Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• See what's new in Desired State Configuration v3

  Avoid unexpected surprises, and learn how to bring consistency to your on-premises infrastructure and cloud resources with the overhauled configuration management tool. Continue Reading

• Guide to the advantages of using the Windows Terminal app

  Admins who manage a wide range of resources will want to try this Microsoft app that integrates with Windows machines, cloud services and Linux systems from a single interface. Continue Reading

• What's new in System Center 2025?

  The key management tool for enterprises with a heavy investment in on-premises infrastructure is set for its next major release to coincide with the arrival of Windows Server 2025. Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2025 Hyper-V updates promise speed boost

  Will the new and improved features in the upcoming Hyper-V release come at the perfect time for Microsoft to capitalize on a series of unpopular changes from VMware? Continue Reading

• Boost Exchange Online automation with Azure Functions

  Admins can use the event-driven functionality in Microsoft's serverless offering and build event-driven workflows for a more efficient management approach. Continue Reading

• 8 WSUS alternatives for patch management

  Compare the features of eight prominent patch management tools for Microsoft OSes and third-party applications to find the right option for your organization.Continue Reading

• How to manage Microsoft 365 guest users with PowerShell

  The flexible automation tool used in conjunction with Microsoft Graph can give admins the right combination to quickly tackle a range of tasks related to guest user management.Continue Reading

• New Active Directory features coming in Windows Server 2025

  The upcoming Windows Server release will bring significant enhancements to Active Directory, including a new functional level and security and performance improvements.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• CLI for Microsoft 365: A guide for administrators

  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

• 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

• 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

• 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