Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• 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 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

• How does Microsoft BitLocker secure local, cloud resources?

  The BitLocker encryption technology continues to evolve from its roots as a Windows Vista feature to protect resources both in the local data center and in the Azure cloud platform.  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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• How do I avoid Exchange disk space issues?

  Exchange Server log files tend to chew up a lot of space, particularly on the later versions. Here's how to keep the mail flowing when a hard drive fills up.  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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• What are the Windows Defender management tools?

  If you're using Windows Defender AV to protect your company, it's imperative to configure the malware protection properly. This tip lays out the management options for admins.  Continue Reading

• How do I get access to Office 365 preview versions?

  Your power users will want to be the first in line to try out upcoming features through the Office 365 targeted release program. Set up early access with this step-by-step guide.  Continue Reading

• How do I avoid Windows Defender compatibility issues?

  Microsoft offers a free antimalware tool for client and server systems, but administrators need to tune the layers of protection to avoid problems.  Continue Reading

• How do admins check the Exchange IRM setup?

  Testing Exchange information rights management functionality can be tedious, but Microsoft offers a dedicated cmdlet for Exchange 2016 administrators that streamlines the process.  Continue Reading

• What are System Center DPM 2016 limitations?

  Not every tool is right for the job of backing up data. Find out what limits System Center DPM 2016 protection and which alternatives cover what it lacks.  Continue Reading

• How do I keep Windows Defender definitions current?

  Administrators in charge of keeping antivirus software up to date have a few options to protect their servers. Learn about the methods and services to use with Windows Defender Antivirus.  Continue Reading

• How does the Office Insider program work?

  The Office Insider program can benefit organizations that want as much lead time as possible to see what new features Microsoft plans to release for its Office 365 platform.  Continue Reading

• How does Windows Defender Antivirus protect against malware?

  Microsoft offers Windows Defender Antivirus as its native tool to prevent malware attacks. Discover how it works and what advanced protections it provides.  Continue Reading

• Exchange IRM helps enterprises lock down information

  Exchange Server's information rights management features put boundaries on messages and documents to avoid the mishandling of restricted content.  Continue Reading

• How do you fix Outlook display issues?

  Outlook crashes and rendering issues might require an upgrade -- or a downgrade -- for administrators who want to avoid a Band-Aid approach and want a permanent solution.  Continue Reading

• What DPM monitoring options are there?

  Administrators tasked with checking the status of System Center Data Protection Manager have a few choices, some of which are better suited for larger DPM deployments.  Continue Reading

• How do I build data protection policies in SCDPM 2016?

  One size does not fit all when administrators develop a protection policy for specific applications. Learn about the configuration options in System Center DPM 2016.  Continue Reading

• What are some considerations for a public folders migration?

  Contemplating a move to Exchange Online? Be sure you know what you're in for when shifting on-premises features, such as public folders, into Microsoft's cloud.  Continue Reading

• How does Data Protection Manager 2016 save and restore data?

  Data Protection Manager 2016 works with a wide range of enterprise applications, but administrators need to be aware that some backup types do not work with every program.  Continue Reading

• What are the key System Center DPM 2016 features?

  System Center Data Protection Manager 2016 defends a range of systems with the ability to send backups to multiple targets for enterprises that need ways to recover data rapidly.  Continue Reading

• Why keep that server after an Exchange Online migration?

  Why should a business keep its Exchange Server infrastructure operational after a move to Office 365? Will a hybrid arrangement benefit admins and the organization?  Continue Reading

• What tools troubleshoot Autodiscover in Exchange Online?

  An admin needs to ferret out an Autodiscover issue when the user's mailbox resides in the Exchange Online platform. What tools enable IT to correct the problem quickly?  Continue Reading

• Azure Resource Manager templates ease private cloud struggles

  Azure Resource Manager aims to streamline cloud application deployment and management. But do admins have to jump through hoops to use this feature?  Continue Reading

• How far does the Microsoft Server Management Tools suite go?

