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November 06, 2002 06 Nov'02
KIA Quiz #2: Through the ether

KIA Quiz #2: Through the ether
October 24, 2002 24 Oct'02
MEC and Tech-Ed: Members sound off

There will be no MEC 2003. Next year, the longstanding Microsoft Exchange Conference (This year, the "E" was changed to enterprise.) will be combined with Microsoft's Tech-Ed developer show, which is ...
October 22, 2002 22 Oct'02
Microsoft releases improved, complex SMS 2003 beta

The latest SMS is now out, but do you need it? There are a lot of improvements, but this beta is also complicated and best suited for big jobs.
October 11, 2002 11 Oct'02
Microsoft: We're doing a lot more listening

Microsoft VP Paul Flessner talks to SearchWin2000.com about how integration is changing the big picture at Microsoft. He also talks about how the company is trying to fix its fractured relationships with customers.
October 09, 2002 09 Oct'02
From the Trenches, part one: Network troubleshooting with ping

In part one of this three-part article, network administrator and IT consultant Tim Fenner will walk you through the basic uses of basic TCP/IP connection testing utilities -- and point out ways to use them more extensively.
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October 07, 2002 07 Oct'02
Open-source vendor: 'Microsoft will try to kill us'

Is it showtime for Linux on the desktop? There are plenty of IT administrators who're ready, particularly in the wake of Microsoft's Licensing 6.0. But there's work to be done before the penguin is ready for its desktop close-up. Ximian Inc. in ...
October 07, 2002 07 Oct'02
PPTP security hole corners IT pros

With PPTP servers and clients vulnerable, IT pros must wait for a Microsoft fix.
September 30, 2002 30 Sep'02
Battening down the Windows: Open-source versus commercial tools

When it comes to battening down the Windows, which toolshed should you visit -- open-source or proprietary? Analysts say the open-source shed is getting more traffic, thanks in no small part to Windows' insecure reputation. But is free better?
September 28, 2002 28 Sep'02
Microsoft works to put trust in Trustworthy Computing

A Microsoft official talks to SearchWin2000.com about what "trustworthy computing" means and how his company is trying to deliver on it.
September 27, 2002 27 Sep'02
Making sense of browser elections, part two

Why do unwanted browser elections keep popping up on Windows administrator's Event Viewers? How can administrators stop this insanity? Doug Paddock continues to answer these questions and more in this part two of this tutorial on browser elections.
September 16, 2002 16 Sep'02
Microsoft Browser Service, part three: Tips on Master Browser and WINS

In this three-part article, Ask the Expert advisor Douglas Paddock offers information and tips about the nature and use of Browser Service. In part three, the finale of the series, he offers some insights into the uses of Master Browsers and Windows...
September 11, 2002 11 Sep'02
Microsoft to clarify language on patches, fixes and updates

Are you all patched out? Can't keep up with all the hot fixes, updates, patches, service packs that Redmond rapid fires? Here's some good news: Microsoft is working on that. The company didn't exactly spill the beans, but an official did tell ...
September 11, 2002 11 Sep'02
Help! I've encrypted my data and I can't get it back

Waved goodbye to any encrypted data lately? Do you want to get it back? Security Expert Roberta Bragg shares her secrets for doing just that.
September 10, 2002 10 Sep'02
Microsoft Windows versus Linux TCO: Users speak out, part 7

In Part 7 of reader feedback on the Linux-Windows TCO debate, Microsoft supporters voice their opinions.
September 09, 2002 09 Sep'02
OpalisRobot software makes Windows task automation manageable

Read about Toronto's Opalis Software's development of a new piece of software that increases Windows task automation managability.
September 05, 2002 05 Sep'02
Expert security tips: How to protect networks without security overkill

An expert offers tips for increasing network -- and hence organization -- security. Find out how to identify security threats, assess security problems, develop security strategies.
August 26, 2002 26 Aug'02
Microsoft Windows versus Linux TCO: Users speak out, part 6

