Tips

Tips

• 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

• Microsoft eases Windows failover cluster upgrade process

  Microsoft has tried to quell concerns administrators may have when upgrading failover clusters to Windows Server 2016 by smoothing out difficulties in the process.  Continue Reading

• How to sync AAD Connect with on-premises deployments

  Upgrading to AD Connect comes with the decision to deploy an Express or Custom installation. Before planning the sync, consider what you need from your new deployment.  Continue Reading

• Using PowerShell to create XML documents

  Administrators can avoid introducing errors when building an XML file by using PowerShell to construct the document.  Continue Reading

• Is the Microsoft cloud first policy floating or failing?

  Microsoft intends to implement a cloud first strategy in which new features debut in the cloud yet on-premises deployments remain important. Has it succeeded?  Continue Reading

• Squash large business email security challenges

  If you're a large enterprise, your security needs are unique. So don't take advice from a small organization, and learn how to accommodate the challenges specific to your size.  Continue Reading

• Using XPath syntax to root through XML documents

  Using XPath syntax and the Select-XML cmdlet can help uncover the information you need in an XML document.  Continue Reading

• Exchange management roles limit unsolicited admin access

  RBAC allows admins to perform certain tasks in Exchange, and the unscoped top-level management roles limit admins authorized to gain access to accounts and scripts.  Continue Reading

• Exchange Server migration tips to plan the transition

  Migrating to Exchange 2013 or 2016 is best for some organizations, but others can't do without a legacy version. Consider these factors when planning a migration of Exchange Server.  Continue Reading

• How Windows Server containers differ from Hyper-V containers

  Windows administrators will need to learn how Windows Server containers differ from Hyper-V containers, and why one might be preferred over the other.  Continue Reading

• Exchange Online Protection adds tools to fight spammers

  Secure your email with EOP tools like DKIM and DMARC that verify incoming messages aren't spam or spoofs. Avoid unauthorized email with digital signatures and authenticated domains.  Continue Reading

• The price is right for these Windows security tools

  Even with a limited or non-existent budget, Windows Server administrators don't have to skip security testing in their environment.  Continue Reading

• Azure AD PowerShell supports MFA to protect authentication

  The preview of the Azure AD PowerShell module flexes its muscles by supporting MFA and device management.  Continue Reading

• Google Apps vs. Office 365 for business email systems

  With comparable cloud-based productivity suites, Google and Microsoft compete for enterprise users. In the Google Apps vs. Office 365 for business debate, which side are you on?  Continue Reading

• Office 2016 features update the mail client for more collaboration

  In addition to design changes, Office 2016 offers new applications such as Clutter and Modern Attachments to make collaborating in the Exchange mail client much easier. Should you upgrade?  Continue Reading

• How DLP, MFA and other features influence Office 2016 security

  Data loss prevention, multifactor authentication and document sharing all get a security boost in Office 2016, but you might want to consider holding off on upgrading.  Continue Reading

• Using PowerShell DSC to construct a Hyper-V host

  Administrators versed in PowerShell can streamline the process of using a server as a Hyper-V host.  Continue Reading

• Better email collaboration with Exchange 2016

  The new versions of Office and Exchange make it easier to collaborate on documents in email. Use new features in Exchange Server 2016 and Outlook 2016 to work quicker and smarter.  Continue Reading

• Do Active Directory functional levels still matter?

  Will there be enough improvements in the next version of Active Directory for administrators to consider raising functional levels?  Continue Reading

• Reading XML files with PowerShell

  As the tech world evolves, Windows administrators need to get familiar with creating and handling XML files.  Continue Reading

• Less risk in updated Active Directory Federation Services

  Microsoft puts more granular control in the hands of administrators, with enhanced conditional access control in Windows Server 2016.  Continue Reading

• Small business security needs big strategies to keep Exchange safe

  To protect your small business's messaging environment, ensure that staff is properly trained and resolve all risks associated with your network.  Continue Reading

• Write-back to on-premises with Azure AD Connect

  Exchange 2016 promises some improvements to write-back functionality, especially for administrators managing a hybrid deployment.  Continue Reading

• Add mailboxes with an Office 365 connection via PowerShell

  Without a GUI, there are a lot of tasks that Office 365 admins need to use PowerShell for. Connect to Office 365 from PowerShell to save you and your organization time.  Continue Reading

