Features

Features

• How Microsoft PowerShell v3 remoting has improved

  Any serious admin should be learning about PowerShell -- it's the way of the future for Microsoft. Dive into one of the foundational technologies, Remoting.  Continue Reading

• Q&A: Taking a closer look at System Center Operations Manager 2012

  Microsoft's Adam Hall runs down the significant changes made to the Operations Manager component in System Center 2012 and the thinking behind them.  Continue Reading

• How Microsoft’s new certification program affects Exchange admins

  Microsoft recently updated its certification program, but what does that mean for Exchange admins? Long-time expert and MVP Tony Redmond chimes in.  Continue Reading

• Guide: Troubleshooting Microsoft Outlook

  Got a Microsoft Outlook problem? Whether you’ve run into a confusing error message, your users are experiencing password or calendar issues, or you simply can’t connect, we’ve got the answer here.  Continue Reading

• Faceoff: Office 365 vs. Google Apps -- the tale of two nonprofits

  Microsoft and Google don’t like to admit it, but Office 365 and Google Apps are in fact competing technologies. These two non-profits weighed both and came out with different decisions.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Outlook Anywhere explained

  With a growing remote and mobile workforce, users need easy access to email and information on Exchange servers. That’s where Outlook Anywhere comes in.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server certification FAQ

  Learn all the basic requirements, costs and benefits for Microsoft Windows Server certification.  Continue Reading

• What's new in the Windows Server 8 beta

  Much has changed since the developer preview – find out the most compelling new features in Microsoft's latest server release.  Continue Reading

• Expert’s take: What I’d like to see in the next version of Exchange Server

  What would you like to see in Exchange 15? We posed that same question to one of our trusted experts and he answered the call.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Exchange Online explained

  With all the chatter around hosted services these days, it pays to know about Exchange Online. Get a handle on its benefits and drawbacks.  Continue Reading

• Experts' top predictions for 2012: Windows Server 8, PowerShell, cloud

  Windows Server 8 and an increased focus on security are all on the minds of IT pros heading into the next year.  Continue Reading

• Top Windows Server tips of 2011

  Find our most popular tips this year, including great free tools, understanding Azure services and the BYOD initiative.  Continue Reading

• Our top 10 Exchange Server administration tips of 2011

  From Exchange Server virtualization and mobile management to common Exchange 2010 problems, these 10 administration tips kept you clicking in 2011.  Continue Reading

• Exchange 2010 role based access control explained

  Exchange 2010’s new permissions model, role based access control, is helpful but can be daunting due to the number of roles and groups available. Start with the basics in this tip.  Continue Reading

• 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

• The Microsoft Certified Master for Exchange Server 2010 explained

  The Microsoft Certified Master: Exchange 2010 title is reserved for the most skilled Exchange admins. Take a look at what the certification entails to see if you’ll make the grade.  Continue Reading

• 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.  Continue Reading

• Free tools to ease Exchange Server and Outlook administration

  Looking for ways to relieve Exchange and Outlook administration woes without spending a mint? Look no further than this helpful list of seven free tools.  Continue Reading

• Ten great summer books for IT pros

  Stretch your mind this summer with one or more of these great books. We cover it all from Microsoft to the evolution of the Helvetica font.  Continue Reading

• Windows cloud spotlight

  Microsoft's Azure and lower operating costs are driving the rapid adoption of cloud services by enterprises. Find out more about what's making cloud the next big thing.  Continue Reading

• Five Quick Links: Windows identity and access management

  Here are some quick tips on identity and access management that help explain what admins should look out for before implementing it.  Continue Reading

• Exchange 2010 server roles explained

  If you're migrating from Exchange 2003, you'll need to know why the CAS role is important, how the hub transport server works and more.  Continue Reading

• Top ten free Windows tools admins have never heard of

  These Windows tools may fly under the IT radar, but they might provide the answers many admins are looking for.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft licensing enhancements aid service model approach

  Microsoft continues to tweak its licensing in support of customers considering a move to the service model now or down the road.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Internet Information Services spotlight

  The latest version of Microsoft's signature Web platform is packed with old and new features for improved website management and administration.  Continue Reading

• Five things that annoy me about Exchange 2010

  There's a lot to like about Exchange 2010. However, there are a few aspects IT managers might find irksome.  Continue Reading

• Five Quick Links: Windows Azure

  Here are some quick tips on Windows Azure -- Microsoft's Platform-as-a-Service product -- that help explain what Azure means for the future of Windows Server.  Continue Reading

• Mark Minasi: Windows Server could aid Microsoft's cloud ambitions

  Windows expert Mark Minasi discusses the future of Windows Server 2008 and where Microsoft's cloud strategy fits into the mix.  Continue Reading

