Get started

Get started

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.

• 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

• Definitions to Get Started

  • Microsoft Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
  • Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification
  • Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM)
  • Active Directory

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

  View All Definitions

• 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

• Close ranks with key Office 365 security features

  Security practices that work on premises won't translate to the cloud. Office 365 admins need to use the platform's protection features to stop advanced attacks.Continue Reading

• Stand up infrastructure on a budget with Azure DevTest Labs

  Concerned with mounting costs and continual upkeep of application development environments? Shift test workloads to Azure cloud to speed production and stay within budget.Continue Reading

• Construct a chain of commands with the PowerShell pipeline

  The pipeline in PowerShell connects multiple cmdlets to assemble complex commands to give administrators advanced management control over their systems.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Powershell Core

  Microsoft PowerShell Core is the open-source version of the Microsoft PowerShell automation and configuration management tool built on the .NET Core that runs on Windows, Linux and macOS systems.Continue Reading

• Automate Active Directory jobs with PowerShell scripts

  Much of what admins do in Active Directory is not exactly cutting-edge, and they don't want to waste time on mundane tasks. A dash of PowerShell can speed things along.Continue Reading

• Build a Windows automation foundation with PowerShell objects

  Are you new to PowerShell? Wondering where to start? This tutorial gives admins the basics on how to branch out from GUI-based management.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Office 365 Admin Center

  The Microsoft Office 365 Admin Center is the web-based portal administrators use to manage user accounts and configuration settings for the Office 365 subscription services, including Exchange Online and SharePoint Online.Continue Reading

• Q&A: Jeffrey Snover discusses PowerShell on Linux, Azure Stack snags

  Jeffrey Snover talks about the reasons Microsoft expanded PowerShell to other OSes and why Azure Stack's release was rescheduled.Continue Reading

• Windows containers

  Windows containers are abstracted, isolated and portable operating environments supported by the Microsoft Windows Server 2016 operating system and managed with tools such as Docker and PowerShell.Continue Reading

• Tricks and tools to prevent data loss in Office 365

  IT admins who skip disaster recovery or data loss prevention steps when moving to Office 365 put themselves -- and their company's data -- at risk.Continue Reading

• Microsoft hopes an Azure Stack deployment will ease hybrid cloud angst

  It's a hybrid cloud world, and Microsoft wants to get in while the getting's good. With its Azure Stack offering, Microsoft wants to ease hybrid cloud integration frustrations.Continue Reading

• Office 365 admin roles give users the power of permissions

  No matter your organization's size, it's helpful to have users handle some functions typically reserved for IT. But limit access to elevated access to reduce security risks.Continue Reading

• Hop on board an Express Migration for Exchange Online

  Exchange administrators dread a slow, complicated move to Office 365. The Express Migration option simplifies the shift with a single dashboard.Continue Reading

• Use Chocolatey to automate software installations on Windows Server

  The Chocolatey package manager enables admins to automate tedious software deployments. Follow these steps to speed up your install process and regain time in your day.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Office 365 admin roles

  Microsoft Office 365 admin roles give users authorization to perform certain tasks in the Office 365 admin center. Only the global administrator can assign or modify an admin role, which grants the permissions required to control certain functions ...Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2016 Network Controller brings enticing SDN features

  Windows Server 2016 Network Controller serves up advanced SDN features that give admins more control over virtual and physical network components. But nothing in life is free.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)

  The Microsoft Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) is a component in Microsoft Windows operating systems that takes unused network bandwidth to perform concurrent file transfers between machines.Continue Reading

• Azure Resource Manager templates ease private cloud struggles

  Azure Resource Manager aims to streamline cloud application deployment and management. But do admins have to jump through hoops to use this feature?Continue Reading

• Windows Sysinternals

  Windows Sysinternals is a suite of more than 70 freeware utilities that was initially developed by Mark Russinovich and Bryce Cogswell that is used to monitor, manage and troubleshoot the Windows operating system, and which Microsoft now owns and ...Continue Reading

• Windows Server administrators: Take time to hone these skills

  Longtime Windows Server administrators can turbocharge their careers by building expertise with these IT skills in demand today.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Log Parser Studio

  Microsoft Log Parser Studio is a front-end utility that features a graphical user interface, report builder and query repository for Microsoft's Log Parser application.Continue Reading

• Office 365 administrators must brush up on cloud skills

  Are you prepared to shift from on-premises Exchange Server to Office 365? It's a different skill set, and admins must rethink how to deploy apps and protect end users.Continue Reading

• How far does the Microsoft Server Management Tools suite go?

