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Enterprise Infrastructure Management

• Use PowerShell workflows when performance matters

  When time is of the essence, add parallel processing to your PowerShell scripts to perform tasks more efficiently by using the workflows feature in the automation tool. Continue Reading

• Cloud adoption a catalyst for IT modernization in many orgs

  Sloppy and insecure IT procedures that had been overlooked before the cloud arrived must evolve with the times to prevent data exposure and system breaches. Continue Reading

• What are the Azure Stack HCI deployment, management options?

  While the Windows Admin Center is one way to manage the Azure Stack HCI platform, you can also use traditional, battle-tested tools. Continue Reading

• What are the Azure Stack HCI features?

  An Azure Stack HCI system relies on Windows Server 2019 to deliver the software-defined compute, storage and networking technologies that integrate with the OEM hardware. Continue Reading

• How to handle service downtime in the cloud age

  You know what happens when you assume. Don't set and forget those critical IT infrastructure services in the cloud without putting together a contingency plan. Continue Reading

• How to manage Windows with Puppet

  Administrators can modernize their organization's management model for both Linux and Windows operating systems with Puppet, a code-based tool, and available community support.Continue Reading

• Windows and Linux: What systems administrators need to know

  The lines between Windows Server and Linux continue to blur. Discover what Windows administrators need to know to get up to speed with these new Linux features.Continue Reading

• Linux on Windows helps systems administrators gain new skills

  The line between Windows and Linux is starting to blur in most organizations. Here's what systems administrators need to know about working with Linux and Windows.Continue Reading

• Latest Microsoft SDDC updates improve security, performance

  Microsoft enhanced Windows Server 2019 software-defined networking and other virtualization facets of its latest server OS to improve security and increase workload performance.Continue Reading

• How to upgrade Windows Server 2008 before support ends

  With the end of Windows Server 2008 support drawing closer, administrators must navigate multiple obstacles, from locating old software to ensuring hardware compatibility.Continue Reading

• How to automate with PowerShell in Windows Server 2019

  Microsoft developed many tools to simplify tasks in Windows Server 2019, but PowerShell skills still remain a staple of an administrator's tool set.Continue Reading

• Understanding the three main goals of PowerShell Core 6

  The book 'Learn PowerShell Core 6.0' offers a closer look into the history of PowerShell and its evolution into the PowerShell Core open source project.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

• Build bridges between domain and Microsoft accounts with Group Policy

  BYOD disrupted how the IT department managed resources. Now, administrators face a management challenge presented by a new interloper -- Microsoft accounts.Continue Reading

• Windows Server Migration Tools make file share moves less taxing

  Administrators can hit a few snags when migrating a Windows file server, but a free Microsoft utility and some PowerShell know-how make the changeover a painless procedure.Continue Reading

• Tailor a WSUS server setup to any Windows environment

  Administrators can configure a Windows Server Update Services server -- or several -- to manage and distribute updates from Microsoft.Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2016 networking features bolster control, security

  Windows Server 2016 boasts improved load balancing and new ways to protect the data center from DoS attacks.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

• Tighten security with regimen of scanning, Windows Server patching

  Regular vulnerability scans can close holes in the IT security perimeter when paired with a regimented Windows Server patching process.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

• How does the Group Policy Object Editor manage .admx templates?

  Newer versions of Windows Server use an .admx template that has changed from a proprietary format to give administrators more flexibility with user and computer management.Continue Reading

• Operations Management Suite brings order to Azure cloud

  Microsoft Operations Management Suite tackles Azure and AWS clouds, and multiple hypervisors, all from one console.Continue Reading

• The five best Windows Server tips of 2014

  Our readers loved tips on preparing for Windows Server 2003 end-of-life, new Windows certifications and more.Continue Reading

• How can I receive and respond to server alerts?

  System Health in Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials can trigger alerts via email. Here's how to enable them.Continue Reading

• What alerts does the server System Health feature provide?

  System Health features provide critical alerts and warnings for errors in event logs, backup, services not running and more.Continue Reading

• How do I find health reports in Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials?

