Evaluate

Evaluate

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

• 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

• 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

• Free NTFS links tool expands file system view for Windows

  With the NTFSLinksView utility, admins can generate an extended view of symbolic links and junction points to stay on top of changes to the file system structure.Continue Reading

• SharePoint planning tools abound -- just not from Microsoft

  Microsoft axed its own SharePoint planning calculator, but IT shops have plenty of choices from third-party vendors that help with SharePoint Server 2010 capacity planning and analysis.Continue Reading

• API Monitor utility traces application performance for Windows

  Admins can use updated API monitoring software to hook into API calls and get an inside look at application mechanisms for improved tracking capabilities.Continue Reading

• What you should know about hosted Exchange Server

  There's a lot of buzz surrounding hosted Exchange Server, but is it all just noise? This podcast explains what's involved in the hosted Exchange model and weighs the pros and cons of moving email servers off-premise.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: 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: 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 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

• 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

• Flash Memory Toolkit offers diagnostics, repair tools for USB drives

  As USB drives become more popular, so do utilities designed specifically for USB flash drives. The Flash Memory Toolkit includes helpful tools for troubleshooting and repairing USB flash drives.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

• Uncovering the hidden meeting workspace feature in Outlook 2010

  SharePoint meeting workspaces haven't disappeared from Outlook 2010 -- they're hidden. Our Exchange Server expert tells how to find and install this feature.Continue Reading

• Top tools for fixing Windows NTFS corruption issues

  There are several utilities out there designed to salvage NTFS data and restore your hard disk, but even the best ones have pros and cons.Continue Reading

• Hyper-V R2 admins want better density, feature management

  Windows administrators appreciate Dynamic Memory in Microsoft Hyper-V R2 SP1, but still have a list of features they would rather see first.Continue Reading

• Built-in security tools help defend Exchange Server 2010

  Exchange 2010 includes more built-in security tools than previous server versions. This tip examines some common vulnerabilities and which native tools protect against them.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 Outlook 2010 ribbon

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Free Windows performance monitoring tools not to be missed

  Unbeknownst to some admins, the latest versions of Windows Server include new or updated tools that can minimize the need for third-party options.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

• 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

• 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

• What is Windows Server AppFabric?

  There are two versions of AppFabric – one for cloud applications and another for in-house apps. Here's what they can do for you.Continue Reading

• Free tool simplifies Exchange 2007 certificate creation and management

  Simplify certificate creation and management in Exchange Server 2007 with this free downloadable tool.Continue Reading

• IT shops look for Hyper-V feature boost with SP1 beta

  IT managers hope to get service pack info on Windows Server 2008 R2, Hyper-V and Exchange Server next week.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

• Configuring applications in Windows with Group Policy preferences

  Application behaviors can be tweaked and pushed out to your network via a logon script or Group Policy preference. See why choosing the latter could make your life a lot easier.Continue Reading

• What are OWA's new calendaring features in Exchange Server 2010?

  Improved calendaring is one of many changes to OWA in Exchange Server 2010. This expert tip details how to share calendars, check users' contact availability and open another user's mailbox.Continue Reading

• Analyzing Exchange Server security risks and vulnerabilities

  Knowing which security risks and threats can harm your Exchange Server environment is great, but having a plan in place to combat them is even better.Continue Reading

• The very best Sysinternals tools for Windows server security

  Admins can save themselves a lot of aggravation by taking advantage of Microsoft's free Sysinternals toolset. Here are some of the top security utilities available.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

• New Google tools underline interest in enterprise mail

  Remember Microsoft's aggressive deals and migration tools aimed at moving enterprises off Domino and onto Exchange? Google is now eyeing those customers.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

• New OWA features in Exchange Server 2010

  Microsoft rebranded OWA in Exchange Server 2010, but that wasn't the only thing that changed. Numerous enhancements -- including Mail Tips, support for more Web browsers and advanced search capabilities -- contribute to the Outlook Web App ...Continue Reading

• Tools automate an Exchange UM and OCS 2007 integration

  Successfully combining Exchange Server 2007 unified messaging with OCS 2007 can be a daunting task without the Exchange UM Integration Utility.Continue Reading

• Active Directory in R2: Features to care about, others to ignore

  From the ADAC to managed service accounts, Active Directory in Windows 2008 R2 has several new capabilities. See the ones worth checking out -- and those that probably aren't.Continue Reading

• Top 10 changes to Windows Server 2008 R2

  A lot's changed with the release of Microsoft's latest server OS. Check out our list of the 10 most significant improvements.Continue Reading

• Key Windows Server 2008 R2 features: Best Practices Analyzer engine

  Learn why the Best Practice Analyzer (BPA) engine is on our list the top 10 new features for Windows Server 2008 R2.Continue Reading

