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.

February 10, 2021 10 Feb'21
Microsoft plugs Windows zero-day for February Patch Tuesday

Microsoft addresses 56 total unique vulnerabilities, including six that were publicly disclosed, and gives administrators their second dose for August's Zerologon issue.
January 13, 2021 13 Jan'21
Microsoft Defender zero-day fixed for January Patch Tuesday

In addition to the fix for its antivirus software, Microsoft also corrected a publicly disclosed printer driver flaw that affected Windows client and server systems.
December 09, 2020 09 Dec'20
Microsoft closes out year with light December Patch Tuesday

In addition to the monthly security updates, Microsoft shares a fix to address a DNS cache poisoning vulnerability that affects Windows Server systems.
November 11, 2020 11 Nov'20
Windows zero-day shut down on November Patch Tuesday

In addition to fixing the exploited Windows flaw, Microsoft rolls out a new look to the Security Update Guide that draws some criticism.

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content

Learn to use a PowerShell call function from another script

Don't use the same lines of code in several places in your scripts. Learn how to use functions and reap the benefits of a more streamlined approach. Continue Reading
Level up with these advanced PowerShell commands to copy files

Take a closer look at Copy-Item cmdlet coding examples to build advanced PowerShell scripts that copy files with safety measures to ensure the duplicates reach their destinations. Continue Reading
SharePoint Online PowerShell commands for admin tasks

You can avoid the admin portal when you pick up your PowerShell game and learn how to manage cloud-based resources in Office 365, including the SharePoint collaboration platform. Continue Reading

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

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
WUfB vs. WSUS: Which handles Windows updates better?

Trying to get a handle on Windows updates can frustrate even the most seasoned administrators. Which of these two patch management tools fit best in your environment? Continue Reading
Azure AD Premium P1 vs. P2: Which is right for you?

Azure Active Directory is more than just Active Directory in the cloud. See how the premium editions of the directory service stack up to find the best fit for your organization. Continue Reading

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

Explore multiple Office 365 PowerShell management options

Why use PowerShell for Office 365 and Azure? In some instances, it's the only way to tap into some of the hidden management settings in these Microsoft cloud products. Continue Reading
Remote possibilities: Out-of-band management admin options

COVID-19 puts added strain on administrators who need to compensate for lack of personnel in data centers, which leads to the need for a remote access strategy. Continue Reading
Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM)

Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) is a Windows product that enables the management, deployment and security of devices and applications across an enterprise. Continue Reading

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

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
What is bloatware? How to identify and remove it

Unwanted pre-installed software -- also known as bloatware -- has long posed security threats for computers and other devices. Here are strategies for how to detect bloatware and uninstall the potential threat. Continue Reading
How to work with Azure DNS zones

Microsoft's hosting service for DNS domains is an option for organizations with a heavy Azure investment that want the benefits associated with a cloud service. Continue Reading