  Administrators can use health reporting capabilities in Windows Server 2012 R2 Essentials to pinpoint missing patches or incomplete backups.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

• 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

• Keep your business running during a Linux to Windows Server migration

  To keep business data center disruptions at a minimum, plan on a measured and carefully phased migration from Linux to Windows Server.Continue Reading

• Four reasons a migration from Linux servers to Windows servers happens

  It's rare for businesses to move from the successful open source platform to the complex Windows Server platform, but the change can be justified.Continue Reading

• Expect a few bumps in the Linux migration process to Windows Server

  Organizations should check a number of things before moving from Linux to Windows Server to keep problems at a minimum.Continue Reading

• Ensuring hardware compatibility with a Windows Server 2012 upgrade

  With Windows Server 2012 available, admins have a lot to consider when it comes to hardware. Here's what you need to know before you make the move.Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2012 upgrades may impact x86 server market

  Server sales have been down in recent months but the new Windows Server launch may restart x86 server hardware purchases -- as soon as IT gets done testing it.Continue Reading

• Five quick links: Tips on Windows Server hardware comparison, selection

  In the market for new server hardware? Get tips on Windows Server 2008 R2 hardware selection and considerations in this fast guide.Continue Reading

• Windows admins get surprise Skype update in WSUS, more Microsoft licensing hikes

  Windows admins aren’t happy about the surprise Skype update in WSUS, new RemoteFX requirements or Microsoft’s latest licensing changes – and had plenty to say about it this week.Continue Reading

• Microsoft updates its government pitch with new Office 365 version

  Federal IT just got another reason to consider cloud services as Microsoft delivered Office 365 for Government. But is it compelling enough to migrate?Continue Reading

• Where Windows managers should spend their upgrade money

  Ready to invest in a system upgrade, but unsure where to start? Our expert offers ideas on where your funds will be best allocated.Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2008 R2 hardware selection tips

  Getting Windows Server 2008 R2 to run efficiently takes a little bit of luck and a lot of hardware knowledge.Continue Reading

• Not as crazy as it sounds: How to run Server 2008 on a notebook

  Whether it's for fun or a necessity of the job, here's how to get Windows Server running on a notebook.Continue Reading

• Seven free tools Windows managers shouldn’t be without

  Everyone can use a little help from time to time, especially IT and Windows managers. Stock up on these free tools and receive assistance without spending a dime.Continue Reading

• Eight best practices for retaining IT talent

  All companies concentrate on hiring the right people for IT, but few focus on retaining them. These tips will help you engage your staff members and build loyalty within the group.Continue Reading

• Top three Windows server crashes (and how to avoid them)

  Why wait until a server crashes to start the troubleshooting process? Admins can squash potential outages ahead of time by zeroing on the most likely culprits.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: 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

• Adding risk management analysis to a disaster recovery plan

  Incorporating risk management techniques within your disaster recovery plan will help identify critical business needs as well as other DR solutions.Continue Reading

• Updates on SMS 2003, Active Directory and Exchange 2010

  From saying goodbye to an old friend (SMS 2003) to welcoming a new one (Exchange 2010), this Windows news roundup will keep you up to date on all the developments you need to know.Continue Reading

• Server hardware upgrades vs. technology refreshes

  Should you upgrade your aging equipment or purchase a new system? Understanding the benefits and pitfalls of each is key to making the right decision for your organization.Continue Reading

• 10 ways to improve your disaster recovery plan in 2010

  Improve your confidence in your entire disaster recovery process by testing and maintaining it as an active business plan.Continue Reading

• Virtual server resiliency tips for high availability

  Virtual servers are far more susceptible to availability issues than traditional ones. Learn to keep your servers resilient with these considerations and best practices.Continue Reading

• Rethinking capacity planning with Windows Server 2008 R2

  With the RTM of Windows Server 2008 R2, IT managers need to reconsider capacity planning. The server's 64-bit capability will call for new hardware.Continue Reading

• Windows Infrastructure Management Digest

  Managing the infrastructure of your Windows environment is an ongoing process. From ensuring your shop is operating as efficiently as possible, to preparing and planning for the growth of your environment, a Windows administrator's job is never done...Continue Reading

