Tips

Tips

• Windows Server 2012 R2 Work Folders enable BYOD synchronization

  Work Folders, a Windows Server 2012 R2 feature, lets users synchronize data on tablets and laptops so they can work from anywhere.  Continue Reading

• Use hypervisor features for the best Exchange virtualization platform

  Is Hyper-V or vSphere a better choice to virtualize Exchange? Take a closer look at hypervisor features from the top three vendors before you decide.  Continue Reading

• Comparing your hypervisor choices to virtualize Exchange

  You can virtualize Exchange with any hypervisor on the SVVP, but that doesn't mean it's easy. Choosing the right hypervisor requires some planning.  Continue Reading

• PowerShell 4.0 further facilitates task automation for Windows admins

  Has PowerShell finally grown up? A mature PowerShell 4.0 in Windows Server 2012 R2 brings with it new parameters, simpler implementation and more.  Continue Reading

• Hybrid Exchange configuration and deployment checklist

  Here's how to handle the challenges of implementing hybrid Exchange 2010 and Exchange 2013 configuration.  Continue Reading

• Strategies for controlling Office 365 spam

  A likely side effect of moving from on-premises Exchange to Office 365 might be an onslaught of spam. Don't worry -- it looks worse than it really is.  Continue Reading

• Does Exchange 2013 work as a mobile device management platform?

  Exchange 2013 may not be exactly what you need as a mobile device management platform, but some of its features can still fit your needs.  Continue Reading

• How to decide if a hybrid Exchange Server deployment is the right move

  Here's a closer look at hybrid Exchange Server deployments, the pros and cons of on-premises deployments and myths about Exchange in the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Why admins should set up Outlook 2013 search folders

  Users who receive lots of email should consider using search folders, but admins need to understand all the pros and cons before building them.  Continue Reading

• Choosing the best hosted Exchange deployment for your organization

  Resistance to hosting an Exchange deployment is fading. Organizations need to research the best deployment options for the business.  Continue Reading

• SharePoint eDiscovery Center is a legal must for organizations

  A SharePoint eDiscovery Center can help in today's legal climate. It may seem confusing at first, but it's based on something admins already know.  Continue Reading

• Tinkering in an Exchange 2013 test lab

  It's easy to set up an Exchange 2013 test lab to become familiar with its new features in a safe environment before installing it into production.  Continue Reading

• How Dynamic Quorum keeps Exchange 2013 clusters running during failure

  Introduced in Windows Server 2012, Dynamic Quorum helps keep Exchange clusters up and running during a data center failure. Here's how it works.  Continue Reading

• Using the new DirSync version to sync passwords in Office 365

  The latest version of DirSync lets Exchange admins bypass AD FS to easily set up password synchronization in Office 365.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft System Center 2012 SP1 eases transition to private cloud

  Admins should ignore previous complaints and look at System Center 2012 SP1 to turn their data centers into modern private clouds.  Continue Reading

• Five ways to cut SharePoint maintenance costs and refine management

  Don't underestimate SharePoint maintenance and design costs. These five design pointers can help you meet your organization's needs on a budget.  Continue Reading

• An intro to Exchange 2013 RBAC management with PowerShell

  New to Exchange 2013 RBAC management? You can use PowerShell cmdlets to verify role assignments and group memberships. Here's how.  Continue Reading

• Examining Exchange 2013 load balancing options

  Effective Exchange 2013 load balancing starts with understanding your options. We outline the pros and cons of the four different choices.  Continue Reading

• Comparing Office 365 pros and cons with Exchange 2013, hybrid setups

  Before upgrading your email setup, weigh Office 365 pros and cons with those of potential Exchange 2013 or hybrid deployments.  Continue Reading

• Combining certifications and college degrees on the IT career path

  A college degree or certification -- which is better? Each has its own merits, but having both can put you on a successful IT career path.  Continue Reading

• Five Exchange 2013 migration gotchas to watch for

  An Exchange 2013 migration is no small undertaking. To ensure a successful deployment, avoid these potential mistakes.  Continue Reading

• PowerShell commands to configure single sign-on for hybrid Office 365

  The single sign-on configuration process for hybrid Office 365 requires PowerShell to federate to Exchange. Get all the necessary info here.  Continue Reading

• Simple PowerShell tips and tricks every Windows admin should know

  No GUI? No problem. Our expert shares his best PowerShell tips to help IT administrators become proficient in this powerful scripting language.  Continue Reading

• Points to consider before running Exchange on Azure

  Exchange on Azure is a deployment possibility, but there are several aspects to understand before doing so.  Continue Reading

• Five virtual Exchange deployment mistakes to avoid

  While virtual Exchange deployments are common, the five mistakes detailed here are just as prevalent. Avoid them to achieve optimal performance.  Continue Reading