  Microsoft SMT is a free Azure-based tool that offers remote Windows Server management, but there are some limits to this cloud service.Continue Reading

• Lack of agility with Windows Server licenses hamstrings cloud hopes

  The sales pitch from public cloud providers is strong, but challenges with Windows Server licensing and other hang-ups have dulled enthusiasm for hybrid cloud deployments.Continue Reading

• PowerShell workflows can overcome limits of scripts

  PowerShell scripts have their strengths -- and a few glaring weaknesses. Use PowerShell workflows to get around a few common technical restrictions.Continue Reading

• Will Azure Stack features and functionality be the same as Azure?

  Microsoft plans to release Azure Stack by mid-2017 to bring the Azure platform down to Earth -- but don't expect all the features in Microsoft's cloud to appear right away.Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2016 release broadens reach across IT spectrum

  Microsoft packed Windows Server 2016 with advanced networking, storage and virtualization features to tempt enterprises to lift workloads out of data centers and into the cloud.Continue Reading

• What to do when it's time to upgrade email

  Email remains a vital tool for businesses large and small. And more than ever before, there are options for how to provide it.Continue Reading

• An Office 365 pilot can make or break a rollout

  Before moving from on-premises Exchange to Office 365, admins can set up a pilot to see if bandwidth, connectivity or incompatibilities will hinder success.Continue Reading

• Microsoft

  Microsoft is a leading global vendor of computer software; hardware for computer, mobile and gaming systems; and cloud services.Continue Reading

• Office 365 administrators seek these new skills to stay relevant

  Some IT administrators are concerned they are not essential in the Office 365 era, but admins can prove valuable to their organization if they evolve with the times.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Network Device Enrollment Service (NDES)

  Microsoft Network Device Enrollment Service (NDES) is a security feature in Windows Server 2008 R2 and later Windows Server operating versions. NDES provides and manages certificates used to authenticate traffic and implement secure network ...Continue Reading

• Active Directory functional levels

  Active Directory functional levels are controls that specify which advanced Active Directory domain features can be used in an enterprise domain. The enterprise domain is usually comprised of domain controllers that run on different versions of the ...Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2016 release brings opportunity, challenges in a cloud world

  Microsoft wants Windows Server 2016 to serve as a gateway to get workloads in Azure, but some administrators must work harder to keep pace with the company's initiatives.Continue Reading

• Microsoft's strategy on open source is a sign of the times

  Microsoft astonished the IT world again with a series of big open source moves in 2016. Do Windows admins need to get on board or risk getting left behind?Continue Reading

• Windows Management Framework 5 update gives PowerShell users a fix

  Microsoft answered admin requests for new features and fixed several bugs with its WMF 5.1 release, giving users a slew of advanced PowerShell cmdlets.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Online Services Sign-In Assistant

  The Microsoft Online Services Sign-In Assistant is a software application that provides common sign-on capabilities for a suite of Microsoft online services, such as Office 365.Continue Reading

• SCORCH integration packs plug in more functionality

  Integration packs enhance the automation abilities of System Center Orchestrator to help administrators manage a wide array of products and systems.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Group Policy administrative template

  A Microsoft Group Policy administrative template is a file that supports the implementation of Microsoft Windows Group Policy and centralized user and machine management in Active Directory environments.Continue Reading

• The top Windows Server tutorials and tips of 2016

  A new operating system sparked Windows administrator's interest in 2016, as did information about using PowerShell to manage Windows Server and ways to deflect ransomware attacks.Continue Reading

• System Center 2016 new features -- and changes -- worth noting

  Microsoft integrates key Windows Server 2016 features, such as Nano Server and data protection, with the new version of System Center.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Features on Demand

  Microsoft Windows Features on Demand is a feature that allows system administrators to add or remove roles and features in Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012, and later versions of the client and server operating system to alter the file size of ...Continue Reading

• Microsoft Active Directory Migration Tool (ADMT)

  The Microsoft Active Directory Migration Tool (ADMT) is a tool used to move Active Directory objects from one Windows Server Active Directory domain or forest to another.Continue Reading