• Evolution of change management process: From monkey to man

  Is your change management process highly developed? Learn about the stages in change management's evolution and how each stage teaches successful practices.Continue Reading

• Microsoft server manager adds Linux, Unix support

  With native support of Linux and Unix, this is not your Mom's MOM. Microsoft System Center Operations Manager 2007 R2 embraces the once unthinkable.Continue Reading

• How a proper data capacity planning strategy aids in disaster recovery

  When dealing with a capacity crisis in a complex situation, be sure to address the correct problems with appropriate short-term solutions and long-term capacity planning strategies.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

• A seven-step disaster recovery planning checklist for Windows

  This disaster recovery planning checklist will help Windows shops build a solid DRP to avoid data loss and comply with a wide range of laws and industry standards.Continue Reading

• Defining system stability helps improve change management processes

  Keeping track of changes made to Windows can be difficult, especially if there's no way to determine the system's stability. Fortunately, there are guidelines IT managers can use to define policies, practices and procedures to proactively ensure ...Continue Reading

• Implementing change management in the Windows server environment

  Creating a baseline server configuration and documenting all updates thereafter are two techniques admins can use to implement change management in their Windows server environment. Learn the steps involved in creating a standard server ...Continue Reading

• New tool for managing offline virtual machines

  Microsoft Offline Virtual Machine Servicing tool helps IT update untethered virtual machines.Continue Reading

• Microsoft aims for unified management console

  Microsoft will bring a common look and feel across its System Center management products, and the upcoming Service Manager will help tie it together.Continue Reading

• Windows 7 features include management tools for administrators

  Windows 7 has many features that put IT at the helm, despite the usability control theme spotlighted at this year's Professional Development Conference.Continue Reading

• Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)

  Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), also called Windows Update Services (WUS), is a free add-on for managing patches and updates to the Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Server 2000, and Windows Server 2003 operating systems... (Continued)Continue Reading

• Top five free Windows security management tools

  See which free security tools your peers are downloading from Microsoft.Continue Reading

• Top five free Windows server management tools

  Check out the most popular free server management tools Windows shops are downloading from Microsoft.Continue Reading

• Top five free Windows desktop management tools

  Find out what free tools Windows shops are downloading from Microsoft to tackle desktop management.Continue Reading

• How to meet data retention compliance in a Windows environment

  To achieve data retention compliance, Windows managers must take an active role in learning data retention policies and creating procedures to support them.Continue Reading

• Free Active Directory tool automates workflow management

  Management software vendor NetPro delivers a free Active Directory administration tool for IT managers and launches an Active Directory community site.Continue Reading

• How to plan and design a Windows IT infrastructure

  Windows managers must be able to understand what the business needs, prepare the IT infrastructure plan accordingly and be able to articulate this plan to upper management when planning their IT budgets.Continue Reading

• New Windows Server 2008 backup tool improves disaster recovery

  Disaster recovery gets easier with the Windows Server 2008 backup tool and other new OS features.Continue Reading

• Tools make capacity planning easier for Windows shops

  Microsoft's System Center Capacity Planner and other capacity planning tools from hardware vendors can help IT managers get started mapping out the future.Continue Reading

• How Microsoft Operations Framework 4.0 enhances IT service management

  The push to combine Microsoft Operations Framework 4.0 with a set of integrated tools that adhere to the IT service management lifecycle is just what the doctor ordered.Continue Reading

• Today's WSUS patch manager shoots for big enterprises

  The Windows Server free patch manager has packed on the features over the years and adds even more functions through its APIs.Continue Reading

• Updating your Windows configuration management process

  Don't forget to keep your configuration management process current with new technology in your Windows environment.Continue Reading

• Maintaining the balance in Windows capacity planning

  Measurement, second-level analysis and business realignment are core principles that should be included in the capacity planning process for a Windows environment.Continue Reading

• Can we improve on the virtual desktop experience?

  Protocols like RDP and ICA were not built to handle today's multimedia requirements. As desktop virtualization moves to the mainstream, this will have to change.Continue Reading

• How will IT shops manage the new world of Windows?

