Evaluate

Evaluate

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

• End-user computing trends of the past, present and future

  The last 20 years were a journey from homogeneous to heterogeneous EUC environments. One question for the next 20 is how well we will finish adapting to this new world. Continue Reading

• No Windows 10 Sandbox Activation

  As I determine there's no Windows 10 Sandbox activation it makes sense to assert that a throwaway one-time-use OS instance doesn't need activation anyway. Continue Reading

• What Windows 10 migration tools are available to IT?

  A Windows 10 migration is a long, tedious journey, but there are tools to help. Discover three unified endpoint management tools that can streamline the process. Continue Reading

• What are the reasons to stay on Windows 7?

  Most organizations should perform a migration to Windows 10. Some applications aren't compatible with the new OS, however. Learn what to do in these rare circumstances. Continue Reading

• DaaS may encourage organizations to adopt Macs and Chromebooks

  New options for delivering remote Windows apps in the cloud, combined with the maturity of SaaS apps, Chromebooks and Mac management, means organizations can offer users more choices. Continue Reading

• Windows 10 19H2 update brings few changes, more confusion

  Windows 10 updates have plagued IT since the inception of the OS. Microsoft may be attempting to assuage IT's concerns with the Windows 10 19H2 update.Continue Reading

• What IT pros should know about Windows 10 reserved storage

  With the release of Windows 10 version 1903 comes a new feature called reserved storage. Here's what IT pros should know about navigating and managing this new component.Continue Reading

• IT's guide to Windows 10 Enterprise 2019 LTSC

  The Windows 10 Enterprise 2019 LTSC release includes a number of new management capabilities. IT administrators should be aware of the new features and enhancements.Continue Reading

• Weigh VMware Workspace One pricing against its benefits

  VMware Workspace One is one of the leading workspace products, but it can be a steep investment. Determine whether the price tag will be worth it for your organization.Continue Reading

• What IT should know about the Microsoft Office app for Windows 10

  Microsoft released a new Microsoft Office app during an update to Windows 10. Learn about the changes that this new app brings and how to take advantage of its features.Continue Reading

• Consider these factors for the device-as-a-service model

  IT professionals looking into device as a service should evaluate how the model can fit into their organization. Learn about the benefits of the device-as-a-service model.Continue Reading

• Weigh the Citrix Workspace cost against its benefits

  Citrix Workspace is one of the leading workspace products, but it can be a steep investment. Determine whether the price tag will be worth it for your organization.Continue Reading

• Windows 7 migration presents IT with an opportunity to modernize

  Moving on from Windows 7 is still a necessity for more than one-third of organizations, and if done correctly, an OS migration can help modernize and secure your organization.Continue Reading

• Win10 Minimum Hardware Requirements Get Interesting

  Careful examination of changes to CPU details show that with version 1903, Win10 minimum hardware requirements get interesting. Simply put, newer CPUs deliver more advanced features and functions.Continue Reading

• X1 Carbon Extreme 6-Core Really Flies

  If you're looking for a serious, capable road/travel laptop, be aware that the Lenovo X1 Carbon Extreme 6-Core really flies. For $2.5-3.0K you can get performance on par with a reasonably capable ...Continue Reading

• 4 use cases for Macs in the enterprise

  Microsoft Windows is typically regarded as the go-to enterprise desktop, but IT shouldn't rule out macOS. Consider four reasons to run macOS in the enterprise.Continue Reading

• 4 use cases for Linux desktops in the enterprise

  Linux OS isn't as popular as Windows, but it still offers a variety of benefits, including flexibility and heightened security. Delve into these use cases for Linux desktops.Continue Reading

• Samsung Consumer Drivers OEM Friendly

  Because my new Lenovo loaner laptops include OEM model NVMe drives, I find myself asking are Samsung consumer drivers OEM friendly? In my case, at least, the answer turns out to be "Yes!"Continue Reading

