Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• 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

• Hyper-V vs. vSphere: How do the latest versions stack up?

  Microsoft recently released Windows Server 2019, so how do the features in this version of Hyper-V compare to VMware's virtualization platform?Continue Reading

• Explore Office 365 phishing protection updates

  Administrators who move to Exchange Online or the entire Office 365 platform will have a veritable arsenal of antiphishing tools, but their use requires attention to detail.Continue Reading

• Potential PowerShell telemetry raises security concerns

  When admins discovered the PowerShell team proposal for additional telemetry, some bristled; however, the data collection could mean a better management language for IT pros.Continue Reading

• What service does the Microsoft WSSD program provide?

  A do-it-yourself approach with hyper-converged infrastructure can lead to trouble when software-defined features just won't work. See how the WSSD program can prevent issues.Continue Reading

• Server 2008 R2 end of life hitting home for many in IT

  As Microsoft support for Server 2008 R2 nears its sunset, a raft of complications make it difficult for many in IT to get on board with the Azure platform.Continue Reading

• How is the Microsoft SDDC concept becoming a reality?

  The promise of a software-defined infrastructure and its ability to pool resources require the right administrative tool to keep the virtualized fabric from fraying.Continue Reading

• Understanding what Azure AD federation really means

  A company that adopts SaaS apps to get work done can ease the transition by implementing a single sign-on method. Learn how to set up this arrangement in a secure manner.Continue Reading

• Handy PowerShell ISE add-ons for server administrators

  PowerShell ISE might be on the way out, but these extensions continue to sustain the development of management scripts for many Windows administrators.Continue Reading

• How to compare Windows and Linux for enterprise workloads

  How do Windows and Linux rank when it comes to running production workloads? Organizations should consider more than just the initial cost.Continue Reading

• Mulling a public folders migration? Weigh your options

  Should you stay or should you migrate? Microsoft offers a bevy of alternatives to public folders. This tip breaks down each option to help you make a decision.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Ignite 2018 conference coverage

  Keep up to date on the latest developments from the Microsoft Ignite 2018 conference and get a closer look at the latest software and hardware offerings from the company.Continue Reading

• Taking stock of Windows Server management tools

  Microsoft provides a mix of server management tools that administrators can choose from to control the machines that run the business. This comparison can help steer your decision.Continue Reading

• Azure IaaS vs. PaaS: Find the right service to reduce costs

  Ready to migrate on-premises workloads to the cloud? Administrators should question their assumptions before diving in with Azure IaaS and consider the benefits of PaaS.Continue Reading

• Windows Server upgrade plan can influence hardware decisions

  A move to a new Windows Server operating system includes an extensive planning process, which has gotten more complicated by the influx of software-defined features.Continue Reading

• Windows Server pricing muddies purchasing decision process

  As the cost of Windows Server continues to rise with each new version, enterprises must evaluate whether the price of admission for the latest enhancements is too much to bear.Continue Reading

• Microsoft roadmap covers practical and wishful technology

  The latest innovations on the Microsoft roadmap include familiar enterprise products, but its wager on an ambitious technology could one day alter the face of computing.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Ignite 2017 conference coverage

  Check all the developments from the Microsoft Ignite 2017 conference in Orlando and track the company's strategic moves in its hardware, software and services businesses.Continue Reading

• How to use Azure Active Directory differently than classic AD

  Windows administrators can't just whip up an Azure Active Directory deployment and expect it to mimic the classic AD, but Azure AD has several meaningful uses.Continue Reading

• Dig into the Exchange 2016 hardware requirements

  A move to Exchange 2016 may mean increased costs to hardware that can support the latest Microsoft messaging platform.Continue Reading

• Crunching the costs of Microsoft Exchange on-premises vs. cloud services

  Security concerns are less of an issue for most organizations, but do the costs of using Exchange on premises vs. the Office 365 mail service stack up?Continue Reading

• Eight influential Microsoft experts to follow on Twitter

  Stay up to date with all things Microsoft by following some of the most knowledgeable experts on Twitter, including CEOs, CTOs and MVPs.Continue Reading

