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• global catalog (Active Directory)

  A global catalog is a data storage source containing partial representations of objects found in a multi-domain Active Directory Domain Services forest. Continue Reading

• How to build an Azure AD user report with Microsoft Graph

  Microsoft Graph will be the way forward to manage users and devices that connect to Office 365. Learn how to gather information and perform tasks, such as license assignments. Continue Reading

• Kusto Query Language primer for IT administrators

  Administrators who use Microsoft cloud services, such as Microsoft Sentinel and Microsoft 365, can learn how to pull information from those products with KQL queries. Continue Reading

• How to perform an AD group membership backup and restore

  You can fix some problems with Active Directory with a few clicks, but things get difficult when they involve many layers of group membership. Here's a few ways to avoid trouble. Continue Reading

• Learn to monitor group memberships with PowerShell

  Use PowerShell automation to build reports in local group memberships on a server and security groups in Active Directory to keep tabs on any irregular behavior. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • What is C (programming language)?
  • What is Microsoft Azure File Service?
  • What is the blue screen of death (BSOD)?
  • Linux Secure Boot

  • Microsoft Windows Server LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel)
  • Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)
  • Group Policy
  • Windows Server Client Access License (CAL)

  View All Definitions

• How to build a vulnerability scanner with PowerShell

  What do you do if there's a zero-day threatening your organization? When you need to act fast, use PowerShell to uncover vulnerabilities hiding in your environment.Continue Reading

• Learn how to set up Windows Server 2022 SMB compression

  Microsoft added SMB compression to the new server OS to reduce bottlenecks when transferring files with Windows-based file shares.Continue Reading

• These Azure Logic Apps examples assist with your admin needs

  Admins can get some automated assistance with provisioning and monitoring by learning how to work with triggers in Microsoft's integration platform as a service.Continue Reading

• How to set up Exchange Online modern authentication

  Microsoft plans to tighten up security on its hosted email platform to prevent attackers from gaining access to user credentials. Is your organization ready?Continue Reading

• How to set up automated log collection with PowerShell

  Gathering logs from on-premises Windows Server systems or Office 365 cloud services is a necessary but tedious job. Try a PowerShell script to ease the pain.Continue Reading

• SharePoint Online

  Microsoft SharePoint Online is a collection of cloud- and web-based technologies that make it easy for organizations to store, share and manage digital information.Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2022 security hardening guide for admins

  Emerging threats continue to target the Windows ecosystem, but there are multiple methods to make it tougher to be the victim of a malicious hack attempt.Continue Reading

• built-in administrator account

  In the Windows operating system, the built-in administrator account -- the first account created when the OS was installed -- has the highest permissions of any profile on the computer system.Continue Reading

• Get started with Azure AD entitlement management automation

  Identity governance tasks in Azure Active Directory can be overwhelming, but understanding how to use Microsoft Graph and PowerShell to work with these settings will help.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Identity Manager

  Microsoft Identity Manager -- also called Microsoft Identity Manager 2016 or MIM -- is an on-premises tool that enables organizations to manage access, users, policies and credentials.Continue Reading

• Client Access Server (CAS)

  The Client Access Server (CAS) is a server role that handles all client connections to Exchange Server 2010 and Exchange 2013.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Update

  Microsoft Windows Update is a security service for Windows users that, once activated, automatically searches for and installs updates.Continue Reading

• How to work with an SCCM technical preview lab

  System Center Configuration Manager technical previews give Microsoft customers a way to test and provide feedback to the company for its device management product.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Server 2016

  Microsoft Windows Server 2016 is Microsoft's server operating system (OS).Continue Reading

• Windows

  Windows is Microsoft's flagship operating system (OS), the de facto standard for home and business computers.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Outlook

  Microsoft Outlook is the preferred email client used to send and receive emails by accessing Microsoft Exchange Server email.Continue Reading

• Windows Server Failover Clustering (WSFC)

  Windows Server Failover Clustering (WSFC) enables several computers to host a service, and if one has a fault, the remaining computers automatically take over the hosting of the service.Continue Reading

