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Manage

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

• How to fix three nagging iPhone problems in Exchange 2007

  If your iPhone users are having trouble accessing Exchange 2007 email and calendaring, you can sidestep the problems before they happen. 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 secure Exchange Server 2010 post deployment

  So you’ve deployed Exchange 2010, but are you confident in its security? If you’re unsure, make certain you’ve checked off these seven items. 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

• E-book: Planning for an Exchange Server 2010 migration

  Migrating to Exchange Server 2010 from the 2007 edition is becoming a must, as the 2010 edition offers improved email archiving, high-availability, and optimal storage features. But as you begin to explore the possibilities of upgrading to Exchange ...Continue Reading

• PowerShell essentials for Exchange 2010 administrators

  Microsoft has made it clear PowerShell is going to be the administrative tool of choice moving forward. Familiarize yourself with basic syntax or get left behind.Continue Reading

• Everything you need to know about Exchange Online retention policies

  A move to Exchange Online can alleviate tedious administrative chores. But one task that should never be overlooked is records management. In this expert e-zine, you’ll learn about the numerous benefits of Exchange Online retention policies as well ...Continue Reading

• PowerShell v3

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

• Getting around SharePoint 2010 SP1 database upgrade hiccups

  When you apply SharePoint 2010 Service Pack 1, SharePoint databases are supposed to be upgraded. Unfortunately, the process isn’t without its frustrations.Continue 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

• Ten reasons to upgrade to Windows Server 2008 R2

  It's always difficult to make a change in your server operating system, especially if your current solution mostly meets your needs. But organizations running older versions of Windows Server should take a hard look at upgrading to 2008 R2, which ...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

• 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

• Hyper-V management tool 5nine revives the GUI on Windows Server

  The role of the command line is growing, but GUI-loving admins have options. We look at a Hyper-V tool that may appease the button-clickers.Continue Reading

• Building a self-assessment plan for IT pros

  Take a step back to reflect on where you’ve been and where your career is going. Annual self-assessment can boost your professional profile and help prepare you for an uncertain future.Continue Reading

• Remote Management in Windows Server 8

  Windows Server 8 is set to improve on a solid remote management foundation, but there are changes, like the move to GUI-less deployments, to consider.Continue Reading

• Windows Server 8 and PowerShell v3 Runbook Automation

  With improved runbook automation coming in Windows Server 8, admins can simply script processes – and, do a lot more.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

• Top Windows Server tips of 2011

  Find our most popular tips this year, including great free tools, understanding Azure services and the BYOD initiative.Continue Reading

• Our top 10 Exchange Server administration tips of 2011

  From Exchange Server virtualization and mobile management to common Exchange 2010 problems, these 10 administration tips kept you clicking in 2011.Continue Reading

• Understanding the Windows Server 8 Cluster Aware Update Wizard

  Cluster-Aware Updating won't end Patch Tuesday – but it will make administration of server clusters much easier.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

• How Server Manager will impact workflow in Windows Server 8

  The Server Manager console has been completely redesigned in Windows Server 8. While this will have positive effects on productivity, it could also cause some headaches.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

• Windows Server 8's patch management upgrades may be too good to be true

  Microsoft promises high IT service uptime in Windows Server 8 thanks to patch management upgrades – but what will that really translate into?Continue Reading

• Understanding System Center Service Manager 2010 and virtualization

  What Service Manager settings should you have set when virtualizing an environment?Continue Reading

• Five commonly overlooked aspects of Exchange 2010 migrations

  Are you planning an Exchange 2007 to Exchange 2010 migration? If so, make sure to remember these five items that aren’t covered in Microsoft documentation.Continue Reading

• Beyond the outages: IT pros weigh Office 365

  Office 365 offers businesses benefits that may outweigh concerns surrounding the cloud service. Tony Redmond shares his opinions on Microsoft's collaboration suite in this podcast.Continue Reading

