Tips

Tips

• Microsoft hopes an Azure Stack deployment will ease hybrid cloud angst

  It's a hybrid cloud world, and Microsoft wants to get in while the getting's good. With its Azure Stack offering, Microsoft wants to ease hybrid cloud integration frustrations.  Continue Reading

• Office 365 admin roles give users the power of permissions

  No matter your organization's size, it's helpful to have users handle some functions typically reserved for IT. But limit access to elevated access to reduce security risks.  Continue Reading

• Debug an Active Directory domain join failure on Windows Server

  The domain join process typically works without issue. But when a device can't connect to Active Directory, the administrator must seek the culprit from the usual suspects.  Continue Reading

• Reduce downtime with Azure Site Recovery service

  Any business can experience data failure. What matters most is how you prepare for a quick recovery. Azure Site Recovery uses the Microsoft cloud when your data center goes dark.  Continue Reading

• Hop on board an Express Migration for Exchange Online

  Exchange administrators dread a slow, complicated move to Office 365. The Express Migration option simplifies the shift with a single dashboard.  Continue Reading

• Educate users to avert email phishing attacks

  Attackers work day and night thinking up new ways to bypass IT security. Educate users on ways to avoid email phishing attacks so you can rest easy.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft ReFS tuned for Hyper-V, but be aware of hazards

  Microsoft positions its Resilient File System to replace the venerable NTFS, and it does increase resiliency and storage, but there are caveats that might limit its adoption.  Continue Reading

• A Pester test takes the guesswork out of PowerShell scripts

  No one wants to write a PowerShell script only to discover later that it doesn't work as anticipated. Pester provides a testing language to ensure code lives up to expectations.  Continue Reading

• Securing Privileged Access program builds wall against attacks

  Administrative privileges are perhaps the biggest target for attackers. Microsoft's Securing Privileged Access program helps admins and security teams decrease that threat level.  Continue Reading

• Use Chocolatey to automate software installations on Windows Server

  The Chocolatey package manager enables admins to automate tedious software deployments. Follow these steps to speed up your install process and regain time in your day.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft expands Office 365 MFA support, but snags remain

  Administrators can use multifactor authentication to lock down Office 365, but the newer Azure Active Directory PowerShell module that ties services together has some drawbacks.  Continue Reading

• Arm yourself for battle against an email virus outbreak

  Did malware slip through the Exchange Server perimeter? Don't panic. Use these PowerShell commands to respond quickly and minimize the damage.  Continue Reading

• Manage Linux servers with a Windows admin's toolkit

  Even Microsoft recognizes it's no longer just a Windows world. Here's what Windows administrators can do to pick up Linux management and monitoring.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2016 Network Controller brings enticing SDN features

  Windows Server 2016 Network Controller serves up advanced SDN features that give admins more control over virtual and physical network components. But nothing in life is free.  Continue Reading

• Tricks to create Office 365 Groups from distribution groups

  Many businesses switch from distribution groups to Office 365 Groups to benefit from its advanced features. Converting from one service to another, however, is a tricky process.  Continue Reading

• Span multiple services with Office 365 data loss prevention policies

  Microsoft bolstered the data loss prevention features in Office 365 to protect more than just email. Learn how to expand DLP protection to SharePoint and OneDrive.  Continue Reading

• Office 365 administrators must brush up on cloud skills

  Are you prepared to shift from on-premises Exchange Server to Office 365? It's a different skill set, and admins must rethink how to deploy apps and protect end users.  Continue Reading

• Use PowerShell for help with DNS server management

  Administrators can use point-and-click management tools to update DNS servers, but a PowerShell script will automate these routine tasks.  Continue Reading

• Stop an Outlook certificate error before serious trouble erupts

  Users often dismiss Outlook certificate errors, but admins should know better. Here are some steps to address the three common causes of certificate errors.  Continue Reading

• Exchange 2007 end of life creates on-premises vs. cloud choice

  Support for Exchange 2007 ends in April, which means many organizations face an impending migration. Keep these guidelines handy during migration talks.  Continue Reading

