Tips

Tips

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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