Does Windows beat out Linux in total cost of ownership? Some IT pros think so. Others think that the technology issues are overshadowed by emotions!
August 21, 2002 21 Aug'02
Surviving the IT job interview: dos & don'ts

IT trainer Doug Paddock offers tips for acing an IT job interview.
August 20, 2002 20 Aug'02
Analysts: Microsoft feeding thin client frenzy

These are thick times for thin clients -- the market is booming while the rest of the industry, well, isn't. Microsoft may be unwittingly fattening up thin client sales.
August 10, 2002 10 Aug'02
Microsoft versus Linux TCO: IT pros sound off, part four

IT pros bombarded our in-box with their opinions about Microsoft's new Linux strategy and TCO comparisons. In this collection of letters, users don't pull any punches.
August 02, 2002 02 Aug'02
SUS vs. SMS: Who needs 'em?

Microsoft's SUS offers some of the features of SMS, but it's not a good substitute for an enterprise that needs broad management capabilities. Companies with minimal complexity may get all they need from SUS.
August 01, 2002 01 Aug'02
SearchWin2000 poll: Most customers deep six Licensing 6.0

The Licensing 6.0 era has now begun, like it or not. Most SearchWin2000 readers are in the "not" category.
July 26, 2002 26 Jul'02
Microsoft's .NET dominates headlines

Another look at the week in Windows news, including new products and security alerts.
July 25, 2002 25 Jul'02
Stop kicking the tires, start securing the system

Application security awareness continues to grow as more data move to Web-based systems. But even though awareness is on the rise, Scott Hollis, director of security product management at NetIQ Corp., San Jose, Calif., agrees that many mainstream ...
July 22, 2002 22 Jul'02
Microsoft vs. Linux: IT pros sound off, part 3

IT professionals have a lot to say about Microsoft's new approach to competing with Linux and TCO comparisons between Windows and Linux. In part three of this series, they ask for more solutions and less hype.
July 16, 2002 16 Jul'02
Microsoft's gentler approach to Linux

After years of ridiculing Linux and open source technologies, Microsoft Corp. is now changing its approach. Responding to Microsoft users' demand for less hype, Microsoft is promising to take a more rational approach to comparing Windows to Linux ...
July 16, 2002 16 Jul'02
Partners: Microsoft delivering on Trustworthy Computing promise

Some of Microsoft's largest partners said they are sensing a real shift in the company's attitude about security, and they believe the company is starting to back its words with some action.
June 26, 2002 26 Jun'02
Microsoft: Oracle isn't "all that"

Stan Sorensen, director of SQL Server at Microsoft, said in the mid-1990s, his company faced a tough decision. At issue -- whether Microsoft should enter the database business or whether it should let others cash in on that market. Naturally, ...
June 26, 2002 26 Jun'02
Kicking the Windows habit: Oracle 9i vs. SQL Server

Oracle and Microsoft -- the two get along like a mongoose and a cobra -- or Burt and Loni, gnashing their teeth in the press and in the marketplace. SQL Server is one way Microsoft keeps its eyes on the enterprise prize, but is it an Oracle killa? ...
June 20, 2002 20 Jun'02
Security horror stories: True tales and expert advice

Ouch! These first-person tales describe painful security disasters. Fortunately, their pain is your gain. Advice from SearchWindowsManageability's security experts offers some preventative medicine for your systems.
June 20, 2002 20 Jun'02
Kicking the Windows habit: eDirectory vs. Active Directory

Novell Inc. is best known for its network operating system, Netware and its directory services. Its LDAP directory service, eDirectory, runs on several platforms including Netware, Linux and Unix. Novell was one of the most visible victims of ...
June 18, 2002 18 Jun'02
Kicking the Windows habit: Apache vs. IIS