• Key Windows Server 2008 R2 features: Hyper-V R2

  Live Migration is not the only reason Hyper-V R2 is on our list of the top 10 features in Windows Server 2008 R2. See what else Microsoft's hypervisor has to offer.Continue Reading

• Key Windows Server 2008 R2 features: Active Directory Recycle Bin

  Learn why the Active Directory Recycle Bin made our list for top features in Windows Server 2008 R2.Continue Reading

• Key Windows Server 2008 R2 features: BranchCache

  BranchCache may help improve performance speed in branch offices, which earned the tool a spot on our list of the top 10 new features for Windows Server 2008 R2.Continue Reading

• Key Windows Server 2008 R2 features: Remote Desktop Services

  Microsoft did more than just change Terminal Services' name -- it revamped the product. See why Remote Desktop Services is on our list of top 10 features in Windows Server 2008 R2.Continue Reading

• Key Windows Server 2008 R2 features: Reduced power consumption

  Learn why the new greener Windows platform made our list of the top 10 features in Windows Server 2008 R2.Continue Reading

• Key Windows Server 2008 R2 features: DirectAccess

  Not just a user favorite -- DirectAccess is on our list of the top 10 features in Windows Server 2008 R2.Continue Reading

• Key Windows Server 2008 R2 features: Windows Server Backup

  Learn about the improvements that made Windows Server Backup one of our top 10 features in Windows Server 2008 R2.Continue Reading

• Key Windows Server 2008 R2 features: Windows PowerShell 2.0

  A plethora of improvements earned Windows PowerShell 2.0 a spot on our list of top 10 features in Windows Server 2008 R2.Continue Reading

• Key Windows Server 2008 R2 features: File Classification Infrastructure

  Learn why the File Classification Infrastructure (FCI) is on our list of top 10 features in Windows Server 2008 R2.Continue Reading

• Built-in Active Directory backup feature falls short

  Windows Server 2008 R2's Active Directory Recycle Bin feature is limited, so IT pros who need full features might be better off using third-party backup tools.Continue Reading

• New unified messaging features in Exchange Server 2010

  Unified messaging is available in Exchange Server 2010, with a few new features. Get a peek at the voicemail transcription and call answering rules features and what they do.Continue Reading

• IT pros want more tools in next Active Directory

  Windows shops want Microsoft to improve Active Directory integration and workflow, and rely less on third-party tools.Continue Reading

• Tool recovers deleted Exchange Server 2007 public folder data

  Did a user delete a public folder? You can use the PFDAVAdmin tool and these steps to recover Exchange Server 2007 public folder data.Continue Reading

• PowerShell Scripting School 2.0

  Get an inside look at the world of PowerShell, including news and resources for Windows admins.Continue Reading

• Helpful third-party tools for Exchange Server

  Check out these 12 third-party Exchange management tools and see how they can help administrators monitor, archive and migrate Exchange servers.Continue Reading

• Re-evaluate your Exchange 2007 Active Directory architecture

  Exchange Server 2007 usually works well with existing Active Directory designs. A poorly designed AD architecture can actually hinder performance. The first step in evaluating your AD design is to understanding site structure and topology.Continue Reading

• Microsoft drops free migration tool for Exchange 2010

  IBM Lotus Notes or POP/IMAP users who want to migrate to Exchange Server 2010 will have to pay for third-party tools.Continue Reading

• Free tools facilitate large-scale Outlook and SharePoint integrations

  There's no single tool for performing large-scale SharePoint and Outlook integrations. Download these two free tools and follow the steps to successfully integrate MOSS 2007 and Outlook on a large scale.Continue Reading

• Active Directory tops the list of hot Windows Server 2008 R2 features

  IT pros are more excited about the new Active Directory features in Windows Server 2008 R2 than anything else, including Hyper-V with live migrationContinue Reading

• Two useful tools for documenting an Exchange Server installation

  Exchange BPA and ExchDump tools let you collect data about your Exchange installation, including settings and server configuration information. Learn how to translate this data and include it into your installation documentation.Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Windows application crashes or hangs

  A hanging or failed application can be one of the most challenging problems for admins to resolve. Fortunately, several free tools and techniques can be used to help sort things out.Continue Reading

• Analyzing email archiving features for productivity

  Staff members can spend a long time each month searching and managing email. Strict email quotas force users to manage their own personal message storage, which can further impact productivity. To make sure that no significant gaps in scope or ...Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of Outlook 2007's storage engine redesign

  The release of Microsoft Office 2007 SP2 brought about a redesign of Outlook's internal storage engine. However, with the increase in performance comes bloating of your .ost and .pst files. Learn about the performance improvements this new file ...Continue Reading

• Windows AppLocker in R2: Turning conventional security wisdom on its head

  While most IT security software goes to work after an infection has been identified, new technology in Windows Server 2008 R2 allows for a more proactive approach.Continue Reading

