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• Use responders to decode Managed Availability's actions

  Separately, Managed Availability's components offer little to no value. Together, they can help admins learn why certain steps were taken. Continue Reading

• Microsoft Azure File Service

  Microsoft Azure File Service is a service that allows Windows Server admins to access SMB shares in the Azure cloud by setting up file shares in the Azure management console. Continue Reading

• Incident reports are crucial when DLP rules are broken

  The best DLP policies are useless without a way to communicate when violations occur, so learn how to create incident reporting. Continue Reading

• Essentials of Exchange access control with RBAC

  Get to know Exchange's Role Based Access Control feature by learning how it came to be and how it works. Continue Reading

• invocation ID

  An invocation ID is an ID number that identifies databases within Active Directory and changes as AD is in a restore process. Invocation IDs change during the restore process to make sure replication is consistent. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • wbadmin
  • ISA (Industry Standard Architecture)
  • PowerShell
  • Microsoft Windows PowerShell DSC (Desired State Configuration)

  • Microsoft Windows PowerShell Integrated Scripting Environment (ISE)
  • Microsoft Exchange Server
  • Microsoft SCOM (System Center Operations Manager)
  • Group Policy Object (GPO)

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• update sequence number (USN)

  An update sequence number (USN) is a 64-bit number in Active Directory that increments time as changes occur. Local counters on every domain controller assign USNs.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Hybrid Configuration Wizard

  The Microsoft Hybrid Configuration wizard is a tool in Exchange Server 2013 that provides a method for admins to create and configure hybrid deployments.Continue Reading

• The benefits and challenges of virtualizing Exchange Server

  While virtualizing Exchange Server can reduce operational costs, improve flexibility and consolidate resources, a proper plan is necessary in order to avoid problems. IT shops must decide between Microsoft Hyper-V, VMware's more established vSphere ...Continue Reading

• Combine Office 365 tenants after a merger or acquisition

  When organizations combine infrastructures because of a merger or acquisition, Exchange admins have their work cut out for them. One task might be to merge Office 365 tenants.Continue Reading

• Build your knowledge of PowerShell scripting basics

  If you don't know the basics of PowerShell yet, it's time to buckle down and learn how this language can ease Exchange management tasks.Continue Reading

• Second Level Address Translation (SLAT)

  Second Level Address Translation (SLAT) is a technology designed to reduce the overhead in a hypervisor CPU while easing the management of a hypervisor's memory and is often found with Hyper-V.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Antimalware for Azure

  Microsoft Antimalware for Azure is a security extension in Microsoft Azure that extends antimalware protection to virtual machines and to cloud services.Continue Reading

• Microsoft System Center 2012 Service Manager (SCSM 2012)

  Microsoft System Center 2012 Service Manager (SCSM 2012) is a management product in the System Center 2012 suite that can help an enterprise automate and adapt its IT service management.Continue Reading

• A closer look at how Managed Availability stores information

  To learn Managed Availability's inner workings, Exchange admins must understand where it stores information and how to access it.Continue Reading

• Make sense of the new Managed Availability feature

  The new platform built into Exchange 2013 may ease your monitoring burden. Our Exchange MVP breaks down how Managed Availability works and how it's designed to do its job.Continue Reading

• Using Windows Server 2012 R2 disk optimization

  When it comes to the vital task of disk optimization, proper use of RAID and awareness of workloads can make the difference.Continue Reading

• The best way to configure Alternate Login ID

  Learn the prerequisites and general configuration steps before using Alternate Login ID to speed up an Office 365 install.Continue Reading

• Five steps to a more secure Exchange 2013

  Combine these five Exchange 2013 features to secure your enterprise messaging without adding management tasks to your workload.Continue Reading

• The essential Office 365 migration guide

  Use this migration guide to learn everything your enterprise needs for migrating to Office 365, including research, decisions and management.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Azure Site Recovery

  Microsoft Azure Site Recovery is a new service in Microsoft Azure primarily used for disaster recovery purposes. First announced at TechEd 2014, Microsoft says the tool, which uses Azure as a target, will enable the failover of on-premises, Hyper-V ...Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Control Panel

  The Microsoft Windows Control Panel is a management tool for the Windows operating system (OS) that allows end users to change settings and manage tasks within the OS. Continue Reading

• Microsoft Azure RemoteApp (Remote Application Services)