• How to navigate a sea of UEM vendors

  The UEM market is relatively new and, therefore, confusing to navigate. But, with an analysis of what's out there, IT can begin to understand which product is the best fit.Continue Reading

• End-user security training quiz for IT pros

  When it comes to social engineering attacks, there is no better method to improve security than training users. Find out if you're ready with this quiz.Continue Reading

• How EDR tools can improve endpoint security

  IT should be constantly re-evaluating security tool choices. Endpoint detection and response tools, for example, can be a good option to improve endpoint security.Continue Reading

• Use IT help desk tools to resolve and prevent IT incidents

  The software that manages the IT help desk helps admins track, monitor and resolve incidents to optimize the benefits that these very platforms provide to their organizations.Continue Reading

• Test your knowledge of the device-as-a-service model

  For some organizations, leasing devices and support, also known as device as a service, is the best option for device management. Quiz yourself on this business model.Continue Reading

• How does IT sideload apps in Windows 10?

  There are certain cases that make sense for IT to sideload LOB apps to prevent them from reaching the Microsoft Store. Here's how to successfully perform the process.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Sandbox not a fit for all enterprise playgrounds

  Windows Sandbox integrates directly into Windows 10, which makes it easy for IT and users to work with, but could spell trouble for organizations.Continue Reading

• Quiz yourself on top features of Windows 10

  With each update, Microsoft introduces many new features that it can be hard to keep track of. Challenge yourself on how well you know these Windows 10 key features and other terms.Continue Reading

• Retiring Older PC Upon Long Service

  When I hit a constant series of snags with upgrading to the latest Win10 Insider Preview version, I consider retiring older PC upon long service. Frankly, I'm torn up about this.Continue Reading

• Test your digital workspace services prowess with this quiz

  Citrix and VMware each have workspace platforms with features that control mobile notifications, workflows and more. Find out if you know what they are with this workspace quiz.Continue Reading

• Learn about the device-as-a-service model and its use cases

  Device-as-a-service offerings can help IT pros provide their users with support and high-functioning devices, but they must consider the ramifications of choosing such a program.Continue Reading

• How does Parallels Mac Management for Microsoft SCCM work?

  With Mac Management from Parallels, IT professionals can manage Windows and Apple macOS desktops side by side with System Center Configuration Manager's native features.Continue Reading

• How to use PowerShell to troubleshoot Windows desktops

  When IT uses remote access to troubleshoot a user's desktop, it prevents the user from working. PowerShell, however, allows IT to fix a problem without disturbing the user.Continue Reading

• Windows 10 desktop management holiday wish list

  IT pros managing Windows 10 desktops in 2018 might run into problems with OS updates or patches. As a result, they have some holiday wishes for changes to Windows 10.Continue Reading

• Boost end-user productivity in 2019 with these insights

  There are many approaches to end-user management that can improve productivity. Read three experts' opinions on these trends for 2019.Continue Reading

• Web browser quiz: Do you know Chrome, Firefox, Edge and IE?

  Users work with web browsers constantly. As a result, it's important for IT to know how to manage the top options, including Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.Continue Reading

• Get to know digital workspace software

  VMware and Citrix workspace suites allow IT professionals to centralize end-user management while delivering a single access point for all of users' productivity resources.Continue Reading

• Recapping end-user computing strategy evolutions of 2018

  It's time to take a look back and consider how end-user computing has evolved over the past year. AI made an obvious mark, but what about hosted desktops and new management approaches?Continue Reading

• Advantages of hyper-converged infrastructure for virtual desktops

  Advantages of hyper-converged infrastructure compared with a traditional data center setup include improved scalability and availability, simpler management and better integration. And when it comes to virtual desktops and applications, those ...Continue Reading

• Settle the debate on how to deploy Windows 10 desktops

  IT pros have a decision to make when delivering and managing Windows 10. They can use a DaaS provider, manage the desktops with cloud-based tools or keep everything on premises.Continue Reading

