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Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

• Choose the best way to include signatures in Office 365

  When you move to Office 365, you lose some of the signature management capabilities you've become accustomed to with on-premises Exchange Server. Here are two options for getting signatures back. 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

• 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

• Configure Office 365 authentication with PowerShell

  Admins can use this step-by-step process to configure MFA with Azure Active Directory Module for Windows PowerShell. Continue Reading

• Two new SCCM add-ons for advanced IT management

  Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager tools fit the bill for small shops, but enterprises may have to spring for third-party SCCM add-ons.Continue Reading

• Send an Exchange NDR report to a postmaster mailbox

  There isn't an option in Exchange to send non-delivery reports to intended recipients, but you can send copies to a postmaster mailbox. Here's how.Continue Reading

• Secure Office 365 with the Client Access Policy Builder

  Are you worried that giving users access to email outside the office is a security issue? Then it's time to implement Client Access policies.Continue Reading

• How to configure Office 365 MFA

  Using MFA is a must for cloud-based accounts. Help your end users set up Office 365 MFA.Continue Reading

• The best spam protection for an Exchange 2013 deployment

  As attackers find newer and faster ways to exploit vulnerabilities, know your antispam and antimalware options to protect Exchange 2013.Continue Reading

• Four new WSUS features and capabilities all admins should know

  These four new features and capabilities in WSUS can simplify how admins roll out OS updates in their enterprises.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

• Learn PowerShell scripting to harness the full power of Exchange

  If you haven't done so yet, you should master PowerShell scripting -- it's an essential skill Exchange admins of every level need to have.Continue Reading

• Important considerations for setting up Work Folders

  This tip could be the answer your enterprise is looking for to bridge the gap between personal and corporate devices.Continue Reading

• Critical namespace configurations in Exchange Server 2013

  It's important to get namespace planning right the first time. Otherwise, it's difficult -- or even impossible -- to change later.Continue Reading

• Have a simple Work Folders setup in Windows Server 2012 R2

  Follow these steps to have the easiest Work Folders setup possible and to make the feature an essential part of your enterprise.Continue Reading

• Complete these critical steps to migrate to Windows Server 2012

  Make sure your enterprise follows these tips and tricks to make your Windows Server 2012 migration easier.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

• Quick tricks for migrating Exchange UM to Office 365

  If you plan to move UM-enabled mailboxes to Office 365 as part of a hybrid implementation, keep it simple to avoid complications.Continue Reading

• Patching and monitoring in a hybrid Exchange deployment

  Every task that admins handle in hybrid deployments can be split into three categories, but two deserve most of your attention.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

• Is a single Office 365 tenant better than using multiple tenants?

  Companies looking to use more than one Office 365 tenant should be aware of the limitations and technical requirements.Continue Reading

• Don't go into battle without these Exchange Server tools

  Whether you're new to Exchange or a seasoned Exchange MVP, these tools are non-negotiables for maintaining control.Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting common Windows Server deduplication problems

  Learn how to fix an application having problems with deduplicated data, as well as when you should turn off dedupe.Continue Reading

• Best practices for managing Office 365 from Active Directory

  After moving to the cloud, you'll need to manage the parts of Exchange that don't show up in Active Directory.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

• Why the Windows Server Essentials role could benefit larger organizations

  Organizations may look to use an Essentials server, which makes Windows Server 2012 R2 function like Microsoft's small business offerings.Continue Reading

• Set up an ADFS server to manage Office 365 identities

  As long as you know how to set it up and install it, ADFS can be a good identity management option for Office 365.Continue Reading

• Customize Exchange ActiveSync settings for virtual directories

  Knowing the settings for the mailbox server and the Client Access server role is the key to customizing ActiveSync virtual directories.Continue Reading

• How to share calendars in Exchange 2013

  The easiest way to share calendars in Exchange 2013 is to enable its built-in, standards-compliant features.Continue Reading

• Five tips to help Exchange admins troubleshoot Outlook problems

  These tips look at some of the most common Outlook problems and offer plenty of troubleshooting options.Continue Reading

• How to use the wbadmin tool to back up Windows Server 2008 R2

  Learn about the most important parts of creating backups, including automated and scheduled backups and the wbadmin tool.Continue Reading

• Set up reliable Exchange 2013 load balancing with open source tools

  You can now use free third-party load-balancing options, including Linux offerings, thanks to improvements in Exchange.Continue Reading

• Eight Exchange skills and topics every admin should know

  If you want to take your Exchange knowledge to the next level, tackle the tough topics and find ways to validate what you know.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

• Keep calm and message on: Prepping for an Exchange Online migration

  Learn how a smooth migration to Exchange Online not only keeps end users happy, but also minimizes IT help desk calls.Continue Reading

