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Manage

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

• How to build a bulletproof Hyper-V failover cluster

  Before deploying a Hyper-V failover cluster, heed these design instructions to keep VM performance from lagging due to a faulty configuration. Continue Reading

• Use eseutil for Exchange database repair with care

  If Exchange crashes and you lack valid backups, just stay cool. The eseutil tool can be powerful, but if used improperly, it can do more harm than good. Continue Reading

• Office 365 compliance features keep data locked down

  Microsoft offers tools in Office 365 to help administrators manage complicated data compliance regulations. These features can protect the business. Continue Reading

• Determine the right Windows BranchCache for the company

  Don't let network traffic bottlenecks slow data transfer to branch office employees. There are two ways to use Windows BranchCache to speed up file transfers from your main office. Continue Reading

• Tools for system administrators that don't cost a dime

  If you use the default Windows tools for everyday administrative duties, such as taking screenshots or editing text, there are better options that come without charge. Continue Reading

• Disable SMB1 before the next WannaCry strikes

  As long as SMB1 lingers in your systems, they are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Use these tools and techniques to find and remove all signs of this unsafe network protocol.Continue Reading

• Cloud App Discovery spotlights shadow IT users

  Employees that use unsanctioned apps can jeopardize the business. Cloud App Discovery generates detailed reports on unapproved services to help IT mitigate risk.Continue Reading

• System Center Configuration Manager tool regulates server updates to stop attacks

  Early security updates diminish online threats. See how IT admins use System Center Configuration Manager to roll out patches promptly while minimizing downtime for users.Continue Reading

• How to bring Azure costs down to earth

  Don't let Azure VMs rack up a huge monthly bill from Microsoft. Figure out your business needs, then adjust the options in Azure to minimize charges.Continue Reading

• Control Office 365 costs -- or pay the price

  Not every user needs every service in the Office 365 suite. Tailor subscriptions to different groups so the company only pays for what it requires.Continue Reading

• Windows file server migration tool eases data transfer dread

  For a seemingly simple process, Windows file server migrations instill a lot of apprehension in IT admins. Next time, go into the fight with a free tool to manage the process.Continue Reading

• Create an Office 365 backup policy before it's too late

  Don't get stumped by a request to recover deleted email messages in Office 365. Know what Microsoft offers, and plan ahead to stop mailbox content from performing a disappearing act.Continue Reading

• Get answers to your Office 365 security and compliance questions

  Moving an email server to the cloud has its advantages, but there are compliance questions that admins have in Office 365. Know the answers before making the jump.Continue Reading

• Office 365 compliance issues deserve your attention

  Businesses have more data than ever before, and Office 365 stores that information in more than email messages. Make sure that data retention is in compliance with regulations.Continue Reading

• Preserve your AD organizational unit with these commands

  Active Directory OUs maintain order in an IT organization. But if you're not careful, an errant keystroke can topple everything.Continue Reading

• Windows PowerShell DSC book trains IT to lock down systems

  This DSC book familiarizes administrators with Microsoft's change management tool, giving them the skills to clamp down on system configurations.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

• Configure Azure Active Directory SSO service and avoid delays

  ADFS won't work for single sign-on in Outlook or Skype for Business by itself. Configure Azure Active Directory SSO and save your users time and energy.Continue Reading

• Make a Windows Server 2016 Essentials comparison to find the best fit

  Two similar-sounding versions of Windows Server 2016 Essentials have important differences, such as the number of licenses each enables a business to use.Continue Reading

• Microsoft LAPS locks down local admin passwords

  Using the same local admin password is convenient, but risky. It gives attackers limitless access across the machines on the domain. Microsoft has a tool to boost login security.Continue Reading

• What tools troubleshoot Autodiscover in Exchange Online?

  An admin needs to ferret out an Autodiscover issue when the user's mailbox resides in the Exchange Online platform. What tools enable IT to correct the problem quickly?Continue Reading

• Scrutinize the Office 365 roadmap to steer clear of trouble

  The Office 365 roadmap informs admins when Microsoft plans to release -- or pull -- a feature. Our experts offer advice to navigate the collaboration platform's twists and turns.Continue Reading

• Debug an Active Directory domain join failure on Windows Server

  The domain join process typically works without issue. But when a device can't connect to Active Directory, the administrator must seek the culprit from the usual suspects.Continue Reading

• Reduce downtime with Azure Site Recovery service

  Any business can experience data failure. What matters most is how you prepare for a quick recovery. Azure Site Recovery uses the Microsoft cloud when your data center goes dark.Continue Reading

• Educate users to avert email phishing attacks

  Attackers work day and night thinking up new ways to bypass IT security. Educate users on ways to avoid email phishing attacks so you can rest easy.Continue Reading

• A Pester test takes the guesswork out of PowerShell scripts

  No one wants to write a PowerShell script only to discover later that it doesn't work as anticipated. Pester provides a testing language to ensure code lives up to expectations.Continue Reading

• Latest Windows ransomware attack exposes hard truths

  A Microsoft patch was available to stop WannaCry, but the ransomware outbreak still caught some Windows administrators by surprise.Continue Reading