• Exchange Management Console (EMC)

  The Exchange Management Console (EMC), introduced by Microsoft in 2007, is an administrative tool with a graphical user interface (GUI) that's used to manage the components and resources of Microsoft Exchange Server.Continue Reading

• canonical name (CNAME)

  A canonical name (CNAME) is a type of Domain Name System (DNS) database record that indicates that a domain name is the nickname or alias for another domain name.Continue Reading

• Build your knowledge of Azure AD conditional access policies

  The rapid pace of change in the modern workplace requires new methods to control who has access to what. This Azure Active Directory feature can help IT meet those security goals.Continue Reading

• How to use PowerShell with the Azure REST API

  With PowerShell automation coupled with the Azure REST API, it's easy to build a script to create, power on and remove virtual machines in Microsoft's cloud platform.Continue Reading

• Active Directory tree

  An Active Directory (AD) tree is a collection of domains within a Microsoft Active Directory network.Continue Reading

• service desk

  An IT service desk is a communications center that provides a single point of contact (SPOC) between a company, its customers, employees and business partners.Continue Reading

• batch file

  A batch file is a script file that stores commands to be executed in a serial order.Continue Reading

• domain controller

  A domain controller is a type of server that processes requests for authentication from users within a computer domain.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

• command-line interface (CLI)

  A command-line interface (CLI) is a text-based user interface (UI) used to run programs, manage computer files and interact with the computer.Continue Reading

• swap file (swap space or page file)

  A swap file is a system file that creates temporary storage space on a solid-state drive or hard disk when the system runs low on memory.Continue Reading

• restore point

  A system restore point is a backup copy of important Windows operating system (OS) files and settings that can be used to recover the system to an earlier point of time in the event of system failure or instability.Continue Reading

• Preboot Execution Environment (PXE)

  The Preboot Execution Environment or PXE (commonly pronounced as pixie) is a client-server environment that enables network computers to boot over the network interface card (NIC), instead of from a CD-ROM or hard disk.Continue Reading

• Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)

  Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) is a set of specifications from Microsoft for consolidating the management of devices and applications in a network from Windows computing systems.Continue Reading

• Ctrl-Alt-Delete

  On a personal computer with the Microsoft Windows operating system, Control+Alt+Delete is the combination of the Ctrl key, the Alt key, and Del key that a user can press at the same time to terminate an application task or to reboot the operating ...Continue Reading

• dynamic link library (DLL)

  A dynamic link library (DLL) is a collection of small programs that larger programs can load when needed to complete specific tasks.Continue Reading

• Learn to work with the Microsoft Graph Security API

  The API assists organizations that want to connect their security systems with a programmatic way to produce quicker results when performing investigations.Continue Reading

• Get to know the new Exchange admin center features

  After a lengthy development process, Microsoft unveiled its new admin portal for Exchange Online for a more consistent look with other management areas in Office 365.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

• GUID (global unique identifier)

  A GUID (globally unique identifier) is a 128-bit text string that represents an identification (ID).Continue Reading

• Reduce your risk with Exchange Server security best practices

  The unique nature of your on-premises Exchange Server makes it an attractive target for threat actors. Take these recommended steps to avoid being the next breach victim.Continue Reading

• Working with PowerShell Secret Management and Secret Vault

  The two new PowerShell modules put API keys, credentials and other secrets under lock and key to protect sensitive information in automation and remoting scenarios.Continue Reading

• Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)

  Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) is a server role in Active Directory that allows admins to manage and store information about resources from a network, as well as application data, in a distributed database.Continue Reading

• What admins need to know about CMG client authentication

  A System Center cloud management gateway keeps your organization's devices in compliance and running as they should, but which authentication option would work best for you?Continue Reading

• Avoid data overflows with PowerShell Remove-Item

  The cmdlet helps delete misplaced files and outdated documents, but you should tune the code to optimize execution and avoid errors when the work entails many files and folders.Continue Reading

• Get a grasp on using group managed service accounts

  When you create a group managed service account, it relieves some administrative duties and bolsters the security related to passwords for services in a Windows environment.Continue Reading