• An Office 365 pilot can make or break a rollout

  Before moving from on-premises Exchange to Office 365, admins can set up a pilot to see if bandwidth, connectivity or incompatibilities will hinder success.  Continue Reading

• Ways to adapt to Microsoft patching changes

  Microsoft's switch to rollup patching makes it imperative for administrators to streamline the update process for Windows Server systems.  Continue Reading

• Tap PowerShell DSC resources to automate web server construction

  Administrators will create numerous IIS web servers during their IT careers. With Desired State Configuration, admins can automate this task with cleaner results.  Continue Reading

• Exchange hybrid arrangement adds management complexity

  On-premises Exchange Server and Office 365 can make a great team -- if admins pay attention to certain features and adjust management practices accordingly.  Continue Reading

• Ransomware prevention strategies for Windows Server admins

  One ransomware infection can lock up critical data and disrupt the business, but these tips can help boost your data center's defenses.  Continue Reading

• Office 365 administrators seek these new skills to stay relevant

  Some IT administrators are concerned they are not essential in the Office 365 era, but admins can prove valuable to their organization if they evolve with the times.  Continue Reading

• More Exchange backup options cover various deployment types

  Exchange administrators can choose from numerous backup offerings from Microsoft and third parties to restore individual emails or entire servers.  Continue Reading

• Trust, but verify after Exchange Server 2016 installation

  Admins may be eager to put Exchange Server 2016 into production after installation, but they should check off several tasks to ensure the messaging platform is stable.  Continue Reading

• Set PowerShell execution policy based on your needs

  Scripts to automate workflows and other procedures can be a boon to the IT staff, but there may be situations where it makes sense to adjust the PowerShell execution policy.  Continue Reading

• Add-ons secure Office 365 from advanced attacks

  Microsoft adds features to further secure Office 365 against advanced threats, such as email phishing attempts and malicious attachments.  Continue Reading

• Managed service accounts tighten Windows Server security

  When a Windows Server application uses a service account, it can make an organization vulnerable. Admins can switch to managed service accounts to boost Windows Server security.  Continue Reading

• Three reasons why extended Exchange outages occur

  When Exchange Server goes down for an extended period of time, these three problems are probably to blame.  Continue Reading

• How to safely plug in PowerShell Web Access for remote management

  While PowerShell Web Access is a convenient way to maintain remote servers, there are security considerations to weigh.  Continue Reading

• Dig into the Exchange 2016 hardware requirements

  A move to Exchange 2016 may mean increased costs to hardware that can support the latest Microsoft messaging platform.  Continue Reading

• Beware of these six Office 365 cons for IT shops accustomed to on premises

  Office 365 offers many benefits, but there are plenty of cons to consider before leaping to this cloud-based productivity suite that includes Exchange Online.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Five reasons for an Office 365 hybrid deployment

  Not all organizations can go all-in on cloud. There are five reasons why a hybrid Office 365 arrangement makes sense for those companies.  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

• Low-cost Exchange administration tools that won't break your budget

  Admins must keep a close eye on Exchange Server to ensure it runs at peak performance. If cost is an issue, there are a number of free and low-cost tool options.  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

• Avoid disaster with these Exchange 2013 backup options

  Exchange Server administrators have a number of ways to keep disaster from sinking a key part of the corporate infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• Uncover Exchange back pressure triggers with PowerShell

  Email not being delivered? Administrators can run PowerShell commands to pinpoint outages and performance degradation during periods of heavy activity.  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

• Skype for Business Online PowerShell shortcuts for policy management

  Administrators can tighten controls on the Skype for Business Online structure, adjust policies one user at a time or apply changes to an entire group with PowerShell.  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

• Access for Office 365 external users a concern for admins

  Microsoft added external access for Office 365 Groups, which means administrators must contend with confidentiality and lifecycle issues until the service matures.  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

• Why Windows admins must prep for Docker Datacenter

  Microsoft continues to forge ahead in the open source world, forcing admins in traditional Windows shops to get a feel for managing containers with Docker Datacenter.  Continue Reading