• Heavy workloads get a boost with Azure Premium Storage

  Microsoft says it has tailored Azure Premium Storage for organizations that need to run I/O intensive VMs in the cloud with extremely low latency.  Continue Reading

• Wizard controls Exchange hybrid configuration -- wand not included

  In a hybrid Exchange 2013 configuration, the magic is simple -- no manual configuration necessary. Let the wizard do the work and connect to the cloud.  Continue Reading

• What admins should know about Microsoft Azure security and vulnerabilities

  Although Microsoft performs its own Azure testing, end users bear the responsibility of making sure their systems meet company security requirements.  Continue Reading

• Check your hybrid Outlook Autodiscover performance

  IT shops with hybrid Office 365 and on-premises Exchange mailboxes need to know how Outlook Autodiscover works when mailboxes haven't migrated.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshoot Windows Server file copy errors

  Copying large files to a Windows Server file share can sometimes fail. Performance Monitor or PowerShell commands can help find and fix file copy errors.  Continue Reading

• Active Directory management tool clears the clutter

  ADSI Edit is a free tool that can repair Active Directory corruption or remove unwanted clutter. But use it incorrectly and it can spell disaster.  Continue Reading

• Exchange email security best practices sanction self-assessments

  Do you have the guts and technology know-how to undertake a self-assessment of your organization's Exchange-related risks? If so, start here.  Continue Reading

• Six must-read Windows security resources for admins

  Need to brush up on your Windows security skills, but don't have time to sort through the noise? Consider these six resources as required reading for admins.  Continue Reading

• Manage user identity with Windows Azure Active Directory

  Azure Active Directory allows admins to manage end-user identities and comes in three versions. Which one depends on your enterprise's size and budget.  Continue Reading

• Outlook on the Web rebranded: new tools organize email

  Additions to the Web version of Outlook make it easier for end users to organize their inboxes. Archive, pin and set reminders to email messages in Outlook.  Continue Reading

• Use a PowerShell script to force logoff an RDP session

  When end users remain logged in to an RDP session, it consumes valuable resources. Use this PowerShell script to force users to log off.  Continue Reading

• Conditions, constraints for building Exchange in Azure

  Running Exchange in Azure doesn't compare favorably to Office 365, but it has valid instances where it might be useful. Consider costs and competitors first.  Continue Reading

• With Azure Key Vault, cloud security no longer up in air

  Admins with an Azure subscription can use Azure Key Vault to protect and encrypt keys and data. Here's how to set it up with PowerShell.  Continue Reading

• Third-party security monitoring tools abet Exchange flaws

  Don't let the deficiencies from applying and managing Exchange threaten your network. Implement third-party security tools to thwart breaches.  Continue Reading

• Control IT access with Windows JEA PowerShell toolkit

  Just Enough Administration restricts administrative access to the bare necessities for user tasks, giving organizations more control over security.  Continue Reading

• Availability requires monitoring mailboxes in Exchange 2013

  For a better understanding of Exchange Managed Availability, learn how to create and manage monitoring mailboxes, and how to fix a corrupted mailbox.  Continue Reading

• Features and benefits of Microsoft Identity Manager 2016

  Microsoft Identity Manager 2016 eases synchronization between identities on-premises and in the cloud while allowing admins to monitor user behavior.  Continue Reading

• How to install and configure SCOM for Azure monitoring

  Setting up SCOM 2012 for Azure monitoring is an easy process that can be completed in just a few steps. We walk you through the installation and configuration.  Continue Reading

• Extending Microsoft Azure applications with connectors

  Connectors have different uses. Certain Microsoft APIs, or connectors, can ease Azure applications development and improve Office 365 functionality.  Continue Reading

• Protect classified emails, thwart shadow IT

  Use Exchange and Office 365 to restrict and secure data that leaves an organization, and share documents more easily thanks to new features.  Continue Reading

• Exchange Hierarchical Address Books assign order to recipients

  Use HAB and EMS commands to appoint recipients with a certain hierarchical status in your address book.  Continue Reading

• OPM data breach a teachable moment in security basics

  The recent OPM data breach exposed personal information for nearly 22 million people. Here's how enterprises can prevent a similar attack.  Continue Reading

• Use Office 365 MDM to protect your tenant

  When ActiveSync just isn't enough, learn how to enable and use Office 365 mobile device management with your devices.  Continue Reading

