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Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.
Manage
Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.
Exchange 2010 SP3 released, Exchange 2013 migrations still on hold
Despite being told that Exchange 2010 SP3 would allow for coexistence with Exchange 2013, administrators must still wait on planned migrations. 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
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How server role changes will impact Exchange 2013 migrations
Planning for an Exchange 2013 migration? If so, it's helpful to understand how Exchange 2013's revamped server role architecture fits in. Continue Reading
Mastering Exchange Server Roles: Overview and Best Practices Guides
This duo of expert tutorials will walk you through the five server roles in Exchange Server 2010 and impart best practices for configuring them. 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
The top five Outlook 2010 tips of 2012
How to repair Outlook 2010 and fixing Outlook 2010 search are two of the top Outlook 2010 tips of 2012. See what else made our annual best-of list.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
Top Exchange administration tips of 2012
We published more than 100 great Exchange administration tips in 2012. Based on your clicks, we present our annual best-of list.Continue Reading
Year of PowerShell? The best Windows Server tips of 2012 for admins
We compiled our most popular Windows Server tips from this year and included Windows Server 2012 with its new and improved features.Continue Reading
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System Center 2012 SP1 hits RTM, adds Windows 8 management support
Microsoft released the System Center 2012 SP1 RTM, which lets IT deploy and manage Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8, but it requires a clean install.Continue Reading
How to change an Office 365 password policy using PowerShell
Though not obvious, you must use PowerShell to change an Office 365 password policy. Learn about the required connections steps and cmdlets you will need.Continue Reading
Strategies for SharePoint document management
SharePoint document management is a process -- not a feature.Continue Reading
How to form a functional enterprise IT security committee
Leaving an enterprise IT security committee in IT's hands is a mistake.Continue Reading
Q&A: System Center 2012 SP1 to deliver key management features
Systems management expert Don Retallack offers details of next year's Microsoft System Center 2012 Service Pack 1.Continue Reading
Easier DirectAccess setup means a plausible VPN alternative for admins
DirectAccess used to be a complicated feature, but not anymore. In Windows Server 2012, simpler DirectAccess setup helps admins connect mobile users.Continue Reading
Microsoft tries 'kitchen sink' method for Windows Server 2012 upgrade
ExBPA (Exchange Best Practices Analyzer)
The Exchange Best Practices Analyzer (ExBPA) is a tool that helps administrators to gauge the health of their Exchange Server environment.Continue Reading
Enabling multi-server management in Windows Server 2012
By enabling remote management in Windows Server 2012, Microsoft opened the door for multi-server management remotely or locally.Continue Reading
Windows Server Failover Clustering gets boost from PowerShell cmdlets
In Windows Server 2012, there are 81 new and improved failover clustering PowerShell cmdlets. Here's how to make the most of their capabilities.Continue Reading
FAQ: Troubleshooting common errors in Microsoft PowerShell
In this FAQ, we have our resident PowerShell expert answer some common questions to help admins troubleshoot errors in this scripting language.Continue Reading
Microsoft tries 'kitchen sink' method for Windows Server 2012 upgrade
With the Windows Server 2012 upgrade available, Microsoft experts analyze the risks and rewards of the feature-rich release.Continue Reading
Exploring the Exchange Administration Center in Exchange Server 2013
As Exchange evolves, so does its management interface. Get a close look at the new Exchange Administration Center and see why it's an improvement.Continue Reading
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
IPhone configuration tips for Office 365 mailbox access
A correct iPhone configuration is critical for users who need Office 365 mailbox access. While the setup isn't difficult, it's not very intuitive either.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
Why do I get a PowerShell error when trying to access a file?
One common PowerShell error occurs because of the way PowerShell is told how to access a file. Here's how to fix it and avoid it in the future.Continue Reading
Five quick links: top five Active Directory tips of 2012
In 2012, admins were interested in Group Policy and Windows Server 2012 when it came to Active Directory. These are the top tips.Continue Reading
How to update an Exchange 2010 database availability group
Updating database availability groups is an important part of the Exchange service pack installation process. Learn the steps necessary to update your DAG.Continue Reading
Integrating document management systems into Microsoft SharePoint 2007
Managing external data access in SharePoint governance
Oops! I didn't do any capacity planning for SharePoint
Real-world Exchange Server 2007 migrations
How Exchange Online retention policies aid records management
Managing sandbox solutions in SharePoint 2010
You've got a SharePoint governance plan -- now what?
