Tips

Tips

• Snag a better software service contract with these tactics

  Negotiating a cheaper service and support agreement for software requires some ingenuity, but there are typically savings to be had if you follow these strategies.  Continue Reading

• Will PowerShell Core 6 fill in missing features?

  Windows administrators will be in for some adjustments as Microsoft de-emphasizes Windows PowerShell and moves towards PowerShell Core, which currently lacks some key features.  Continue Reading

• GDPR requirements loom for Windows Server admins

  The upcoming General Data Protection Regulation will force many companies to re-examine how they store and process personal data. Here's how admins can ready their business.  Continue Reading

• How to build a bulletproof Hyper-V failover cluster

  Before deploying a Hyper-V failover cluster, heed these design instructions to keep VM performance from lagging due to a faulty configuration.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server version 1709 hits turbulence upon release

  Microsoft designed Windows Server version 1709 for cloud-focused businesses that need up-to-date technologies. So what makes it different from Windows Server 2016?  Continue Reading

• Determine the right Windows BranchCache for the company

  Don't let network traffic bottlenecks slow data transfer to branch office employees. There are two ways to use Windows BranchCache to speed up file transfers from your main office.  Continue Reading

• Tools for system administrators that don't cost a dime

  If you use the default Windows tools for everyday administrative duties, such as taking screenshots or editing text, there are better options that come without charge.  Continue Reading

• Disable SMB1 before the next WannaCry strikes

  As long as SMB1 lingers in your systems, they are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Use these tools and techniques to find and remove all signs of this unsafe network protocol.  Continue Reading

• System Center Configuration Manager tool regulates server updates to stop attacks

  Early security updates diminish online threats. See how IT admins use System Center Configuration Manager to roll out patches promptly while minimizing downtime for users.  Continue Reading

• How to bring Azure costs down to earth

  Don't let Azure VMs rack up a huge monthly bill from Microsoft. Figure out your business needs, then adjust the options in Azure to minimize charges.  Continue Reading

• Windows file server migration tool eases data transfer dread

  For a seemingly simple process, Windows file server migrations instill a lot of apprehension in IT admins. Next time, go into the fight with a free tool to manage the process.  Continue Reading

• Filter and query Windows event logs with PowerShell

  Use the Get-EventLog cmdlet in PowerShell to pinpoint problems among thousands of entries in Windows logs, on both local and remote systems.  Continue Reading

• PowerShell repository supplies a quick route to scripts

  Don't have time to sift through thousands of PowerShell scripts to find one for a specific task? The PowerShell Gallery is one-stop shopping for your administrative needs.  Continue Reading

• Azure DevTest Labs offers complement to on-premises testing

  Test environments in the data center can be restrictive and slow progress. Here's how to use Azure DevTest Labs to free up the development pipeline.  Continue Reading

• Preserve your AD organizational unit with these commands

  Active Directory OUs maintain order in an IT organization. But if you're not careful, an errant keystroke can topple everything.  Continue Reading