Evaluate
Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.
Evaluate
Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.
What are the pros and cons of Microsoft Universal Print?
The modernization of many organizations revolves around the cloud and newer user devices, and a Microsoft offering could help bridge the gap with legacy printing infrastructure. Continue Reading
See what's coming in Windows Server 2025
Microsoft plans several changes to the upcoming version of Windows Server that promise more financial flexibility and boosts in security and workload performance. Continue Reading
How admins can benefit from switching to PowerShell 7.4
This PowerShell release includes PSReadLine enhancements, better integration with Windows Defender Application Control and new features to ease native command use for all platforms. Continue Reading
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Why you can benefit from using Always On VPN
The Windows Server feature gives administrators more flexibility to manage clients, while giving users a better overall experience when connecting to enterprise resources. Continue Reading
What are the Microsoft Entra ID benefits for on-prem admins?
Active Directory's presence looms large for organizations that rely on Microsoft's venerable directory service for a multitude of tasks tied to identity and access. Continue Reading
What do admins need to know about the CLI for Microsoft 365?
The options to manage the Microsoft 365 platform are seemingly endless, but the CLI for Microsoft 365 offers distinct advantages for admins in the enterprise.Continue Reading
Exchange Online post-migration steps for admins
A move to the hosted email platform is an opportunity to streamline how users work with other Microsoft 365 services. But it requires IT to stay current with the product roadmap.Continue Reading
Learn by doing with these PowerShell regex examples
When you must find specific text in a large file, such as a system log, regular expressions can come to the rescue. Learn how to add this skill to your administrative arsenal.Continue Reading
How to use GitHub Copilot for PowerShell coding projects
The integration of this code completion tool with VS Code can benefit administrators who want to automate jobs. But there are some limitations with this fledgling technology.Continue Reading
Learn about the Azure Stack HCI benefits for admins
The hyper-converged infrastructure offering promises to reduce the headaches associated with running virtualized workloads on hardware sourced from multiple vendors.Continue Reading
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Improve automation skills with the AD Administrative Center
You might know that you can use PowerShell to handle repetitive Active Directory tasks. But were you aware the Active Directory Administrative Center can help write the code?Continue Reading
Follow these steps to decommission Exchange Server
An Exchange Server migration includes a lot of moving parts but it's important to cover the training aspect to make sure your users aren't left behind.Continue Reading
Get a grip on your infrastructure with a custom MMC
Microsoft provides great administration tools, such as PowerShell and Server Manager. But don't neglect the venerable Microsoft Management Console for its flexibility.Continue Reading
Tips to avoid a bumpy Exchange 2010 migration to Office 365
Now that Exchange Server 2010 and Exchange 2013 are legacy products, administrators should make the push to migrate to avoid becoming the next ransomware target.Continue Reading
Deploy WebJEA to empower your users with PowerShell
Give your automation scripts a GUI that makes it easier for end users to get the information they need with a more streamlined approach.Continue Reading
Improve IT efficiency with a PowerShell self-service portal
You can jump over the technical barriers that impede automation efforts in your organization by exploring how to deploy a web-based portal that hosts your scripts.Continue Reading
How to prepare for the next version of Exchange Server
The Exchange Server roadmap charts several twists and turns that shows Microsoft deviating from its typical course with the server-based email platform.Continue Reading
What is PowerShell and how to use it: The ultimate tutorial
PowerShell is an object-oriented automation engine and scripting language with an interactive command-line shell that Microsoft developed to help IT professionals configure systems and automate administrative tasks.Continue Reading
10 PowerShell courses to help hone your skills
Learn what popular online PowerShell courses -- including those from Udemy, Pluralsight and LinkedIn Learning -- offer for beginners and advanced systems administrators.Continue Reading
How to copy files from source to destination in PowerShell
Take a closer look at Copy-Item cmdlet coding examples to build advanced PowerShell scripts that copy files with safety measures to ensure the duplicates reach their destinations.Continue Reading
Set up PowerShell script block logging for added security
Learn how to set up your systems to capture abnormal PowerShell behavior as one way to shore up your defenses.Continue Reading
PowerShell Move-Item examples for file, folder management
You can take the pain out of regular administrative tasks, such as migrating and organizing data from your users, with these advanced automation scripts.Continue Reading
Top PowerShell commands you must know, with cheat sheet
Explore this list of the most-used PowerShell cmdlets and what each one is used for. Then download the handy cheat sheet to keep the information at your fingertips.Continue Reading
How to upload and download files with PowerShell FTP script
By using the .NET WebClient class and PowerShell, Windows admins can upload and download files to FTP. Review the general process and corresponding examples to get started.Continue Reading
How to test PowerShell code with Pester
PowerShell's Pester troubleshooting tool lets users write and run tests. Learn how to install the tool and examine a step-by-step Pester test example.Continue Reading
Why you should plan to migrate to Exchange 2019 soon
An upgrade to the latest Exchange version will bring added functionality for end users and security enhancements. But it will also help ease the transition to Exchange vNext.Continue Reading
Hone your PowerShell text manipulation skills
Retrieving content from and modifying content in text files with PowerShell are skills many administrators need to cultivate to aid their automation efforts.Continue Reading
How to test the PowerShell pending reboot module
Learn how to check if your machines have pending reboots with a simple PowerShell module to ensure changes to files do not cause stability issues.Continue Reading
How to filter Security log events for signs of trouble
Certain accounts, such as company executives, will draw unwanted attention from hackers. Learn how to catch these targeted attacks by checking Windows event logs.Continue Reading
Speed up onboarding with Active Directory user templates
Active Directory account templates are not difficult to make. But it helps to know how to use certain shortcuts, like variables, to create home directories and roaming profiles.Continue Reading
What's new with the EXO v3 module for Exchange admins?