• Cluster-based Wizard in Windows Server 8 could ease patch management

  Microsoft's upcoming Cluster Aware Update Wizard aims to ease the pain of patch management. But IT shops have questions about how it might fit with their internal patching procedures.Continue Reading

• Load testing and security during an Exchange 2010 migration

  This chapter of our Exchange 2010 migration e-book explains how to test Exchange 2010 with native and third-party management tools and how best to protect your investment, including advice for load testing and security.Continue Reading

• Boosting Windows Server security with Security Compliance Manager

  If you’ve never hardened your Windows-based servers, or would like to bring some consistency to your configurations, SCM is certainly worth a look.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

• Windows Server 8 brings changes, improvements

  Windows Server 8 brings a plethora of change to Microsoft’s plans for the cloud, storage and networking.Continue Reading

• Exchange 2010 migration: Preparing Active Directory using PowerShell

  Your Active Directory forest has to meet some prerequisites before migrating to Exchange Server 2010. These Powershell commands let you verify and prepare AD for the move.Continue Reading

• Write your way toward improved IT career prospects

  Many IT pros cower at the thought of writing anything for work. The truth is, improving your writing skills is one of the best ways to get ahead.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

• Mastering the art of Exchange 2010 migration documentation

  Documenting your Exchange Server 2010 migration is an often-overlooked part of the upgrade process. Learn why it’s important and what to include before putting pen to paper.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

• Enhancing SharePoint 2010 security through permissions management

  Get a handle on broad and granular permission management techniques to keep critical SharePoint 2010 data safe.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

• Four ideas to better secure identity management in the cloud

  As corporations store increasingly large amounts of mission critical data in the clouds, identity management needs to be more secure. Here are four ideas that could help.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

• Building a strategy for a move from Exchange to cloud-based email

  Here’s how two firms weighed the pros and cons of moving their Exchange email to the cloud and built a solid strategy for the present and future.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

• 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

• 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

• Free tools to ease Exchange Server and Outlook administration

  Looking for ways to relieve Exchange and Outlook administration woes without spending a mint? Look no further than this helpful list of seven free tools.Continue Reading

• Step-by-step guide to migrating from Exchange 2003 to Exchange 2010

  While Exchange 2010 promises to offer enhanced communication and collaboration capabilities, the migration process can still be a challenge for even the most diligent IT professional. Take a look at this e-book from the editors at SearchExchange.com...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

• Assembling an effective Exchange data retention policy

  Companies can get in trouble for not retaining Exchange email and data, or holding onto that information for too long. Learn how to build an effective data retention policy to avoid legal issues.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

• How to add certificates to Exchange Server 2010

  Are you trying to import a new certificate into Exchange 2010? Check out these simple steps.Continue Reading

• Expert sheds light on not-too-distant future of Exchange

  Expert Tony Redmond talks about what Exchange admins should do to prepare for Exchange 2010 SP2, the release of Office 365 and more in this podcast.Continue Reading

• Five Quick Links: SharePoint and Outlook integration

  Frustrated that you have to manage SharePoint and Outlook? There might be some benefits to it after all.Continue Reading

• Five Quick Links: Windows identity and access management

  Here are some quick tips on identity and access management that help explain what admins should look out for before implementing it.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

• Why Hyper-V drivers should matter to Windows admins

  Hyper-V drivers are key to understanding Microsoft’s virtualization platform and can bring an array of performance gains to the table.Continue Reading

• Top ten free Windows tools admins have never heard of

  These Windows tools may fly under the IT radar, but they might provide the answers many admins are looking 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

• Definitive Guide to Exchange Server 2010 Migration

  Maybe now is the time for your organization to upgrade to Exchange Server 2010. Do you know what you're getting into? Do you have a plan for your Exchange Server 2010 migration? In this e-book, our experts dissect all the steps involved in the ...Continue Reading