• Rise of the container OS administrators' dilemma

  Containerization could force OS administrators to support more and newer OSes in production, as established large OSes seem a poor fit for tiny boxes.Continue Reading

• Microsoft expands Office 365 MFA support, but snags remain

  Administrators can use multifactor authentication to lock down Office 365, but the newer Azure Active Directory PowerShell module that ties services together has some drawbacks.Continue Reading

• Manage Linux servers with a Windows admin's toolkit

  Even Microsoft recognizes it's no longer just a Windows world. Here's what Windows administrators can do to pick up Linux management and monitoring.Continue Reading

• Navigate the Microsoft roadmap and keep IT pros challenged

  Microsoft wants Windows shops to get on board with all of its latest technologies. But that ideal doesn't always mesh with the realities that admins face.Continue Reading

• Use PowerShell for help with DNS server management

  Administrators can use point-and-click management tools to update DNS servers, but a PowerShell script will automate these routine tasks.Continue Reading

• Stay vigilant with compliance management tools in Exchange, Office 365

  Organizations must set up messaging platforms to prevent email purges, often to meet legal obligations. These tips help Exchange and Office 365 administrators stay compliant.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

• Ways to adapt to Microsoft patching changes

  Microsoft's switch to rollup patching makes it imperative for administrators to streamline the update process for Windows Server systems.Continue Reading

• Tap PowerShell DSC resources to automate web server construction

  Administrators will create numerous IIS web servers during their IT careers. With Desired State Configuration, admins can automate this task with cleaner results.Continue Reading

• Learn how to manage Exchange outages with four expert tips

  Exchange's automated maintenance routines only go so far. Administrators need a repertoire of troubleshooting tools and techniques to unclog problems and get messages moving.Continue Reading

• Use the Group Policy settings reference guide to avoid disruptions

  With Windows Server's updates to Group Policy settings and templates comes a danger for administrators: users flooding the help desk with tickets.Continue Reading

• Exchange hybrid arrangement adds management complexity

  On-premises Exchange Server and Office 365 can make a great team -- if admins pay attention to certain features and adjust management practices accordingly.Continue Reading

• Five ways to improve Windows Server hardening

  Microsoft bolstered security features in Windows Server 2016, but administrators can further lock down the environment with these Windows Server hardening tips.Continue Reading

• Catch up on the Windows Server patches of 2017

  Windows Server patches plug security holes, fix bugs and optimize performance. With a complex technology stack, admins can't always update on Patch Tuesday. Not to worry.Continue Reading

• Trust, but verify after Exchange Server 2016 installation

  Admins may be eager to put Exchange Server 2016 into production after installation, but they should check off several tasks to ensure the messaging platform is stable.Continue Reading

• Set PowerShell execution policy based on your needs

  Scripts to automate workflows and other procedures can be a boon to the IT staff, but there may be situations where it makes sense to adjust the PowerShell execution policy.Continue Reading

• Microsoft pushes pause on February Patch Tuesday

  Despite a known zero-day flaw, Microsoft delays February's security bulletins for an unspecified reason.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

• Email options: Upgrade Exchange or go another way?

  Staying with Exchange Server is a valid choice. But there are other email options that deserve consideration.Continue Reading

• Managed service accounts tighten Windows Server security

  When a Windows Server application uses a service account, it can make an organization vulnerable. Admins can switch to managed service accounts to boost Windows Server security.Continue Reading

• What's new with Group Policy administration in Windows Server 2016?

  Windows Server 2016 includes a suite of new Group Policy settings. These settings allow admins to manage mobile app access and set numerous security policies.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

• Three reasons why extended Exchange outages occur

  When Exchange Server goes down for an extended period of time, these three problems are probably to blame.Continue Reading

• How to safely plug in PowerShell Web Access for remote management

  While PowerShell Web Access is a convenient way to maintain remote servers, there are security considerations to weigh.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

• Pester PowerShell unit testing ensures quality code

  PowerShell jockeys can turn to the Pester unit testing framework to ensure the code they write is up to snuff.Continue Reading

• How can administrators improve WSUS performance?

  The Windows Server Update Services utility helps to update numerous systems, but it can require significant bandwidth. What are good ways to reduce the demands?Continue Reading

• Ease migrations with Windows Server Migration Tools cmdlets

  An in-place Windows Server upgrade is easier than a server migration. When an upgrade isn't possible, admins can ease the transition with a Microsoft snap-in.Continue Reading

• Low-cost Exchange administration tools that won't break your budget

  Admins must keep a close eye on Exchange Server to ensure it runs at peak performance. If cost is an issue, there are a number of free and low-cost tool options.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

• 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

• 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

• Avoid disaster with these Exchange 2013 backup options

  Exchange Server administrators have a number of ways to keep disaster from sinking a key part of the corporate infrastructure.Continue Reading

• Uncover Exchange back pressure triggers with PowerShell

  Email not being delivered? Administrators can run PowerShell commands to pinpoint outages and performance degradation during periods of heavy activity.Continue Reading

• Manage headless servers for free with Server Management Tools

  Windows Server management can be complicated -- especially headless server deployments -- but Microsoft attempts to ease this task with its free Azure-based Server Management Tools.Continue Reading

