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Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

• Admin quiz: Test your Microsoft Group Policy knowledge

  Think you're an expert in Microsoft Group Policy? Test your knowledge with our quiz. Continue Reading

• Chkdsk improvements in Windows Server 2012 increase data availability

  Data availability has been an issue for admins running chkdsk, but that's no longer the case in Windows Server 2012. Here's a look at what's changed. Continue Reading

• Updating Microsoft IT certifications with new MCSA exam

  The 70-417 exam draws on topics from all base-level tests for MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification. Continue Reading

• How to customize Outlook 2010, important settings

  Not all Outlook deployments are created equal. Learn how to customize Outlook 2010 using a free tool, as well as which settings you can tweak. 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

• How to set up scale-out file servers in Windows Server 2012

  In Windows Server 2012, failover clustering is configured to work with scale-out file servers for continuous availability. Here's how it works.Continue Reading

• Five best practices for virtualizing Exchange Server 2010 with Hyper-V

  Virtualizing Exchange 2010 with Hyper-V isn’t as popular as VMware vSphere, but it’s gaining traction. These five best practices may prove helpful before you start configuring your environment.Continue Reading

• How to repair the Outlook 2010 search index

  Every Outlook 2010 user relies on search to some extent. When search goes down, you need to know how to diagnose the problem and quickly fix it.Continue Reading

• BYOD considerations for Exchange admins

  Having a tough time saying "no" to BYOD? Good news, you don’t have to. Get up-to-date on key BYOD concerns and discover PowerShell cmdlets you can use to manage and gather ActiveSync info.Continue Reading

• Why does a PowerShell command run fine locally, but not remotely?

  Admins starting to use PowerShell's Remoting features may run into some growing pains with remote commands. Combat these with a few simple tricks.Continue Reading

• Office 365 archive mailbox and retention policy setup

  Excessively large mailboxes are bad news for Office 365 deployments. Instead, create and configure archive mailboxes and corresponding retention policies.Continue Reading

• Restoring Exchange 2010 administrative permissions after a migration

  One admin lost permissions after an Exchange 2010 upgrade. See why it happened, and get two fixes as we revisit our popular Ask the Expert program.Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2012 review: Should I upgrade?

  With the upcoming release of Windows Server 2012, our expert explains why you should, or why you should not, take advantage of the latest version.Continue Reading

• Follow these 10 experts to keep up with Window Server updates

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• Ten experts to follow for Windows Server updates on Twitter

  On social media? Follow this list of the best bloggers, consultants and authors for Windows Server updates and tips on Twitter.Continue Reading

• An Exchange Online administration primer for Office 365 newbies

  Don’t wait until it’s too late. Become familiar with the basics of Microsoft’s Exchange Online administration prior to making the move to Office 365.Continue Reading

• Why can't I compare the contents of PowerShell variables?

  Even though it's a common problem that can frustrate administrators, it's possible to compare PowerShell variables by learning some simple commands.Continue Reading

• Our top five Exchange Server 2010 administration tips

  Exchange 2013 is fast approaching, but Exchange 2010 is far from a distant memory. Take a few moments to see which Exchange 2010 tips kept readers clicking the last two years.Continue Reading

• Exchange Administration Center (EAC)

  The Exchange Administration Center (EAC) is a Web-based management console for managing Exchange Server 2013 environments.Continue Reading

• How to write reusable PowerShell scripts for Exchange Server

  We’ve all heard about the virtues of PowerShell. Reusable scripts may not change your life, but they'll certainly change your job and save you lots of time.Continue Reading

• How to rebuild an Exchange edge transport server

  Since the edge transport server’s configuration info isn’t stored in Active Directory, you can’t rebuild it as you would other server roles. We’ve got the instructions you’ll need.Continue Reading

• How to repair a corrupt Outlook 2010 deployment

  When Outlook goes down, don’t automatically download a third-party tool. Instead, try one of these approaches suggested by our expert.Continue Reading

• How to enable PowerShell remoting

  You've heard how PowerShell remoting is changing in v3 of the product; now, learn how to use it -- and avoid traps.Continue Reading

• How to send Outlook 2010 items via SMS text message

  No smart phone, no problem! You can still configure Outlook 2010 to send mail, calendar items and more to users who have cell phones that aren’t ActiveSync-enabled. Here’s how.Continue Reading

