hard disk drive overload to increase system performance.Tip
-
Give domain users permission to do disk defragmentation locally
An admin wants to know how to give domain users permission to perform disk defragmentation locally.Ask the Expert
-
Remote control of Windows PCs simpler through PsExec than Remote Desktop
The Remote Desktop feature is the most common way to control a Windows box remotely, but sometimes you need something simpler than Remote Desktop. The command-line utility PsExec from Mark Russinovich lets you run a remotely executed command instead of providing you with an entire interactive login session. It's a command-line utility for sending commands to another system in the manner of a telnet client.Tip
-
wizard
A wizard is a computer utility designed to simplify the execution of lengthy or complicated tasks... (Continued)Definition
- 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
-
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
-
DNS troubleshooting tips for Active Directory
Take a look at some tools and tests that will keep DNS performing well.Tip
- VIEW MORE ON : DNS
-
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
-
Unwinding USN rollback when faced with AD replication failure
No matter what the cause, solving Active Directory replication failure can be a difficult task. When USN rollback is involved, however, it presents even more of a challenge.Tip
-
Solving Active Directory replication failure
Every now and then, admins are faced with unintentional replication failure. While fixing the error is critical, knowing how to find the cause of the failure can be just as important.Tip
-
ReplMon still tops for troubleshooting Active Directory replication
Though it's been around for nearly seven years, ReplMon is still a very powerful tool for monitoring and troubleshooting all aspects of Active Directory replication.Tip
- VIEW MORE ON : Replication
-
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
-
Managed service accounts boost server security in R2
Microsoft introduced the managed service accounts feature with Windows Server 2008 R2 to help make the management of apps like Exchange more secure. So how does it work?Tip
-
Auditing AD administrators with Windows 2008 R2's Event Viewer
When it comes to admin rights, knowing who you can trust is not always easy. But while auditing limitations won’t do you any favors, new features in R2’s Event Viewer can help.Tip
-
Q&A: What's new with Microsoft identity and access management?
Microsoft's Brjann Brekkan discusses what to expect from identity and access management releases like Forefront Identity Manager 2010 and AD Federation Services 2.0.Misc
- VIEW MORE ON : Security
-
IT Quiz: Test your Active Directory knowledge
It pays to know about Active Directory. Test your knowledge with a quick quiz.Quiz
-
gpresult
Gpresult is a command-line tool that shows the RSoP (Resultant Set of Policy) for a user or computer based on applied Group Policy settings.Definition
-
Group Policy Preferences
Group Policy Preferences are a set of extensions, introduced in Windows Server 2008, that increase the functionality of Group Policy Objects.Definition
-
Top five Group Policy improvements in Windows Server 2012
What's changed with Active Directory Group Policy in Windows Server 2012? Get an idea of some of the improvements in this tip.Tip
-
RSoP (Resultant Set of Policy)
RSoP (Resultant Set of Policy) is a report of all Group Policy settings within Active Directory that shows how those settings can affect a network.Definition
-
Start here: a guide to Active Directory
guide
-
Group Policy Management Console
The Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) is an interface that enables Active Directory administrators to manage Group Policy Objects (GPOs) from one console. Definition
-
Group Policy
Group Policy is a heirarchical infrastructure that allows a network administrator in charge of Active Directory to implement specific configurations for users and computers.Definition
-
Leveraging Windows Server 2008 and the BYOD initiative
"Bring Your Own Device" programs can be a logistical nightmare, but Windows Server offers an ideal platform for managing such environments and maintaining a happier workforce.Tip
-
Top five tips for optimizing Active Directory Group Policy performance
As your number of managed GPOs increases, so does the performance hit to your machines. Get in front of the problem by taking these simple steps.Tip
- VIEW MORE ON : Group Policy
-
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
-
Working with Active Directory snapshots in Windows Server 2008
Taking snapshots of your Active Directory is a good idea if you plan on making any major changes. This tip walks you through the process of creating and managing snapshots in AD.Tip
-
The Windows Report -- Will AD have your back in Windows 2008 R2?
In the August edition of The Windows Report, Don Jones discusses what to expect from the new Active Directory Recycle Bin in Windows Server 2008 R2, and Gary Olsen demonstrates how to quickly perform an AD replication health check. Click for full sizeVideo
- VIEW MORE ON : Backup and Recovery
-
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
-
AGDLP reduces account management, permissions management headaches
AGDLP is a practice that can greatly reduce your administrative headaches related to account management and permissions management.Tip
-
Simple WMI tricks for AD administrators
Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) can be a great asset for Active Directory admins. Expert Gary Olsen offers useful WMI tips and tricks for locating and gathering information from objects in an enterprise.Tip
- VIEW MORE ON : Scripting
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Why the Active Directory Federation Service is becoming more important
Version 2.0 of ADFS just may be the product that gets corporate IT shops to adopt single sign-on infrastructure.Tip
-
Understanding Active Directory's role in the cloud
IT managers are skeptical about using Active Directory in the cloud. Some enterprises are doing it, but how does one make the transition?Tip
- VIEW MORE ON : Tools and Troubleshooting