Tips

Tips

Windows systems and network management

• Windows Management Framework 5 update gives PowerShell users a fix

  Microsoft answered admin requests for new features and fixed several bugs with its WMF 5.1 release, giving users a slew of advanced PowerShell cmdlets.  Continue Reading

• Pester PowerShell unit testing ensures quality code

  PowerShell jockeys can turn to the Pester unit testing framework to ensure the code they write is up to snuff.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft software-defined networking gets baked into Windows Server

  The Microsoft SDN technology that comes in the Windows Server 2016's Datacenter edition features a range of basic to nuanced virtual control options.  Continue Reading

• Ease migrations with Windows Server Migration Tools cmdlets

  An in-place Windows Server upgrade is easier than a server migration. When an upgrade isn't possible, admins can ease the transition with a Microsoft snap-in.  Continue Reading

• SCORCH integration packs plug in more functionality

  Integration packs enhance the automation abilities of System Center Orchestrator to help administrators manage a wide array of products and systems.  Continue Reading

• Build bridges between domain and Microsoft accounts with Group Policy

  BYOD disrupted how the IT department managed resources. Now, administrators face a management challenge presented by a new interloper -- Microsoft accounts.  Continue Reading

• How does System Center Orchestrator stack up against similar tools?

  Administrators who wrestle with deployment and optimization of IT resources can ease the workload by adopting an orchestration tool designed to ease this burden.  Continue Reading

• Manage headless servers for free with Server Management Tools

  Windows Server management can be complicated -- especially headless server deployments -- but Microsoft attempts to ease this task with its free Azure-based Server Management Tools.  Continue Reading

• System Center 2016 new features -- and changes -- worth noting

  Microsoft integrates key Windows Server 2016 features, such as Nano Server and data protection, with the new version of System Center.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server Migration Tools make file share moves less taxing

  Administrators can hit a few snags when migrating a Windows file server, but a free Microsoft utility and some PowerShell know-how make the changeover a painless procedure.  Continue Reading

• Tailor a WSUS server setup to any Windows environment

  Administrators can configure a Windows Server Update Services server -- or several -- to manage and distribute updates from Microsoft.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft SCORCH lights an automated path to more efficiency

  System Center Orchestrator tackles tedious tasks and can even make autonomous decisions based on conditions set by the Windows administrator.  Continue Reading

• Ease Windows Update problems by using WSUS servers

  To combat various Windows Update problems, administrators should consider implementing a WSUS server to regain control over the patching process.  Continue Reading

• Use Windows PowerShell DSC to construct file servers from scratch

  Administrators can take control over the deployment of common resources, such as Windows-based file servers, using PowerShell Desired State Configuration.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2016 networking features bolster control, security

  Windows Server 2016 boasts improved load balancing and new ways to protect the data center from DoS attacks.  Continue Reading