Microsoft made several significant improvements in the Exchange Online PowerShell v3 module for added reliability and performance when managing the hosted email platform.Continue Reading
EDR tools for Windows Server compared
Windows Server 2022 comes with native security technologies to protect the enterprise. But endpoint detection and response tools can be worth the price of admission.Continue Reading
How to use Microsoft Sentinel with Office 365 to find risks
The security product attempts to ferret out threats that originate from apps and services then assists the enterprise with an automatic response to head off trouble.Continue Reading
Compare these PowerShell front-end GUI tools
These offerings provide portals to avoid security issues and other stumbling blocks that hamper organizations from providing more wide-ranging use of PowerShell.Continue Reading
How to build a Windows Server 2022 home lab and why
It's possible to get to learn about the features in the latest Microsoft server OS in a cloud environment, but there are a few reasons to stay grounded with this approach.Continue Reading
How to decide on what Office 365 add-on licenses to use
Missing certain functionality and want to supplement your subscription to Office 365 or Microsoft 365? Find out what extras make sense for your organization.Continue Reading
Consider Azure AD group-based licensing for Office 365 users
Administrators who manage many users can go one step further toward streamlining license assignments by taking advantage of a new feature from Microsoft.Continue Reading
Explore print server alternatives to avoid IT headaches
Increased difficulties related to printing have many organizations exploring their options. See what these third-party print management alternatives have to offer.Continue Reading
Do you meet all the modern authentication requirements?
Microsoft's push to a more secure method for user authentication and authorization could catch some enterprises flat-footed if IT hasn't done its homework.Continue Reading
8 WSUS alternatives for patch management
Compare the features and functionality of eight prominent patch management tools for Microsoft OSes and third-party applications to find the right option for your organization.Continue Reading
Why admins should learn how to use Azure Logic Apps
In an increasingly cloudy IT world, the iPaaS offering from Microsoft can bridge management gaps with automated workflows that require little technical expertise.Continue Reading
Guide to Windows Server Hybrid Administrator certification
The new accreditation takes a more focused approach with exams that require knowledge of deploying traditional infrastructure components and their Microsoft Azure equivalent.Continue Reading
Use these PowerShell add-ons to supercharge your experience
These PowerShell new features and modules introduce several customization and functionality features to the popular automation tool to ease coding tasks for administrators.Continue Reading
Microsoft cloud certifications Windows admins should pursue
The surge in remote work means admins with skills with Microsoft's cloud technologies are in demand. You can prove your proficiency by acquiring these Microsoft certifications.Continue Reading
Compare the features in the Windows Server 2022 editions
Microsoft unveiled a Datacenter Azure edition to go with the traditional Standard and Datacenter editions. See what else is new with this server OS release in this breakdown.Continue Reading
How to perform Azure AD bulk operations with PowerShell
Microsoft offers multiple ways to manage users and groups in Azure Active Directory. PowerShell is one option, but it requires knowing which module to use to handle coverage gaps.Continue Reading
Microsoft Teams lifecycle management with PowerShell and Graph
A rushed Microsoft Teams deployment could lead to unintended gaps in security and governance. Here's how to use PowerShell and the Microsoft Graph to regain control.Continue Reading
Working with the Microsoft Defender for Identity portal
The security product, formerly Azure Advanced Threat Protection, taps into the cloud to uncover suspicious activity across the on-premises network.Continue Reading
How to assign Microsoft Teams policies with PowerShell
The admin center lags behind PowerShell when it comes to Microsoft Teams policy management due to the automation tool's superior logging and visibility features.Continue Reading
Minimize headaches with these Office 365 PST migration tips
A bulk email import into the hosted email service in Microsoft's cloud takes a little effort -- and some help from the AzCopy utility -- but it's a job you can handle yourself.Continue Reading
SCCM peer caching matters more now than ever
The three peer-to-peer technologies in System Center Configuration Manager smooth out traffic over the network, but one might be a better fit for your organization than the others.Continue Reading
SCCM vs. Intune: A closer look at the capabilities of each
Microsoft Endpoint Manager packages the two well-known administration tools, which have grown closer in functionality but still have some unique capabilities.Continue Reading
How to choose between Azure Files vs. an on-prem file server
Many organizations still need a file server, but some of the advantages of Microsoft's cloud storage option might persuade companies to make the switch.Continue Reading
Azure MFA NPS extension boosts authentication capabilities
With help from the Network Policy Server extension, organizations can expand their on-premises authentication features by tapping into Microsoft's cloud.Continue Reading
Azure Information Protection P1 vs. P2: What's the difference?