IT departments are thinking beyond Windows and looking at alternatives for cost's sake, security's sake, or even variety's sake. SearchWin2000 spotlights some of those alternatives -- today we scout Apache, the IIS antagonist.
May 31, 2002 31 May'02
The age of Equarius

Are you balking at EAI and Web services because you think it'll take too darn long to get up and running? A company called Equarius has a program that may speed the process and spell your fears.
May 28, 2002 28 May'02
The dirty side of software piracy, part 2

Are you using illegal software and don't know it? Do you know there's a stiff penalty for piracy? It's time to wise up, then, because an audit from the Business Software Alliance can be very unpleasant.
May 22, 2002 22 May'02
Louisiana hospital finds scalable solution in SQL data warehouse

Curtis Boyd had a miniscule budget. Yet, he needed to quickly replace a nearly 20 year-old mainframe system to reduce report generation times from two weeks to one day. Sounds like Mission: Impossible, right? Well, with a little patience and a lot ...
May 22, 2002 22 May'02
Pros and Cons of MCSE and MCSA Certification

As two of the best-known and most widely-pursued IT certifications, it's important to understand the costs and benefits of MCSE and MCSA. Come along as certification guru Ed Tittel describes the pros and cons of both options.
May 20, 2002 20 May'02
Experts' dos & don'ts: Maximizing Windows performance, part 2

Performance tuning experts Chris Amaris and Kenton Gardinier can help you transform your Windows systems into speed demons. In part two of this series, they discuss network monitoring and Exchange and Active Directory storage.
May 20, 2002 20 May'02
Experts' dos & don'ts: Maximizing Windows performance, part 3

Get ready. Chris Amaris and Kenton Gardinier dish out performance tuning advice in the final article of our three-part series on maximizing Windows performance. Here, they discuss Group Policy and traffic analysis.
April 24, 2002 24 Apr'02
Rebecca LaBrunerie: Understanding Volume Licensing

Microsoft Licensing Program Manager Rebecca LaBrunerie answers user questions on volume licensing from an April 4 Webcast
Full Webcast
Power ...

April 24, 2002 24 Apr'02
Understanding Volume Licensing, part 2

Microsoft Licensing Program Manager Rebecca LaBrunerie answers user questions on volume licensing leftover from an April 4 webcast
Full Webcast
...

April 16, 2002 16 Apr'02
Microsoft expands .NET to handhelds

Microsoft hasn't forgotten to include mobile devices in its XML Web services .NET initiative. Find out how these three new tools can help developers extend .NET to handhelds.
April 15, 2002 15 Apr'02
Microsoft .NET Server VP: We need to earn value proposition

Windows .NET Server isn't ready for its close-up just yet -? that's still a few months away. But Microsoft's VP of the Windows .NET Server Group has plenty to say about it now. Bill Veghte sat down with SearchWin2000 on the Avenue of the Stars in ...
April 15, 2002 15 Apr'02
.NET Server: Does it belong in your future?

How big of a deal is the forthcoming Windows .NET Server? The answer depends on your situation, said a Gartner analyst at the firm's "Windows: Nothing but .NET?" conference.
April 12, 2002 12 Apr'02
Licensing: Countdown to July 31

Microsoft has made some drastic changes to its volume licensing programs during the last year. Alvin Park, a Gartner senior research analyst, said now is the time to make your move - don't wait until the last minute. He talked with SearchWin2000 ...
March 29, 2002 29 Mar'02
City of Edmonton masters e-mail management with AppAnalyzer

Systems Analyst for the City of Edmonton, Cathy Partridge, was hellbent on eliminating e-mail downtime. To do so, she had to had to do some detective work. Get the scoop on the successful results of her snooping.
February 19, 2002 19 Feb'02
Dos and don'ts of heterogeneous management

In this second part to this searchWindowsManageability interview, Bob Yellin, CTO of Tivoli Systems, Inc., described some "dos and don'ts" to managing a mixed network.
February 12, 2002 12 Feb'02
Don't fear the (Active) directory