• Six alternative Hyper-V management tools

  There are a number of third-party Hyper-V management tools available for organizations that need to handle a few dozen nodes.Continue Reading

• Test your knowledge of the SharePoint 2016 Beta 2

  Released in November 2015, the SharePoint 2016 Beta 2 introduced new compliance and site creation features. Find out what may be included in the RTM version.Continue Reading

• How to calculate Exchange 2013 resource requirements

  Inadequate server resources can impair performance and growth. Here's how to calculate megacycles of work and memory requirements for Exchange 2013.Continue Reading

• Configure disk volumes to optimize your Exchange 2013 performance

  The wrong disk volumes can foil Exchange optimization practices. Assess your configurations with support and compression in mind.Continue Reading

• Advanced threat protection add-on comes to Microsoft EOP

  The ATP add-on for Exchange Online Protection gives on-premises Exchange Server and Office 365 customers another layer of security.Continue Reading

• What are SR-IOV pros and cons with Hyper-V?

  SR-IOV in Windows Server 2012 R2 supports Hyper-V Live Migration, but system requirements hampered adoption for some cases. Should everyone put PCIe SR-IOV to use?Continue Reading

• What are the limitations and drawbacks of an IPAM server?

  Windows Server IPAM can only handle one Active Directory forest. Learn about other limitations.Continue Reading

• Hidden vulnerabilities on your IIS 8 servers

  IIS 8 isn't completely immune to security flaws. Here are some vulnerabilities you might be missing.Continue Reading

• How does Exchange Native Data Protection work?

  Take a look at what Exchange Native Data Protection does in Exchange 2013 to decide if it fits into your organization.Continue Reading

• Microsoft cloud storage may lift Azure skyward

  Microsoft will continue to blare its Azure cloud next week with several cloud storage announcements. Will users listen this time?Continue Reading

• When to use CPU affinity with Windows Server 2012 R2

  There are several issues to consider before you decide to use CPU affinity in Windows Server 2012 R2.Continue Reading

• Should you migrate to Windows Server 2012 R2?

  It's time to seriously consider migration plans for Windows Server 2012 R2. Learn best practices, what's new and more.Continue Reading

• How a shared virtual disk can benefit a Windows Server data center

  With the introduction of Windows Server 2012 R2, shared virtual disks have capabilities to improve failover clusters in a few ways.Continue Reading

• Running PowerShell scripts can ease Windows virtualization tasks

  Put PowerShell cmdlets to work with Windows virtualization by automating setup, maintenance and configuration tasks in your organization.Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2012 R2 makes VM migration faster, smoother

  The Windows Server 2012 R2 release continues to push the trend of faster and less disruptive VM migrations in the data center.Continue Reading

• Compression eases Live Migration process in Windows Server 2012 R2

  By using Live Migration compression, smaller VM files are transferred more quickly between systems and have fewer resent or dropped packets.Continue Reading

• How Remote DMA improves Live Migration in Windows Server 2012 R2

  The RDMA feature can use high-throughput, low-latency data exchanges to improve Live Migration's performance in Windows Server 2012 R2.Continue Reading

• Essential Windows Server 2012 R2 system requirements

  Before upgrading to Windows Server 2012 R2, read up on hardware requirements to ensure there are enough resources to preserve performance.Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2012 R2 Storage Spaces boosts performance

  Three new features in Windows Storage Spaces -- storage tiering, write-back caching and dual parity -- boost storage performance.Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2012 R2 Storage Spaces addresses storage growth demands

  Windows Server 2012 R2 Storage Spaces offers an alternative to traditional SAN storage and includes updates for virtualizing shared storage.Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2012 R2 Storage Spaces suits SSD deployments

  With the new storage tiering feature, Storage Spaces in Windows Server 2012 R2 works best with solid-state-drive devices.Continue Reading

• Microsoft hikes Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter edition pricing

  Microsoft made changes to its license pricing, upping the cost of Windows Server 2012 R2 by as much as 28%. It also discussed a new licensing option.Continue Reading

