Get started

Get started

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.

• Exchange Online

  Exchange Online is the hosted version of Microsoft's Exchange Server messaging platform that organizations can obtain as a stand-alone service or via an Office 365 subscription. Continue Reading

• Stay in control with these Active Directory basics

  Administrators have an ever-increasing number of resources to handle and permissions to track, but they can cut this seemingly impossible task down to size with Active Directory. Continue Reading

• Unlock storage savings with Windows Server deduplication

  Windows Server comes with a data deduplication feature to reduce the organization's storage crunch, but it's important to plan around some potential drawbacks. Continue Reading

• Hyper-convergence forms core of Windows Server 2019 features

  The latest server OS release from Microsoft upgrades many of its software-defined features to make it easier to use a hybrid cloud model. Continue Reading

• Hunt down zombie VMs to trim Windows Server licensing costs

  Temporary workloads can cause organizations to buy more Windows Server licenses than they need, but admins can track down zombie servers to consolidate workloads and keep costs down. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • Microsoft Windows Azure Active Directory (Windows Azure AD)
  • Microsoft Software Assurance (SA)
  • Active Directory forest (AD forest)
  • wbadmin

  • ISA (Industry Standard Architecture)
  • PowerShell
  • Microsoft Windows PowerShell DSC (Desired State Configuration)
  • Microsoft Windows PowerShell Integrated Scripting Environment (ISE)

  View All Definitions

• Use this Microsoft deployment tool for easier setups

  It's not new, but the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit tends to be overlooked when administrators need a way to set up Windows in an automated fashion. See why MDT is worth using.Continue Reading

• Resilient File System (ReFS)

  Resilient File System (ReFS) is a file system developed by Microsoft for use on the Windows operating system (OS) that's designed to overcome some of the limitations in the New Technology File System (NTFS).Continue Reading

• Monad Manifesto

  The Monad Manifesto is a document written by Jeffrey Snover in 2002 that outlined his idea for a new Windows systems administration tool named Monad, which was changed to Windows PowerShell.Continue Reading

• PowerShell Core 6.1 offers many small improvements

  New PowerShell Core functionality includes the addition of Windows PowerShell 5.1 modules, making this version worth a closer look for administrators.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 use PowerShell JEA for task delegation

  System administrators don't have to do every mundane task themselves anymore with help from Just Enough Administration. Get started with these instructions using PowerShell.Continue Reading

• Can this Active Directory quiz stump you?

  How much do you know about Active Directory? Find out with this Active Directory quiz on the service's basics, structure and capabilities.Continue Reading

• Working with the VSCode PowerShell extension

  PowerShell ISE remains one of the more popular PowerShell editors, but admins should explore the capabilities of VSCode if they want to manage more than just Windows systems.Continue Reading

• Make IT infrastructure documentation a regular task

  Even though documenting IT processes might not be at the top of an admin's to-do list, they should not let it fall by the wayside. Learn documentation best practices here.Continue Reading

• Getting started with AWS Tools for PowerShell

  Want to make a move from on-premises systems? The AWS Tools for PowerShell module builds on your knowledge of handling Windows machines and carries it into the Amazon cloud.Continue Reading

• Best practices for using PowerShell ISE for scripting

  Administrators who want to break into PowerShell scripting need to work with an editor for a more effective workflow. Learn how to edit and manage scripts with PowerShell ISE.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

• Windows PowerShell Scripting tutorial for beginners

  Once administrators get comfortable with the PowerShell basics, it's time to start scripting. This PowerShell scripting tutorial for beginners will help you efficiently complete tasks.Continue Reading

• Explore the Cubic congestion control provider for Windows

  Microsoft made Cubic the default congestion control provider for Windows 10 and plans to do the same for Windows Server 2019. Learn what this means for your organization.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

• Learn the tricks for using Microsoft Teams with Exchange

  As Microsoft Teams gains prominence for business collaboration, administrators should investigate the integration options with their Exchange Online or on-premises Exchange setup.Continue Reading