Worried that your mismanagement of Active Directory may spell the end of your IT career? Don't worry. Look no further than a LDAP management tool to ease your AD woes.
February 07, 2002 07 Feb'02
Using Sun's storage systems in Windows shops

Sun Microsystems vows its new StorEdge 3900 and 6900 devices will support almost all operating systems--including Windows. In this interview, Sun's Bill Groth sheds light on how you can bring StorEdge into a Windows shop.
February 06, 2002 06 Feb'02
SQL Server management dos and don'ts

Think of your SQL Servers as data centers with the goal of making them as highly available as possible. How can I do that, you ask? We've got your tips and tricks right here in this dos and don'ts.
February 01, 2002 01 Feb'02
Case study: Ending the remote defrag drag

How can you be sure defragging is taking place regularly on all the PCs in your network? The Catch-22 is that unless you centrally manage them, you can't. Find out how one IT administrator found a way to gain control.
January 23, 2002 23 Jan'02
Multi-platform management dos and don'ts

You don't have to be a superhero to manage an environment that consists of multiple operating systems. You may have to a bit crafty, though. In this story, you'll find some tips to mastering a heterogeneous network.
January 23, 2002 23 Jan'02
Top 10 Active Directory management bloopers

The only consolation for IT managers who make mistakes in Microsoft Active Directory (AD) migration and management is that they're not alone. After helping folks migrate and manage AD over the last couple of years, Quest Software's Doug Davis has ...
January 07, 2002 07 Jan'02
Server management dos and don'ts

Are you spending too many lunch hours doing backups or upgrading servers? If so, you need these tips from Dell and Stratus server management experts.
January 03, 2002 03 Jan'02
File server management dos and don'ts

Get relief from file sharing and file server management headaches with these tips.
December 27, 2001 27 Dec'01
Back up expert fields sWM users' questions

Users tossed their toughest backup problems into Liam Scanlan's court. Were this backup expert's solutions slam dunks? Get into the game with this Q&A.
December 13, 2001 13 Dec'01
SAP touts its open source database

German e-business software giant SAP AG hopes its standalone open source database, SAP DB, will continue to gain new devotees. The company has released a new version of SAP DB.
December 11, 2001 11 Dec'01
Load balancer selection dos and don'ts

You may need only buy load balancing equipment rather than huge, expensive Web servers to conquer your traffic-related problems, according to Tony Bourke. To find out why this is so, searchWindowsManageability asked Bourke and F5 Networks' Chris ...
December 05, 2001 05 Dec'01
Lessons learned from 9-11: Disaster recovery dos and don'ts

At Oracle OpenWorld, Veritas CEO Gary Bloom described his company's post-September 11 data recovery mission and offered disaster recovery preparedness advice.
November 27, 2001 27 Nov'01
Case study: Defrag for less hang time

Tony Conte's recent decision-making process on a third-party defrag utility went smoothly, and his company, Racine, Wis.-based Horizon Retail Construction, Inc. is now reaping the benefits. Horizon's seven Windows servers and 150 workstations are ...
November 27, 2001 27 Nov'01
Disk defragmenting dos and don'ts

Tony Conte, director of information and business systems for Racine, Wis.-based Horizon Retail Construction Inc., shared some tips to implementing and choosing the best disk defragmentation software for your Windows environment.
November 20, 2001 20 Nov'01
Stickin' with IIS

Are you one of those folks who thinks IIS stands for "Incredibly Insecure Stuff"? Despite being the poster child for Microsoft's insecurity, IIS is AOK with most searchWin2000 readers who took our poll.
November 15, 2001 15 Nov'01
Look before you leap into Web services, part 2

Web services can help some companies increase productivity and cost-savings. But it's not for everyone. Find out why the hype surrounding Web services threatens to overshadow its benefits.
November 14, 2001 14 Nov'01
Dos and don'ts of choosing, managing clusters

Do you expect a cluster to do something it can't? Cluster technology expert David Flawn reveals the misconceptions about the capabilities of clusters and offers tips for effective cluster deployment.
November 13, 2001 13 Nov'01
Look before you leap into Web services

Web services' promise of publishing applications on the Web for users of many types of devices and users to use is appealing. Even so, businesses should look before they leap on the bandwagon, says SplitFire Technologies CEO Thomas Kelly.
November 12, 2001 12 Nov'01
Dreaming of streaming?

