Tips

Tips

• 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

• Strategies for SharePoint document management

  SharePoint document management is a process -- not a feature.  Continue Reading

• How to form a functional enterprise IT security committee

  Leaving an enterprise IT security committee in IT's hands is a mistake.  Continue Reading

• Explaining client access server role changes in Exchange 2013

  The client access server role has been reborn in Exchange Server 2013. While the changes may seem radical, they represent a change for the better.  Continue Reading

• New Exchange 2013 features tighten integration with SharePoint

  Two new Exchange 2013 features strengthen Microsoft's commitment to making SharePoint and Exchange integration airtight.  Continue Reading

• Top five OWA 2013 improvements that benefit mobile users

  OWA 2013 offers several improvements that target users and admins who are frequently on the go. Here are the top five.  Continue Reading

• Getting granular with SharePoint backup

  SharePoint backup and restore can be tricky business. Here's how to get the granularity right.  Continue Reading

• Easier DirectAccess setup means a plausible VPN alternative for admins

  DirectAccess used to be a complicated feature, but not anymore. In Windows Server 2012, simpler DirectAccess setup helps admins connect mobile users.  Continue Reading

• The benefits of consolidating Exchange server roles in Exchange 2013

  The consolidation of Exchange server roles in Exchange 2013 was a big change. It was done for numerous reasons, many of which make life easier for admins.  Continue Reading

• Examining your Exchange Server SSL configuration options

  Few organizations spend much time weighing their Exchange SSL options. Familiarize yourself with the different choices before making a decision.  Continue Reading

• Will you be hitting the books for Microsoft certification training?

  New products mean it is time for new Microsoft certification training materials.  Continue Reading

• Evaluating Microsoft System Center 2012 Service Pack 1

  The release of the System Center 2012 SP1 beta supports Windows Server 2012 and does more with Hyper-V, the cloud and PowerShell. Here's what's new.  Continue Reading

• Enabling multi-server management in Windows Server 2012

  By enabling remote management in Windows Server 2012, Microsoft opened the door for multi-server management remotely or locally.  Continue Reading

• Prepping Active Directory for a hybrid Office 365 deployment

  Configuring a hybrid Office 365 deployment involves several steps. To start, prepare your Active Directory forest to use Active Directory Federation Services.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server Failover Clustering gets boost from PowerShell cmdlets

  In Windows Server 2012, there are 81 new and improved failover clustering PowerShell cmdlets. Here's how to make the most of their capabilities.  Continue Reading

• What to do when the CIO gets in the way of enterprise IT security

  Here's what to do if your CIO ends up creating hurdles for you and what needs to be done with enterprise IT security.  Continue Reading

• Identifying Exchange Server synchronization issues for Sent Items

  Users that access email on various devices may run into Exchange Server synchronization issues. The Sent Items folder is one area that can cause confusion.  Continue Reading

• Shared-nothing live migration increases high availability

  Admins have the option to get shared-nothing live migration. Here's what you need to know about the move, including tradeoffs you should be aware of.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Exchange 2010 free/busy issues

  Users rely on Exchange 2010 free/busy to keep their Outlook calendars up to date. If it goes down, you should check these key areas first.  Continue Reading

• VMware vSphere necessities for Exchange 2010 virtualization

  The right hardware, software and tools will enhance any Exchange 2010 virtualization effort. Heed these suggestions if virtualizing with VMware vSphere.  Continue Reading

• Making effective use of SharePoint tags

  There are different philosophies regarding the best way to make sure SharePoint tags do an effective job of helping users.  Continue Reading

• Exploring the Exchange Administration Center in Exchange Server 2013

  As Exchange evolves, so does its management interface. Get a close look at the new Exchange Administration Center and see why it's an improvement.  Continue Reading

• IPhone configuration tips for Office 365 mailbox access

  A correct iPhone configuration is critical for users who need Office 365 mailbox access. While the setup isn't difficult, it's not very intuitive either.  Continue Reading

• Chkdsk improvements in Windows Server 2012 increase data availability

  Data availability has been an issue for admins running chkdsk, but that's no longer the case in Windows Server 2012. Here's a look at what's changed.  Continue Reading

• Exchange Server 2013 preparation checklist

  Whether you're planning on early adoption or waiting for Exchange 2013 SP1, here are several ways to prepare your current environment before migrating.  Continue Reading

• Updating Microsoft IT certifications with new MCSA exam

  The 70-417 exam draws on topics from all base-level tests for MCSA: Windows Server 2012 certification.  Continue Reading

• Evaluating VMware vSphere for Exchange 2010 virtualization

  An Exchange 2010 virtualization project is not to be taken lightly. When shopping for hypervisors, give VMware vSphere a long look -- and here's why.  Continue Reading

