November 2011

November 29, 2011 29 Nov'11
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. Continue Reading
November 28, 2011 28 Nov'11
How System Center 2012 enables Hyper-V private clouds

Microsoft is pushing private cloud with the latest releases of its systems management products. Find out if they can help you get a handle on your internal resources. Continue Reading
November 23, 2011 23 Nov'11
Exchange Server 2010 licensing considerations and requirements

Microsoft licensing is tough to grasp. In this tip, we explain in plain English how Exchange 2010 licensing works to help you choose the best licensing model for your environment. Continue Reading

November 22, 2011 22 Nov'11
Hidden gems in Windows Server 2008 R2's Resource Monitor tool

You don't have to download a freeware tool to adequately monitor your system performance. Here's how to leverage the new features available to Windows Server admins. Continue Reading
November 21, 2011 21 Nov'11
Preparing for your IT certification on the cheap

Proper preparation for IT certification exams doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Get the lowdown on inexpensive options and where to find them. Continue Reading
November 21, 2011 21 Nov'11
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. Continue Reading
November 15, 2011 15 Nov'11
Managing Exchange 2010 SP1 ActiveSync from the command line

The number of mobile users grows by the day, so it helps to understand how to manage ActiveSync from the command line. Here are the four most important EMS commands in Exchange 2010 SP1. Continue Reading
November 15, 2011 15 Nov'11
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. Continue Reading
November 15, 2011 15 Nov'11
SharePoint security should not be an afterthought

Although SharePoint's security controls are built in, they're not something you can just set and forget. Don’t overlook these four issues when safeguarding the collaboration platform. Continue Reading
November 14, 2011 14 Nov'11
Lessons learned from an Office 365 migration

Office 365 migrations take time and careful research, but even then, some mistakes are inevitable. Find out what one expert learned during his company’s move to Office 365. Continue Reading

November 14, 2011 14 Nov'11
How Server Manager will impact workflow in Windows Server 8

The Server Manager console has been completely redesigned in Windows Server 8. While this will have positive effects on productivity, it could also cause some headaches. Continue Reading
November 14, 2011 14 Nov'11
Configure SharePoint 2010 to send notifications through Exchange 2010

Email notifications are a great way to alert admins and users to SharePoint changes; you just need a mechanism to deliver them. That’s where Exchange 2010 comes in. Continue Reading
November 11, 2011 11 Nov'11
Hosting Exchange Server off-site: Evaluating pros and cons

Hosting Exchange Server off-site may appeal to businesses getting comfortable with the idea of cloud computing and its various advantages, but is it really a good idea? Read pros and cons here and insight from the experts to make the right decision ... Continue Reading
November 09, 2011 09 Nov'11
What to do when DNS records disappear

When working with DNS records in Active Directory, a small mistake can quickly become a big problem. Follow these steps to speed your recovery. Continue Reading
November 08, 2011 08 Nov'11
All about Exchange 2010 distribution list management

Do you dread having to manage distribution lists? The Exchange Management Console and Shell simplify the job, and you always have the option to offload the task to users. Continue Reading
November 07, 2011 07 Nov'11
Free virtual appliance helps load balance Exchange 2010 deployments

Looking for an effective -- and free -- tool to load-balance your Exchange 2010 deployment? If you’re Linux-savvy, you’re in luck. If not, you can still use it in your lab environment. Continue Reading
November 04, 2011 04 Nov'11
SMB 2.2 in Windows Server 8 could help Microsoft’s cloud fortunes

Corporate and third-party developers believe Microsoft’s support of the SMB 2.2 protocol could bolster its competitive chances in the cloud and virtualization markets. Continue Reading
November 02, 2011 02 Nov'11
Q&A: Microsoft’s Pfenning talks storage, SMB 2.2 in Windows Server 8

Microsoft is improving storage capabilities in Windows Server 8 as well as adding support for the SMB 2.2 protocol. General Manager Thomas Pfenning explains the importance of these changes to IT shops. Continue Reading
November 02, 2011 02 Nov'11
Help with Office 365, mobile devices, Exchange security

In this edition of the Exchange Insider, explore how to migrate to Office 365. As more companies turn to Office 365, we'll answer your most common questions, and you will learn about mobile device support in the cloud, including the pros and cons of... Continue Reading
November 01, 2011 01 Nov'11
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. Continue Reading