Tips

Tips

• 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

• Transition to Office 365 to boost productivity

  A move to Office 365 will make your organization more productive if you include these areas in the planning stages.  Continue Reading

• Exchange 2013 CU9 adds little in new functionality

  With the upcoming Exchange 2016 release, don't be surprised at the lack of new features or functionality in the recent Exchange 2013 cumulative update.  Continue Reading

• Examine the top Windows 10 deployment tools

  With the general release of Windows 10 drawing near, admins can choose from a bevy of tools to help install the new OS.  Continue Reading

• What to include in an Exchange Server phishing test

  Use these guidelines to test how secure your Exchange Server setups actually are.  Continue Reading

• A Windows Server 2016 Group Policy walkthrough

  Administrators who work with Group Policy will appreciate that the structure hasn't changed in Windows Server 2016, but there are new policies unique to the release worth noting.  Continue Reading

• Grooming Windows images for deployment

  When it comes to getting OS images ready to deploy in a Windows infrastructure, there are tools to use to get them ready.  Continue Reading

• Make the most of the free admin tool Windows Sysinternals

  Windows Sysinternals can help admins manage, diagnose, troubleshoot and monitor a Windows environment. Here's a look at the different utilities.  Continue Reading

• How to make the most of a free Office 365 trial

  Using a free trial of Office 365 gives you some cloud exposure and experience as well as a head start over peers.  Continue Reading

• Sorting out data deduplication in Windows Server 2012 R2

  Learn more about data deduplication, which cleans up repeated content, freeing up valuable storage space.  Continue Reading

• How to adjust to the new Office 365 email retention policy

  With Microsoft's change to its default email retention policy, Exchange admins must collaborate with other departments to test how it will fit in their organization.  Continue Reading

• Calculate Exchange Online requirements for bandwidth

  Bandwidth planning for Exchange Online migrations may seem boring, but it's essential for a successful move to Office 365.  Continue Reading

• Meet compliance needs with an inactive mailbox

  Organizations that want to preserve mailboxes in Office 365 without incurring additional costs should evaluate inactive mailboxes.  Continue Reading

• Set up storage tiering in just 10 steps

  Windows Server 2012 R2 has a storage tiering feature in conjunction with Storage Spaces. Here's how to get started.  Continue Reading

• An overview of NirLauncher's system monitoring capabilities

  There are a bevy of diagnostic utilities out there, and NirLauncher's 100-plus tools are a worthy addition to an admin's tool belt.  Continue Reading

• Addressing SSL/TLS flaws on Windows Server

  If you're running a known vulnerable version of SSL or TLS, you may be at risk for attacks. These factors will help you determine the threat level to your servers.  Continue Reading

• Stop attackers from catching you in a phishing hack

  Exchange admins can use the recent State Department hack as a lesson in the importance of consistent security protocols.  Continue Reading

• Switch authentication modes during a disaster recovery

  Converting authentication modes is a rare thing admins need to address, but it must be fixed right away when it happens -- and Microsoft's documentation on it is incorrect.  Continue Reading

• Shared mailboxes give productivity a lift

  With a number of possibilities for use, groups can be creative in how they choose to incorporate Office 365 shared mailboxes in their work.  Continue Reading

• Getting acquainted with PowerShell Desired State Configuration

  Desired State Configuration is a solid choice for administrators who have PowerShell chops. Here's an introduction.  Continue Reading

• AD FS extranet lockout feature boosts Office 365 security

  AD FS extranet lockout can protect organizations from denial-of-service and brute-force password attacks.  Continue Reading

• Must-knows for migrating Public Folders to Exchange 2013

  Be aware of the limitations that come with moving Modern Public Folders in an Exchange 2013 migration.  Continue Reading

• How to fix the five most common Outlook errors

  Do your users sound like broken records when it comes to Outlook error messages? Our expert has compiled his five most often seen error messages and their quick fixes.  Continue Reading

• Gain hands-on security experience in Exchange

  To ensure a resilient Exchange setup, admins must know how to run tests, find vulnerabilities and examine Exchange's reaction to simulated attacks.  Continue Reading

• What's new for Windows Server IPAM?

  The next version of Windows Server comes with three important improvements and enhancements to IP address management.  Continue Reading

• Evaluate Windows Server Technical Preview with Boot to VHD

  The forthcoming version of Windows Server can be evaluated using the Boot to VHD, here's how it's set up.  Continue Reading

• This PowerShell module takes control of NTFS permissions

  One simple install of the File System Security PowerShell Module can help manage NTFS permissions for user access to folders.  Continue Reading

• Five must-read Windows administrator books

  With plenty of titles on the market, it's tough to whittle down a reading list. Our expert has made a list of required reading.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server networking improvements and changes

  The next version of Windows Server will see the end of network access protection, but more networking enhancements can be found within.  Continue Reading

• A first look at Modern Authentication for Outlook

  The Modern Authentication feature improves client security with single sign-on and multifactor authentication options.  Continue Reading