• Skype for Business Online PowerShell shortcuts for policy management

  Administrators can tighten controls on the Skype for Business Online structure, adjust policies one user at a time or apply changes to an entire group with PowerShell.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

• Access for Office 365 external users a concern for admins

  Microsoft added external access for Office 365 Groups, which means administrators must contend with confidentiality and lifecycle issues until the service matures.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

• The essential admin's guide to Office 365 PowerShell

  Need to make extensive updates quickly? Admins can rev up their PowerShell skills, bypass the Office 365 management GUI and leave tedious tasks behind with help from this guide.Continue Reading

• Ease Windows Update problems by using WSUS servers

  To combat various Windows Update problems, administrators should consider implementing a WSUS server to regain control over the patching process.Continue Reading

• Understanding Exchange Online's Role-Based Access Control model

  The Role-Based Access Control model manages and evaluates permissions in Exchange Online. Admins can explore the model, create new permissions and customize roles.Continue Reading

• Use Windows PowerShell DSC to construct file servers from scratch

  Administrators can take control over the deployment of common resources, such as Windows-based file servers, using PowerShell Desired State Configuration.Continue Reading

• Use Exchange Online PowerShell scripts to blaze through routine tasks

  Administrators tasked with handling many Exchange Online mailboxes can perform tasks, such as setting mailbox size limits and searching for messages, in bulk with PowerShell.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

• Exchange PowerShell commands for faster mailbox management

  Whether you have 10 or 10,000 mailboxes, working with Exchange PowerShell commands in readily available scripts can ease mailbox administrative tasks.Continue Reading

• Storage QoS in Windows Server 2016 stabilizes Hyper-V performance

  Microsoft updated Storage QoS to let administrators running a large number of Hyper-V workloads on file servers get consistent performance by regulating storage bandwidth.Continue Reading

• Boost Exchange email security with Critical Security Controls

  The SANS Institute's 20 critical security controls all apply to Exchange Server, and many IT organizations are falling behind on many of them.Continue Reading

• Assign Office 365 licenses quickly with PowerShell

  With some help from PowerShell, IT administrators can see how many Office 365 licenses are available and dispense them to users quickly.Continue Reading

• Active Directory cleanup trims database bloat

  Administrators can avoid unnecessary risks and potential performance issues by removing unneeded and outdated objects from Active Directory.Continue Reading

• Office 365 reporting tool offers insights, analytics

  Microsoft's Office 365 reporting tool gives administrators flexibility with how reports are generated and ways to monitor the consumption of the cloud platform.Continue Reading

• Log Parser Studio provides flexibility for Exchange troubleshooting

  Administrators can use default queries in Log Parser Studio or modify existing queries to analyze logs and troubleshooting Exchange issues.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

• Microsoft slates Windows Server 2016 availability for mid-October

  Microsoft dedicated its opening keynote to the benefits of Azure, but IT pros say the company's on-ramp to the cloud still needs some work.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

• 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

• Which Microsoft OMS license is best for my IT deployment?

  What do you get for your money -- and for free -- when using the Microsoft Operations Management Suite to handle workloads running in different environments?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

• Produce mailbox reports with Exchange Online PowerShell scripts

  Administrators who are familiar with PowerShell can use their skills to extract user mailbox information for Exchange Online reports.Continue Reading

• What kind of log analytics does Microsoft OMS perform?

  Microsoft OMS features 'solution packs' that track resource usage, which can help administrators plan for future capacity needs.Continue Reading

• Automate cloud management with an Azure runbook

  For organizations that are pushing more workloads into the cloud, building an Azure Automation runbook is one way to help maintain control on the cloud environment.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

• Get the most out of Exchange logs to prevent issues

  There is no shortage of Exchange Server logs at the administrator's disposal. There are a number of tools available to analyze the data and help avoid future issues.Continue Reading

• Make the right move with the Active Directory Migration Tool

  Migrating Active Directory to a new version should go smoothly if you follow best practices and make sure you have a way to undo the procedure if things start to go wrong.Continue Reading

• Configuration caveats when enabling Outlook offline

  Exchange data is still available for users working in Outlook offline or Outlook on the web, but administrators may want to lock down certain settings.Continue Reading

• How to create a global Exchange Server setup

  Organizations should tackle these technical, financial and managerial issues to ensure email flows efficiently among global Exchange servers.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

• Newer Windows Server versions won't fix security issues

  While surrounding the data center with an assortment of hacker prevention tools can look impressive, it doesn't mean Windows Server security has been improved.Continue Reading

• How is Windows Nano Server managed?

  Microsoft Nano Server sheds the traditional Windows Server GUI which means some administrators will need to adapt to adopt this deployment model.Continue Reading

• Start using the PowerShell pipeline with this example

  An administrator can create functions to support the PowerShell pipeline, which improves upon text-based shells by allowing the scripter to pass objects across the pipe.Continue Reading

• How to use the Search-Mailbox cmdlet with Exchange

  Administrators can find items in Exchange mailboxes using the Search-Mailbox cmdlet. Here's how to use it to its fullest potential, with an example to follow.Continue Reading