Tips

Tips

• Configure Windows Storage Spaces to serve up hot data fast

  To avoid the high cost of a software-defined SAN, IT shops can turn on the tiered storage virtualization feature in newer versions of Windows Server.  Continue Reading

• Stand up infrastructure on a budget with Azure DevTest Labs

  Concerned with mounting costs and continual upkeep of application development environments? Shift test workloads to Azure cloud to speed production and stay within budget.  Continue Reading

• Automate Active Directory jobs with PowerShell scripts

  Much of what admins do in Active Directory is not exactly cutting-edge, and they don't want to waste time on mundane tasks. A dash of PowerShell can speed things along.  Continue Reading

• How to use Azure Active Directory differently than classic AD

  Windows administrators can't just whip up an Azure Active Directory deployment and expect it to mimic the classic AD, but Azure AD has several meaningful uses.  Continue Reading

• Make a Windows Server 2016 Essentials comparison to find the best fit

  Two similar-sounding versions of Windows Server 2016 Essentials have important differences, such as the number of licenses each enables a business to use.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft LAPS locks down local admin passwords

  Using the same local admin password is convenient, but risky. It gives attackers limitless access across the machines on the domain. Microsoft has a tool to boost login security.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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