• How to customize Outlook 2010, important settings

  Not all Outlook deployments are created equal. Learn how to customize Outlook 2010 using a free tool, as well as which settings you can tweak.  Continue Reading

• No easy task to hire IT consulting services

  Here are some questions that need to be asked -- but aren't asked often enough -- when hiring an IT consultant.  Continue Reading

• Hosted Exchange Server security considerations

  Trying to decide which hosted Exchange provider makes sense for your company? Make sure you're satisfied with the answers to these six security questions before signing on the dotted line.  Continue Reading

• Introducing Exchange Server 2013 modern public folders

  Responding to demands from the Exchange community, Microsoft is keeping public folders in Exchange 2013 and surprise, they're much improved.  Continue Reading

• Ensuring hardware compatibility with a Windows Server 2012 upgrade

  With Windows Server 2012 available, admins have a lot to consider when it comes to hardware. Here's what you need to know before you make the move.  Continue Reading

• How to set up scale-out file servers in Windows Server 2012

  In Windows Server 2012, failover clustering is configured to work with scale-out file servers for continuous availability. Here's how it works.  Continue Reading

• Getting around Exchange 2013 Preview installation errors

  Excited to dig into the Exchange 2013 Preview? You may encounter errors during installation; get around them with these instructions.  Continue Reading

• Risk management in IT: Is risk on your list?

  IT pros who want to be respected and effect change, need to think about risk management in IT on a daily basis.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft brings clustering improvements to Windows Server 2012

  In Windows Server 2012, changes to clustering means simpler patching and expanded support for read-only domain controllers.  Continue Reading

• Multiserver administration and more with RSAT in Windows Server 2012

  Microsoft's Remote Server Administration Tools received an update in time for Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8. What's new?  Continue Reading

• Revisiting DCPromo in Active Directory: what's changed?

  Admins might have experience with the DCPromo tool in Windows Server's Server Manager. Learn about its history and where it's going.  Continue Reading

• Five best practices for virtualizing Exchange Server 2010 with Hyper-V

  Virtualizing Exchange 2010 with Hyper-V isn’t as popular as VMware vSphere, but it’s gaining traction. These five best practices may prove helpful before you start configuring your environment.  Continue Reading

• How to make SharePoint search less problematic

  SharePoint is a vast repository for data, which is a good thing until a user wants to find something.  Continue Reading

• Five quick links: 2012's top Windows Server management tips

  The most-clicked tips on Windows Server administration included old and new subjects: from Remote Desktop Gateway to IIS 8.  Continue Reading

• Examining Exchange Server 2010 LUN architecture

  When it comes to storage, Exchange 2010 is more flexible than previous versions. The one and two LUNs per database architectures are two options worth investigating.  Continue Reading

• How to repair the Outlook 2010 search index

  Every Outlook 2010 user relies on search to some extent. When search goes down, you need to know how to diagnose the problem and quickly fix it.  Continue Reading

• Office 365 archive mailbox and retention policy setup

  Excessively large mailboxes are bad news for Office 365 deployments. Instead, create and configure archive mailboxes and corresponding retention policies.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Online Backup Service in Windows Server 2012: Under the hood

  Weigh the pros and cons of Microsoft Online Backup Service in Windows Server 2012. Some features could benefit IT shops.  Continue Reading

• Accessing Exchange message stores via programming languages

  Many companies rely on non-Microsoft programming languages to access Exchange email. Find out how three languages talk to Exchange, where they're headed and more.  Continue Reading

• Locating unused Exchange Server mailboxes with PowerShell code

  Unused Exchange mailboxes are not only a licensing issue, but also a security vulnerability. Pinpoint empty and inactive mailboxes with PowerShell.  Continue Reading

• Extracting data from memory dumps with Event Tracing for Windows

  Admins facing Windows Server frequent hangs and crashes can use a number of tools, like Event Tracing for Windows, to catch a badly behaving task.  Continue Reading

• Valuing information technology certifications and degrees

  IT certifications and degrees by themselves don't mean you've got what it takes to succeed in business.  Continue Reading

• A lesson on Exchange Server 2010 resource mailbox management

  Resource mailbox management may seem tedious, but properly configured and customized mailboxes make life easier on admins and end users alike.  Continue Reading

• Examining SharePoint 2010 and Outlook 2010 synchronization gotchas

  Wondering why SharePoint and Outlook aren't syncing as they should be? First learn why, and then pass on these rules of thumb to your users.  Continue Reading

• An Exchange Online administration primer for Office 365 newbies

  Don’t wait until it’s too late. Become familiar with the basics of Microsoft’s Exchange Online administration prior to making the move to Office 365.  Continue Reading

