Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

Windows systems and network management

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 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

• 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

• 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