• How to start using Ansible for Windows management

  Ansible is a configuration management offering that runs on Linux but controls Windows systems with PowerShell. Find out how to get the tool running in your data center.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

• Set up Office 365 alerts to keep threats at bay

  Office 365 offers administrators integrated tools to warn the IT staff about potential attacks or breaches of conduct. Find out what the options are and how to configure them.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows

  Windows is a personal computer operating system from Microsoft that, together with some commonly used business applications such as Microsoft Word and Excel, has become a de facto 'standard' for individual users in most corporations as well as in ...Continue Reading

• How a bastion forest limits exposure of admin privileges

  A Windows Server 2016 feature called a bastion forest is the centerpiece of Microsoft's privileged access management model that limits the exposure of admin rights.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

• Authenticating email in Exchange for brand protection

  With help from the combined use of the SPF, DKIM and DMARC technologies, Exchange administrators can curb email spoofing to protect users and the company brand.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

• Taking stock of Windows Server management tools

  Microsoft provides a mix of server management tools that administrators can choose from to control the machines that run the business. This comparison can help steer your decision.Continue Reading

• Active Directory

  Active Directory (AD) is Microsoft's proprietary directory service. It runs on Windows Server and allows administrators to manage permissions and access to network resources.Continue Reading

• Azure file shares service lifts admin storage concerns

  Admins who have tired of managing traditional file shares can see if the Azure Files service works as a substitute for traditional data center storage.Continue Reading

• How is the future of PowerShell shaping up?

  Microsoft no longer develops PowerShell behind closed doors. While there are perks to the tool's move to open source, users must cope with the consequences of the shift.Continue Reading

• How to build a Packer image for Azure

  Packer is an open source tool that automates the Windows Server image building process to give administrators a consistent approach to create new VMs.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

• What is the future for Microsoft Exchange Unified Messaging?

  As its cloud services have matured, Microsoft has adjusted the unified messaging features in Exchange Server. What will unified messaging look like on Exchange Server 2019?Continue Reading

• Kubernetes in Azure eases container deployment duties

  Using containers in the cloud will require an orchestration tool. Azure Kubernetes Service helps create and manage the clusters when running containers on the Azure platform.Continue Reading

• Windows Admin Center (formerly Project Honolulu)

  Windows Admin Center, formerly Microsoft Project Honolulu, is a browser-based utility that manages Windows Server and client operating systems, hyper-converged clusters and failover clusters.Continue Reading

• Windows event log

  The Windows event log is a detailed record of system, security and application notifications stored by the Windows operating system that is used by administrators to diagnose system problems and predict future issues.Continue Reading

• The top 5 unheralded Windows Server 2016 features

  Windows Server 2016 is still a novel operating system for many administrators. Check out some of its new and enhanced features that might have slipped under the radar.Continue Reading

• Will Exchange Server 2019 address admin issues?

  As Exchange Server 2019 draws closer, one administrator hopes Microsoft will incorporate some of the feature requests from the Exchange technicians in the field.Continue Reading

• How to protect PowerShell credentials in task automation

  When administrators use unencrypted credentials in PowerShell scripts, they expose sensitive information. Find out the ways to secure credential use with automated tasks.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

• Exchange Online security setup requires joint effort

  A company that moves to Exchange Online must coordinate the efforts of its email administrators and its security team to maximize protections and meet compliance requirements.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

• command line interface (CLI)

  A command line interface (CLI) is a text-based user interface (UI) used to view and manage computer files.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Outlook on the web (formerly Outlook Web App, OWA)

  Outlook on the web is the browser-based email client for users to access email, calendars, tasks and contacts from Microsoft's on-premises Exchange Server and cloud-based Exchange Online.Continue Reading

• System Restore

  System Restore is a utility to protect and revert the Windows client operating system to a previous state -- known as a restore point -- undoing system changes made since that time to avoid a reinstall of the operating system.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Connectivity Analyzer (MCA)

