Microsoft Windows Server 8 Administration

Windows Server 2012 and its hardware requirements

The expanded capabilities of Windows Server 2012 are proving attractive to enterprise IT decision makers. This ATB guide chapter will provide those decision makers with detailed information about what hardware they’ll need in place to proceed with th...  E-Chapter

Windows Server 2012 boosts IT capabilities

With Windows Server 2012, Microsoft is packing an unprecedented breadth of tools into its core enterprise platform – much more, in fact, than it has in in any previous version.

The latest edition serves up new PowerShell features, much imp...  E-Chapter

How new System Center 2012 features ease cloud management

New System Center 2012 features offer flexible and scalable management options no matter your server location.  Feature

An overview of Windows Server 2012 Server Core

Although Server Core hasn't always been an admin's best friend, Windows Server 2012 Server Core is changing that. Here's how to make it work for you.  guide

FAQ: What you need to know about the Server Core installation option

With Microsoft pushing admins to use the Server Core installation option in Windows Server 2012, this short FAQ helps you weigh its pros and cons.  FAQ

The Windows PowerShell cmdlets you need to know

The Windows PowerShell cmdlets in Windows Server 2012 ease task automation for admins. This quick guide highlights ways to harness the cmdlets' power.  One-page guide

Dynamic load balancing in Windows Server 2012: What you need to know

Expert Stephen Bigelow explains Windows Server 2012 dynamic load balancing, which can boost performance and reliability of mission-critical apps.  Expert FAQ

A quick overview of System Center 2012 SP1

We put the best info about System Center 2012 SP1 in this guide, including the latest news, an evaluation of its beta and a Q&A about its features.  One-page guide

An admin's guide to SMB 3.0

This SMB 3.0 guide covers what's new and improved in the protocol, including its fault-tolerant features and its enhanced storage capabilities.  guide

Windows Server 2012 tutorial: RDS and RemoteFX updates

Remote Desktop Services has a lot to offer in Windows Server 2012. Learn about new and improved features in this Windows Server 2012 tutorial.  FAQ

Overview of Windows Server 2012 features

We put together a collection of guides that gives you everything you need to know about some of the best Windows Server 2012 features.  Guide

Crash course: Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V introduction

Looking for a quick Hyper-V introduction? We've got you covered with these tips highlighting important changes to Windows Server 2012 Hyper-V.  FAQ

Microsoft delivers patch updates for Windows Server 2012, Windows 8

Microsoft delivered two critical and eight important bulletins in May's Patch Tuesday release, fixing issues in Windows Server 2012 and Office apps.  News | 14 May 2013

IT shops seeking IaaS consider Windows Azure Infrastructure Services

IT shops in the midst of determining their cloud strategies see Microsoft’s Windows Azure Infrastructure Services as a viable IaaS alternative to AWS.  News | 17 Apr 2013

Critical RDP, Internet Explorer fixes included in Patch Tuesday update

April's Patch Tuesday update fixes 13 vulnerabilities in IE, Remote Desktop Protocol, SharePoint 2013, Active Directory and Windows Defender.  News | 09 Apr 2013

Microsoft advances Azure management, software-defined networking plans

Windows Azure and software-defined networking were main points of conversation at Microsoft Management Summit 2013.  News | 08 Apr 2013

March 2013 Patch Tuesday brings Internet Explorer 8, 'evil maid' fixes

March's Patch Tuesday updates contain fixes for Internet Explorer 8 and a USB drive exploit. Plus, the company released non-security updates.  News | 13 Mar 2013

Sudden Windows Server 2012 updates could spell trouble for RDS

Windows Server 2012 updates that cause sudden reboots have IT pros wondering what that means for VDI and RDS environments.  Column | 26 Feb 2013

System Center 2012 SP1 hits general availability with monitoring tool

Users of System Center now can manage Windows Server 2012 with System Center 2012 SP1. The service pack has virtualization enhancements and more.  News | 16 Jan 2013

Internet Explorer zero-day exploit overshadows light Patch Tuesday fixes

Admins begin the new year with a light Patch Tuesday that includes two critical bulletins, but they'll also want to pay attention to an exploit in IE.  News | 09 Jan 2013

System Center 2012 SP1 hits RTM, adds Windows 8 management support

Microsoft released the System Center 2012 SP1 RTM, which lets IT deploy and manage Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8, but it requires a clean install.  News | 17 Dec 2012

AWS undermines Azure with new PowerShell, Windows Server 2012 features

Amazon Web Services adds Windows Server 2012 and PowerShell features to its public cloud in a bid to undercut Microsoft Azure.  News | 17 Dec 2012

Four frustrating changes to Remote Desktop Services 2012

Remote Desktop Services 2012 is missing the old Remote Control feature from 2008 R2, and there are some added requirements to the platform.  Tip

Five ways admins can embrace Windows Server 2012 Remote Management

As Microsoft encourages Windows admins to deal with servers offsite, here are some easy steps they can use for Windows Server 2012 Remote Management.  Tip

Tech Watch: What to expect in future Windows Server 2012 versions

There will be major changes in future versions of Windows Server 2012, including Windows Server Blue. Spoiler alert: Get ready for a cloud OS.  Tip

Windows Server 2012 deduplication vs. backup software dedupe

Independent backup expert Brien Posey compares backup software deduplication and Windows Server 2012 deduplication and discusses their compatibility.  Tip

How to calculate proper Windows Server 2012 virtualization licensing

Licensing virtual servers can get confusing and expensive. Brien Posey shares the ins and outs of server licensing with a Windows Server 2012 example.  Tip

Five things you might not know about the Hyper-V virtual switch

One of the most significant improvements in Windows Server 2012 might be the Hyper-V virtual switch. What makes this low-cost option such a big deal?  Tip