• Five ways to troubleshoot Outlook Group Policy setting problems

  When Group Policy configurations aren't working like they should in Outlook, these five steps can help you figure out what's wrong.Continue Reading

• Five ways to make SharePoint search more efficient

  These tips help answer common questions that enterprises will come across when working with searches in SharePoint.Continue Reading

• Successful career strategies for IT administrators

  IT admins can craft a successful career with professional development, crucial certifications and being inspired by innovative CIO strategy.Continue Reading

• Windows Server PKI improvements admins should know

  As security changes with each Windows Server release, admins should keep up with the PKI improvements.Continue Reading

• Best practices for using Exchange Online Archiving

  Once you know the best uses of Exchange Online Archives, you can make sure your end users have the best possible experience.Continue Reading

• How to troubleshoot Outlook 2013 auto-complete problems

  Microsoft made changes in Outlook 2013 that can be helpful for troubleshooting problems with its auto-complete feature.Continue Reading

• Three reasons why you should upgrade to Exchange 2013

  If you're hesitating to upgrade from on-premises Exchange 2010 to Exchange 2013, consider these arguments for making the move.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

• Three simple ways to improve SharePoint performance

  Once you know the three major causes for most SharePoint performance problems, improving SharePoint's performance becomes easy.Continue Reading

• Using OWA offline mode for expanded Outlook access in Exchange 2013

  Exchange Server 2013 gives OWA users offline access to features and functionality that had previously only been available to Outlook users.Continue Reading

• Running PowerShell scripts can ease Windows virtualization tasks

  Put PowerShell cmdlets to work with Windows virtualization by automating setup, maintenance and configuration tasks in your organization.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

• Windows Server 2012 R2 makes VM migration faster, smoother

  The Windows Server 2012 R2 release continues to push the trend of faster and less disruptive VM migrations in the data center.Continue Reading

• How to fix repeated Outlook password prompts and make end users happy

  When Outlook keeps asking for password verification, the problem is almost always a configuration issue. However, there's an easy fix.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

• After an Exchange Online migration, what comes next?

  You deserve a pat on the back after moving your mailboxes to Office 365, but your work isn't done until you finalize the project's end goal.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

• 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

• Facing threat from competitors, Microsoft spells out cloud plans

  With stiff competition from cloud competitors like Amazon, Microsoft is offering Azure discounts to customers who enter into enterprise agreements.Continue Reading

• Publishing Exchange to the Internet via Web Application Proxy and ADFS

  When combined with ADFS, Web Application Proxy in Windows Server 2012 R2 is appealing to organizations publishing Exchange to the Internet.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

• ActiveSync mailbox policies vs. Windows Intune: What's better for MDM?

  At one time, ActiveSync and Intune were so similar it didn't matter which one admins chose to managing mobile devices. That's no longer the case.Continue Reading

• Identifying and fixing disjoint namespace issues in Exchange Server

  Disjoint namespace issues are complicated, but you can still deploy Exchange servers in this type of environment, if you understand the cause.Continue Reading

• Essential Windows Server 2012 R2 system requirements

  Before upgrading to Windows Server 2012 R2, read up on hardware requirements to ensure there are enough resources to preserve performance.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

• Test Exchange 2013 AutoReseed setup to let automation help your organization

  After setting up AutoReseed in Exchange 2013, follow these steps to test it and make sure it works correctly.Continue Reading

• Exchange 2013 migration in 12 simple steps

  Take the sting out of an Exchange 2013 migration by following these 12 steps for training, installation, verification and more.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

• Update your Active Directory services to prepare for the cloud

  Even if you don't have a cloud service yet, you should update your Active Directory services to centralize governance and prepare for cloud.Continue Reading

• Desired State Configuration helps admins avoid configuration drift

  The new feature Desired State Configuration feature in Windows Server 2012 R2 gives admins yet another reason to learn PowerShell.Continue Reading

• PowerShell 4.0 further facilitates task automation for Windows admins

  Has PowerShell finally grown up? A mature PowerShell 4.0 in Windows Server 2012 R2 brings with it new parameters, simpler implementation and more.Continue Reading

• Use Task Scheduler to run a PowerShell script during every startup

  With some simple configuration, admins can run a PowerShell script each time a computer starts with the help of the Task Scheduler GUI and cmdlets.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Active Directory Rights Management Services (AD Rights Management Services)

  Active Directory Rights Management Services (AD RMS) is a security tool that provides a safeguard to prevent unauthorized access to data.Continue Reading

• Five Exchange 2013 migration gotchas to watch for

  An Exchange 2013 migration is no small undertaking. To ensure a successful deployment, avoid these potential mistakes.Continue Reading

• How to move an Exchange 2013 database

  The process used to move an Exchange 2013 database isn't immediately obvious if you're not familiar with the new platform. Here's how.Continue Reading