• How to synchronize SharePoint 2013 lists with Outlook 2013

  Give users access to various SharePoint 2013 lists through Outlook 2013 with just a few simple configuration steps.  Continue Reading

• Eight questions to ask yourself before moving to C-suite management

  There are many opportunities that come with working in C-suite management, but you should answer these eight questions before a move to mahogany row.  Continue Reading

• How to modify OWA 2013 to support Microsoft Lync

  Properly modifying OWA 2013 is necessary to allow users Lync functionality such as instant messaging and presence. We offer the necessary steps here.  Continue Reading

• Block badly behaving Exchange ActiveSync devices in Exchange 2013

  Misbehaving Exchange ActiveSync devices can put a serious strain on your environment. Take control with new auto-block thresholds in Exchange 2013.  Continue Reading

• SharePoint 2013 features: what's new, what's changed and what's gone

  Some existing SharePoint features were replaced or dropped in SharePoint 2013. Here's how to work through the changes.  Continue Reading

• An introduction to Exchange 2013 load balancing

  Effective Exchange 2013 load balancing is crucial to providing a highly available deployment. Get the basics in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Five Exchange 2013 PowerShell techniques every admin should know

  A strong handle on PowerShell is necessary to effectively manage Exchange 2013. These five Exchange 2013 PowerShell tips will prove indispensable.  Continue Reading

• FAQ: The best ways to use Windows BitLocker in Windows Server 2012

  As organizations look to encryption to secure data, we answer the most common Windows BitLocker questions to get the most out of this encryption tool.  Continue Reading

• Prevent hacking in your enterprise with these nine easy steps

  There are no foolproof ways to completely stop hacking in an enterprise, but follow these proven and common sense methods to reduce your risk.  Continue Reading

• Helpful OWA 2013 mobile device hints for administrators

  Supporting OWA 2013 on various mobile devices can prove a bit tricky. These important tips will make life easier for admins and users alike.  Continue Reading

• Replacing Forefront TMG: Alternate reverse-proxy options for Exchange

  With the discontinuation of Forefront TMG, Exchange admins are left wondering what to do moving forward. The available options may surprise you.  Continue Reading

• Comparing Exchange 2013 and Office 365 pricing and feature sets

  Exchange 2013 and Office 365 pricing and feature sets are important items to examine when weighing an email migration. Here's what to know.  Continue Reading

• How to advance your cloud skills and get ahead of the gap

  There may be a growing shortage of IT pros with cloud skills, but you can take action now and become a valuable asset with the right skills.  Continue Reading

• Configuring federation proxy servers for a hybrid Office 365 deployment

  Part of the hybrid Office 365 single sign-on configuration process is correctly setting up federation proxy servers. Here's how.  Continue Reading

• Exchange 2013 anti-malware protection: Will you need anything else?

  Trusting native Exchange 2013 anti-malware protection to protect your environment is an option, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's the best one.  Continue Reading

• Exchange 2013 CU1 migration considerations

  Before migrating to Exchange 2013 CU1, you should know about some of the most important updates and how they'll affect your environment.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Exchange calendar reminder issues

  Problems with Exchange calendar reminders often stem from users simply connecting to too many calendars. Here's how to clean up the clutter.  Continue Reading

• How to configure Office Web Apps Server for use with Exchange 2013

  Get the steps necessary to build an Office Web Apps Server farm and integrate it with Exchange 2013. It's essential if you add other Wave 15 products.  Continue Reading

• Catching up on Microsoft Outlook 2013 deployment considerations

  Before deploying Microsoft Outlook 2013, you should be up to speed on the latest processes. Here is what they entail.  Continue Reading

• Options for accessing Exchange Server mail on Surface tablets

  With tablet usage on the rise, users should know how to access Exchange Server mail. Outlook isn't included on the Surface, but other options exist.  Continue Reading

• Windows Azure Active Directory steps out of the shadows

  As Windows Azure Active Directory moves into general availability, we look at how it can help admins manage user authentication in the cloud.  Continue Reading

• Prioritize your IT tasks and finally conquer your to-do list

  It's easy to feel overwhelmed by a growing to-do list of IT tasks, but there are easy ways you can decide what to tackle first and what can wait.  Continue Reading

• Five ways admins can embrace Windows Server 2012 Remote Management

  As Microsoft encourages Windows admins to deal with servers offsite, here are some easy steps they can use for Windows Server 2012 Remote Management.  Continue Reading

• Where did the hub transport server role go in Exchange 2013?