• Hyper-V versus VMware for Exchange Server virtualization

  Does the Hyper-V versus VMware debate have your head spinning? Cut through the noise with this expert tip on Exchange Server virtualization.  Continue Reading

• Five Quick Links: Windows server hardening

  Learn to effectively lock down your systems with these server security resources, including must-have tips and tricks for hardening the Windows OS.  Continue Reading

• Q&A: Microsoft positions Hyper-V for cloud-minded IT

  Is the hypervisor war already over? Probably not, but Microsoft contends that its shift toward an app management approach to virtualization will put it ahead of VMware in the end.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft's latest cloud message to IT: Manage or be managed

  As System Center continues to shift toward a more cloud-friendly approach, it might be time for IT pros to become more flexible in their management practices as well.  Continue Reading

• The SharePoint content repository: It's just a database

  SharePoint's lifeline is the content repository, where all the content is housed. Learn how the database works as well as its challenges.  Continue Reading

• Weighing SharePoint storage business goals

  Taking advantage of specific SharePoint storage capabilities will help admins set business goals and meet overall needs, including storage optimization.  Continue Reading

• A deep dive into SharePoint storage

  The key to SharePoint storage optimization lies in the details of its storage mechanisms.  Continue Reading

• Identifying SharePoint storage content dilemmas and fixes

  Although SharePoint is designed to handle loads of data, steer clear of certain content types.  Continue Reading

• Analyzing the SharePoint storage problem

  SharePoint's goal is to make sure everything is stored in one place. That is accomplished through the central repository, but it also introduces many challenges.  Continue Reading

• Lighten your workload: Delegate permissions in Exchange 2010

  Make your life easier -- let help desk staff and users manage certain tasks on their own. Here's a rundown of some time-saving settings.  Continue Reading

• Why you should be excited about Office 365

  Office 365 may seem more geared toward making users happy. But a few key features will hit the mark with Exchange administrators as well.  Continue Reading

• Five Quick Links: Microsoft Hyper-V Dynamic Memory

  Check out these quick links on Hyper-V R2's new memory management features, including details on how Microsoft's memory allocation stacks up against VMware's memory overcommit.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Hyper-V R2 Management Tutorial

  A lot has changed since the release of Microsoft’s first-generation hypervisor technology. See what’s new and what you may have missed with this comprehensive guide to all things Hyper-V.  Continue Reading

• Hosted Exchange explained

  Many organizations are kicking the tires on hosted Exchange. Before making that leap of faith, find out exactly what you should expect from your service provider.  Continue Reading

• Five Quick Links: Windows Server troubleshooting

  Check out these quick-hit links for debugging Windows Server crashes and hangs, with details on the best (free) recovery tools for administrators.  Continue Reading

• The Windows Server toolbox: A utility guide for admins

  Glimpse inside the Windows Server toolbox and find the best server utilities for everything from performance and monitoring to security and troubleshooting.  Continue Reading

• Exchange mailbox protection explained

  Adequate Exchange mailbox protection is a crucial part of compliance and sound business practices. Find out what happens if you don’t have enough protection in this installment of our Exchange explained series.  Continue Reading

• Mobile device management spotlight

  Users are adopting smartphones and tablets at a rapid pace, leaving IT shops no choice but to put the management of those devices at the top of their 2011 to-do lists.  Continue Reading

• Capacity planning a key piece of the virtualization puzzle

  While server virtualization is great for resource utilization, those who overlook capacity planning could still take a hit on performance.  Continue Reading

• Top five OWA tips for the busy Exchange administrator

  Have a look at the OWA tips our readers found most helpful in 2010.  Continue Reading

• Year in Review: Top 10 Exchange Server admin tips

  2010 may be long gone, but check out these top Exchange admin tips of the year. They’ll help you prepare for anything 2011 throws at you.  Continue Reading

• Five Windows Server books to watch for in 2011

  Looking to take your Windows know-how to the next level? Motivated admins might consider adding these books to their reading lists in 2011.  Continue Reading

• Exchange Server 2010 message security explained

  Exchange Server 2010 addresses the emergence of email as a vital yet vulnerable business tool by increasing message security. Find out which features Microsoft has enhanced.  Continue Reading

• SharePoint e-zine: Practical IT strategies for enterprise collaboration

  Have an irksome SharePoint implementation issue? Grappling with a SharePoint governance or management problem? Then check our monthly SharePoint e-zine. Its articles on governance, management and implementation can help you tackle technical ...  Continue Reading