If you're dreaming of streaming, it's time to wake up and smell the technology. SoftOnNet has some Windows-friendly streaming stuff on the market aimed at IT managers, application service providers and software publishers.
November 09, 2001 09 Nov'01
Managing safe and secure remote connections

Remote security management is a lot like its on-premises equivalent, except that it is more broadly distributed and must work with a variety of different connection types and speeds. Find out what the best options are.
November 08, 2001 08 Nov'01
Dos and don'ts for Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0 implementation

The "no pain, no gain" principle doesn't have to apply to deploying and using Microsoft's Systems Management Server 2.0, said Microsoft SMS expert Bill Anderson. Here are his tips for pain-free implementations.
November 05, 2001 05 Nov'01
BMC Patrol now monitors Unix, Linux

BMC Software's Patrol product line has been extended to Unix, Linux and Windows servers. Monitoring and management will be automated with Patrol for Unix and Patrol for Microsoft Windows Servers. BMC's Carl Coken spoke to searchWindowsManageability ...
October 31, 2001 31 Oct'01
Network logon security dos and don'ts

Don't let logon policy weaknesses get your network down. Find out the "dos and don'ts" to logon password policy success from three searchWindowsManageability experts.
October 23, 2001 23 Oct'01
Remote management dos and don'ts

When the network is down and everyone who can fix it is offsite, it's important to have remote network management solutions set up. Kesem Technology's president and founder offers a list of tips on having the best solution.
October 22, 2001 22 Oct'01
Quest's ActiveRoles update tackles Group Policy

New automation and reporting technologies from Irvine, CA-based Quest Software promise to eliminate the drudgery of manual Windows 2000 Active Directory Group Policy management tasks.
October 17, 2001 17 Oct'01
IT manager relives Nimda attack

Rob Burton's network was eaten up by the Nimda virus. E-mail was down for a total of two work days. In this searchWindowsManageability interview, Burton describes his company's successful recovery and new security procedures.
October 16, 2001 16 Oct'01
IIS: To ditch or not to ditch?

Microsoft's IIS software doesn't have the best reputation, but is that reason to flee to another platform? Experts say it's best to think before you ditch.
October 12, 2001 12 Oct'01
When's it best to move to Active Directory?

The short answer is you are probably a good candidate if you are planning to run Exchange 2000, have outgrown your NT domains and possess good data on users. But there is really no magic formula when it comes to making the move to Active Directory....
October 03, 2001 03 Oct'01
Active Directory deployment dos and don'ts

Implement a poor Active Directory design, and your organization will feel a lot of pain as you change it. An AD deployment expert offers a planning guide that can help you avoid that pain.
October 01, 2001 01 Oct'01
MEC 2001: Update from the floor

Folks who made the trip to Orlando and MEC 2001 tell searchWin2000 why they're there, and what their chief concerns are.
September 28, 2001 28 Sep'01
MEC 2001: Let's do it

Microsoft Exchange Conference 2001 is a go in Orlando. Here's a preview of what to expect from their conference and our coverage.
September 21, 2001 21 Sep'01
Group Policy dos and don'ts

Two Windows aficionados tell searchWindowsManageability some tips on using Group Policy successfully.
September 05, 2001 05 Sep'01
Win2k Training: Don't leave NT without it