  The Microsoft Connectivity Analyzer (MCA) is a diagnostics tool for troubleshooting and testing connectivity to several Microsoft messaging products from a client machine on an organization's network.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

• Microsoft Project Honolulu shows promise but needs work

  Microsoft Project Honolulu is still in the technical preview stage, but it needs to resolve a number of issues before it's a viable alternative to manage production machines.Continue Reading

• Cloud-based email security tools barricade entry to Exchange

  The pressure is on Exchange administrators to avoid a ransomware outbreak that cripples the on-premises email system. Cloud-based security tools can help blunt trending attacks.Continue Reading

• Azure AD B2B offers a secure way to grant external access

  Organizations that open up their resources to external users can restrict access using the Azure AD B2B service with minimal effort on the part of the administrators.Continue Reading

• PowerShell 6 expands reach but lags behind Windows version

  Cross-platform PowerShell arrived without all the functionality that's available in Windows PowerShell -- but it brings the ability to manage Linux and macOS systems.Continue Reading

• Using Microsoft Exchange certificates requires planning

  Exchange certificates typically require minimal management effort after they have been set up, and they offer a secure means of communication between different organizations.Continue Reading

• Creating PowerShell scripts for task automation

  At a certain point, administrators who run PowerShell commands from the console will find it more efficient to develop a script that does not require manual intervention.Continue Reading

• Windows Defender Credential Guard secures login data

  Windows Defender Credential Guard uses virtualization to isolate access to domain credentials and diminish the threat of attacks based inside the data center.Continue Reading

• CLI vs. GUI: Find the right admin tool for various scenarios

  Standard Windows and Linux command-line utilities oftentimes have niche, yet important functionality not available in GUI tools that require IT workers to make custom workflows.Continue Reading

• These PowerShell script examples help tidy up code

  Even the most grizzled scripting veterans might learn some new PowerShell tips and tricks to tighten their automation code or produce clearer error messages.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

• Future of Windows might involve significant weight loss

  The influence of containerized applications could sway Microsoft to introduce more far-reaching refinements to Windows Server and reduce the OS to the bare necessities.Continue Reading

• Five system administrator skills Windows admins should hone

  IT workers need to learn how to ride the wave of innovation and master these five technologies related to Windows Server that can ease their workload and help the business.Continue Reading

• Options for server management tools expand to meet IT needs

  Not only do admins have to contend with a mix of server OSes, there are diverse scenarios to complicate their management. Learn about the tools worth exploring for administration.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

• New Office 365 administrators grapple with challenges

  More enterprises mulling the move to Office 365 should factor in the adjustments necessary to get the IT department up to speed to manage the platform properly.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Insider Program for Business

  Microsoft Windows Insider Program for Business is a service for IT professionals who want to test preview builds of Windows 10 and Windows Server in the enterprise before general availability.Continue Reading

• Office 365 labels help keep content under control

  Labels in Office 365 take data governance tasks out of the users' hands through the automatic designation of policies to meet regulations or internal procedures.Continue Reading

• Server Core management remains a challenge for some

  Server Core, the minimal Windows Server deployment, removes some admins from their GUI comfort zone, but its benefits reduce some chores associated with the full server OS.Continue Reading

• Compliance Manager tool aims to ease security audit process

  Administrators who wrestle with compliance tasks in Office 365 and Azure workloads might find some relief with Microsoft's dashboard platform, which automates part of the process.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

• Microsoft Windows Server OS (operating system)

  Microsoft Windows Server OS (operating system) is a series of enterprise-class server operating systems designed to share services with multiple users and provide extensive administrative control of data storage, applications and corporate networks.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Server LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel)

  Microsoft Windows Server LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) is a servicing option for Microsoft's server operating system that follows the familiar track of two to three years between feature updates.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel (SAC)

  Microsoft Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) is a servicing option that delivers a feature update twice a year for organizations that want the latest Windows Server functionality.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