• Minasi challenges cloud computing's low-cost promise

  Windows guru Mark Minasi says vendors that tout lower costs as a reason to move to cloud computing may not be giving you the whole story. Do the math.  Continue Reading

• The Windows admin’s guide to all things VMware

  The title says it all. This overview provides resources and analysis on VMware’s most important virtualization technologies for the server, desktop and cloud.  Continue Reading

• Making the move to solid-state disk drives in a SAN/NAS

  SSDDs can boost storage performance and conserve power significantly – if you’re willing to pay the price.  Continue Reading

• ActiveSync essentials for the Exchange admin

  From the basics to the advanced, this guide runs the gamut of Exchange ActiveSync topics. Is ActiveSync right for your organization? What does that error message mean? This guide answers all your questions.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting OWA login problems

  In the latest edition of the Exchange mailbag, our expert helps a few admins get to the bottom of their peskiest OWA logon problems.  Continue Reading

• VM data protection: When snapshots just aren’t enough

  Admins working in virtual environments should be careful not to let the speed and convenience of snapshots overshadow the potential threats to data integrity.  Continue Reading

• Top iPhone apps for Windows admins: Jump Desktop

  Windows admins can manage their PCs from their iPhones with Jump Desktop, a remote desktop management application noted for its quick setup and extensive RDP support.  Continue Reading

• Top iPhone apps for Windows admins: AD HelpDesk

  While the AD HelpDesk application doesn't cover all things Active Directory, it does give admins extensive password management functionality straight from their iPhones.  Continue Reading

• Top iPhone apps for Windows admins: Rove Virtual Machine Manager

  Rove Virtual Machine Manager aims to give admins virtual machine management functionality from outside the office – but is it worth the hefty price tag?  Continue Reading

• Top iPhone apps for Windows admins: Nice Trace

  Tracking network connections on-the-go could get easier for Windows admins with Nice Trace, a remote traceroute application with real-time monitoring capabilities.  Continue Reading

• Top iPhone apps for Windows admins: What's Goin' Down?

  Admins can nurse their networks from the road with What's Goin' Down, a network monitoring app designed to keep admins in the know about Windows server health.  Continue Reading

• Top iPhone apps for Windows admins: iPowerShell

  This free Windows app gives admins PowerShell 2.0 knowledge straight from their iPhones. It includes advanced search capabilities and detailed cmdlet information.  Continue Reading

• Top iPhone apps for Windows admins: iCacti Server Monitor

  Admins can keep track of Windows servers and devices with iCacti Server Monitor, an iPhone app designed to graphically provide detailed information about a network.  Continue Reading

• Top iPhone apps for Windows admins: Wyse PocketCloud

  The Wyse PocketCloud app brings systems management to the iPhone with remote desktop control for on-the-go Windows admins -- but what makes it stand out from the rest?  Continue Reading

• Ten cool iPhone apps for Windows admins

  Are you an admin on the go? Check out some of the best iPhone apps available for Windows server and network management.  Continue Reading

• Top iPhone apps for Windows admins: My Network Ports On-the-go

  My Network Ports On-the-go is a mini reference designed to give Windows admins quick access to TCP/UDP ports at their fingertips.  Continue Reading

• Top iPhone apps for Windows admins: Admin Pocket Consultants

  The Admin Pocket Consultants are a series of mobile mini-books that cover a variety of Microsoft topics, including several Windows platforms, Active Directory and SharePoint.  Continue Reading

• Hacking methodology: Chapter 4 of "Hacking for Dummies"

  Find the steps for successful security testing and learn to scan your Windows network for vulnerabilities in this chapter excerpt from "Hacking for Dummies, 3rd Edition."  Continue Reading

• Guide to Microsoft System Center

  System Center is Microsoft's trademark systems management product suite. This page will guide you through what's what, with details on the latest features and releases.  Continue Reading

• Back to school reading list: Windows PowerShell Cookbook

  This cookbook has recipes for common PowerShell tasks in a problem/solution/discussion format. Read about what else it has to offer in our slideshow on the top books for Windows pros.  Continue Reading

• Back to school reading list: Active Directory, Fourth Edition

  The fourth edition of this book from O'Reilly Media includes everything from Active Directory fundamentals to expert-level tips for Windows Server 2000 and up. Read about everything else it includes by clicking on our slideshow.  Continue Reading

• Back to school reading list: Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V

  This book adopts a crawl, walk, run approach to explaining Windows Server 2008 R2 Hyper-V. Read more about it in our slideshow on the top books for Windows pros.  Continue Reading

• Back to school reading list: Exchange Server 2007 Web Services

  This book covers Exchange Web Services in several contexts. Read more about it in our slideshow on the top books for Windows professionals.  Continue Reading