• active directory

  Active Directory (AD) is Microsoft's proprietary directory service.Continue Reading

• Use PnP PowerShell commands to fortify SharePoint management

  A new PowerShell module pares down the work required to handle administrative tasks on several Office 365 services, such as SharePoint Online and Microsoft Teams.Continue Reading

• SCCM driver management strategies for the modern world

  Now that more users work remotely, administrators should evolve with the times and understand the range of options to deploy device drivers more efficiently.Continue Reading

• NTFS (NT File System)

  NTFS, which stands for 'NT file system' and the 'New Technology File System,' is the file system that the Windows NT operating system (OS) uses for storing and retrieving files on hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs).Continue Reading

• Generate a Windows file server audit via PowerShell

  Learn how to generate a detailed report that uncovers unusual activity by users on a Windows file share without having to manually investigate every file and folder.Continue Reading

• Azure File Sync service puts pep in hybrid storage setups

  Microsoft's Azure Files offering alleviates traditional support efforts and hardware costs. Using this additional service can improve performance and keep end users happy.Continue Reading

• Cut coding corners with return values in PowerShell functions

  In certain instances, a return keyword is a good option to exit the current scope of a function and to reduce the bloat from a PowerShell script.Continue Reading

• Build a Windows Server 2019 file server cluster for stability

  Learn how to use the clustering tools provided by the Microsoft server OS to create a highly available file server to avoid downtime if disaster strikes.Continue Reading

• Learn to use a PowerShell call function from another script

  Don't use the same lines of code in several places in your scripts. Learn how to use functions and reap the benefits of a more streamlined approach.Continue Reading

• SharePoint Online PowerShell commands for admin tasks

  You can avoid the admin portal when you pick up your PowerShell game and learn how to manage cloud-based resources in Office 365, including the SharePoint collaboration platform.Continue Reading

• Learn how to start using Docker on Windows Server 2019

  Getting started with Windows containers requires an understanding of basic concepts and how to work with Docker Engine. Orin Thomas' book covers the topics admins need to know.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

  Microsoft Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a series of Microsoft components that allow native Linux 64-bit Executable and Linkable Format (ELF64) binaries to run on the Windows kernel in the Windows 10 operating system (OS).Continue Reading

• Using the Office 365 Recommended Configuration Analyzer

  Learn how this free PowerShell-based utility digs into your Office 365 security setup and offers guidance for administrators looking to stop the latest online threats.Continue Reading

• Build a Power Automate flow using the Graph API

  Administrators of Office 365 or Azure platforms can benefit from using newer Microsoft software technologies to handle many jobs, such as automating tasks and generating reports.Continue Reading

• How to work with Azure DNS zones

  Microsoft's hosting service for DNS domains is an option for organizations with a heavy Azure investment that want the benefits associated with a cloud service.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification

  Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) certification is the name of a suite of entry-level certifications offered by Microsoft that signify fundamental technology knowledge in those who earn it.Continue Reading

• Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM)

  Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) is a Windows product that enables the management, deployment and security of devices and applications across an enterprise.Continue Reading

• Shore up defenses with help from Office 365 logs

  Logging on Microsoft's productivity platform used in conjunction with other tools can form an effective shield from malicious actors looking to find a way into your organization.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Azure Active Directory (Windows Azure AD)

  Microsoft Windows Azure Active Directory (Windows Azure AD or Azure AD) is a cloud service that provides administrators with the ability to manage end-user identities and access privileges.Continue Reading

• Implement simple server monitoring with PowerShell

  Administrators who build a server monitoring framework with PowerShell can develop their own customized checks for deeper insights into their environment.Continue Reading

• Office 365 Advanced eDiscovery goes beyond search basics

  Microsoft streamlines the efforts to find pertinent documents and other data with help from the artificial intelligence embedded in the platform's analytics technology.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Defender ATP taps into cloud for added protection

  Enterprises that want to wrap up their systems in an extra layer of security have the option for more enhanced protection that integrates with other Microsoft products.Continue Reading