Azure Information Protection adds security to files such as sensitive emails and files copied to flash drives. See which features Microsoft offers in its two licensing levels.Continue Reading
WUfB vs. WSUS: Which handles Windows updates better?
Trying to get a handle on Windows updates can frustrate even the most seasoned administrators. Which of these two patch management tools fit best in your environment?Continue Reading
Azure AD Premium P1 vs. P2: Which is right for you?
Azure Active Directory is more than just Active Directory in the cloud. See how the premium editions of the directory service stack up to find the best fit for your organization.Continue Reading
Explore the benefits of Azure AD vs. on-prem AD
A move to Office 365 doesn't require cutting the cord from on-premises Active Directory, but it is an option. Here's what you need to know when comparing Azure AD vs. on-prem AD.Continue Reading
Microsoft 365 E3 vs. Office 365 E3: What admins need to know
The rumors of Office 365's death have been greatly exaggerated. Microsoft still offers an Office 365 E3 plan, but how does it stack up to the Microsoft 365 E3 plan?Continue Reading
Clearing up the Nano Server vs. Server Core confusion
The debut of Windows Server 2016 contained a lighter server OS deployment to replace Server Core, but then Microsoft made a drastic change that still has some admins puzzled.Continue Reading
Windows file systems showdown: FAT16, FAT32, NTFS and ReFS
Some older file formats continue to find life in the enterprise decades after they were developed for their versatility -- in certain situations.Continue Reading
What admins should know about Microsoft Windows Terminal
There's a new terminal that puts a different spin on the traditional command-line tools used by Windows administrators with extensive functionality and customization options.Continue Reading
WVD vs. RDS vs. VDI: Which should you choose?
Application and desktop virtualization delivered by Windows Server continues to do the job, but is it time to give Microsoft's new cloud-based desktop service a look?Continue Reading
Why Linux containers on Windows is a big deal
Microsoft introduced support for Docker Linux containers in its latest versions of the Windows client and server operating systems, so why should it matter to you?Continue Reading
Is SCCM in Azure right for your organization?
System Center Configuration Manager still has a long life, which was further underscored by Microsoft supporting deployments of the endpoint management tool to Azure.Continue Reading
PowerShell book captures the tool's intense early days
Getting PowerShell off the drawing board and into Windows required an iron will, as well as technical chops. A new book unveils the story behind its development process.Continue Reading
Q&A: Recounting the rough-and-tumble history of PowerShell
Today, PowerShell is a key tool for many Windows administrators, but its developers had to battle to get it launched. Don Jones talks about PowerShell's tumultuous start.Continue Reading
VMs vs. containers: What Windows admins need to know
VMs have high resource overhead, but they're dependable. Containers can scale dramatically, but they require a different mode of management. Which is right for your workloads?Continue Reading
Use a Windows Server 2019 domain controller or go to Azure?
Administrators must dig into the details to see if a swap from on-premises Active Directory to the Azure equivalent makes sense for their organization.Continue Reading
Windows Server 2019 RDS updates a boon for remote work needs
Enhanced security, improved end-user experience and cloud integration are just a few of the perks for organizations that move to Windows Server 2019 RDS.Continue Reading
Consider Office 365 MFA to thwart attacks
More remote users are working on their own equipment, which opens an organization to a hack attempt. Office 365 customers can use multifactor authentication to lower this risk.Continue Reading
Remote access is just one of many COVID-19 IT challenges
The coronavirus outbreak stretched many in IT to the limit of their abilities to find ways to accommodate the surge in remote workers.Continue Reading
PowerShell ForEach-Object cmdlet picks up speed
Administrators get extra incentive to switch to PowerShell 7 after an existing cmdlet acquires a performance enhancement to run multiple iterations in parallel.Continue Reading
Do you need to make Exchange Online backups?
Microsoft has several protective measures in place to let customers restore deleted mail in Office 365, but backup vendors will say it's not enough to cover every scenario.Continue Reading
Updated Exchange Online PowerShell module adds reliability, speed
Microsoft assists Exchange Online administrators who rely on PowerShell by reworking the underlying functionality of several cmdlets used to manage the hosted email platform.Continue Reading
A closer look at new and updated Microsoft security features
Microsoft augments the native protection features in its newer Windows Server releases with cloud-based security products to reduce the likelihood of a successful breach attempt.Continue Reading
What are Windows virtualization-based security features?