• How to troubleshoot Exchange Autodiscover service issues

  The Exchange Autodiscover service doesn’t typically need a lot of maintenance. But when issues crop up, make sure you’re ready.Continue Reading

• How to change Office 365 user passwords via PowerShell

  Sorry if you’re a bit weary of hearing reasons why PowerShell is so important. Here’s one more: you’ll need it for password management in Office 365.Continue Reading

• Install WSUS updates immediately with Windows PowerShell

  One little script can change your life. Use Greg Shields' 'Big Red Button' to automate patching and reclaim some hours in your day.Continue Reading

• Revamped Windows Performance Toolkit improves performance monitoring

  Performance monitoring gets a graphical boost with the release of several new event tracing tools.Continue Reading

• Q&A: Taking a closer look at System Center Operations Manager 2012

  Microsoft's Adam Hall runs down the significant changes made to the Operations Manager component in System Center 2012 and the thinking behind them.Continue Reading

• How to fix Exchange 2010 virtual directory re-creation problems

  Re-creating virtual directories in Exchange 2010 is a straightforward process, but that doesn't mean problems won't occur. First, check these trouble spots.Continue Reading

• How to create custom driver databases with Windows Deployment Services

  Plug and Play isn't just for USB devices. Here's how to put it to work in your installation environment.Continue Reading

• Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012

  Microsoft System Center Virtual Machine Manager 2012 (SCVMM 2012) is Microsoft's virtualization management product. It is part of the System Center 2012 systems management suite.Continue Reading

• How to run WSUS in a Hyper-V virtual machine

  What do you need to consider when virtualizing WSUS? Our expert answers some common questions.Continue Reading

• How to manually uninstall Exchange Server 2010

  Severe damage to Exchange Server 2010 may require you to uninstall the program. Follow these tips to prevent harm to Active Directory.Continue Reading

• Top five Group Policy improvements in Windows Server 2012

  What's changed with Active Directory Group Policy in Windows Server 2012? Get an idea of some of the improvements in this tip.Continue Reading

• How to connect to Office 365's PowerShell in the cloud

  Admins can get more granular control of Office 365 resources after connecting to PowerShell. Unfortunately, determining how to make that initial connection isn't immediately clear.Continue Reading

• Top five features in PowerShell v3

  PowerShell has become pretty hard to ignore. Here are the latest reasons to get up to speed with the scripting tool.Continue Reading

• PowerShell v3

  PowerShell v3 is a task-automation framework found in client and server versions of WindowsContinue Reading

• Complete your Exchange 2010 migration: Move data using PowerShell

  You’ve taken the necessary precautions and followed all the right steps. Complete your Exchange 2010 migration by moving public folders, PST files and mailboxes with PowerShell.Continue Reading

• 10 best Hyper-V tools: vtCommander/5nine Manager

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• Group Policy Management Console

  The Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) is an interface that enables Active Directory administrators to manage Group Policy Objects (GPOs) from one console. Continue Reading

• Managing access control with Windows Rights Management Services

  Active Directory's Rights Management Services is a good way of managing access to data, but there are caveats.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

• PowerShell v3 has some great GUI

  PowerShell v3, available in the forthcoming Windows Server 8, packs some serious GUI behind a barebones command-line interface.Continue Reading

• Using and managing BYOD in a Windows Server 2008 environment

  BYOD is the hot topic in the enterprise, but allowing it brings new types of security considerations on Windows Server 2008 R2.Continue Reading

• Top five tips for optimizing Active Directory Group Policy performance

  As your number of managed GPOs increases, so does the performance hit to your machines. Get in front of the problem by taking these simple steps.Continue Reading

• Lessons learned from an Office 365 migration

  Office 365 migrations take time and careful research, but even then, some mistakes are inevitable. Find out what one expert learned during his company’s move to Office 365.Continue Reading

• Best Practices for Active Directory forest trusts

  The more domains you manage, the more you rely on forest trusts. Follow these tips to manage your AD infrastructure – and maintain your sanity.Continue Reading

• Protecting Outlook 2010 with group policy security settings

  Your Exchange servers may be secure, but neglecting to protect Outlook 2010 puts your company at risk. Learn some group policy security settings that prevent security disasters.Continue Reading

• How DirectAccess can improve your organization’s security

  There's more to this VPN alternative than meets the eye; deploying DirectAccess can be a positive step for any business with remote workers.Continue Reading