• Understanding Exchange Online's Role-Based Access Control model

  The Role-Based Access Control model manages and evaluates permissions in Exchange Online. Admins can explore the model, create new permissions and customize roles.  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

• Use Exchange Online PowerShell scripts to blaze through routine tasks

  Administrators tasked with handling many Exchange Online mailboxes can perform tasks, such as setting mailbox size limits and searching for messages, in bulk with PowerShell.  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

• Exchange PowerShell commands for faster mailbox management

  Whether you have 10 or 10,000 mailboxes, working with Exchange PowerShell commands in readily available scripts can ease mailbox administrative tasks.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for Exchange 2016 virtualization

  Virtualizing Exchange Server is often a controversial topic. While some say it's expensive and difficult, proponents find value in it -- if done properly.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2016 license shakeup affects enterprise choices

  Organizations mulling an upgrade to a Windows Server 2016 license should understand the big differences in features available between the Standard and Datacenter editions.  Continue Reading

• Storage QoS in Windows Server 2016 stabilizes Hyper-V performance

  Microsoft updated Storage QoS to let administrators running a large number of Hyper-V workloads on file servers get consistent performance by regulating storage bandwidth.  Continue Reading

• Boost Exchange email security with Critical Security Controls

  The SANS Institute's 20 critical security controls all apply to Exchange Server, and many IT organizations are falling behind on many of them.  Continue Reading

• Assign Office 365 licenses quickly with PowerShell

  With some help from PowerShell, IT administrators can see how many Office 365 licenses are available and dispense them to users quickly.  Continue Reading

• Active Directory cleanup trims database bloat

  Administrators can avoid unnecessary risks and potential performance issues by removing unneeded and outdated objects from Active Directory.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft shakes up MCSD, MCSE certifications

  Changes to Microsoft's MCSD and MCSE certifications will push IT pros to take elective exams annually -- instead of recertifying every few years.  Continue Reading

• Office 365 reporting tool offers insights, analytics

  Microsoft's Office 365 reporting tool gives administrators flexibility with how reports are generated and ways to monitor the consumption of the cloud platform.  Continue Reading

• Log Parser Studio provides flexibility for Exchange troubleshooting

  Administrators can use default queries in Log Parser Studio or modify existing queries to analyze logs and troubleshooting Exchange issues.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft tweaks Windows PowerShell DSC in Windows Server 2016

  Microsoft refined PowerShell Desired State Configuration in Windows Server 2016 to make server configurations less of a chore for administrators and developers.  Continue Reading

• These Windows configuration management tools can prevent mishaps

  It's a challenge to limit downtime and speed up deployments in the data center. Configuration management tools can help IT maintain control.  Continue Reading

• Tighten security with regimen of scanning, Windows Server patching

  Regular vulnerability scans can close holes in the IT security perimeter when paired with a regimented Windows Server patching process.  Continue Reading

• Key retention tools for the Office 365 administrator

  Microsoft provides powerful management tools to assist companies that require a robust Office 365 retention policy.  Continue Reading

• Office 365 eDiscovery bolsters an admin's compliance arsenal

  Microsoft's enhanced Office 365 eDiscovery features will look familiar to administrators who have used case management features in on-premises Exchange Server.  Continue Reading

• Office 365 planning requires a costs and needs evaluation

  Migrating to Office 365 can lift some stress off a busy IT department, but there are fiscal and technical considerations to contemplate before moving email to the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Produce mailbox reports with Exchange Online PowerShell scripts

  Administrators who are familiar with PowerShell can use their skills to extract user mailbox information for Exchange Online reports.  Continue Reading

• Automate cloud management with an Azure runbook

  For organizations that are pushing more workloads into the cloud, building an Azure Automation runbook is one way to help maintain control on the cloud environment.  Continue Reading

• Get the most out of Exchange logs to prevent issues

  There is no shortage of Exchange Server logs at the administrator's disposal. There are a number of tools available to analyze the data and help avoid future issues.  Continue Reading