• Get to know third-party Windows 10 migration tools

  IT professionals should look to third-party migration tools during a transition to Windows 10 to provide any features that the native Windows migration tools do not.Continue Reading

• Top Microsoft Office alternatives for enterprise use

  Microsoft's productivity suite sees the most enterprise use, but organizations can switch to certain Microsoft Office alternatives for lower licensing costs and more.Continue Reading

• The complete guide to Windows 10 security tools

  IT professionals must carefully consider which security tools they use to protect their Windows 10 desktops. They may want to stray from the Microsoft path in some instances.Continue Reading

• Buy the right help desk tools to track and resolve incidents

  Help desk management tools help admins manage, track and resolve problems. Learn about the leading products and the reporting, communication and support features they offer.Continue Reading

• Understanding third-party Windows 10 security tools

  Third-party security tools provide value and new utilities for Windows 10 desktop administrators. IT should consider non-Microsoft options for patching, firewalls and more.Continue Reading

• What's new in the Microsoft Windows 10 October 2018 Update?

  The Windows 10 October 2018 Update might be best known for some of the problems it caused, but it also added some features that can help business users and IT pros.Continue Reading

• Why you don't always need a general-purpose operating system

  A purpose-built, or real-time, operating system could be more useful for applications that require a lot of data processing. Several options for this type of system exist today.Continue Reading

• Get to know the device-as-a-service trend

  Everything is a service these days. You can even get Yankee candles delivered from Amazon on a subscription basis. For EUC admins, device as a service is probably a bigger deal.Continue Reading

• Five Microsoft Windows 10 features to know in the enterprise

  IT professionals transitioning their organization's desktops to Windows 10 should understand the best Windows 10 features, such as Microsoft Cortana and Windows Defender's new tools.Continue Reading

• Assess IT help desk software options based on these features

  Explore communication channels, ticket management, agent management, knowledge base options and reporting capabilities when evaluating prospective help desk management software.Continue Reading

• 4 enterprise email clients to consider instead of Outlook

  Organizations looking to cut costs or make a change for their business email client have numerous options to replace Microsoft Outlook, but not all of them are viable.Continue Reading

• Understand Windows Insider Program for Business options

  With its business-friendly Insider Program, Microsoft allows IT and users to test Windows 10 preview builds for compatibility and performance issues.Continue Reading

• Win10 Version 1809 Makes Official Debut

  A quick screen capture of winver.exe from Build 17741 shows that Win10 Version 1809 makes official debut as the upcoming next version name.Continue Reading

• Get to know data synchronization tools for the enterprise

  Users who work with multiple devices will want their data to transfer across endpoints. IT can ease the syncing process by working with the right tools.Continue Reading

• NoMo Snipping Tool Try Screen Sketch Instead

  Starting with a feature upgrade sometime soon, the screencap motto will be "NoMo Snipping Tool Try Screen Sketch Instead!" I take a look at what's what with Skip Ahead Preview Build 18204.Continue Reading

• Establish help desk best practices to improve the system

  To run a successful help desk, IT must prioritize help desk tickets and establish expectations for admins and users, as well as reduce the number of time-wasting tickets.Continue Reading

• Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 laptop slims down, but it's no tablet

  Despite Dell's best efforts, including combining CPU and GPU in a single processor to make the device smaller, the XPS 15 2-in-1 still falls short as a tablet.Continue Reading

• Get to know enterprise patch management tools

  Unpatched software and OSes can create a huge security hole in any organization. IT should know what tools can fill in the gaps.Continue Reading

• Resolve problems right with a help desk management system

  Help desk management tools keep employees working after problems and outages occur. Discover the extensive benefits the right platform can provide.Continue Reading

• How to deploy and administer help desk management software

  Help desk tools help IT manage the submission, status and resolution of employee help desk tickets. Read on to learn about common help desk challenges and the latest trends.Continue Reading

• How the Microsoft Teams app can boost collaboration

  Microsoft Teams is an app users can work with to collaborate no matter where they're located. It comes as part of certain business-focused Office 365 subscriptions.Continue Reading