• Eight handy Exchange 2013 PowerShell cmdlets

  There are hundreds of new cmdlets in Exchange 2013, but these eight PowerShell cmdlets will help you manage, monitor and troubleshoot the Exchange 2013 setup.  Continue Reading

• Azure ExpressRoute offers new Office 365 connection

  The ExpressRoute feature can benefit organizations that want to maintain a high level of reliability and traffic management. Is it right for you?  Continue Reading

• A beginner's guide to Microsoft Azure Backup

  Microsoft Azure Backup, which automatically sends encrypted backups to the cloud, is easy to set up. But is it cost-effective for large enterprises?  Continue Reading

• Windows Update for Business: Breaking bad patch management

  Windows Update for Business gives Windows 10 users more control over OS security, with System Center integration and distribution rings.  Continue Reading

• Five vital Windows 2016 security updates

  Windows Server 2016 will include updates that will affect authentication options, account restrictions, Web protection and more.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Azure Stack packs a punch for server apps

  The new feature could transform workload management and blur the lines between public, private and hybrid clouds.  Continue Reading

• What's new in Azure Active Directory Connect?

  Azure Active Directory Connect offers a raft of new features, including synchronization and single sign-on between an on-premises environment and Azure AD.  Continue Reading

• Making a case for Microsoft Windows Server 2016

  With Windows Server 2016 in its second technical preview, organizations are digging into its features and benefits. Whether or not to upgrade can be broken into three factors.  Continue Reading

• Constant and read-only PowerShell variables for admins who fear change

  Constant and read-only PowerShell variables can prevent accidental changes to a script. Here’s how they differ and how to use them.  Continue Reading

• How to run PowerShell cmdlets on remote servers

  The Invoke-Command and New-PSSession PowerShell cmdlets can make it easier for admins to manage a number of remote servers.  Continue Reading

• Configure a geo load balancer for Exchange 2013

  Once you've configured Exchange and installed a free load balancer, you'll need to configure the load balancer and Exchange virtual services.  Continue Reading

• Exchange 2016 architecture recommendations

  All companies must include three areas in their Exchange Server 2016 design blueprint -- servers and storage, availability groups and namespaces.  Continue Reading

• Manage multiple servers with PowerShell Server Manager

  PowerShell Server Manager allows administrators to manage multiple servers, Windows roles and features -- all from a single console.  Continue Reading

• The must-know Exchange public folder migration feature

  If you run Exchange 2007 or 2010 and are moving to Office 365, the public folder batch migration feature will ease the process.  Continue Reading

• Mapping out Exchange 2016 installation plans

  Features may change before Exchange Server 2016 hits RTM, but these six guidelines and requirements won't.  Continue Reading

• How geo load balancing makes a world of difference in Exchange 2013

  When you need your Exchange 2013 end users to connect to the closest data center, consider geo load balancing as an option.  Continue Reading

• A first look at Hyper-V features in Windows Server 2016

  Although there are few new Hyper-V features in Windows Server 2016, PowerShell Direct and improved storage resiliency are noteworthy.  Continue Reading

• Understanding common PowerShell automatic variables

  PowerShell automatic variables are read-only, which can cause issues in the scripting language. Prep yourself to deal with these common variables.  Continue Reading

• Operations Management Suite brings order to Azure cloud

  Microsoft Operations Management Suite tackles Azure and AWS clouds, and multiple hypervisors, all from one console.  Continue Reading

• Devil's in the details for a Windows Nano Server install

  Nano Server is a lightweight installation option for Windows Server 2016, but deploying it isn't easy. Here's what you need -- and what to look out for.  Continue Reading

• Secure an Office 365 and Exchange hybrid setup

  Keep these six factors in mind if your organization plans to keep some services on-premises and move others to the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Prep for Office 365 services in your organization

  After your IT shop has prepped its environment for an Office 365 migration, choose a remediation plan based on your migration approach.  Continue Reading

• Avoid Hyper-V performance dips during a live migration

  TCP offloads and backups can create issues during a Hyper-V live migration if not addressed. Here’s how to avoid running into problems.  Continue Reading

• Exchange updates improve ActiveSync client migrations

  Exchange 2010 and 2013 now include a feature to automate mobile device reconfiguration during an Office 365 migration.  Continue Reading