• Back to school reading list: Windows 7 Resource Kit

  This is Microsoft's complete guide to Windows 7, and it's not just for the power user or Windows admin. Read more about the resource kit in our slideshow.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft SharePoint 2010 spotlight

  The latest version of Microsoft's popular collaboration platform includes new features for admins concerned with governance and backup issues.  Continue Reading

• How SharePoint 2010 can benefit Exchange organizations

  Microsoft made several improvements to SharePoint 2010 for administrators and users alike. But it's not without a few flaws. Our expert gives both sides of the SharePoint 2010 and Exchange Server story in this interview.  Continue Reading

• Windows server management guides and learning resources

  Check out our collection of guides, tutorials, FAQs and more covering a wide array of Windows server administration topics and technologies.  Continue Reading

• The clean up option in Outlook 2010

  Take advantage of the Outlook 2010 clean up option and remove yourself from redundant messages at the folder level or conversation level.  Continue Reading

• The Mail Tips feature in Outlook 2010

  Outlook 2010's Mail Tips lets users avoid common mistakes like emailing a large group of people or sending a message to someone who's out of the office.  Continue Reading

• The conversation view in Outlook 2010

  The conversation view in Outlook 2010 lets users sort through inbox clutter to easily view past email conversations within a specific message chain.  Continue Reading

• Quick steps in Outlook 2010

  Create your own quick steps in Outlook 2010 with the built-in editor that simplifies common tasks such as emailing your team or manager.  Continue Reading

• The ignore option in Outlook 2010

  Using the ignore option in Microsoft Outlook 2010 allows you to remove yourself from irrelevant email conversations.  Continue Reading

• The Outlook 2010 ribbon

  Microsoft Outlook 2010 includes the ribbon feature, which makes sending messages simpler and improves the overall Outlook 2010 experience.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 new features in Microsoft Outlook 2010

  There are several new features included in the Microsoft Outlook 2010 release that can help both you and your users. Our expert offers the 10 best in this slideshow.  Continue Reading

• Publish calendars online with Outlook 2010

  Microsoft Outlook 2010 allows users to publish calendars online and lets them control who views their personal Outlook calendars.  Continue Reading

• Outlook 2010 task notes

  Task notes in Outlook 2010 offers appealing new options for users, such as OneNote, that will ease task management and organization.  Continue Reading

• The backstage view in Outlook 2010

  Recall and resend messages with the Outlook 2010 backstage view. This feature allows you to move messages to a different folder and learn new ways to work with your documents.  Continue Reading

• The Outlook Social Connector

  The Outlook 2010 social connector combines users' social networks into one area, making it easier to find and manage this information within Outlook.  Continue Reading

• Windows virtual server backup spotlight

  Virtualization comes with both pros and cons. One of those cons? More complicated backups. Read about the challenges and best practices for Hyper-V and other virtual environments.  Continue Reading

• Top 5 SharePoint and Exchange Server how-tos

  What are the pros and cons of using SharePoint as an email-archiving solution? What shouldn't you do when setting up a SharePoint calendar? Get those answers and more in this collecton of our five hottest SharePoint and Server 2007 tips.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: Microsoft Hyper-V Server 2008 R2

  The differences between the OS and standalone versions of Microsoft's virtualization technology can be confusing. Here you'll find the basics of how Hyper-V Server measures up.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 spotlight

  Microsoft's latest database server release comes with a host of new features, including several BI enhancements for the enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Exchange Server 2010 database availability groups

  If you're new to Exchange 2010, you'll need to become familiar with using database availability groups for high availability. This beginner's guide covers all the basics and explains how to configure a DAG in your own environment.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2008 R2 Active Directory spotlight

  R2 comes with several new features for Active Directory in areas like backup, recovery and data management. Check out which enhancements are likely to have the biggest impact.  Continue Reading

• Windows Remote Desktop Services spotlight

  Get the scoop on RDS with Windows Server 2008 R2, the next-generation of Microsoft Terminal Services that could make low-cost VDI a reality.  Continue Reading

• Windows virtual machine security spotlight

  Maintaining a secure virtual server environment presents a new set of challenges for Windows environments. Understanding the threats ahead of time is the key.  Continue Reading

• How to customize your Windows PowerShell environment

  With scripting environments, one size does not fit all. See how profiles, functions and modules can help you personalize -- and extend the functionality of -- Windows PowerShell.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: Windows Server 2008 R2

  Confused about what this "R2" business is all about? Not to worry. This page provides answers to some of the most common questions surrounding Microsoft's latest OS.  Continue Reading