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Windows systems and network management

• 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

• 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

• How DNS devolution works in Windows Server 2008 R2

  Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 ship with built-in changes to the DNS name devolution process that help boost security and simplify client access to network resources. Continue Reading

• Saving time with offline domain joins in Windows Server 2008 R2

  An offline domain join allows Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 machines to join a domain without connecting to a DC. Here’s how the process works. Continue Reading

• Understanding Active Directory operations: The Jet database

  Unlock the secrets of how the Jet database engine works within Active Directory and learn to troubleshoot database-related issues. Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Jet session issues for Active Directory databases

  Unbeknownst to some admins, issues related to Jet sessions can cause Active Directory database performance problems. Learn what to look for -- and how to fix what you find.Continue Reading

• Sysinternals RAMMap utility sheds new light on Windows memory usage

  RAMMap, one of the latest offerings from Sysinternals, provides an in-depth overview of server memory usage that can't be matched by native Windows programs.Continue Reading

• Inside the new PowerShell 2.0 commands for Active Directory

  Windows Server 2008 R2 comes with a bevy of new PowerShell cmdlets for managing AD. Here is a rundown of the key commands, with details on how they work and when to use them.Continue Reading

• Configuring applications in Windows with Group Policy preferences

  Application behaviors can be tweaked and pushed out to your network via a logon script or Group Policy preference. See why choosing the latter could make your life a lot easier.Continue Reading

• What's so great about R2's new AD Administrative Center?

  Microsoft revamped the way admins manage certain tasks with the ADAC in Windows Server 2008 R2. See how it compares to the AD Users and Computers snap-in from past releases.Continue Reading

• AD Rights Management Services and the protection within

  For IT pros, the days of simply securing the perimeter are long gone. AD Rights Management Services is just one of many solutions designed to help protect data from the inside.Continue Reading

• Say goodbye to Windows logon scripts with Group Policy preferences

  In certain scenarios, Group Policy preferences can help admins overcome the challenges and limitations of basic logon scripts. See what you might be missing in this tip.Continue Reading

• Can Windows Server 2008 R2 save you money?

  Times are tough, but new features in R2 could have a positive impact on the bottom line.Continue Reading

• Five Group Policy preferences you must implement right now

  GPPs have a lot to offer the Windows domain, but not everyone takes advantage of them as much as they could.Continue Reading

• Active Directory Web Services brings new power to R2

  Admins running Windows 2008 R2 might be interested in Active Directory Web Services, a new interface for accessing Active Directory and AD Lightweight Directory Services.Continue Reading