• Microsoft SCORCH lights an automated path to more efficiency

  System Center Orchestrator tackles tedious tasks and can even make autonomous decisions based on conditions set by the Windows administrator.Continue Reading

• Why Windows admins must prep for Docker Datacenter

  Microsoft continues to forge ahead in the open source world, forcing admins in traditional Windows shops to get a feel for managing containers with Docker Datacenter.Continue Reading

• Best practices for Exchange 2016 virtualization

  Virtualizing Exchange Server is often a controversial topic. While some say it's expensive and difficult, proponents find value in it -- if done properly.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Server Datacenter Abstraction Layer (DAL)

  The Microsoft Windows Server Datacenter Abstraction Layer (DAL) is a software framework intended to enable consistent monitoring and management of hardware found in the typical data center environment.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Monitoring Agent

  The Microsoft Monitoring Agent is a service used to watch and report on application and system health on a Windows computer.Continue Reading

• Microsoft shakes up MCSD, MCSE certifications

  Changes to Microsoft's MCSD and MCSE certifications will push IT pros to take elective exams annually -- instead of recertifying every few years.Continue Reading

• Microsoft tweaks Windows PowerShell DSC in Windows Server 2016

  Microsoft refined PowerShell Desired State Configuration in Windows Server 2016 to make server configurations less of a chore for administrators and developers.Continue Reading

• These Windows configuration management tools can prevent mishaps

  It's a challenge to limit downtime and speed up deployments in the data center. Configuration management tools can help IT maintain control.Continue Reading

• Key retention tools for the Office 365 administrator

  Microsoft provides powerful management tools to assist companies that require a robust Office 365 retention policy.Continue Reading

• Will Microsoft Ignite 2016 catch fire with IT?

  Microsoft Ignite 2016 will set the course for the company's agenda in the coming year, but is IT on board with its push to the cloud?Continue Reading

• Office 365 eDiscovery bolsters an admin's compliance arsenal

  Microsoft's enhanced Office 365 eDiscovery features will look familiar to administrators who have used case management features in on-premises Exchange Server.Continue Reading

• Office 365 planning requires a costs and needs evaluation

  Migrating to Office 365 can lift some stress off a busy IT department, but there are fiscal and technical considerations to contemplate before moving email to the cloud.Continue Reading

• configuration drift

  Configuration drift occurs naturally in data center environments when changes to software and hardware are not recorded or tracked in a comprehensive and systematic fashion.Continue Reading

• AutoRun

  AutoRun is a feature of the Windows operating system that causes predetermined actions when certain media is inserted. Common media types that trigger AutoRun actions include CDs, DVDs and USB storage devices.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

• Configuring a VyOS router for home lab use

  Administrators can install an open source virtual software router to practice networking skills, such as IP routing and subnetting.Continue Reading

• How Microsoft Advanced Threat Analytics helps secure Exchange

  Advanced Threat Analytics uses self-learning algorithms to compare normal user behavior to what is currently happening in an Exchange environment.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Failover Cluster Manager (MSFCM)

  Microsoft Failover Cluster Manager (MSFCM) is a specific management function within the Windows Server operating system which is used to create, validate, and manage failover server clusters running Windows Server.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Identity Manager 2016

  Microsoft Identity Manager 2016 is a tool that allows organizations to manage access, users, policies and credentials. MIM 2016 is the successor to Microsoft's Forefront Identity Manager 2010 R2.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

• New Active Directory features coming in Windows Server 2016

  Lost in the containers buzz are several key improvements to Active Directory to make identity and access administration easier.Continue Reading

• Five Exchange 2016 migration best practices

  If your organization is considering an Exchange 2016 upgrade, follow these expert tips to make the transition as painless as possible.Continue Reading

• Microsoft announces Windows Server 2016 will launch at Ignite conference

  All the prognostication about when Windows Server 2016 will be available was laid to rest in multiple blogs from Microsoft today when the company announced the next version of the server operating ...Continue Reading

• How managing Docker containers is shaping up for administrators

  While container management software remains in flux as this version of virtualization matures, administrators should build their familiarity with the technology.Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2016 features focus on evolving IT landscape

  With numerous updates and innovations to storage, security and virtualization, Microsoft attempts to lock in its place in today's developer-friendly world.Continue Reading

• Windows Server Client Access License (CAL)