• Five MCSA training tips IT pros should read to prep for certification

  With MCSA one of the most popular Microsoft certifications to pursue, we compiled the five best tips to help admins with their MCSA training.Continue Reading

• Simple PowerShell tips and tricks every Windows admin should know

  No GUI? No problem. Our expert shares his best PowerShell tips to help IT administrators become proficient in this powerful scripting language.Continue Reading

• How to synchronize SharePoint 2013 lists with Outlook 2013

  Give users access to various SharePoint 2013 lists through Outlook 2013 with just a few simple configuration steps.Continue Reading

• Q&A: Anderson talks BYOD management in Windows Server 2012 R2

  Microsoft's Brad Anderson talks about changes to expect in Windows Server 2012 R2 features, including some to security and enterprise mobility.Continue Reading

• Explaining cutover vs. staged Office 365 migrations

  Various options exist for companies planning Office 365 migrations. Cutover and staged migrations are possibilities, but what exactly do they entail?Continue Reading

• How to configure Office Web Apps Server for use with Exchange 2013

  Get the steps necessary to build an Office Web Apps Server farm and integrate it with Exchange 2013. It's essential if you add other Wave 15 products.Continue Reading

• Steps to read XML files with PowerShell

  Wondering how to get PowerShell to read XML files? Our expert explains a few methods you could use.Continue Reading

• How can I make my PowerShell output look better?

  One of the most common PowerShell questions is how to format the output so it's more presentable. Our expert offers some insight.Continue Reading

• Logging your every move with a PowerShell transcript

  There are a few methods for creating a PowerShell transcript that logs everything. We highlight a few of these and what to know about each.Continue Reading

• Five ways admins can embrace Windows Server 2012 Remote Management

  As Microsoft encourages Windows admins to deal with servers offsite, here are some easy steps they can use for Windows Server 2012 Remote Management.Continue Reading

• Why does an Exchange Server migration require a coexistence period?

  A coexistence period is an important part of any Exchange Server migration -- but why? Our expert explains.Continue Reading

• How to configure Exchange 2013 site mailboxes

  Exchange 2013 site mailboxes are a great new feature, but several configuration steps are necessary before rolling them out to users.Continue Reading

• Critical RDP, Internet Explorer fixes included in Patch Tuesday update

  April's Patch Tuesday update fixes 13 vulnerabilities in IE, Remote Desktop Protocol, SharePoint 2013, Active Directory and Windows Defender.Continue Reading

• Microsoft advances Azure management, software-defined networking plans

  Windows Azure and software-defined networking were main points of conversation at Microsoft Management Summit 2013.Continue Reading

• Implementing Exchange ActiveSync mailbox policy best practices

  Exchange ActiveSync mailbox policy implementation is different for every organization, but that doesn't mean there are no best practices to follow.Continue Reading

• How to create Exchange 2013 data loss prevention policies

  While data loss prevention policies are a cool new feature in Exchange 2013, you must understand how to build them before you can use them.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Exchange Address Book Policy (ABP)

  A Microsoft Exchange Address Book Policy is a feature that allows administrators to segment Exchange Global Address Lists in order to give users specified views of other users' email addresses in their Exchange organization.Continue Reading

• How to implement Exchange address book policies

  Exchange address book policies have replaced clunky global address list segmentation. Discover where they make sense and how to implement them.Continue Reading

• In IT planning, try zero-based thinking

  Zero-based thinking is a concept that's used extensively in the business world to turn around failing companies. It can work wonders in IT planning.Continue Reading

• Remoting (PowerShell Remoting)

  PowerShell Remoting is a feature in PowerShell that lets admins run commands on remote systems.Continue Reading

• A crash course on Exchange ActiveSync policies for iOS devices

  As iOS devices invade organizations, it's crucial to understand Exchange ActiveSync policies. Password options and other restrictions are available.Continue Reading

• How do I use a PowerShell filter to identify files by date?

  Our expert answers one of the most common questions he hears from admins about using a PowerShell filter to find a file's accurate date.Continue Reading

• Microsoft makes improvements to SharePoint workflows

  The first thing to know about SharePoint workflows is that SharePoint 2013 actually contains two separate workflow platforms.Continue Reading

• How can I make and run a PowerShell script prompt for input?

  When it comes to running a PowerShell script prompt for input, admins can get the best results by letting PowerShell do most of the work. Here's how.Continue Reading

• How can I use Powershell remoting to pass info to remote computers?

  When you have to locally execute something and share it with one or more remote machines, PowerShell remoting has a specific way to do it. Here's how.Continue Reading

• The year's top SharePoint administration tips

  The end of the year gives us a chance to review and compile the best SharePoint administration advice.Continue Reading

• IT admins need to get Windows certification right

  As long as the Windows certification exams you're working on also apply to the new MCSA credentials, keep at them. If they don't, then reconsider.Continue Reading