• How to build a virtual Exchange test lab

  Virtual test labs provide a way to learn about new versions of Exchange Server without incurring the cost of physical labs. Here's how to create your own virtual Exchange lab.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

• Best practices for securing Exchange ActiveSync

  Sure, ActiveSync is easy to set up and administer, but how comfortable are you with its security? These best practices will go a long way toward protecting your CAS.Continue Reading

• Top five security tips for domain controllers

  Domain controllers are key to company security, so you need to keep them protected. Read on for advice on hardening virtual and physical environments.Continue Reading

• How to make Windows Server 2008 -- and your IT budget -- last longer

  During tough economic times, IT shops are still under the gun to make Windows Server last. Here are a few tips for keeping a system among the living.Continue Reading

• How to configure SharePoint 2010 to scan Outlook 2010 for colleagues

  Most users think social networking involves updating their Facebook status. Configure SharePoint and Outlook 2010 to help them connect with colleagues for work purposes instead.Continue Reading

• How to create custom MailTips in Exchange Server 2010

  Built-in MailTips prevent users from making common email gaffes, but you can also create custom MailTips to provide other helpful information. Here's how.Continue Reading

• Upgrading Server 2008 R2 Active Directory forest functional levels

  Some Active Directory deployments have been around for over a decade, so it's time for some streamlining. Find out how to best upgrade functional levels in Windows Server R2.Continue Reading

• How to use the Best Practices Analyzer to test server roles

  The Best Practices Analyzer integrated into Windows Server 2008 R2 can be instrumental in exposing potential trouble spots in your server deployment.Continue Reading

• Active Directory replication tips, tricks and best practices

  If you have Active Directory in your shop, no matter how large or small, replication is a basic fact of IT life. Here's advice on how to get the most out of the replication process.Continue Reading

• Config iSCSI for Windows Server: Seven tips you forgot to remember

  Dealing with iSCSI remains a challenge for some IT pros. Find out tips you forgot to remember when configuring the system.Continue Reading

• How to size an Active Directory domain controller in Windows

  Although sizing a domain controller comes with its share of challenges, it is possible. Learn the ins and outs of the process and what to watch for.Continue Reading

• Using PowerShell to manage Microsoft Hyper-V

  Windows admins aren't limited when it comes to managing Hyper-V from the command line. Here are two (free) options for supporting virtual machines in Windows.Continue Reading

• A look at the System Center Configuration Manager 2012 beta

  The second beta of SCCM 2012 has key features for remote application management. It also delivers applications to end users regardless of which device they are using.Continue Reading

• How to remove persistent Exchange 2003 servers

  Have you upgraded from Exchange 2003 to a newer version, but can’t get rid of the server? Find out what to delete to completely uninstall Exchange 2003.Continue Reading

• EMS commands to modify ActiveSync throttling policies

  Throttling Exchange ActiveSync policies takes a certain amount of command-line savvy. Get the command-specific info you need.Continue Reading

• Applying regular expressions (regex) to Windows PowerShell

  It may seem daunting at first, but the combination of regular expressions (regex) with PowerShell can be an admin’s best friend when it comes to certain complex tasks.Continue Reading

• The Windows Server toolbox: A utility guide for admins

  Glimpse inside the Windows Server toolbox and find the best server utilities for everything from performance and monitoring to security and troubleshooting.Continue Reading

• Windows PowerShell and the .NET Framework: Connecting the dots

  You don’t have to be a developer to understand how .NET integrates with Windows PowerShell. By learning just a few basic concepts, admins can help put .NET within reach.Continue Reading

• How to use managed folders for Exchange 2010 message retention

  Managed folders are most often used to control message retention. Before you use them, you need to become familiar with the cmdlets and parameters to configure managed folders.Continue Reading

• What admins need to know about Windows Azure services

  Much has been said about what Microsoft's cloud platform means for developers. As for admins? It could be a case of the more things change, the more they stay the same.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

• How to use WMI with Windows PowerShell scripts

  With PowerShell, admins can harness the power of WMI to find all sorts of system and network information. The best part? It’s probably a lot easier than you think.Continue Reading

• Checklist for new Exchange Server administrators

  Are you a new Exchange admin who walked into an oddly configured server infrastructure? This checklist can help you make sense of the mess.Continue Reading