  Microsoft's Oslo, Velocity and the Sync Framework are new platforms for Windows developers. What will they mean for IT managers?Continue Reading

• Cost Management Analysis Guide

  When creating a cost management analysis, the first thing IT managers should do is create a common desktop environment to keep costs down in a well managed Windows environment.Continue Reading

• How to reduce the risk from Windows automatic updates

  Every change to a system represents a risk. To minimize crashes after a Windows update, administrators should standardize and test computers.Continue Reading

• How using key performance indicators improves service desk efficiency

  Developing metrics and key performance indicators and linking them to critical success factors can lead to better service desk performance.Continue Reading

• Microsoft's evolving role in systems management

  Microsoft aims to compete with big systems management vendors, but one analyst at Forrester Research says its role, though important, is complementary.Continue Reading

• Managing user profile properties on SharePoint Server 2007

  My Site functionality in SharePoint Server 2007 has added more clarity to the portal definition as a personalized and individually controlled way of managing content.Continue Reading

• Managing assets with Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager

  The Asset Intelligence component of Microsoft's System Center Configuration Manager 2007 has tools to keep track of software and hardware as well as the ability to develop executive reports.Continue Reading

• Managing user access in a Windows environment

  Developing a solid user access management process can help Windows managers minimize enterprise-wide access management challenges.Continue Reading

• Disaster recovery planning for Active Directory

  In part one of this tutorial, learn how creating an Active Directory replication lag site minimizes the chances of an Active Directory disaster.Continue Reading

• How a cost management analysis affects Windows Server 2008 migration

  When creating a cost management analysis, IT managers should pay attention to the technologies they use now and plan to use, like Windows Server 2008.Continue Reading

• The IT Manager's Guide to e-Discovery

  In this SearchWinIT.com e-book, learn what e-discovery is and how IT shops should prepare for the possibility.Continue Reading

• Next services play for Microsoft: Systems management

  More System Center online services will be on tap at the Management Summit later this month. Don't expect enterprises to be an easy sell.Continue Reading

• How to create a user access management process for Windows

  An effective user access management process makes it possible to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of IT services for Windows users.Continue Reading

• Testing Windows disaster recovery plans

  Making a plan for testing Windows data recovery will add cost, but it's worth it.Continue Reading

• Using a cost management analysis to manage change in a Windows shop

  When creating a cost management analysis, IT managers should examine ways to implement a cost-effective Windows change management process.Continue Reading

• Calculating Windows Server 2008 gains in your cost management analysis

  Learn what points to include when calculating ROI for Windows Server 2008 to ensure that your cost management analysis is accurate.Continue Reading

• How to use RACI charts to define service desk roles and responsibilities

  Using a management tool called RACI charting can help IT managers simplify the daunting task of clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the service desk.Continue Reading

• Windows in the Enterprise: Top tips of 2007

  Windows shops were faced with many challenges in 2007 — from creating a rock-solid disaster recovery plan to building a business case for Windows Server 2008. Here are SearchWinIT.com's best tips of the year on the IT issues that kept the ...Continue Reading

• Software management consoles proliferate, but will they all get along?

  Windows administrators may find themselves eyeing more than one management console as Microsoft and Symantec add views to their security suites.Continue Reading

• Password management in the Windows enterprise

  Password management is important for any organization trying to improve Windows security. This series examines how and why traditional means of credential management and data protection are evolving as well as how Windows IT professionals are ...Continue Reading

• How to use the g4u network-based hard disk cloning utility

  If you're familiar with Symantec's Ghost Solution suite, you might want to consider g4u, a freeware alternative that can clone disks across a network to an FTP server.Continue Reading

• Growing data centers, SaaS will drive systems management, Microsoft says

  Brad Anderson, general manager of Microsoft's management and services division, says software as a service, data centers and mobility are priorities for his team.Continue Reading

• Why detective controls are important in change management

  Change is a way of life in Windows IT shops. By using detective controls, Windows managers can minimize the risks associated with changes to production services.Continue Reading

• How to reset a BIOS password

  Our systems management expert explains how to reset a BIOS password.Continue Reading