• LibreOffice 6.0 pushes for enterprise viability

  The debate of office suites may boil down to Microsoft Office vs. LibreOffice. The former is an expensive but consistent native suite, and the latter is third-party and free.Continue Reading

• Windows Command Line Reference Observations

  By checking which commands work in PowerShell and which have PowerShell aliases, I compile an interesting set of Windows Command Line Reference observations.Continue Reading

• Top Windows 10 April 2018 Update features you need to know

  Microsoft's latest update to Windows 10 helps IT pros and users alike. On the user front, Focus Assist can help employees silence notifications while they work.Continue Reading

• Four Windows 10 migration tools to consider

  With the right tools -- such as the Windows ADK or MAP -- at their disposal, IT pros can take some of the headaches out of a move to Windows 10.Continue Reading

• Manage Windows 10 desktops, mobile devices with EMM software

  Windows 10 supports crucial functions that enable enterprise mobility management. IT must follow a few important steps to prepare desktops for management through EMM.Continue Reading

• How to get the best desktop support SLA bang for your buck

  IT can save money on its desktop service-level agreements by mixing and matching the level of support to meet the importance of the device.Continue Reading

• MS Releases Open Source Win3.0 File Manager

  In an interesting surprise move, MS Releases Open Source Win3.0 File Manager. Works like a champ on Windows 10, too!Continue Reading

• MPP IT Support Track Offers Interesting Insights

  For those interested in working in tech support, but also for those into understanding Microsoft, the MPP IT Support Track offers interesting insights.Continue Reading

• Get to know your Windows 10 update options

  Windows as a service changes the way updates work in Windows 10 from past versions of the OS. Each of the three servicing channels handles updates in its own way.Continue Reading

• Do Try Microsoft Teams

  Having now used the platform for a couple of month, I enthusiastically exhort you: Do try Microsoft Teams! You may be in for a pleasant and productivity-enhancing surprise.Continue Reading

• Ten Windows 10 Fall Creators Update features to know

  Microsoft introduced some significant changes to Windows 10 in the Fall Creators Update. The My People app, for example, lets users pin contacts to their task bars.Continue Reading

• Guard the line with Windows Defender features

  The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update took Windows 10 security up a notch by adding advanced features to Windows Defender, including Application Guard and Exploit Guard.Continue Reading

• Ready to master virtualization-based security in Windows 10?

  Put your knowledge of virtualization-based security in Windows 10 on the line with this quiz covering the ins and outs of features such as Isolated User Mode and Device Guard.Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of a Windows 10 clean install vs. upgrade

  When migrating to Windows 10, IT must decide whether to perform an upgrade install or clean install. The benefits of one are the weaknesses of the other.Continue Reading

• Six Windows 10 Fall Creators Update features to know

  The Fall Creators Update is the latest major update to Windows 10. Two of the biggest changes are security enhancements and better Windows Update control.Continue Reading

• How to check Windows 10 compatibility for legacy apps

  Testing apps is just one way to ensure that legacy apps have Windows 10 compatibility. Find out how to confirm the compatibility of legacy apps with the OS.Continue Reading

• How to use the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit for Windows 10

  It's important for IT admins to know everything is going to work before they deploy Windows 10 desktops. They can use the tools in the Windows ADK to do just that and more.Continue Reading

• Are third-party firewalls worth the investment?

  It might be effective, but Windows Firewall is not the be-all and end-all of security. In some cases, third-party firewalls add the extra layer of protection IT needs.Continue Reading

• Windows 10 security tools to have handy

  Cyberthreats lurk around every corner, so it's always a good time to fortify Windows 10 defenses. These top security tools can help make that happen.Continue Reading

• How to build and use a bootable recovery partition in Windows 10

  Understanding how to set up a bootable recovery partition in Windows 10 allows you to restore a damaged OS or troubleshoot a litany of problems.Continue Reading

• Office 365 vs. Office 2013: What are the key differences?