• An introduction to the Exchange Remote Connectivity Analyzer tool

  A beta version of Microsoft's Exchange Remote Connectivity Analyzer tool assists administrators with remote end-to-end validation and diagnostics. Use this free tool perform a variety of connectivity tests for everything from Outlook to Exchange Web...Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2008 R2 evaluation bits ready

  The evaluation code for Windows Server 2008 R2 RTM is now available to volume license holders.Continue Reading

• Free Windows security tools every admin must have

  Believe it or not, there's more to life than Sysinternals. Check out some of the best free security tools from third-parties for Windows server administration.Continue Reading

• Powerful (free!) performance monitoring tools you should be using

  Reduce IT support costs by using these free computer performance monitoring tools.Continue Reading

• Simple tools and techniques for finding Windows memory leaks

  Symptoms of a memory leak can show up long before a server fails. Check out these tips for catching a leak early and plugging it up.Continue Reading

• New high availability features in Exchange Server 2010

  With the release of the Exchange Server 2010 beta comes many new product features. In this tip, Microsoft Exchange Server expert Brien Posey explains some high availability improvements in Exchange 2010. He also details changes to clustered and ...Continue Reading

• Hyper-V gains new resiliency features with Windows Server 2008 R2

  Live Migration is just one of the key improvements made to Hyper-V with Windows Server 2008 R2. Find out what else Microsoft has added to the second version of its server virtualization technology.Continue Reading

• Getting started with Windows PowerShell and Microsoft Hyper-V

  Managing virtual machines on your Hyper-V server can be a lot easier if you're armed with the right scripts. Check out these tips for using PowerShell to create a VM when running Hyper-VContinue Reading

• Exchange Server 2007: Email archiving tips and hosted services trends

  There are a lot of ways to handle email archiving in Exchange Server 2007. To help you zero in on what's best for your organization, we've enlisted nine-time Exchange MVP Missy Koslosky. Listen to this podcast series to hear some tips on email ...Continue Reading

• Use third-party tools and resources to streamline help desk processes

  Help desk admins often have to act quickly and efficiently to resolve issues. Learn about third-party applications that can streamline help desk processes.Continue Reading

• Five notable third-party change management applications for Windows

  Why perform change management tasks manually when there are tools to help you get the job done? Here are five third-party change management applications that help you keep track of changes made to Windows systems.Continue Reading

• Scripting secrets for reviewing Windows event log data

  Using custom views in Microsoft Event Viewer help you filter event logs, but they lack ideal flexibility. This script refines your search so you can quickly access the data you need.Continue Reading

• Mailscape 4.4

  Discover Mailscape 4.4, an Exchange systems management tool that helps admins proactively manage, monitor and troubleshoot multiple Exchange servers.Continue Reading

• GFI MailEssentials, version 14

  MailEssentials, version 14, hooks into Exchange Server at the SMTP protocol level to capture spam and eliminate attachment spam before its downloaded.Continue Reading

• Security Explorer for Exchange

  Security Explorer for Exchange provides management of Exchange Server and Active Directory (AD) permissions in an enterprise environment.Continue Reading

• Numara Software's Numara FootPrints 9

  Learn how Numara Footprints 9 helps improves management of the service desk and extends business process automation throughout the organization.Continue Reading

• InteQ's InfraDesk 5.0

  Learn how InteQ's InfraDesk 5.0 helps improve service desk strategy through increased service delivery and operations.Continue Reading

• Quest ChangeAuditor for Exchange

  Check out Quest's ChangeAuditor, which gives Exchange administrators the tools to audit Exchange Server activities and provides alerts when changes occur.Continue Reading

• AppAnalyzer 4.0 for Exchange

  Get an introduction to AppAnalyzer 4.0 for Exchange tool which helps email administrators, IT personnel and executives understand Exchange Server usage.Continue Reading

• Specops Password Reset

  Specops Password Reset is an IT help desk technology designed to allow end users to securely reset and/or unlock their own Active Directory accounts.Continue Reading

• Quest Authentication Services

  Quest Authentication Services allows organizations to extend Active Directory (AD) to Unix, Linux and Mac platforms and enterprise applications. It enables the unification of identities and directories for simplified identity and access management.Continue Reading

• Quest Software Access Manager

  Quest Access Manager provides a single console that identifies the files, folders, shares and other entitlements that users and groups can access throughout the enterprise. It is designed to help organizations meet security and compliance ...Continue Reading

• ScriptLogic Corp. Active Administrator 5.0.1

  Active Administrator 5.0.1 is an enterprise-class integrated Active Directory management and auditing tool from ScriptLogic Corp., which is designed to improve security and business continuity in Windows networks.Continue Reading