• Learn how to create a scheduled task with PowerShell

  When you need a reliable way to create a scheduled task, you can use PowerShell’s automation capabilities to reduce the likelihood of keying in mistakes.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

• Lighten up and install Exchange 2019 on Windows Server Core

  Organizations looking to tighten up security in every aspect of their infrastructure now have the option to deploy their on-premises messaging system on Server Core 2019.Continue Reading

• Find and lock down lax Windows share permissions

  With help from PowerShell, you can identify the shares that need adjustments across your infrastructure then use a script to fix them to protect sensitive data.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

• Avoid common pain points when migrating to Exchange Online

  Every Exchange Server configuration is unique, which makes a move to hosted email in Office 365 a complex undertaking, but some stumbling blocks are more frequent than others.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Software Assurance (SA)

  Microsoft Software Assurance is a software maintenance program that helps organizations gain access to the latest software versions and releases, without incurring additional licensing costs.Continue Reading

• Update makes Storage Migration Service more cloud-friendly

  The latest version of the Windows Admin Center comes with a refinement to one of its tools to make moving a file server to Azure less of a challenge.Continue Reading

• Active Directory forest (AD forest)

  An Active Directory forest is the highest level of organization within Active Directory.Continue Reading

• Increase PowerShell security with help from AppLocker

  Learn how to curb the native abilities of the expansive scripting tool in the Windows OS to prevent your users from being unwitting participants in a cyberattack.Continue Reading

• Learn to manage Office 365 ProPlus updates

  The traditional Microsoft Office applications you get from Office 365 might appear to be the same on the surface, but how you administer them differs in several key ways.Continue Reading

• What is wbadmin?

  Wbadmin is an elevated command prompt that allows administrators or backup operators to backup and restore an operating system (OS), volume, file, folder or application.Continue Reading

• What is ISA (Industry Standard Architecture)?

  ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) is a standard bus (computer interconnection) architecture that was associated with the IBM AT motherboard.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

• Deploy and configure WSUS 2019 for Windows patching needs

  You can update your Microsoft software with a few tools, but Windows Server Update Services is the go-to for many administrators who want a reliable patch deployment platform.Continue Reading

• What's new with PowerShell error handling?

  PowerShell 7 introduces a new cmdlet to assist administrators who wanted a better way to find out what broke in the scripts they wrote to manage their systems.Continue Reading

• PowerShell 7 features admins should examine

  The next version of the administrative tool introduces several features, including a new cmdlet to assist with troubleshooting errors.Continue Reading

• How to install the Windows Server 2019 VPN

  A VPN prevents unauthorized users from gaining access to critical resources in your organization. This tutorial covers the deployment on Windows Server 2019.Continue Reading

• How to set up Windows Server 2019 virtual network encryption

  Microsoft tightens the security on its virtualization platform, even if a breach occurs, to prevent intruders from eavesdropping on traffic between VMs.Continue Reading

• Using the Windows Admin Center Azure services feature

  Microsoft wants you to add more of its Azure cloud services to your data center by using its new administrative tool to streamline the setup process.Continue Reading

• PowerShell tutorials capture attention of admins in 2019

  Interest in automation continues to trend upward for administrators of Windows systems, particularly when it involves PowerShell.Continue Reading

• Using wsusscn2.cab to find missing Windows updates

  Avoid unnecessary security headaches by using the Windows Update offline scan file and PowerShell to ensure your systems have all their Microsoft patches.Continue Reading

• How to install and test Windows Server 2019 IIS

  The installation process for the Windows Server 2019 IIS role is fairly straightforward. This tutorial explains how to stand up the web server and check its ports and bindings.Continue Reading

• Learn PowerShell scripting using the PSKoans module

  Want to get started with PowerShell automation to manage your Windows systems? Try the PSKoans module to learn as you go through its exercises to build your scripting skills.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

• Cloud adoption a catalyst for IT modernization in many orgs

  Sloppy and insecure IT procedures that had been overlooked before the cloud arrived must evolve with the times to prevent data exposure and system breaches.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