  A Windows Server Client Access License (CAL) is a license that gives a user or device the right to access services from a server running the Windows Server operating system.Continue Reading

• Test and confirm functions with PowerShell parameters

  Windows PowerShell functions support parameters that can prevent scripts from being run accidentally and simulate the outcome of the function.Continue Reading

• How to step up your Microsoft Exchange security game

  Your Exchange environment is a key component in your organization's communication platform, so shouldn't protecting it get the highest priority?Continue Reading

• Customize security settings with the Security Configuration Wizard

  The Security Configuration Wizard can help organizations secure servers, but admins should be cautious when converting security policies into group policy objects.Continue Reading

• How does Windows Nano Server differ from Windows Server Core?

  After Windows Server Core failed to catch on, Microsoft may convince administrators with its next attempt for a more VM- and cloud-friendly Windows Server deployment.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Storage QoS (Storage Quality of Service)

  Microsoft Storage QoS (Storage Quality of Service) is a feature for monitoring and managing the performance of storage resources allocated to individual virtual machines (VMs) running on Hyper-V and scale-out file servers or cluster shared volumes.Continue Reading

• Office 365 management tips for Exchange administrators

  Going to the cloud can alleviate a lot of mundane duties, but there are still common tasks required for managing Office 365.Continue Reading

• SharePoint Online management through PowerShell

  Admins will need to complete a few prerequisites to manage SharePoint Online with PowerShell, such as downloading the SharePoint Online Management Shell.Continue Reading

• Storage Replica presents cheaper replication option

  The Storage Replica feature in Windows Server 2016 delivers a backup and recovery option for organizations that might otherwise require an offsite data center.Continue Reading

• How well do you know these Hyper-V Server 2016 security features?

  Microsoft ramped up Hyper-V security in Windows Server 2016 with new features such as shielded VMs and guarded hosts. Here's what to expect from the latest technical preview.Continue Reading

• How can I quickly configure multiple Exchange mailbox properties?

  Configuring the properties for multiple Exchange mailboxes can be tedious, but the Exchange Administration Center makes this exercise relatively painless.Continue Reading

• How do you work with Microsoft's new headless server?

  Without the traditional Windows Server GUI, what are the steps involved with a Nano Server installation?Continue Reading

• Microsoft Security Configuration Wizard (SCW)

  Microsoft Security Configuration Wizard (SCW) is an administrative tool used to change the default security settings on a server and to apply a security policy on multiple servers.Continue Reading

• Which Exchange mailbox properties can an administrator edit?

  There are nine Exchange 2016 mailbox properties that administrators can configure, such as a user's email address. Admins can also specify custom attributes as needed.Continue Reading

• What to configure in Windows Server local security policy

  Organizations should configure the local security policy for new servers to handle patch management and for protection against unauthorized access.Continue Reading

• Exchange 2016 upgrade considerations

  Organizations planning an upgrade to Exchange 2013 or Exchange 2016 should focus on five areas to avoid trouble.Continue Reading

• Microsoft seeks bounty hunters to secure Nano Server

  With the release of Windows Server 2016 due sometime in the third quarter, Microsoft is crowdsourcing its efforts to smooth out any vulnerabilities with a key feature in its next major server ...Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Server Event Viewer

  Microsoft Windows Server Event Viewer is a monitoring tool that shows a log of events that can be used to troubleshoot issues on a Windows-based system.Continue Reading

• Learn the basics of PowerShell Desired State Configuration

  PowerShell DSC allows administrators to define and manage the configurations of operating systems and applications. Here's how it works and how to use it.Continue Reading

• What are the most common Exchange recipient types?

  Administrators who are new to managing Exchange recipients can use various tools to organize these features.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Operations Management Suite

  The Microsoft Operations Management Suite is a software as a service offering that allows an administrator to manage on-premises and cloud assets from one console. Microsoft OMS handles log analytics, IT automation, backup and recovery, and security...Continue Reading

• Ransomware protection is futile, but all hope is not lost

  It's only a matter of time before a hacker infiltrates your system and holds your files hostage. But there are ways to blunt a Windows ransomware assault.Continue Reading

• Words to go: Exchange Server architecture

  Microsoft's Exchange team released its recommendations for the preferred architecture for Exchange 2013 and 2016. Here are some terms Exchange architects should know.Continue Reading