  Although the hub transport server is no longer a separate role in Exchange 2013, the transport architecture and services still live on.  Continue Reading

• Tech Watch: What to expect in future Windows Server 2012 versions

  There will be major changes in future versions of Windows Server 2012, including Windows Server Blue. Spoiler alert: Get ready for a cloud OS.  Continue Reading

• New Exchange 2013 features may help simplify migration decisions

  New Exchange 2013 features make on-premises migrations, Office 365 setups and hybrid environments all viable options.  Continue Reading

• Guidelines for Windows malware attack prevention and protection

  If you want to protect your servers from hacking and destructive Windows malware, you need to move beyond traditional antivirus protection.  Continue Reading

• Preventing denial-of-service attacks on virtualized Exchange servers

  Denial-of-service attacks pose a serious security threat to virtualized Exchange servers. Discover what you can do to mitigate potential intrusions.  Continue Reading

• How to configure Exchange 2013 site mailboxes

  Exchange 2013 site mailboxes are a great new feature, but several configuration steps are necessary before rolling them out to users.  Continue Reading

• What to know to create Exchange 2013 site mailboxes with SharePoint

  Exchange 2013 site mailboxes tie SharePoint and Exchange 2013 together. Setup can be tricky, but understanding these five aspects can help.  Continue Reading

• Highlighting new features in Exchange 2013: Compliance and e-discovery

  New features in Exchange 2013 may actually help drive adoption. Take compliance and e-discovery features for example.  Continue Reading

• Implementing Exchange ActiveSync mailbox policy best practices

  Exchange ActiveSync mailbox policy implementation is different for every organization, but that doesn't mean there are no best practices to follow.  Continue Reading

• Working in IT? Simple steps to get users on your side

  IT pros can get a bad rap from stereotypes (we mean you, Nick Burns), but there are steps you can take when working in IT to get users on your side.  Continue Reading

• New Outlook 2013 features help manage OST files

  Managing the size of users' OST files is greatly simplified in Outlook 2013 with the arrival of two new features.  Continue Reading

• An intro to RBAC management in Exchange 2013

  Microsoft rebuilt the RBAC feature in Exchange 2013, so it's important to familiarize yourself with the basics. Start here.  Continue Reading

• Five things you might not know about the Hyper-V virtual switch

  One of the most significant improvements in Windows Server 2012 might be the Hyper-V virtual switch. What makes this low-cost option such a big deal?  Continue Reading

• Fine-tuning your Exchange Server network configuration

  With a few simple guidelines and tweaks, you can optimize your Exchange Server network configuration and keep servers humming.  Continue Reading

• You can study for MCSA: Windows Server 2012, but not Windows 8 -- yet

  Because of the seven week gap between GA dates, there are more materials available for MCSA: Windows Server 2012 than Windows 8. But that will change.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for virtualizing Exchange 2010 on vSphere

  Observing best practices and watching for common oversights will go a long way when virtualizing Exchange 2010 on VMware vSphere.  Continue Reading

• What the overhaul to Windows Server 2012 security means for you

  IT teams have been voicing concerns about enterprise security for years. Improvements in Windows Server 2012 security show Microsoft is listening.  Continue Reading

• How database availability groups have improved in Exchange 2013

  Exchange 2013 database availability groups have improved significantly since Exchange 2010. These four updates are worth investigating.  Continue Reading

• Four steps to become a leader in IT problem-solving

  There will always be problems that arise in your IT job, but there are four steps you can take to become a valuable asset for IT problem-solving.  Continue Reading

• How to create Exchange 2013 data loss prevention policies

  While data loss prevention policies are a cool new feature in Exchange 2013, you must understand how to build them before you can use them.  Continue Reading

• How Windows Server 2012 can solve Windows failover cluster headaches

  In Windows Server 2012, Microsoft tried to smooth out some major Active Directory bumps in failover clusters. Did it fix what's bothering you?  Continue Reading

• How to implement Exchange address book policies

  Exchange address book policies have replaced clunky global address list segmentation. Discover where they make sense and how to implement them.  Continue Reading

• In IT planning, try zero-based thinking

  Zero-based thinking is a concept that's used extensively in the business world to turn around failing companies. It can work wonders in IT planning.  Continue Reading

• Seven things to know about Windows Server 2012 deduplication

  It's no magic bullet, but Windows Server 2012 deduplication can help alleviate rising data storage demands.  Continue Reading

• Finding Microsoft certification training -- for free

  There's new Microsoft certification training material available to help developers earn the MCSD Windows Store Apps credential.  Continue Reading

• Two potential obstacles when virtualizing Exchange Server

  Interested in virtualizing Exchange Server? Two roadblocks may stand in your way. Our expert explains both, as well as their causes.  Continue Reading