  Microsoft Azure RemoteApp (Remote Application Services) is a program that allows organizations to make remotely accessed programs or applications in Microsoft Azure, known as RemoteApp programs, appear as if they are native to end users' local ...Continue Reading

• Microsoft Web Platform Installer (Web PI)

  Microsoft Web Platform Installer (Web PI) is a free tool Microsoft offers organizations so they can receive components in the Microsoft Web Platform.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Forefront Unified Access Gateway (Microsoft Forefront UAG)

  Microsoft Forefront Unified Access Gateway (Forefront UAG) is a tool that can provide a secure remote access option for remote end users who want to access corporate resources on PCs as well as on mobile devices.Continue Reading

• SMB protocol security gets a boost in latest version

  With SMB 3.0, Microsoft added features to bolster the protocol's versatility, performance and security.Continue Reading

• Diving into SMB 3.0's past and present

  SMB 3.0 offers advanced capabilities that improve performance, reliability and security for Windows Server data centers.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Update

  Microsoft Windows Update is a free Microsoft tool that installs security updates on machines.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Outlook MailTips

  Microsoft Outlook MailTips is an opt-in tool for Exchange Server 2013 that will send alerts to end users when they are about about to click "reply all" to a large distribution list, send sensitive information to someone outside the organization or ...Continue Reading

• Clear up misconceptions about hosted Exchange services

  Hosted Exchange can be a great option for many organizations, but sort through the marketing fluff to make the best choice.Continue Reading

• Options for migrating to a hybrid Exchange deployment

  Choose the best approach to migrate to hybrid Exchange and learn about new features that support multi-forest hybrid deployments.Continue Reading

• Learn your options for monitoring Exchange deployments

  Monitoring an Exchange deployment isn't new, but plenty has changed when it comes to what admins should do.Continue Reading

• What's involved in a Windows Azure Pack installation?

  It helps to know the issues surrounding Azure integration with Windows Server 2012 R2 and its implications for the data center.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Update Agent

  Microsoft Windows Update Agent is a tool that can work in conjunction with Windows Server Update Services on each client computer in an enterprise that checks for available updates.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Virtual Machine Bus (VMBus)

  Microsoft Virtual Machine Bus (VMBus) is a mechanism within the Hyper-V architecture that enables logical communication in partitions.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Virtual Machine Converter (MVMC)

  Microsoft Virtual Machine Converter (MVMC) is a supported stand-alone option that can convert VMware virtual machines and virtual disks into Hyper-V VMs and virtual hard disks.Continue Reading

• Decide the best approach to migrate to Office 365

  Organizations with complex setups are warming up to Office 365, but there's plenty of work to do to figure out the best migration approach.Continue Reading

• What to know before you upgrade to Exchange 2013

  If you're planning to migrate from Exchange 2007 to Exchange 2013, preparation is the key to success.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Exchange Server Jetstress

  Microsoft Exchange Server Jetstress is a tool that administrators can use to validate their Exchange Server storage configuration.Continue Reading

• Why admins need to know Windows Azure Pack for Windows Server

  The best part about Windows Azure Pack is the control you have over it while still allowing for automating and delegating tasks.Continue Reading

• Windows Azure Pack

  Windows Azure Pack is a free available download of grouped Windows Azure technologies for use in an enterprise's data center and applications. It runs on top of Microsoft System Center 2012 R2 and Windows Server 2012 R2.Continue Reading

• Azure RMS offers a simpler data protection alternative

  The hosted version of Microsoft's on-premises Rights Management Services offers data protection features without the complexity.Continue Reading

• The best ways to use a WSUS server in Windows Server 2012 R2

  Admins can use Microsoft's native tool to manage OS updates across an enterprise network with the help of PowerShell.Continue Reading

• Windows Server Backup

  Windows Server Backup is a feature that offers backup and recovery options for Windows Server environments.Continue Reading

• Hyper-V live migration

  Hyper-V live migration is a Hyper-V feature that lets admins move running virtual machines from one failover cluster node to a cluster in the same node.Continue Reading

• Three essential steps for preparing to migrate to Exchange 2013

  We break down the Exchange 2013 migration process into three easy steps to help your enterprise be as prepared as possible.Continue Reading

• Foundations of an Office 365 deployment

  There are several steps involved in a successful Office 365 migration, but building a solid foundation with these essentials is the most important.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP)

  A Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) is an individual recognized by Microsoft for exceptional technical expertise and a talent for sharing knowledge within their technical community.Continue Reading