• Three Windows Server SSL/TLS security flaws and how to fix them

  Recent vulnerabilities in SSL and TLS, like Heartbleed and FREAK, have exposed flaws in Windows Server. Even patching may not be enough.  Continue Reading

• Why the free Hyper-V Server may not be worth it

  Boasting the ability to install easily and, perhaps even better, cost nothing, Hyper-V Server is a cost-effective option. Should you use it?  Continue Reading

• Exchange 2013 CU8 includes Public Folder and EAS fixes

  The recent Exchange 2013 cumulative update includes improved features for Public Folders and Exchange ActiveSync.  Continue Reading

• ADFS 2012 R2 changes give Office 365 users a huge advantage

  The changes and features in the latest version of ADFS are attractive for Exchange admins looking to use it with Office 365.  Continue Reading

• Prepare for these five Windows administrator interview questions

  Windows administrator interview candidates need careful preparation to stand out among a crowded field of professionals.  Continue Reading

• A look at Windows MultiPoint Services role

  A Windows MultiPoint Server allows users to have their own sessions while connected to one machine. Here's where it helps, and how it's changing.  Continue Reading

• A first look at the Network Controller role

  The Network Controller permits physical and virtual network infrastructure management, as well as configuring and managing firewall rules.  Continue Reading

• Set up Office 365 message encryption

  OME is a handy feature for Office 365 users who want to protect any information they send outside their organizations.  Continue Reading

• Daily security tasks all Exchange admins must do

  Habits make or break Exchange security. Follow these six steps every day to create good admin habits and a more secure environment.  Continue Reading

• Best practices to prepare for your MCSE: Messaging exam

  One Exchange MVP answers four common questions admins have as they prepare for their MCSE certification exams.  Continue Reading

• Essential prep for the Exchange 2013 MCSE exam

  Stressing out about taking your MCSE exams for Exchange 2013? Use this MVP's advice to come up with a plan for test-taking success.  Continue Reading

• Set up Azure's Password Synchronization write-back feature

  Before putting Azure's write-back feature in production, learn the best ways to configure it and how to address any reset problems that arise.  Continue Reading

• Hosted Exchange security questions you should be asking

  There are six questions admins must ask hosted Exchange vendors to ensure security is as much a priority to them as it is to your enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Control Exchange Online access for a more secure organization

  Exchange Online's conditional access features gives organizations tighter control over how they keep end users' devices and information safe.  Continue Reading

• IIS exploits in Windows Server and how you can fix them

  There are several flaws in IIS that can jeopardize the security of Windows servers. Here are some of the top threats and how to solve them.  Continue Reading

• Office 365 Video puts MS Enterprise Social in limelight

  Office 365 Video gives enterprises a new, easy way to post and view videos while providing control over who can access them.  Continue Reading

• Password synchronization evolves in Azure's new write-back option

  Password management is tricky, especially with on-premises and cloud setups. Azure's password write-back option can help with password sync problems.  Continue Reading

• Previewing Windows Server storage replication

  The preview of Windows Server contains new storage replication features, but it's not enabled by default. Here's how to get started.  Continue Reading

• Considerations for scale-out file servers

  Scale-out file servers can significantly lower storage costs, but it might not be right for organizations. Here's what to consider.  Continue Reading

• Security survey shows Exchange as a sitting duck for attacks

  Securing your Exchange setup is vital to keep your business up and running. However, recent security reviews show there's room for improvement.  Continue Reading

• Access Exchange 2013 public folders in a hybrid setup

  Organizations that have a hybrid setup with on-premises Exchange 2013 often need a way for users to access Public Folders with mailboxes in the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Strengthen your Active Directory password policy settings

  Weak passwords can create vulnerabilities in your enterprise's security. Creating strong password standards and policies can help protect against threats.  Continue Reading

• Making Windows security training work for you

  A career in Windows security is one of the hottest specialties for an administrator. Here are a few skills to put into practice to advance in the industry.  Continue Reading

• Perform a remote desktop update in stages

  Taking a staged approach to a Windows Server 2012 R2 RDS migration offers the best results and can minimize downtime for end users.  Continue Reading

• Staging a Remote Desktop Services upgrade

  Documenting configuration data and performing a complete backup of the RDS source server is crucial for avoiding issues. Do you know the requirements?  Continue Reading

• Preparing for a Windows Server RDS migration

  As Windows RDS becomes more important for troubleshooting remote systems, admins need to get a handle on prerequisites before an upgrade.  Continue Reading

• Digging deep in Windows Server storage QoS

  In the newest preview of Windows Server, storage QoS helps administrators get the most of their storage by setting minimum and maximum IOPS count.  Continue Reading

• Monitoring devices for free with OpManager

  Windows administrators can get their hands on ManageEngine's OpManager, a program that manages 10 devices.  Continue Reading

• Must-know apps for Office 365 and Exchange

  As Office 365 increases in popularity, admins should get to know these apps and how they work with each organization.  Continue Reading

• Three ways to handle a disabled mailbox in Exchange

  Admins have some options if they want to create messages for disabled email accounts to let senders know the address is no longer in use.  Continue Reading

• How to complete a multi-forest hybrid Exchange setup

  Once you know how multi-forest hybrid environments work, finish the setup process for custom domains and Azure AD Sync Services.  Continue Reading

• Outlining RBAC permissions options in Exchange 2013

  RBAC's Management Scopes can simplify Exchange setup management tasks and lets admins limit the cmdlets end users can access.  Continue Reading

• Small changes make a difference in PowerShell 5.0

  Coming to the next versions of Windows, PowerShell 5.0 adds remote file-editing capabilities, as well as improvements to Desired State Configuration.  Continue Reading

• What's next for Windows Server storage?