Without proper training, it's all too easy to go wrong migrating to Windows 2000. But in order to do things right, network and system managers must master new concepts, new techniques and even new vocabulary at an upfront cost that can easily eat up...
August 30, 2001 30 Aug'01
Dos and don'ts to help desk success

Management tools can automate help desk processes, but it takes a skilled IT manager to make those tools work to the best of their capabilities. To add to help desk managers' skill sets, searchWindowsManageability asked help desk experts to offer ...
August 30, 2001 30 Aug'01
Get the lowdown on help desk helpers

The help desk software market is expected to grow 25% this year, becoming a billion dollar market in 2001,according to Boston, MA-based Aberdeen Group. Poised to take advantage of this growth are market-leading veteran help desk software vendors, ...
August 23, 2001 23 Aug'01
Real-time alerts simplify communication

NetLert Communications' Nerlert, a made-for-businesses instant messenging product, works behind firewalls to ensure that information discussed remains secure. Construction company MB Haynes also uses it to notify employees when backup procedures ...
August 17, 2001 17 Aug'01
Track your assets efficiently with Solomon

In this case study, an automotive manufacturer's success in reducing inventory costs with Solomon software leads to Solomon-izing all financial processes.
August 07, 2001 07 Aug'01
Need tips for better disk management?

Disk management is a daunting task in today's heterogeneous enterprise environment. Experts from VERITAS explain why disk storage is so hard to control and how to use new technologies and good business practices to harness the beast.
July 19, 2001 19 Jul'01
Take the fear factor out of AD deployment

You'll need to put your organization's sharpest minds and smoothest diplomats on your Active Directory deployment team. A NetIQ expert offers do's and don'ts for migrating to AD.
July 12, 2001 12 Jul'01
Monitoring tool is budget-friendly

Arcana Development's Appmon monitoring and alerting tool helps administrators of smaller companies spend less time literally watching their servers to see when problems develop. It is geared toward smaller companies' system monitoring needs, and ...
July 05, 2001 05 Jul'01
You can have it all -- Macs and PCs on one network

Group Logic's ExtremeZ-IP allows a mixed Macintosh and PC network to exist by harnessing the TCP/IP protocol. The Marion County, FL, school district has benefitted from the technology, and, in effect, has saved time and money by not needing to ...
July 02, 2001 02 Jul'01
NetIQ security management suite goes beyond reporting

NetIQ's new security management suite contains five products that are geared toward simplifying the management of enterprise security via automated action. Security Manager, Security Analyzer, Firewall Suite, Directory and Resource Administrator and...
June 29, 2001 29 Jun'01
IMail puts managed e-mail on small biz menu

Amarel-Hart Enterprises outsources Ipswitch, Inc.'s IMail Server to a variety of clients. Mr. Rooter Plumbing and local school districts have found IMail a useful tool to make their work more productive.
June 29, 2001 29 Jun'01
More mature P2P technology is enterprise-ready

Even before Napster, there was, and still is, a project called SETI@home, wherein the power of idle home computers captures and processes data collected from space. The data is then analyzed to further the research into extraterrestrial life. ...
June 27, 2001 27 Jun'01
A security checklist for IT managers

Somebody out there is out to break into your network. That somebody is six times more likely to succeed if the network runs on Windows rather than Unix, according to a study by BindView Corp. The good news, says BindView director of security ...
February 28, 2001 28 Feb'01
We're not giving up on MCSE just yet
February 08, 2001 08 Feb'01
Quick Takes: Lots of storage
January 29, 2001 29 Jan'01
NT certification is dead. Long live Linux?

Why some fed up MCSEs are letting their certifications lapse or jumping to Linux.
January 24, 2001 24 Jan'01
Quick Takes: Security, solutions and support
November 16, 2000 16 Nov'00
Quick Takes: Taking panes for Windows
November 03, 2000 03 Nov'00
Opinion: 'How to Repel a Hack Attack'

Opinion: 'How to Repel a Hack Attack'

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