What the overhaul to Windows Server 2012 security means for you

IT teams have been voicing concerns about enterprise security for years. Improvements in Windows Server 2012 security show Microsoft is listening.  Tip

How Windows Server 2012 can solve Windows failover cluster headaches

In Windows Server 2012, Microsoft tried to smooth out some major Active Directory bumps in failover clusters. Did it fix what's bothering you?  Tip

Seven things to know about Windows Server 2012 deduplication

It's no magic bullet, but Windows Server 2012 deduplication can help alleviate rising data storage demands.  Tip

Overcoming Server Core installation woes in Windows Server 2012

Don't run away from a Server Core installation in Windows Server 2012. Follow these simple steps for a successful transition.  Tip

Protecting data with BitLocker encryption in Windows Server 2012

Protecting sensitive data is a must for enterprises, and enhancements to BitLocker encryption in Windows Server 2012 can be a solid safeguard.  Answer

Enable PowerShell remoting to run commands on remote machines

Managing multiple systems from a remote location can help save admins time and money, but first, you need to enable PowerShell remoting.  Ask the Expert

A quick look at BitLocker installation requirements

A basic BitLocker installation doesn't require any unusual steps, but deploying it on Windows Server 2012 comes with a few caveats.  Answer

How to use the BitLocker recovery options in Windows Server 2012

BitLocker offers two recovery methods in Windows Server 2012. Our expert defines the options and explains how to use recovery passwords and keys.  ATE

FAQ: Clustering in Windows Server 2012

Clustering in Windows went through major change with the Windows Server 2012 release. Here's what's new and how to take advantage of the improvements.  Answer

Why does a PowerShell command run fine locally, but not remotely?

Admins starting to use PowerShell's Remoting features may run into some growing pains with remote commands. Combat these with a few simple tricks.  Answer

FAQ: Making sense of Windows Server 2012

Windows Server 2012 is out. Haven't had the time to read up on new features? Catch up and have your questions answered.  Answer

Why can't I compare the contents of PowerShell variables?

Even though it's a common problem that can frustrate administrators, it's possible to compare PowerShell variables by learning some simple commands.  PowerShell v3 tip

FAQ: Preparing for the upgrade to Windows Server 2012

Mulling over an upgrade to Windows Server 2012? You're bound to have some questions. Our expert answers the most common ones.  Answer

FAQ: Hardening Windows servers

Here's why you should treat your server like a workstation -- and not a server -- when it comes to security.  Answer

Windows Server 2012 (WS 2012)

Windows Server 2012, formerly codenamed Windows Server 8, is the latest version of Windows Server.  Definition

Microsoft Hyper-V 3.0

Hyper-V 3.0 is the virtualization feature created for the client version of Windows 8 as well as Windows Server 8.  Definition

Windows Server 8

Windows Server 8 is Microsoft’s next-generation server operating system scheduled for a 2012 release date.  Definition

Resilient File System (ReFS)

ReFS (ResilientFile System) is the file system that next-generation operating systems, such as Windows Server 8, will use for storing and retrieving files on a hard disk.  Definition

Expert Video: Brien Posey on Windows Server 2012 iSCSI features

Microsoft MVP Brien Posey discusses how to configure iSCSI using the Windows Server 2012 iSCSI Target feature in this expert video webcast.  Video

Windows Server 2012 interface tour

The new user interface in Windows Server 2012 seems scary, but it's easier to use than it looks. These are some of the best ways to work with it.  Photo Story

Ten experts to follow for Windows Server updates on Twitter

On social media? Follow this list of the best bloggers, consultants and authors for Windows Server updates and tips on Twitter.  Photo Story

Windows Server 8 Preview

Microsoft has previewed the next version of Windows Server, which the company says is optimised for the cloud. The preview is not feature-complete, but the key features are in place and most changes are likely to be in user interface detail and of co...  Photo Story

Four frustrating changes to Remote Desktop Services 2012

Remote Desktop Services 2012 is missing the old Remote Control feature from 2008 R2, and there are some added requirements to the platform.  Tip

Microsoft delivers patch updates for Windows Server 2012, Windows 8

Microsoft delivered two critical and eight important bulletins in May's Patch Tuesday release, fixing issues in Windows Server 2012 and Office apps.  News

How new System Center 2012 features ease cloud management

New System Center 2012 features offer flexible and scalable management options no matter your server location.  Feature

Five ways admins can embrace Windows Server 2012 Remote Management

As Microsoft encourages Windows admins to deal with servers offsite, here are some easy steps they can use for Windows Server 2012 Remote Management.  Tip

Windows Server 2012 and its hardware requirements

The expanded capabilities of Windows Server 2012 are proving attractive to enterprise IT decision makers. This ATB guide chapter will provide those decision makers with detailed information about what hardware they’ll need in place to proceed with th...  E-Chapter

Tech Watch: What to expect in future Windows Server 2012 versions

There will be major changes in future versions of Windows Server 2012, including Windows Server Blue. Spoiler alert: Get ready for a cloud OS.  Tip

Windows Server 2012 deduplication vs. backup software dedupe

Independent backup expert Brien Posey compares backup software deduplication and Windows Server 2012 deduplication and discusses their compatibility.  Tip

IT shops seeking IaaS consider Windows Azure Infrastructure Services

IT shops in the midst of determining their cloud strategies see Microsoft’s Windows Azure Infrastructure Services as a viable IaaS alternative to AWS.  News

An overview of Windows Server 2012 Server Core

Although Server Core hasn't always been an admin's best friend, Windows Server 2012 Server Core is changing that. Here's how to make it work for you.  guide

How to calculate proper Windows Server 2012 virtualization licensing

Licensing virtual servers can get confusing and expensive. Brien Posey shares the ins and outs of server licensing with a Windows Server 2012 example.  Tip