• Mastering the art of Exchange migration documentation

  This sample chapter explains how to draft a useful migration document and outlines key points your Exchange Server upgrade document should include, such as management strategies, storage design, software compatibility and more.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

• Programs appear to aid Office 365 migrations

  Software companies have prepared products to help shift enterprises to Office 365. But can they also ease the pains associated with the transition?Continue Reading

• Always-on VPN extends remote management for IT admins

  Always-on VPN technologies like Microsoft DirectAccess are changing the way organizations communicate inside and outside the office.Continue Reading

• Learning the value of designing PowerShell functions for reuse

  PowerShell is a highly extensible scripting language, and its many functions make it a tool that is far more versatile than you may think.Continue Reading

• Optimizing the OWA experience

  Improve OWA performance and protect users with custom configurations, some simple HTML code and an EMS command.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

• You've got a SharePoint governance plan -- now what?

  Learn how to sell management on the benefits of your SharePoint governance plan so you can put it into action.Continue Reading

• Exchange 2010 SP1 gets retention policy management overhaul

  Message retention is essential, but setting policies via the command line in Exchange 2010 RTM is a nuisance. Microsoft removed those irritations in SP1.Continue Reading

• Microsoft's latest cloud message to IT: Manage or be managed

  As System Center continues to shift toward a more cloud-friendly approach, it might be time for IT pros to become more flexible in their management practices as well.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

• Exchange Server 2007 performance monitoring primer

  Performance Monitor counters are cost-effective alternatives for manually managing Exchange servers. Learn about the threshold values of a range of Performance Monitors and how to configure different counters and alerts.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Hyper-V R2 Management Tutorial

  A lot has changed since the release of Microsoft’s first-generation hypervisor technology. See what’s new and what you may have missed with this comprehensive guide to all things Hyper-V.Continue Reading

• Best practices for migrating to SharePoint 2010

  Migrating even a small implementation or file share in SharePoint is not easy. Plan your process and test your work for the best results.Continue Reading

• System Center Updates Publisher zeroes in on third-party updates

  Microsoft is close to releasing a new version of its System Center Updates Publisher, a standalone utility that can help simplify updates to third-party software and applications.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

• A wish list for the future of System Center Virtual Machine Manager

  With its new focus on the private cloud, Microsoft could be on the right track with SCVMM. Here are four more capabilities that will hopefully be included with future versions.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

• Sharpen your Exchange PowerShell scripting skills

  Newbie admins and seasoned pros will all benefit from this PowerShell tutorial. Learn how to control PowerShell use in Exchange 2010 and ways to protect the server from buggy scripts.Continue Reading

• Mobile device management spotlight

  Users are adopting smartphones and tablets at a rapid pace, leaving IT shops no choice but to put the management of those devices at the top of their 2011 to-do lists.Continue Reading

• Virtual Machine Manager 2008 R2: Four features you wish it supported

  While Microsoft has made strides with its current virtualization management software, some still find it lacking in certain areas.Continue Reading

• Capacity planning a key piece of the virtualization puzzle

  While server virtualization is great for resource utilization, those who overlook capacity planning could still take a hit on performance.Continue Reading

• Comprehensive guide to an Exchange Server 2010 upgrade

  The buzz surrounding Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 isn’t just noise. But new features fall short without a proper setup. Get the lowdown on how to install, test and protect your Exchange upgrade.Continue Reading

• Delving into Exchange Server 2010 features

  From high-availability features to new management functions, Exchange Server 2010 sports enough changes to be considered a full-blown release.Continue Reading

• Prerequisites to an Exchange Server 2010 upgrade

  Do you know which prerequisites you must meet before deploying Exchange 2010 in your environment? Find out and get a few tricks to help along the way.Continue Reading

• Behind the wheel of a new Exchange Server 2010 installation

  You’ve upgraded to Exchange 2010, but don’t call it a day just yet. First, test your Exchange Server setup to be sure it’s ready for all users throw at it.Continue Reading