  The next version of Windows Server, due out in 2015, will boast storage improvements in QoS for Hyper-V and replication for enterprises.  Continue Reading

• Weighing cloud directory services from Microsoft and AWS

  New cloud directory offerings from Microsoft and Amazon go head to head, but Microsoft's option may make more sense for the enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Getting the most value out of Windows certifications and training

  Beyond building a library of study materials, creating seminars that pass along Windows certification knowledge can help save money.  Continue Reading

• Setting up a multi-forest hybrid Exchange deployment

  Exchange admins should learn what a multi-forest hybrid setup is, when it should be used, and the requirements to implement it.  Continue Reading

• Preparing for an upgrade to Windows Server 2012 R2

  Making the necessary preparations before beginning an upgrade can help avoid problems during the process. Here's what to do before moving to Windows Server 2012 R2.  Continue Reading

• Understanding Windows Server 2012 R2 upgrade limitations

  Windows Server 2012 R2 has a few hardware and software limitations, including issues with 4K native drives and the inability to upgrade from one language to another.  Continue Reading

• Understanding Windows Server 2012 R2 installation requirements

  Windows Server 2012 R2 has minimal installation requirements, but "resource creep" can leave fewer resources for workloads on virtualized servers.  Continue Reading

• Getting started with the SharePoint Online Management Shell

  The SharePoint Online Management Shell offers a new cmdlet set that runs in PowerShell to manage users, organizations and site collections.  Continue Reading

• How to set up a virtual training lab that IT staff will use

  The investment in a virtual training lab means additional cost, but there can be payoffs for your staff.  Continue Reading

• Configure claim rules for greater Office 365 access control

  Customized claim rules can be an important way to help your organization handle and enforce its Office 365 access policies.  Continue Reading

• How Exchange RBAC helps you set permissible tasks

  Once you know how to use it, RBAC can help you define which commands and tasks end users can access and perform in Exchange.  Continue Reading

• Configure Azure MFA to access Office 365 from anywhere

  If end users want access to Office 365 and Exchange from anywhere, Azure Multi-Factor Authentication service is the answer.  Continue Reading

• Hidden vulnerabilities on your IIS 8 servers

  IIS 8 isn't completely immune to security flaws. Here are some vulnerabilities you might be missing.  Continue Reading

• Set rules with Office 365 message classification

  Message classifications are some of the handiest tools Exchange Online admins can have in their toolkits.  Continue Reading

• How to build the best email encryption policy

  Admins run the risk of trouble whenever users are in control of encryption, so your safest bet is to avoid that risk altogether.  Continue Reading

• MigrationWiz can make Office 365 migrations whiz by

  Native tools are useful for Office 365 migrations, but sometimes a third-party utility can simplify the complicated task of moving data.  Continue Reading

• How Windows Server 2012 R2 can lead to network efficiency

  Admins looking to improve traffic efficiency have some new options to consider in the latest iteration of Windows Server.  Continue Reading

• How generic routing encapsulation works in Windows Server 2012 R2

  Generic routing encapsulation can help Windows Server 2012 R2 admins with performance enhancements.  Continue Reading

• Control access to Office 365 with ADFS policies

  When it comes to granular access control for Office 365, ADFS Client Access Policies may be the answer your organization needs.  Continue Reading

• The biggest obstacle to securing Windows Server 2012

  Microsoft's most secure server is a sitting duck for attacks on most networks, and the reason why may surprise you.  Continue Reading

• Migrate Office 365 tenants with a hybrid Exchange Server

  Once organizations have three important factors in place, admins have the power to complete Office 365 migrations with hybrid Exchange.  Continue Reading

• Prerequisites for an Office 365 tenant migration

  To better understand tenant-to-tenant migrations after a company merger or acquisition, dig deeper into prerequisites and native tools.  Continue Reading

• Combine Office 365 tenants after a merger or acquisition

  When organizations combine infrastructures because of a merger or acquisition, Exchange admins have their work cut out for them. One task might be to merge Office 365 tenants.  Continue Reading

• A closer look at how Managed Availability stores information

  To learn Managed Availability's inner workings, Exchange admins must understand where it stores information and how to access it.  Continue Reading

• New features in Exchange Server transaction logs

  Log files are vital to how Exchange Server functions. Brush up on how log files have changed in Exchange 2013 to protect your setup against disaster.  Continue Reading