Microsoft Hyper-V on Windows comes with advanced protection schemes, including several virtualization-based security features the company introduced in Windows Server 2019.Continue Reading
What are some Windows Server 2019 SDN security features?
Microsoft continued to refine the software-defined networking capabilities in its latest server operating system by developing several new security features.Continue Reading
Why move to PowerShell 7 from Windows PowerShell?
The next major release of this venerable automation tool features performance improvements and a bevy of new features that could sway many administrators to switch.Continue Reading
What are some features in Microsoft Defender ATP?
The threat protection platform, which underwent a recent name change, comes with some tailored features for Windows Server 2019 to stop attacks and reduce configuration issues.Continue Reading
On-premises server monitoring tools meet business needs, budget
Compare these eight on-premises network, server and application monitoring tools to determine which best fits your organization's specific use cases, business needs and budget.Continue Reading
Are containers on Windows the right choice for you?
Containers have grown in popularity, but there are some considerations to weigh before you decide to migrate Server 2008 workloads to this technology.Continue Reading
Windows Server 2008 end of life: Is Azure the right path?
Time is almost up for support for your Windows Server 2008/2008 R2 workloads. Microsoft would like you to migrate those VMs to Azure, but is that the best choice?Continue Reading
Azure Bastion brings convenience, security to VM management
This cloud service gets around the problem associated with jump servers and cloaks the identity of your VMs to avoid potential security issues.Continue Reading
What are the Azure Stack HCI hardware and support costs?
Organizations can cap their hyper-converged infrastructure costs when they deploy the Azure Stack HCI platform, but once they plug into the cloud, it's a different story.Continue Reading
Consider these Office 365 alternatives to public folders
Public folders in Exchange still exist, but they're considered legacy features that haven't kept up with the times. See what Office 365 alternatives might be a better fit.Continue Reading
What are the Azure Stack HCI deployment, management options?
While the Windows Admin Center is one way to manage the Azure Stack HCI platform, you can also use traditional, battle-tested tools.Continue Reading
What's new with the Exchange hybrid configuration wizard?
The Exchange configuration wizard continues to evolve into a refined utility with enhanced capabilities that administrators should explore when considering a hybrid deployment.Continue Reading
Do you know the difference in the Microsoft HCI programs?
Hyper-converged infrastructure that runs on Windows Server is not a new concept, but Microsoft's Azure Stack HCI program has one big difference from earlier HCI incarnations.Continue Reading
Top Office 365 MFA considerations for administrators
A complex password only goes so far to stop a breach. Implementing multifactor authorization can help, but make sure the product you select fits your current and future needs.Continue Reading
What are the Azure Stack HCI features?
An Azure Stack HCI system relies on Windows Server 2019 to deliver the software-defined compute, storage and networking technologies that integrate with the OEM hardware.Continue Reading
The future of PowerShell begins to sharpen in focus
PowerShell's promise as a cross-platform management tool has come a long way, but much work still needs to be done for both Linux and Windows admins to pick up adoption.Continue Reading
Lessons learned from PowerShell Summit 2019
Want to refine your automation abilities? Learn about some of the insights gleaned from the advanced sessions held at the PowerShell Summit.Continue Reading
Are you ready for the Exchange 2010 end of life?
Whether you want to stay on premises with a newer version of Exchange Server or lift that workload into Microsoft's cloud version, there are pros and cons to weigh on each end.Continue Reading
How Windows Admin Center stacks up to other management tools
Microsoft is putting a lot of resources into this relatively new tool to manage Windows systems, but is it ready for prime time when compared with more seasoned offerings?Continue Reading
Sizing up the Office 365 protection options
Get serious about protecting your organization from ransomware and phishing attacks by taking a closer look at the leading Office 365 security offerings.Continue Reading
Exchange Online vs. Office 365: Which plan is a better fit?
A switch from Exchange Server to Exchange Online might make financial sense, but it might not fit the needs of your organization. Here are some common migration mistakes to avoid.Continue Reading
What's new in hybrid Azure services in Windows Admin Center?
Trying to get the most out of Azure hybrid services? Discover Microsoft's latest developments to further centralize management in Windows Admin Center.Continue Reading
Does an Azure cloud migration make sense for your workloads?
While you can't move all of your Windows Server workloads into the Azure cloud and turn off your local server closet, you can get much closer than ever.Continue Reading
Linux on Windows helps systems administrators gain new skills
The line between Windows and Linux is starting to blur in most organizations. Here's what systems administrators need to know about working with Linux and Windows.Continue Reading