• Time management strategies for the IT pro

  How effective are you at managing your time? IT expert Kevin Beaver offers up some time-management best practices to help you get the most out of your workday.Continue Reading

• Best practice for Dynamic Memory allocation with Hyper-V R2 SP1

  Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 will finally add the ability to over-allocate memory with Hyper-V. The next step? Learning to optimize the feature for peak performance.Continue Reading

• Managed service accounts boost server security in R2

  Microsoft introduced the managed service accounts feature with Windows Server 2008 R2 to help make the management of apps like Exchange more secure. So how does it work?Continue Reading

• The Windows admin’s guide to all things VMware

  The title says it all. This overview provides resources and analysis on VMware’s most important virtualization technologies for the server, desktop and cloud.Continue Reading

• Setting PowerShell execution policies in Exchange 2010

  Exchange 2010 doesn’t inherently trust PowerShell scripts. Admins can set different execution policies to control when scripts run. Determine which policy is best for your organization.Continue Reading

• Controlling the output of Windows PowerShell commands

  Windows PowerShell features several cmdlets for writing data. Knowing which commands do what can help control the output of your functions and keep your pipelines clean.Continue Reading

• Potential coexistence troubles during Exchange 2010 migrations

  Coexistence issues are a natural part of Exchange 2010 migrations, so keep an eye on client access servers and mailbox databases during the entire upgrade.Continue Reading

• Top iPhone apps for Windows admins: AD HelpDesk

  While the AD HelpDesk application doesn't cover all things Active Directory, it does give admins extensive password management functionality straight from their iPhones.Continue Reading

• Top iPhone apps for Windows admins: Rove Virtual Machine Manager

  Rove Virtual Machine Manager aims to give admins virtual machine management functionality from outside the office – but is it worth the hefty price tag?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: iPowerShell

  This free Windows app gives admins PowerShell 2.0 knowledge straight from their iPhones. It includes advanced search capabilities and detailed cmdlet information.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

• Ten cool iPhone apps for Windows admins

  Are you an admin on the go? Check out some of the best iPhone apps available for Windows server and network management.Continue Reading

• PowerShell basics for the Exchange admin

  Creating PowerShell scripts in Exchange can help you avoid typing out long EMS commands for daily administrative actions. Here are the basics.Continue Reading

• Error handling with Windows PowerShell

  The ability to deal with errors is critical to writing quality PowerShell functions. Here you'll find basic tips for detecting errors and figuring out what went wrong.Continue Reading

• How to separate primary and archive mailboxes in Exchange 2010 SP1

  If you've already deployed personal archive mailboxes in your Exchange organization, our expert explains how to move them to a separate database in Exchange 2010 SP1.Continue Reading

• What is System Center Configuration Manager?

  Check out this brief overview of Microsoft's Configuration Manager product, with details on the latest features for R2, R3 and the upcoming v.Next.Continue Reading

• What is System Center Operations Manager?

  Microsoft's System Center Operations Manager is an IT monitoring device designed to keep administrators in tune with the health of their environments.Continue Reading

• What is System Center Virtual Machine Manager?

  Flexibility and consolidation are two of the focuses of System Center Virtual Machine Manager, Microsoft's virtualization management solution.Continue Reading

• What is System Center Service Manager?

  Microsoft's knowledge-based System Center Service Manager is the company's premiere help desk product that hit the market earlier this year – despite a few bumps in the road.Continue Reading

• What is System Center Data Protection Manager?

  System Center Data Protection Manager aims to improve the way Windows admins do backup and recovery with enhanced virtualization capabilities and cloud backup support.Continue Reading

• How to connect an iPhone to OWA

  Discover how easy it is to connect an iPhone to OWA on Exchange Server 2007 and Exchange 2010. You'll also learn how to retire your Windows Mobile device in favor of an iPhoneContinue Reading

• Why throttling PowerShell in Exchange 2010 is a good idea

  Did you know that you can restrict PowerShell use in Exchange 2010 to improve server performance? Get the details on setting PowerShell limits in your environment.Continue Reading

• Building an automated permissions management solution with Icacls

  Using basic Icacls syntax, admins can create an automated solution to ensure correct network file permissions at all times.Continue Reading

• Q&A: What's new with Microsoft identity and access management?

  Microsoft's Brjann Brekkan discusses what to expect from identity and access management releases like Forefront Identity Manager 2010 and AD Federation Services 2.0.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