  Software as a service may be one reason for choosing Office 365 over Office 2013, but licensing and update frequency are other considerations.Continue Reading

• Take a close-up look at Windows 10 permissions settings

  With all the new updates and features, Windows 10 can appear daunting. To simplify the transition, break down and tailor the permissions in Windows 10 to users' specific needs.Continue Reading

• Windows Updates: CAB vs MSU Files

  Sometimes, Microsoft releases out-of-band updates outside the Windows Update service through its Update Catalog. That's when understanding CAB vs MSU files helps.Continue Reading

• Five reasons Windows 10 adoption is worth considering

  A Windows 10 upgrade is not without potential pitfalls, but security enhancements, general improvements and new features such as Continuum make the move worthwhile.Continue Reading

• How does Windows AppLocker work?

  Windows AppLocker lets you use rules to whitelist or block applications based on attributes such as publisher or path, but it's not a comprehensive application control tool.Continue Reading

• Windows POSReady 2009 registry hack brings back Windows XP updates

  Admins who still have Windows XP systems on their networks can turn to a Windows POSReady 2009 registry hack to reopen the update floodgates.Continue Reading

• Productivity suite smack down: Office 365 vs. Office 2016

  Microsoft's Office 2016 for the desktop might seem like the de facto option for delivering productivity apps to users, but its cloud-based cousin Office 365 offers more flexibility.Continue Reading

• Choosing between Microsoft Office 2016 versions

  Choosing between Office 2016 versions may seem like a simple choice, but don't jump to conclusions: Consider functionality, operational consistency and cost.Continue Reading

• Download Ready-to-Run Windows 10 VMs

  For those interested in learning more about the new OS, downloading and using Ready-to-Run Windows 10 VMs may be just the ticket.Continue Reading

• How does Windows 10 virtualization-based security work?

  The Isolated User Mode in Windows 10 is a virtualization-based security technology that helps power Credential Guard and Device Guard.Continue Reading

• Complete guide to Windows 10 migration

  Everything you need to know about Windows 10 migrationContinue Reading

• Four ways to put Sysinternals Process Explorer to work

  IT admins can use Process Explorer in Sysinternals to find suspicious software, inspect process and object privileges, and more.Continue Reading

• Demystify the Windows 10 update process

  It would be simple if there was one update ring to rule them all in Windows 10. Instead there are two rings and four update branches to sort through.Continue Reading

• How do I fix a frozen or locked application?

  Apps can freeze or lock up for a variety of reasons, including bad memory, operating system issues, update problems and more.Continue Reading

• IT admin's guide to the Sysinternals suite

  Native Windows management tools are not always enough for admins to get the job done. Sysinternals, a free software suite, can fill in the cracks.Continue Reading

• Can I change the info in the Windows 10 Action Center?

  Users can change what types of notifications they receive in the Windows 10 Action Center by accessing their system settingsContinue Reading

• Windows 8 GPO settings to configure search, indexing options

  Windows 8 and 8.1 GPOs can help with many tasks, including creating Start screen layouts that adhere to corporate policies, as well as configuring search and indexing settings.Continue Reading

• Can I customize the Windows 10 Start menu?

  In Windows 10 there are four options you can use to turn off different features of the Start menu and customize it to your liking.Continue Reading

• What is the best way to transition from Windows XP to Windows 10?

  If you're still on Windows XP, there's really only one Microsoft-supported way you can move from XP to Windows 10.Continue Reading

• What is Cortana and how does it benefit my users?

  Microsoft integrated Cortana in its Windows 10 operating system. It's capable of carrying out complex search requests and it can help enterprise users navigate their desktops.Continue Reading

• How much memory do my Windows 8 desktops really need?

  It can be tough to know how much memory Windows 8 and 8.1 desktops need before they're actually in use, but the Windows Task Manager can help you see memory usage.Continue Reading