• Make the right move with the Active Directory Migration Tool

  Migrating Active Directory to a new version should go smoothly if you follow best practices and make sure you have a way to undo the procedure if things start to go wrong.  Continue Reading

• PKI encryption in PowerShell coming in Windows Server 2016

  Administrators can use PowerShell to perform PKI encryption to protect sensitive data, but public or private key certificates need to be created first.  Continue Reading

• Configuration caveats when enabling Outlook offline

  Exchange data is still available for users working in Outlook offline or Outlook on the web, but administrators may want to lock down certain settings.  Continue Reading

• How to create a global Exchange Server setup

  Organizations should tackle these technical, financial and managerial issues to ensure email flows efficiently among global Exchange servers.  Continue Reading

• How Microsoft Advanced Threat Analytics helps secure Exchange

  Advanced Threat Analytics uses self-learning algorithms to compare normal user behavior to what is currently happening in an Exchange environment.  Continue Reading

• Set Office 365 data loss prevention policies with PowerShell

  Exchange administrators can use PowerShell to manage Office 365 compliance, e-discovery and data loss prevention.  Continue Reading

• New Active Directory features coming in Windows Server 2016

  Lost in the containers buzz are several key improvements to Active Directory to make identity and access administration easier.  Continue Reading

• Untangling the confusion in the Microsoft Azure portal

  Administrators must grapple with Azure management portal changes as Resource Manager displaces the classic Service Management portal.  Continue Reading

• Several ways to resolve Exchange mail flow issues

  When a wayward message doesn't reach its intended mailbox, there are times it takes a combination of tools, log files and troubleshooting techniques to fix an email flow problem.  Continue Reading

• Upgrade to Windows Server 2016 or consider other options?

  As the release date for Windows Server 2016 draws near, will your organization decide to upgrade or go another route?  Continue Reading

• Exchange database maintenance requires oversight

  Don't assume Exchange 2010 database maintenance is happening; administrators should check the event log and performance counter to ensure an Exchange database repair or recovery isn't required.  Continue Reading

• Test and confirm functions with PowerShell parameters

  Windows PowerShell functions support parameters that can prevent scripts from being run accidentally and simulate the outcome of the function.  Continue Reading

• Customize security settings with the Security Configuration Wizard

  The Security Configuration Wizard can help organizations secure servers, but admins should be cautious when converting security policies into group policy objects.  Continue Reading

• Exchange mobile device management poses challenges to administrators

  While allowing end users to access Exchange from multiple devices usually won't affect the server, it can quickly drive up licensing costs and help desk calls.  Continue Reading

• SharePoint Online management through PowerShell

  Admins will need to complete a few prerequisites to manage SharePoint Online with PowerShell, such as downloading the SharePoint Online Management Shell.  Continue Reading

• Storage Replica presents cheaper replication option

  The Storage Replica feature in Windows Server 2016 delivers a backup and recovery option for organizations that might otherwise require an offsite data center.  Continue Reading

• What to configure in Windows Server local security policy

  Organizations should configure the local security policy for new servers to handle patch management and for protection against unauthorized access.  Continue Reading

• Exchange 2016 upgrade considerations

  Organizations planning an upgrade to Exchange 2013 or Exchange 2016 should focus on five areas to avoid trouble.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for authenticating PowerShell script permissions

  PowerShell scripts can only run when they have the proper permissions, but an administrator may need to authenticate the script so it has the right privileges.  Continue Reading

• Start using the PowerShell pipeline with this example

  An administrator can create functions to support the PowerShell pipeline, which improves upon text-based shells by allowing the scripter to pass objects across the pipe.  Continue Reading

• How Windows administrators can manage print queues

  Printer management requires making sure the correct and most current drivers are installed and that any print queues associated with a device are cleared.  Continue Reading

• When to use OneDrive for Business vs. SharePoint Online

  With multiple options available from Microsoft for personal and corporate document storage and sharing, it's easy to get confused about which to use and when.  Continue Reading