IT career development

To stay competitive in today's Windows IT job market requires a mix of data center and cloud skills, and deep understanding of Microsoft products. Whether you manage a Windows shop or have just entered the field, this collection of articles on IT career development will improve your Windows Server administrator skills and advance your career.

August 25, 2016 25 Aug'16
Microsoft Ignite 2016 conference coverage

Find all the independent reporting and analysis from the Microsoft Ignite conference 2016 in one place.
April 30, 2015 30 Apr'15
Experts share predictions for Microsoft Ignite

Experts give insights on Microsoft Ignite, what Windows services they hope to hear about, and whether this show will live up to TechEd conference fame.
February 04, 2014 04 Feb'14
IT pros size up new Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella with a critical eye

Microsoft's new CEO Satya Nadella brings technical expertise to the helm, but can he provide a roadmap that offers IT pros reason for optimism rather than continued frustration?
January 24, 2014 24 Jan'14
New Microsoft certs changes that IT pros need to know

The Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 8.1 and System Center 2012 R2 releases are responsible for the updated MCSA and MCSE cert exams.

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content

Microsoft Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

Microsoft Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a series of Microsoft components that allow native Linux 64-bit Executable and Linkable Format (ELF64) binaries to run on the Windows kernel in the Windows 10 operating system (OS). Continue Reading
Network engineer vs. software engineer: What’s the difference?

Network and software engineering are two different fields, and the roles of network engineers vs. software engineers vary, despite potential overlaps in software skills. Continue Reading
Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification is the name of a suite of entry-level certifications offered by Microsoft that signify fundamental technology knowledge in those who earn it. Continue Reading

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

The power and plights of female network engineers

Impostor syndrome burdens female network engineers, due to discrimination, as well as a lack of representation and education. But many of these women are working to change that. Continue Reading
A roundup of the Cisco certification changes in 2020

The network industry is changing and so are required network engineer skills. Here's how Cisco redesigned its certification programs to keep up with industry goals. Continue Reading
7 PowerShell courses to help hone skills for all levels of expertise

Online PowerShell courses, such as the seven examined here, offer systems administrators and other users basic tutorials as well as more advanced courses. Continue Reading

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

Black network engineers juggle building networks, being seen

2020 didn't transform diversity and inclusion in companies, according to some Black network engineers. But diversity in their careers and networks goes beyond hiring practices. Continue Reading
4 AI career path trajectories for IT professionals

As the desire for AI and machine learning in-house skills skyrocket, those looking to break into the market have a variety of career path options, including AI architect and BI developer. Continue Reading
Windows and Linux: What systems administrators need to know

The lines between Windows Server and Linux continue to blur. Discover what Windows administrators need to know to get up to speed with these new Linux features. Continue Reading

We’ve gathered up expert advice and tips from professionals like you so that the answers you need are always available.

Build a Hyper-V home lab in Windows Server 2019

Production servers aren't the place to experiment with Microsoft's Hyper-V technology. This guide helps you build a lab tailored for a nested virtualization environment. Continue Reading
Ways administrators can avoid IT burnout

The last thing an overextended admin needs is additional work, but there are certain practices that, once introduced, can curb tech burnout in the long run. Continue Reading
Should in-house staff or consultants handle Windows Server 2016 upgrades?

Is it better to approach a potential Windows Server 2016 upgrade using in-house staff, or should we seek the help of consultants? Continue Reading