• Built-in NIC teaming in Windows Server 2012 gives IT pros a break

  In Windows Server 2012, IT pros can prepare for failover scenarios using the newly built-in NIC teaming capability.  Continue Reading

• ActiveSync support in Windows 8 helps Exchange shops control BYOD

  Windows 8 and Windows RT lean on an old friend for Exchange connectivity. It improves Exchange mailbox security on tablets, making BYOD more feasible for Exchange orgs.  Continue Reading

• Windows Azure and Amazon EC2: Cloud computing face-off

  Microsoft's cloud computing competitor is younger than Amazon's EC2. Azure's made strides, but is it enough to be crowned cloud computing king?  Continue Reading

• Converting VMware virtual machines to Hyper-V with VMC

  If you need to consolidate into a Windows-based shop, Microsoft provides a free tool to convert VMware virtual machines to Hyper-V machines.  Continue Reading

• How to write reusable PowerShell scripts for Exchange Server

  We’ve all heard about the virtues of PowerShell. Reusable scripts may not change your life, but they'll certainly change your job and save you lots of time.  Continue Reading

• How to rebuild an Exchange edge transport server

  Since the edge transport server’s configuration info isn’t stored in Active Directory, you can’t rebuild it as you would other server roles. We’ve got the instructions you’ll need.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Hyper-V and Virtual Machine Manager 2012 enhancements

  Virtual Machine Manager 2012 promises improvements for Hyper-V shops. Find out why this single-pane-of-glass manager improves on VMM 2008.  Continue Reading

• How Exchange Online retention policies aid records management

  A move to the cloud eliminates certain administrative chores. One task you must still handle is records management. Read about Exchange Online retention policies and the PowerShell you’ll need here.  Continue Reading

• SMB 3.0 brings fault tolerant features, more speed

  SMB 3.0 ushers in the next generation of server messaging features and brings in speed improvements and tricks.  Continue Reading

• How to repair a corrupt Outlook 2010 deployment

  When Outlook goes down, don’t automatically download a third-party tool. Instead, try one of these approaches suggested by our expert.  Continue Reading

• How Windows Server 2012 enables Active Directory cloud deployments

  Learning from past mistakes, Microsoft has added features that improve domain controller deployment, whether on-premises or not.  Continue Reading

• Managing Hyper-V 3.0 extensible switch, Replica with PowerShell

  Are PowerShell 3 and Hyper-V 3.0 a perfect match? With some basic PowerShell scripts, learn how to complete management functions on two top features.  Continue Reading

• Eight steps to better securing Exchange Server 2010

  Properly protecting Exchange Server 2010 means maintaining top-notch security. Perform the tasks on this checklist regularly to keep your deployment safe and sound.  Continue Reading

• Automating Exchange mailbox creation and provisioning step-by-step

  If you're looking to steal more valuable time to put toward other more important tasks, take a look at these cmdlets that can automate mailbox creation and provisioning for your users.  Continue Reading

• How to send Outlook 2010 items via SMS text message

  No smart phone, no problem! You can still configure Outlook 2010 to send mail, calendar items and more to users who have cell phones that aren’t ActiveSync-enabled. Here’s how.  Continue Reading

• Five Group Policy Preferences that replace Windows logon scripts

  You don't need to deal with logon scripts any longer; these GPPs can solve the same problems without all the syntax hassle.  Continue Reading

• Choosing iSCSI as a low-cost alternative to Hyper-V High Availability

  You don't have to break the bank for highly available virtualization. iSCSI storage offers plenty of benefits with the right implementation.  Continue Reading

• How to troubleshoot Exchange Autodiscover service issues

  The Exchange Autodiscover service doesn’t typically need a lot of maintenance. But when issues crop up, make sure you’re ready.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft certifications: How MCSE and MCSA have changed

  Microsoft's revamped certification program brings back familiar acronyms like MCSE and MCSA, but other important changes have occurred as well.  Continue Reading

• The top five Group Policy PowerShell commands

  The GUI is great for some things, but these scripts will help make your Group Policy administration much more efficient.  Continue Reading

• Smart sizing for Exchange Server 2010 mailbox databases

  There is no single size that fits the needs of all Exchange Server 2010 mailbox databases. But there are several aspects to consider when determining what’s best for your company.  Continue Reading

• Assessing Office 365's Lync Online for Exchange admins

  Lync Online gets less fanfare than Exchange and SharePoint online, but that doesn't mean you should disregard it. Know what to expect if and when your company jumps on the Office 365 bandwagon.  Continue Reading