• Exchange 2013 SP1 features that will make admins happy

  Here's a breakdown of the most promising features in the recent SP1 release and a look at what could use some work.Continue Reading

• managed print services (MPS)

  Managed print services (MPS) is the provision and oversight of business document output needs by an external service provider. Rather than dedicating internal resources to business activities related to printing, a company outsources them, freeing ...Continue Reading

• Five quick pointers for easing Office 365 migrations

  If your enterprise is looking at an email migration, Office 365 can be the best option -- if you know the right questions to ask.Continue Reading

• The complex powers of network virtualization

  Microsoft is making network virtualization a built-in feature in Windows Server 2012 R2, allowing users to virtualize even large networks. The idea is that with network virtualization an enterprise can automate network provisioning and better ...Continue Reading

• File Server Resource Manager (FSRM)

  File Server Resource Manager is a features set in the File and Storage Services server role that helps admins classify and manage stored data in file servers for data management.Continue Reading

• Windows Deployment Services (WDS)

  Windows Deployment Services is a server role that gives admins the ability to deploy Windows operating systems remotely.Continue Reading

• The evolution of Microsoft System Center

  System Center, Microsoft's systems management suite, has been through many changes over the years to accommodate new software, the cloud and more.Continue Reading

• iSCSI Target Server

  ISCSI Target Server is a server that lets administrators boot multiple computers to a network from a single operating system image in a central location.Continue Reading

• Exchange Server 2013 Service Pack 1 (SP1)

  Exchange Server 2013 SP1 is a service pack for Exchange Server 2013 that includes a number of new and updated Exchange Server 2013 features and capabilities.Continue Reading

• Five tips to master Exchange 2013 OWA's new features

  Learn how to get the most out of OWA 2013 and its features with the help of these five tips.Continue Reading

• Learn the basic principles of an offloaded data transfer

  Learn more about this storage system option, which can speed up data transfers and simplify computing overhead.Continue Reading

• Microsoft System Center 2012 Data Protection Manager

  Microsoft System Center 2012 Data Protection Manager (DPM) is a tool in System Center 2012 that provides file servers, virtual servers, Exchange Server, SharePoint and SQL Server with disk-based, tape-based and bare metal recovery capabilities.Continue Reading

• Global Update Manager (GUM)

  Global Update Manager is a cluster component in the Windows Cluster Architecture.Continue Reading

• Proper care of your new ADFS server

  Once implemented, ADFS becomes a vital part of your enterprise. Managing it and keeping it highly available is essential.Continue Reading

• Five tips for understanding your Exchange compliance options

  New Exchange 2013 and hosted Exchange features, as well as an overhaul of old ones, give admins more options to meet compliance requirements.Continue Reading

• Use Dynamic Quorum to change database availability group behavior

  Dynamic Quorum is technically a new Windows Server feature, but it can work well with DAGs in Exchange Server.Continue Reading

• Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS)

  Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) is an Active Directory tool that lets administrators customize services in order to issue and manage public key certificates.Continue Reading

• RODC (read-only domain controller)

  A read-only domain controller (RODC) is a domain controller that hosts an Active Directory database's read-only partitions.Continue Reading

• Windows Azure Backup

  Windows Azure Backup is a tool that automatically sends backups to Windows Azure.Continue Reading

• This year's five most popular tips for Windows Server admins

  Whether it was Windows Server 2012 or getting to know Windows Server 2012 R2, admins used these tips to learn about the OSes.Continue Reading

• The top Exchange Server content of the year

  Take a look at why these five pieces of Exchange Server content struck a chord with our readers this year.Continue Reading

• Keys to deploying Exchange without emptying the wallet

  The decisions you face as you plan for and design an Exchange deployment can impact your deployment options and the overall cost.Continue Reading

• Should you migrate to Windows Server 2012 R2?