  Microsoft SMT is a free Azure-based tool that offers remote Windows Server management, but there are some limits to this cloud service.  Continue Reading

• Use the Group Policy settings reference guide to avoid disruptions

  With Windows Server's updates to Group Policy settings and templates comes a danger for administrators: users flooding the help desk with tickets.  Continue Reading

• What improved in Service Management Automation, Orchestrator 2016?

  Migrating to Service Center 2016 requires a good deal of preparation and work. Are the features in Orchestration and Service Management Automation better in Service Center 2016?  Continue Reading

• How do Hyper-V and Windows Server 2016 containers differ?

  Containers are revolutionizing the design of cloud and mobile apps. Tech expert Michael Otey explains the crucial differences between Hyper-V and Windows Server 2016 containers.  Continue Reading

• What's new with Group Policy administration in Windows Server 2016?

  Windows Server 2016 includes a suite of new Group Policy settings. These settings allow admins to manage mobile app access and set numerous security policies.  Continue Reading

• How can administrators improve WSUS performance?

  The Windows Server Update Services utility helps to update numerous systems, but it can require significant bandwidth. What are good ways to reduce the demands?  Continue Reading

• Which Microsoft OMS license is best for my IT deployment?

  What do you get for your money -- and for free -- when using the Microsoft Operations Management Suite to handle workloads running in different environments?  Continue Reading

• What kind of log analytics does Microsoft OMS perform?

  Microsoft OMS features 'solution packs' that track resource usage, which can help administrators plan for future capacity needs.  Continue Reading

• How does the Group Policy Object Editor manage .admx templates?

  Newer versions of Windows Server use an .admx template that has changed from a proprietary format to give administrators more flexibility with user and computer management.  Continue Reading

• What is the easiest way to bring Microsoft OMS into my organization?

  My organization wants to use Microsoft Operations Management Suite. What's the best way to establish a connection to our existing environment?  Continue Reading

• How do I troubleshoot Exchange mail flow problems?

  My users can send email messages from Exchange Server, but cannot receive messages from external senders. How can I resolve these inbound mail flow issues?  Continue Reading

• How does Microsoft OMS affect IT management?

  Our organization uses System Center and its components for management, but we want to reduce the number of tools we use. Can Microsoft Operations Management Suite help us?  Continue Reading

• What's involved to fix a disconnected mailbox?

  Exchange administrators can disable or delete disconnected mailboxes using the EAC or Exchange Management Shell.  Continue Reading

• How does Windows Nano Server differ from Windows Server Core?

  After Windows Server Core failed to catch on, Microsoft may convince administrators with its next attempt for a more VM- and cloud-friendly Windows Server deployment.  Continue Reading

• How can I quickly configure multiple Exchange mailbox properties?

  Configuring the properties for multiple Exchange mailboxes can be tedious, but the Exchange Administration Center makes this exercise relatively painless.  Continue Reading

• How do you work with Microsoft's new headless server?

  Without the traditional Windows Server GUI, what are the steps involved with a Nano Server installation?  Continue Reading

• Which Exchange mailbox properties can an administrator edit?

  There are nine Exchange 2016 mailbox properties that administrators can configure, such as a user's email address. Admins can also specify custom attributes as needed.  Continue Reading

• How is Windows Nano Server managed?

  Microsoft Nano Server sheds the traditional Windows Server GUI which means some administrators will need to adapt to adopt this deployment model.  Continue Reading

• What are the benefits of deploying Microsoft Nano Server?

  Nano Server, one of the key new Windows Server 2016 features, is a lightweight installation option designed to run in cloud instances and virtualized environments.  Continue Reading

• What are the most common Exchange recipient types?

  Administrators who are new to managing Exchange recipients can use various tools to organize these features.  Continue Reading

• Is there a System Center evaluation period?

  Planning to test a System Center technical preview? Check the release notes before investing too much time.  Continue Reading

• How will System Center licensing change?

  The price of your System Center license is due to change when Microsoft implements a per-core pricing model with the release of System Center 2016.  Continue Reading

• How do database copies enable Exchange server redundancy?

  When email databases fail, important messages are lost and other issues arise. Database availability groups can help prevent these problems.  Continue Reading

• What changes are coming to System Center components?

