Windows systems and network management

Gain valuable techniques and information on the latest PowerShell commands and Microsoft tools, such as System Center, in this Windows systems and network management topic center. Admins will also learn new ways to respond quickly to changing business needs.

November 10, 2021 10 Nov'21
Exchange zero-day corrected on November Patch Tuesday

Microsoft released a security update to shut down a publicly exploited vulnerability in the beleaguered on-premises messaging platform.
October 13, 2021 13 Oct'21
Microsoft squashes Windows zero-day on October Patch Tuesday

In addition to the publicly exploited bug, Microsoft corrected 76 flaws, including four that had been publicly disclosed, in this month's batch of security updates.
September 15, 2021 15 Sep'21
September Patch Tuesday fixes zero-day, print spooler flaw

The two notable vulnerabilities, disclosed prior to this month's security update releases, receive permanent fixes to supersede earlier mitigation instructions.
August 11, 2021 11 Aug'21
More printer spooler bugs resolved on August Patch Tuesday

Microsoft corrects a Windows zero-day and two publicly disclosed vulnerabilities in this month's batch of security updates.

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content

swap file (swap space or page file)

A swap file is a system file that creates temporary storage space on a solid-state drive or hard disk when the system runs low on memory. Continue Reading
Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)

Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) is a set of specifications from Microsoft for consolidating the management of devices and applications in a network from Windows computing systems. Continue Reading
dynamic link library (DLL)

A dynamic link library (DLL) is a collection of small programs that larger programs can load when needed to complete specific tasks. Continue Reading

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

SCCM peer caching matters more now than ever

The three peer-to-peer technologies in System Center Configuration Manager smooth out traffic over the network, but one might be a better fit for your organization than the others. Continue Reading
SCCM vs. Intune: A closer look at the capabilities of each

Microsoft Endpoint Manager packages the two well-known administration tools, which have grown closer in functionality but still have some unique capabilities. Continue Reading
Azure Information Protection P1 vs. P2: What's the difference?

Azure Information Protection adds security to files such as sensitive emails and files copied to flash drives. See which features Microsoft offers in its two licensing levels. Continue Reading

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

What admins need to know about CMG client authentication

A System Center cloud management gateway keeps your organization's devices in compliance and running as they should, but which authentication option would work best for you? Continue Reading
Use command-line options to edit registries with regedit.exe

Did you know this venerable Windows GUI tool has several switches for basic registry editing tasks? See what tweaks Microsoft inserted in regedit for administrative use. Continue Reading
Using Diskpart to create, delete, clean or extend disk partitions

The diskpart is one of the oldest tools in the Windows operating system that handles a wide range of disk management jobs, such as assigning drive letters and deleting partitions. Continue Reading

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

Try default values in PowerShell parameters for flexibility

When you lock down your code to work in specific conditions, your automation efforts can fall flat. Try these techniques to add more versatility to your PowerShell scripts. Continue Reading
Cut coding corners with return values in PowerShell functions

In certain instances, a return keyword is a good option to exit the current scope of a function and to reduce the bloat from a PowerShell script. Continue Reading
Microsoft Cloud App Security aims to expand your defenses

Data center security tools have little control over the plethora of SaaS apps used in the enterprise. A Microsoft offering attempts to bridge that gap to ward off threats. Continue Reading