  It's time to seriously consider migration plans for Windows Server 2012 R2. Learn best practices, what's new and more.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Server 2012 Remote Access

  Remote Access is a Windows Server 2012 and Windows Server 2012 R2 feature that combines DirectAccess, Routing and Remote Access Service features. Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Azure Active Directory (Windows Azure AD)

  Microsoft Windows Azure Active Directory is a scalable and highly available service that is based in the cloud.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE)

  Microsoft Certified Educator (MCE) is a credential to certify that an educator is literate in global technology and can provide students with an education that combines technology and learning in the classroom.Continue Reading

• Match your Exchange deployment to your IT department budget

  As you research the best on-premises Exchange deployment for the money, keep three things in mind.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Performance Monitor

  The Microsoft Windows Performance Monitor is a tool that admins can use to examine how programs running on their computers affect their performance.Continue Reading

• A closer look at virtual hard disks in Windows Server 2012 R2

  The VHDX format includes performance-enhancing features and capabilities that let virtual servers recover VMs with little to no data loss.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Live Migration compression

  Live Migration compression is a Windows Server 2012 R2 process to compress memory data before it's sent over a network. Once the data reaches its destination, the memory is decompressed.Continue Reading

• Information security project considerations for IT managers

  Being an IT project manager isn't easy, but you can improve your information security skills and knowledge to make your job easier.Continue Reading

• Windows Domain Join

  Windows Domain Join is a feature that lets users establish a remote and secure connection to a work domain using credentials from the enterprise, allowing them to effectively "join" that domain.Continue Reading

• Exchange Online Archives offers functionality without infrastructure

  End users get a more functional archive when you implement Exchange Online Archives -- and you don't have to maintain infrastructure to support it.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Certified Educator improves education and technology ties

  This new certification teaches educators how to effectively use the link between learning and Microsoft technology in the classroom.Continue Reading

• How Remote DMA improves Live Migration in Windows Server 2012 R2

  The RDMA feature can use high-throughput, low-latency data exchanges to improve Live Migration's performance in Windows Server 2012 R2.Continue Reading

• Configuring Web Application Proxy with AD to future-proof Exchange

  To use Web Application Proxy for publishing Exchange to the Internet, admins can ease the process with simple AD and Exchange configurations.Continue Reading

• The information security basics your organization should already know

  You can't assume your colleagues know the basics of information security, but there are simple ways to make security and your job easier.Continue Reading

• Giving OWA themes a makeover in Exchange 2013

  When senior management asks to have the corporate colors or logo in OWA, there's an easy way to create and configure new OWA themes.Continue Reading

• Using PowerShell reporting to maximize Exchange's potential

  If you know the right commands to use, PowerShell reporting can expose a huge amount of information about your Exchange Server environment.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Second Shot gives IT pros free retake of certification exams

  The latest Second Shot promotion lets admins retake certain certification exams for free. But the offer only lasts until May 2014.Continue Reading

• How to successfully install Node.js applications on IIS

  Microsoft's support for JavaScript engine Node.js applications on Windows Azure has brought the functionality to IIS. Here's how to set it up.Continue Reading

• Web Application Proxy

  Web Application Proxy is a service in Windows Server 2012 R2 that allows end users to access applications from outside the corporate network on any device.Continue Reading

• Workplace Join

  Workplace Join is a tool in Windows Server 2012 R2 that allows a Windows 8.1 device to gain access to specific network resources. Continue Reading

• SharePoint 2013 Design Manager snippet

  A SharePoint 2013 Design Manager snippet is HTML markup that can be copied and pasted into a SharePoint Master Page Design file.Continue Reading

• PowerShell provider (Windows PowerShell provider)

  A Windows PowerShell provider is a .NET program that allows the data in a specialized data store to be accessable in Windows PowerShell.Continue Reading

• Active Directory Federation Services' new features are cloud-ready

  Active Directory Federation Services was updated in Windows Server 2012 R2 with Workplace Join and improved single sign-on features.Continue Reading

• Better communication skills can make or break your IT career success

  IT pros know the technical aspects of their jobs, but what about the most important facet: people? Here's why better communication skills are a must.Continue Reading

• Running AWS for Windows Server offers efficiency and cost savings

  Running AWS for Windows Server can be a more cost-effective and efficient option for your organization than provisioning physical servers.Continue Reading

• Five tips to choose the best mobile devices management option

  These tips highlight the pros and cons of popular mobile devices management options that work with Exchange.Continue Reading

• DirSync (Windows Azure Active Directory Sync)

  DirSync (Directory Synchronization) is a tool for making copies of a local directory in a hybrid cloud deployment of Microsoft Exchange.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows PowerShell 4.0

  Microsoft Windows PowerShell 4.0 is the version of the PowerShell scripting language found in Windows Server 2012 R2.Continue Reading

• Microsoft System Center 2012 R2

  Microsoft System Center 2012 R2 is the newest version of the server management suite of products.Continue Reading

• cluster name object (CNO)

  A cluster name object (CNO) is an Active Directory computer object linked with the network resource Cluster Name.Continue Reading