Tips

Tips

• 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

• Using Diskpart to create, extend or delete a disk partition

  Diskpart is a disk management tool designed to create, delete and resize hard drive partitions, and assign or reassign drive letters in Windows client and server operating systems.  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

• How to use the Search-Mailbox cmdlet with Exchange

  Administrators can find items in Exchange mailboxes using the Search-Mailbox cmdlet. Here's how to use it to its fullest potential, with an example to follow.  Continue Reading

• Don't forget Exchange 2010 database maintenance

  Exchange Server 2010 automatically performs background maintenance on your mailbox databases, but Exchange administrators can't shirk these important database maintenance and monitoring tasks.  Continue Reading

• How to upgrade to PowerShell 5

  PowerShell version 5 is the most recent iteration of the scripting language and offers new features from previous versions. Admins can upgrade to the new version in a few steps.  Continue Reading

• PowerShell script examples and reference guide for admins

  Microsoft unveiled PowerShell in 2006, but many Windows administrators are still unaware of the tremendous amount of resources available to help automate numerous tasks.  Continue Reading

• Office 365 single sign-on augurs complexity, setup hitches

  Office 365 SSO allows end users to log into the enterprise network with existing credentials from any device, but admins should consider security requirements before implementing SSO.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Nano Server: Small footprint adds savings, security

  Organizations that reduce their server footprint can reduce costs and improve performance by running only the most necessary resources.  Continue Reading

• How Host Guardian secures Windows Server 2016 Hyper-V VMs

  In an effort to get more workloads into the Azure cloud, Microsoft has developed a new system to protect data in Hyper-V VMs from unauthorized users in Windows Server 2016.  Continue Reading

• Use the admin center for some Office 365 administration

  Administrators can choose the admin center or PowerShell for Office 365 management -- the best option depends on the circumstances.  Continue Reading

• Define Outlook Web App mailbox policies in Exchange

  There are three main OWA mailbox policy categories in Exchange 2013: features, files and offline access. Make sure you know how to control them.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server licensing change reduces Azure VM pricing

  Microsoft's Hybrid Use Benefit could lure organizations to Azure by allowing use of existing Windows Server licenses.  Continue Reading

• How to manage Windows services using PowerShell

  Administrators can control Windows services for all the computers in their domain by using a combination of PowerShell and WMI.  Continue Reading

• Deciphering Office 365 licensing for businesses

  A subscription-based model allows an organization to choose an Office 365 license that fits its size and more importantly its needs.  Continue Reading

• The inevitable Office 365 outage and your recovery plan

  An IT outage is an unfortunate occurrence that can wreak havoc on an enterprise. Before an outage happens, take steps to minimize interruptions to daily operations.  Continue Reading

• Avoid downtime with rolling upgrades in Windows Server 2016

  Microsoft attempts to make switching to a new operating system less painful and reduce downtime by implementing a rolling upgrade feature in Windows Server 2016.  Continue Reading

• Can 16-bit apps survive Windows Server 2008 end of life?

  When support ends for Windows Server 2008 in 2020, what are your options to keep critical 16-bit applications running?  Continue Reading

• Information security resources for Exchange admins

  There are a myriad of free and trial resources available that can help Exchange administrators increase their information security knowledge to better secure systems.  Continue Reading

• Let's get IMAP vs. POP email protocols straight

  IT pros must make a protocol choice -- POP vs. IMAP -- when they don't want outside applications interfering with email message downloading.  Continue Reading

• Lock Windows systems down with a security awareness program

  To produce a successful IT security policy, organizations need to invest the time and effort to include employees at all levels.  Continue Reading

• Create 10, 100 or more Office 365 accounts with PowerShell

  Administrators who need to create accounts for new employees can save time by using PowerShell scripts to read and import data from a CSV file straight into Office 365.  Continue Reading

• Add Active Directory user accounts in bulk with PowerShell

  Administrators can use PowerShell scripts to automate the creation of Active Directory user accounts for new employees.  Continue Reading

• Four features in PowerShell version 5 that deserve props

  There are several lesser known but important improvements to PowerShell 5 features that will make life easier for sys admins who prefer the command-line interface.  Continue Reading