• Prevent Exchange Server virtualization deployment woes

  Exchange Server virtualization is a common practice for many enterprises, but deployment slip-ups can cripple the messaging platform. Follow these tips to avert a service disruption.Continue Reading

• Azure Backup service adds layer of data protection

  For enterprise data protection needs, Microsoft's Azure Backup offering might suit organizations that need a unified approach to protect assets both on premises and in the cloud.Continue Reading

• Determine if an Exchange Online migration makes sense

  Admins must understand the technical and personnel hurdles an organization can face when it ponders a move to Exchange Online. Here's how to get a better grasp on what's involved.Continue Reading

• Snag a better software service contract with these tactics

  Negotiating a cheaper service and support agreement for software requires some ingenuity, but there are typically savings to be had if you follow these strategies.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Exchange In-Place eDiscovery

  Microsoft Exchange In-Place eDiscovery is an administrative feature to perform legal discovery searches for relevant content in mailboxes.Continue Reading

• Linux Secure Boot

  Linux Secure Boot is a feature in Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 that allows some Linux distributions to boot under Hyper-V as Generation 2 virtual machines.Continue Reading

• Windows administrators contend with call to the cloud

  Microsoft's rapid development pace in the cloud tempts more enterprises to pull the plug on on-premises systems, as Azure technology works its way into multiple offerings.Continue Reading

• GDPR requirements loom for Windows Server admins

  The upcoming General Data Protection Regulation will force many companies to re-examine how they store and process personal data. Here's how admins can ready their business.Continue Reading

• Windows Server Core

  Windows Server Core is a minimal installation option for the Windows Server operating system (OS) that has no GUI and only includes the components required to perform server roles and run applications.Continue Reading

• Revved-up Windows Server release cadence now serves DevOps

  Microsoft will release a developer-focused Windows Server version twice a year. Businesses can choose between a traditional release cycle or one that suits continuous deployment.Continue Reading

• Who needs to take the Exchange 2016 exam?

  The 70-345 exam for Exchange Server 2016 requires a significant investment of time and energy. Before you step onto the certification path, make sure there is a payoff down the road.Continue Reading

• Don't get hung up on Office 365 Cloud PBX pitfalls

  Office 365 support for full PBX features is a game-changer, but it can be a risk if not planned correctly. See if Microsoft's cloud phone system works for your enterprise.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Exchange Mailbox Replication Service (MRS)

  The Microsoft Exchange Mailbox Replication Service (MRS) is a feature that handles mailbox import, export, migration and restoration requests on Exchange Server.Continue Reading

• Office 365 admin portal updates offer new insights

  The updated service health dashboard in the admin portal enables the IT staff to uncover more specifics when trouble hits the Office 365 platform.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Nano Server

  Microsoft Nano Server is a lightweight operating system based on Microsoft Windows Server 2016 that is tailored for use as an OS layer for virtualized container instances.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Nano Server overhaul a disappointment to some

  Microsoft's course reversal on Nano Server in Windows Server 2016 will make some Windows administrators hesitant to come along for the ride in the next server-related innovation.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection

  Microsoft Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) is Microsoft's optional cloud-based service that scans and filters email to protect subscribers from malware in attachments and hyperlinks to malicious websites.Continue Reading

• Server Core installation offers perks, challenges for IT

  Server Core is a lighter Windows Server deployment that frees up server resources for additional workloads, but the management aspect will put some admins to the test.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Azure Stack

  Microsoft Azure Stack is an integrated platform of hardware and software that delivers Microsoft Azure public cloud services in a local data center to let organizations construct hybrid clouds.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

• PowerShell repository supplies a quick route to scripts

  Don't have time to sift through thousands of PowerShell scripts to find one for a specific task? The PowerShell Gallery is one-stop shopping for your administrative needs.Continue Reading

• Azure DevTest Labs offers complement to on-premises testing

  Test environments in the data center can be restrictive and slow progress. Here's how to use Azure DevTest Labs to free up the development pipeline.Continue Reading