• Overcoming Server Core installation woes in Windows Server 2012

  Don't run away from a Server Core installation in Windows Server 2012. Follow these simple steps for a successful transition.  Continue Reading

• A crash course on Exchange ActiveSync policies for iOS devices

  As iOS devices invade organizations, it's crucial to understand Exchange ActiveSync policies. Password options and other restrictions are available.  Continue Reading

• Workaround tricks for avoiding the Windows Server 2012 GUI

  There are reasons to keep the Windows Server 2012 GUI, but many admins want a workaround. With a little know-how, you can skip the Modern UI.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft makes improvements to SharePoint workflows

  The first thing to know about SharePoint workflows is that SharePoint 2013 actually contains two separate workflow platforms.  Continue Reading

• Dynamic Quorum gives failover clusters a boost in Windows Server 2012

  The Dynamic Quorum Management option in Windows Server 2012 can make failover clusters more resilient. Here's how it works.  Continue Reading

• Highlighting PowerShell changes for Exchange 2013 public folders

  Microsoft made some PowerShell changes that correspond with new Exchange 2013 public folders. This tip details what you need to know before migrating.  Continue Reading

• IT career paths: Working for yourself is an attainable dream

  Working for yourself can have tremendous payoffs. But what does it take to go out on your own -- and make it stick?  Continue Reading

• Hybrid Office 365 setup: Configuring your federation farm

  Configuring single sign-on for a hybrid Office 365 deployment takes several steps. Here's how to set up your Active Directory federation farm.  Continue Reading

• SharePoint licensing is becoming simpler -- and cheaper

  Microsoft has made some changes to its SharePoint licensing requirements, potentially saving customers a lot of money.  Continue Reading

• How server role changes will impact Exchange 2013 migrations

  Planning for an Exchange 2013 migration? If so, it's helpful to understand how Exchange 2013's revamped server role architecture fits in.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft certification path takes another turn

  It's a good move to reinvent and reinvigorate the most important lower and mid-tier credentials on the Microsoft certification path.  Continue Reading

• Examining multisite database availability groups in Exchange 2010

  Multisite database availability groups are a solid high availability choice, but can pose problems. Fortunately, options are available.  Continue Reading

• 10 new PowerShell cmdlets you'll need to know for Exchange 2013

  Exchange 2013 includes almost 200 new Exchange-specific PowerShell cmdlets. Get started with the 10 most important.  Continue Reading

• Be smart about SSD maintenance

  Here are the most crucial and useful SSD maintenance tips to bear in mind.  Continue Reading

• Public or private CA: PKI deployment options for Exchange

  Deciding which PKI deployment option to go with for digital certificates can be tough. Weigh the pros and cons of each before moving forward.  Continue Reading

• Three ways to tighten OWA 2010 security

  As more users log onto corporate networks with smartphones and tablets, stout OWA 2010 security is vital. Three techniques limit potential risks.  Continue Reading

• Finding virtualization cost savings with Hyper-V 3.0

  With increasing dependence on high-performing hardware, it might be tough to find cost savings. Hyper-V and virtualization may be the answer.  Continue Reading

• Exchange 2013 storage considerations when virtualizing on Hyper-V

  Practice caution when it comes to Exchange 2013 storage on Hyper-V and always remember these five crucial facts.  Continue Reading

• Deciding whether to run Server Core in Windows Server 2012

  Our expert breaks down the advantages and disadvantages of deploying Server Core in Windows Server 2012.  Continue Reading

• An overview of the Exchange 2010 ActiveSync Quarantine feature

  Underused but important, the Exchange 2010 ActiveSync Quarantine feature helps restrict which devices connect to Exchange. Here's what you need to know.  Continue Reading

• Configuring iSCSI Targets on Windows Server 2012 Failover Clusters

  In Windows Server 2012, admins can configure iSCSI Targets using the Server and Failover Cluster Managers and PowerShell cmdlets. Here's how.  Continue Reading

• Step by step: Exchange 2010 virtualization on vSphere

  Any Exchange 2010 virtualization project requires a careful and methodical approach. Follow the steps outlined here to make your transition seamless.  Continue Reading

• The year's top SharePoint administration tips

  The end of the year gives us a chance to review and compile the best SharePoint administration advice.  Continue Reading

• Best IT career guidance from 2012

  Here's the best of our 2012 IT career guidance, from certification tips to strategies for working with management to get things accomplished.  Continue Reading

• IT admins need to get Windows certification right

  As long as the Windows certification exams you're working on also apply to the new MCSA credentials, keep at them. If they don't, then reconsider.  Continue Reading

• How to change an Office 365 password policy using PowerShell

  Though not obvious, you must use PowerShell to change an Office 365 password policy. Learn about the required connections steps and cmdlets you will need.  Continue Reading