Best practices for migrating to SharePoint 2010
SharePoint planning tools abound -- just not from Microsoft
Enhancing SharePoint 2010 security through permissions management
Email archiving and e-discovery best practices for Microsoft Exchange
How to prepare Exchange Server 2010 for reusable PowerShell scripts
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
Does your SQL Server database improve SharePoint performance?
Planning for scalability in Microsoft SharePoint governance
SharePoint enterprise search gets boost from governance planning
How to install the Change Request Management template in MOSS 2007
Planning global enterprise SharePoint deployments
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
Risk management in IT: Is risk on your list?
IT pros who want to be respected and effect change, need to think about risk management in IT on a daily basis.Continue Reading
Microsoft brings clustering improvements to Windows Server 2012
In Windows Server 2012, changes to clustering means simpler patching and expanded support for read-only domain controllers.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 make SharePoint search less problematic
SharePoint is a vast repository for data, which is a good thing until a user wants to find something.Continue Reading
Five quick links: 2012's top Windows Server management tips
The most-clicked tips on Windows Server administration included old and new subjects: from Remote Desktop Gateway to IIS 8.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
System Center 2012 SP1 eventually lets IT manage Windows Server 2012
IT pros itching to manage Windows Server 2012 with System Center 2012 can see the light at the end of the tunnel, but will still have to wait a bit.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
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
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
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
Exchange 2010 SP2 rollup 4 delivers new retention policy support
Another rollup for Exchange 2010 Service Pack 2 is upon us, and this update includes 23 new fixes. Or is it actually 22 fixes plus a new feature?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
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
Five reasons Exchange shops delay Office 365 migrations
Microsoft claims the majority of its Exchange customers are considering Office 365. But IT pros have reservations about whether it's the right move.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
Microsoft Hyper-V and Virtual Machine Manager 2012 enhancements
Virtual Machine Manager 2012 promises improvements for Hyper-V shops. Find out why this single-pane-of-glass manager improves on VMM 2008.Continue Reading
How Exchange Online retention policies aid records management
A move to the cloud eliminates certain administrative chores. One task you must still handle is records management. Read about Exchange Online retention policies and the PowerShell you’ll need here.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
Microsoft patches MSXML, IE, hardens Windows Update
July's Patch Tuesday update fixes vulnerabilities in IE and MSXML. Plus, Microsoft hardened Windows Update certificates.Continue Reading
Managing Hyper-V 3.0 extensible switch, Replica with PowerShell
Are PowerShell 3 and Hyper-V 3.0 a perfect match? With some basic PowerShell scripts, learn how to complete management functions on two top features.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
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
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
FAQ: Preparing for the upgrade to Windows Server 2012
Mulling over an upgrade to Windows Server 2012? You're bound to have some questions. Our expert answers the most common ones.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
How Microsoft PowerShell v3 remoting has improved
Any serious admin should be learning about PowerShell -- it's the way of the future for Microsoft. Dive into one of the foundational technologies, Remoting.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
Revamped Windows Performance Toolkit improves performance monitoring
Performance monitoring gets a graphical boost with the release of several new event tracing tools.Continue Reading
How to track Microsoft Exchange Server licenses for free
No one wants to break Microsoft’s licensing laws, so keeping track of your Exchange licenses is critical. It may not be obvious due to its name, but this free Microsoft tool can help.Continue Reading
FAQ: System Center Configuration Manager 2012
Microsoft's new configuration management product offers some important new features. But only you know if it's the right fit for your organization.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 prepare Exchange Server 2010 for reusable PowerShell scripts
Creating reusable PowerShell scripts can save admins valuable time. But before you begin writing them, you’ve got to get your Exchange Server 2010 environment in order.Continue Reading
Why Workflow may be PowerShell v3's most important feature
Your task list is about to be reborn. Our expert explains how Workflow will help you now -- and how it will help guide Microsoft in the future.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
Understanding management gets your IT department what it needs
Crafting the perfect pitch can be difficult in a budget-conscious workplace. Knowing how management will react to proposals can help.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