• Keep email safe with Exchange TLS and cloud-based ATP

  There are a bevy of native tools from Microsoft that can aid Exchange administrators in securing email messages and protecting against malicious links and attachments.  Continue Reading

• Six alternative Hyper-V management tools

  There are a number of third-party Hyper-V management tools available for organizations that need to handle a few dozen nodes.  Continue Reading

• Administrators' choices for Exchange 2016 public folders

  Administrators who want to migrate public folders to Exchange 2016 should weigh the benefits over Exchange 2013 public folders and any migration risks before deciding.  Continue Reading

• Windows containers a reality through Hyper-V nested virtualization

  Microsoft ushers in the use of containers by developing nested virtualization on the Windows Server 2016 platform.  Continue Reading

• How to stick to your IT security plan

  Completing an IT security plan to protect the Windows Server environment requires setting deadlines to stay accountable.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft EMS features to know in Office 365, Exchange

  The Microsoft EMS adds capabilities such as document encryption and threat detection to Office 365, but a subscription may not be necessary for every organization.  Continue Reading

• Start using PowerShell for Office 365, Exchange Online

  PowerShell allows Office 365 and Exchange Online administrators to manage the service and complete tasks quickly and efficiently through the command line.  Continue Reading

• Keep 16-bit applications running as Windows Server 2008 support ends

  As Windows Server 2008 end of life draws near, companies still using 16-bit applications need to be resourceful to keep them running.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft E5 plan supports new ATP, Skype functionality

  Microsoft's new Office 365 E5 plan offers features applicable across the organization. But some of the new functionality isn't useful to all, and some features bring controversy.  Continue Reading

• Four tools to back up Office 365 that aren't from Microsoft

  Availability and security are essential for cloud services. Use third-party tools that encrypt data and offer backup support to secure Office 365 backup and recovery efforts.  Continue Reading

• Painlessly parse a string with PowerShell 5

  For an administrator who works with unruly output from a legacy application, PowerShell 5 can help bring clarity to the situation.  Continue Reading

• Exchange email security best practices establish safe environment

  To keep an Exchange environment secure, determine what risks exist and implement policies and technologies that will protect against attacks.  Continue Reading

• Free Exchange admin tools to monitor, manage deployments

  These free Microsoft tools will help you monitor, manage and calculate server requirements in your on-premises or hybrid Exchange deployment.  Continue Reading

• Will Groups replace Yammer for Office 365 collaboration?

  Microsoft is pushing Office 365 Groups instead of Yammer. What does this mean for the enterprise? It means choosing between the two collaboration platforms.  Continue Reading

• Take Office 365 data security from the cloud into your own hands

  The productivity suite may be cloud-based, but Office 365 data protection takes place on premises and in your hands. Ensure you're taking appropriate measures to secure your information.  Continue Reading

• Will less be more with Microsoft Nano Server?

  The initial roles touted by Microsoft are narrow and can be performed on a VM, so why should a business care about Nano Server?  Continue Reading

• Admins can plug into network switches with new PowerShell module

  Administrators looking for added flexibility in their environment can tap the NetworkSwitchManager module to work with network switches.  Continue Reading

• Azure AD Connect Health performs infrastructure checkups

  Administrators use Azure AD Connect Health to keep tabs on ADFS infrastructure performance in various levels of detail.  Continue Reading

• The new rules for becoming a Microsoft MVP

  The MVP program highlights technical concentration in 10 broad Microsoft categories, changing some MVP statuses and eliciting concern over expertise.  Continue Reading

• Outlook Web App vies to become Microsoft Outlook replacement

  Although Outlook is the foremost application for business email, Outlook Web App is becoming a viable replacement. Should you make the switch?  Continue Reading

• Third-party tools support an Exchange to Office 365 migration

  Third-party tools are available to help migrate Exchange and non-Exchange platforms to Office 365. To choose the right option, consider data protection, control and speed.  Continue Reading

• A first look at Storage Spaces Direct

  Storage Spaces Direct pools server storage to build failover clusters without using cluster shared volumes, making it an inexpensive storage option.  Continue Reading