• Q&A: Anderson talks BYOD management in Windows Server 2012 R2

  Microsoft's Brad Anderson talks about changes to expect in Windows Server 2012 R2 features, including some to security and enterprise mobility.Continue Reading

• Q&A: Microsoft's Brad Anderson talks Windows Server 2012 R2

  Microsoft's Brad Anderson discusses new features in Windows Server 2012, including a faster update cycle and cross-platform integration.Continue Reading

• Five ways admins can embrace Windows Server 2012 Remote Management

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

• Deciding whether to run Server Core in Windows Server 2012

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

• Test your knowledge of new Windows Server 2012 features with this quiz

  Think you've done a good job in keeping up with all of the year's Windows Server news, updates and features? Take this short quiz to find out.Continue Reading

• How to access the Windows Command Prompt

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• The missing Windows Start button

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• Windows Server Core takes precedence over GUI

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• Introducing Windows Server 2012 UI

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• Windows' Administrative Tools

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• The Windows shut-down option and logging out

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• Windows Server 2012 interface tour

  The new user interface in Windows Server 2012 seems scary, but it's easier to use than it looks. These are some of the best ways to work with it.Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2012 (WS 2012)

  Windows Server 2012, formerly codenamed Windows Server 8, is the latest version of Windows Server.Continue Reading

• Top 10 Microsoft Hyper-V tools to consider

  When it comes to improving Hyper-V performance, Microsoft and third parties provide many useful tools. Here are 10 to pay attention to.Continue Reading

• Exchange 2010 auditing tools to track admin, end-user behavior

  Compliance rules make tracking admin and email users a necessary evil. Thankfully, audit logging tools in Exchange 2010 can help.Continue Reading

• Using RamMap and VMMap Tools to Troubleshoot Windows Memory Issues

  Even a veteran system admin can be challenged when investigating Windows memory issues. The free RamMap and VMMap tools remove much of the guesswork.Continue Reading

• Studs and duds in the Windows Server 2008 R2 feature set

  R2 made a feature-savvy entrance when it was released almost two years ago, but not every enhancement has lived up to the hype.Continue Reading

• A closer look at the Ntdsutil command-line tools for Active Directory

  Dig into the slew of Ntdsutil commands in Windows Server 2008 and R2 that provide admins with improved Active Directory management.Continue Reading

• Ten cool iPhone apps for Windows admins

  Are you an admin on the go? Check out some of the best iPhone apps available for Windows server and network management.Continue Reading

• Quest Authentication Services

  Quest Authentication Services allows organizations to extend Active Directory (AD) to Unix, Linux and Mac platforms and enterprise applications. It enables the unification of identities and directories for simplified identity and access management.Continue Reading

• Creating a SharePoint site map using out-of-the-box features

  Giving SharePoint site owners the power to manage their own part of the SharePoint site map frees up administrators to manage more critical areas of the SharePoint environment.Continue Reading

• How to get process information with Windows PowerShell

  In this column, Christa Anderson explains how to use Windows PowerShell's get-process cmdlet to retrieve information about the processes on your computer and how to kill the unnecessary ones.Continue Reading

• Distributed File System feature prioritizes target servers in Active Directory

  DFS target prioritization is a helpful feature that has slipped under the radar for some IT admins. Directory services expert Gary Olsen breaks down how to use (and not use) this tool to its full effectiveness.Continue Reading

• Filtering output from Windows PowerShell

  With PowerShell, it's pretty simple to browse Windows Management Instrumentation classes without cheating by filtering the content -- all it takes is a new cmdlet and working with variables.Continue Reading

• An overview of Microsoft Outlook email security features

  In the following tip from "8 tips in 8 minutes: A Microsoft Outlook email security tutorial," you'll gain an in-depth overview of Microsoft Outlook's email security features including security zone changes, the Outlook security update, S/MIME ...Continue Reading

• Memory leaks: Determine an application's CPU consumption

  The same symptoms for a memory leak can be caused by a poorly written application that consumes an excessive amount of CPU time. Here's how to determine how much CPU time an individual application is using.Continue Reading