• Credibility is the cornerstone of your IT career

  Credibility at work doesn’t come about just from waving around your degrees and certifications. It goes beyond technical skills. So how can you build up your credibility?  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Exchange 2010 public folder replication issues

  Public folders are here to stay. Therefore, you need to know how to fix them if anything -- like replication -- goes wrong.  Continue Reading

• How to change Office 365 user passwords via PowerShell

  Sorry if you’re a bit weary of hearing reasons why PowerShell is so important. Here’s one more: you’ll need it for password management in Office 365.  Continue Reading

• What to know before repairing Exchange Server 2010 databases

  Repairing an Exchange 2010 database is a potentially destructive operation. Following these carefully laid out instructions can help you avoid disaster.  Continue Reading

• Install WSUS updates immediately with Windows PowerShell

  One little script can change your life. Use Greg Shields' 'Big Red Button' to automate patching and reclaim some hours in your day.  Continue Reading

• Revamped Windows Performance Toolkit improves performance monitoring

  Performance monitoring gets a graphical boost with the release of several new event tracing tools.  Continue Reading

• How to track Microsoft Exchange Server licenses for free

  No one wants to break Microsoft’s licensing laws, so keeping track of your Exchange licenses is critical. It may not be obvious due to its name, but this free Microsoft tool can help.  Continue Reading

• Protecting SharePoint 2010 document libraries with IRM

  Normally a Windows feature, Information Rights Management also lets admins limit access to SharePoint 2010 documents. Here’s how to set up IRM and handle its limitations.  Continue Reading

• How to prepare Exchange Server 2010 for reusable PowerShell scripts

  Creating reusable PowerShell scripts can save admins valuable time. But before you begin writing them, you’ve got to get your Exchange Server 2010 environment in order.  Continue Reading

• How P2V tools can help you choose between Hyper-V and VMware

  Hyper-V or VMware? The question's not going away, but migration planning products can help you give a more informed answer.  Continue Reading

• Why Workflow may be PowerShell v3's most important feature

  Your task list is about to be reborn. Our expert explains how Workflow will help you now -- and how it will help guide Microsoft in the future.  Continue Reading

• How to fix Exchange 2010 virtual directory re-creation problems

  Re-creating virtual directories in Exchange 2010 is a straightforward process, but that doesn't mean problems won't occur. First, check these trouble spots.  Continue Reading

• Understanding management gets your IT department what it needs

  Crafting the perfect pitch can be difficult in a budget-conscious workplace. Knowing how management will react to proposals can help.  Continue Reading

• How to create custom driver databases with Windows Deployment Services

  Plug and Play isn't just for USB devices. Here's how to put it to work in your installation environment.  Continue Reading

• How to manually uninstall Exchange Server 2010

  Severe damage to Exchange Server 2010 may require you to uninstall the program. Follow these tips to prevent harm to Active Directory.  Continue Reading

• How to fix three nagging iPhone problems in Exchange 2007

  If your iPhone users are having trouble accessing Exchange 2007 email and calendaring, you can sidestep the problems before they happen.  Continue Reading

• Top five Group Policy improvements in Windows Server 2012

  What's changed with Active Directory Group Policy in Windows Server 2012? Get an idea of some of the improvements in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Five habits of highly successful IT pros

  Wondering why you’re not ascending in your IT department? Start incorporating these helpful habits and watch your stock rise.  Continue Reading

• How to secure Exchange Server 2010 post deployment

  So you’ve deployed Exchange 2010, but are you confident in its security? If you’re unsure, make certain you’ve checked off these seven items.  Continue Reading

• New features in Microsoft IIS 8

  Admins will find plenty of new features to like in the new version of Microsoft's web server – especially if they're hosting large-scale operations.  Continue Reading

• Improving Exchange 2010 uptime with virtualization and HA features

  There are numerous features you can use -- some native to Exchange 2010 and some included in virtualization platforms -- to improve uptime and optimize performance. Consider these six areas.  Continue Reading

• How to connect to Office 365's PowerShell in the cloud

  Admins can get more granular control of Office 365 resources after connecting to PowerShell. Unfortunately, determining how to make that initial connection isn't immediately clear.  Continue Reading

• How ReFS compares to NTFS

  Microsoft's modernized file system is all about integrity. Here are the new features that set it apart from its predecessor.  Continue Reading

• Assessing the value of Microsoft certifications

  Will Microsoft certifications get you a great job or make you a lot of money? Probably not, but that doesn’t mean they’re not still extremely valuable.  Continue Reading

• Top five features in PowerShell v3

  PowerShell has become pretty hard to ignore. Here are the latest reasons to get up to speed with the scripting tool.  Continue Reading