  While new features coming in Microsoft System Center 2016 may sway an organization to consider upgrading, the loss of functionality may put off some from making a switch.  Continue Reading

• What are the most notable features in System Center 2016?

  System Center 2016 can manage a mix of environments, but administrators should evaluate new features before upgrading from an older version.  Continue Reading

• How does privileged identity management work in Azure Active Directory?

  Organizations that assign privileged access to certain users can lose track of who has access to what. Privileged user monitoring ensures users comply with corporate policies.  Continue Reading

• How does Azure Active Directory Connect help admins?

  The Azure AD Connect tool helps administrators with an on-premises Active Directory environment, but also helps manage resources from the Azure cloud.  Continue Reading

• What tools can manage Active Directory in Azure?

  There are several Azure Active Directory management tools to help administrators create or modify services, and manage and organize users.  Continue Reading

• How does Active Directory in the cloud work?

  Administrators responsible for cloud management can use Active Directory in Azure to set limits on the amount of resources and app availability.  Continue Reading

• What methods should I use to prepare for MCSE certification?

  MCSE preparation can include a few methods, such as practice exams or study guides, but administrators should be prepared to demonstrate their technical expertise.  Continue Reading

• Why is there an Outlook folder missing from Outlook Web App?

  Some folders in a mailbox on Exchange Server 2013 are not showing up on the folder list in the OWA virtual directory but do appear in other views.  Continue Reading

• What do I need to know about the MCSE certification exams?

  The server infrastructure MCSE certification tests an IT pro's expertise in storage, networking and other key areas.  Continue Reading

• What third-party tools can I use for Office 365 monitoring?

  Our business is migrating from an on-premises server to Office 365. What third-party monitoring tools can we use to make sure it is running at optimal performance?  Continue Reading

• What Microsoft professional certifications are available?

  Microsoft offers a bevy of certifications that can help a Windows Server admin demonstrate expertise in technical areas such as desktop administration  Continue Reading

• What is the state of my Windows Server certification?

  An administrator with an MCSA Windows Server 2008 certification can upgrade to the Windows Server 2012 equivalent by taking an exam.  Continue Reading

• Why won't the Exchange 2013 Edge Transport Server install?

  We have a Client Access Server and Mailbox Server on Exchange 2013 and we want to install an Edge Transport role on another machine. I joined the Edge Server to the domain and installed Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services, but still ...  Continue Reading

• What file types are blocked in a SharePoint Online migration?

  SharePoint Online handles blocked file types differently than file types for on-premises SharePoint deployments, which may confuse users migrating to the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Is there an advantage to using SharePoint Online PowerShell cmdlets?

  Administrators can use SharePoint Online PowerShell cmdlets to ease their workload and reduce mistakes from manual intervention.  Continue Reading

• How do I configure Outlook Anywhere for specific external use?

  How can I enable Outlook Anywhere to allow internal use for all users and external use for only some users in Exchange 2013?  Continue Reading

• What happened to my SharePoint Online templates?

  An unprepared organization may find some SharePoint Online features are not the same as the on-premises version.  Continue Reading

• What SharePoint Online limits exist across different Office 365 plans?

  Depending on the Office 365 plan your business uses, there are several SharePoint Online limits to keep in mind when planning a SharePoint migration.  Continue Reading

• How Azure pricing for ExpressRoute breaks down

  Azure ExpressRoute pricing varies depending on a number of factors, including whether the business needs the standard or premium version.  Continue Reading

• What are my options for Azure ExpressRoute connections?

  For companies that need a private connection and full access to different Azure regions, Microsoft offers a premium version of Azure ExpressRoute.  Continue Reading

• How can I recover Exchange transaction logs space?

  Exchange Server transaction logs have filled up my hard drive. How do I free up space taken by these logs? And can I prevent it from happening again?  Continue Reading

• How does Azure ExpressRoute make a direct connection to the cloud?

  Microsoft offers a way for organizations to connect directly to Azure data centers through one of three connection methods.  Continue Reading