IT operations and infrastructure management
Find tips related to deploying and maintaining the Microsoft-based infrastructure, such as Windows file servers, printers and VPN. Learn how to use PowerShell to automate deployment and troubleshooting tasks and perform bulk operations in the Windows environment.
Top Stories
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Tip
12 Dec 2024
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
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News
10 Dec 2024
December Patch Tuesday shuts down Windows zero-day
Microsoft addresses 72 vulnerabilities, including 17 rated critical. Administrators should focus on patching the Windows OS to stop a flaw that has been exploited in the wild. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Apr 2022
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
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Definition
13 Apr 2022
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
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News
12 Apr 2022
Microsoft plugs Windows zero-day on April Patch Tuesday
Microsoft issues corrections for 117 unique vulnerabilities this month with a significant number of security updates resolving printer spooler and DNS server problems. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Apr 2022
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
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Definition
12 Apr 2022
Microsoft Windows Update
Microsoft Windows Update is a security service for Windows users that, once activated, automatically searches for and installs updates. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Mar 2022
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
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Definition
21 Mar 2022
Microsoft Windows Server 2016
Microsoft Windows Server 2016 is Microsoft's server operating system (OS). Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Mar 2022
Windows
Windows is Microsoft's flagship operating system (OS), the de facto standard for home and business computers. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Mar 2022
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Outlook is the preferred email client used to send and receive emails by accessing Microsoft Exchange Server email. Continue Reading
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News
09 Mar 2022
Critical Exchange Server bug fixed for March Patch Tuesday
The vulnerability on the on-premises mail server system is one of just three critical flaws from a total of 71 bugs corrected in Microsoft products this month. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Mar 2022
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
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Definition
01 Mar 2022
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
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Definition
25 Feb 2022
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
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Tutorial
14 Feb 2022
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
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News
09 Feb 2022
After rough January, IT gets a mild February Patch Tuesday
With one public disclosure and not a critical vulnerability in sight, administrators will have time to recover from the roller coaster of patch problems from last month. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Feb 2022
Active Directory tree
An Active Directory (AD) tree is a collection of domains within a Microsoft Active Directory network. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Jan 2022
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
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Definition
12 Jan 2022
batch file
A batch file is a script file that stores commands to be executed in a serial order. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jan 2022
Exchange Server woes continue on January Patch Tuesday
Exchange Server admins who had to cope with a Y2K22 error to start the new year have three more vulnerabilities of varying levels of severity to resolve for Patch Tuesday. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Jan 2022
Windows Server 2022 storage features address security, speed
Microsoft's release of Windows Server 2022 brings several notable updates to its storage and file services functionality to give new life to on-premises server systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Dec 2021
How to use Windows Server 2022 secured-core server features
Microsoft's latest server operating system attempts to prevent attacks in the data center by locking down access to traditionally vulnerable areas, such as the system firmware. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Dec 2021
domain controller
A domain controller is a type of server that processes requests for authentication from users within a computer domain. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
20 Dec 2021
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
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News
15 Dec 2021
Log4Shell flaw looms over December Patch Tuesday
Microsoft issued security updates for 67 CVEs, including a Windows AppX Installer zero-day, but a Java-based vulnerability has many IT departments on edge. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Dec 2021
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
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Definition
29 Nov 2021
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
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Definition
29 Nov 2021
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
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Definition
23 Nov 2021
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
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Definition
23 Nov 2021
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
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Definition
19 Nov 2021
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 system. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Nov 2021
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
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Definition
31 Aug 2021
GUID (global unique identifier)
A GUID (globally unique identifier) is a 128-bit text string that represents an identification (ID). Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jul 2021
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
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Definition
07 Jun 2021
active directory
Active Directory (AD) is Microsoft's proprietary directory service. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Apr 2021
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
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News
09 Mar 2021
Exchange Server issues loom over March Patch Tuesday
For many organizations that rely on Exchange for reasons in addition to email, a move to a more secure messaging platform is not an option. Continue Reading
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News
10 Feb 2021
Microsoft plugs Windows zero-day for February Patch Tuesday
Microsoft addresses 56 total unique vulnerabilities, including six that were publicly disclosed, and gives administrators their second dose for August's Zerologon issue. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
14 Jan 2021
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
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News
13 Jan 2021
Microsoft Defender zero-day fixed for January Patch Tuesday
In addition to the fix for its antivirus software, Microsoft also corrected a publicly disclosed printer driver flaw that affected Windows client and server systems. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jan 2021
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
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News
09 Dec 2020
Microsoft closes out year with light December Patch Tuesday
In addition to the monthly security updates, Microsoft shares a fix to address a DNS cache poisoning vulnerability that affects Windows Server systems. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Nov 2020
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
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Tip
17 Nov 2020
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
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Definition
16 Nov 2020
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
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Tip
05 Nov 2020
Remote possibilities: Out-of-band management admin options
COVID-19 puts added strain on administrators who need to compensate for lack of personnel in data centers, which leads to the need for a remote access strategy. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
27 Oct 2020
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
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Tip
23 Oct 2020
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
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Definition
23 Oct 2020
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
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Definition
23 Oct 2020
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
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News
14 Oct 2020
Critical TCP/IP bug gets fixed for October Patch Tuesday
The number of security updates from Microsoft dips below the average of the previous several months, but a TCP/IP bug looms large for administrators. Continue Reading
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News
02 Oct 2020
Exchange Server vNext will have subscription requirement
The news from Microsoft from this year's Ignite show for Exchange administrators was: You can keep your on-premises email platform, but you'll have to pay for it like Office 365. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Sep 2020
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
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News
09 Sep 2020
SharePoint gets multiple fixes for September Patch Tuesday
There were no zero-days or public disclosures from Microsoft this month, but patches for SharePoint and Exchange should get prompt attention. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Aug 2020
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
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Tip
20 Aug 2020
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
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Definition
13 Aug 2020
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
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News
12 Aug 2020
Microsoft plugs 2 zero-days on August Patch Tuesday
In addition to the actively exploited flaws, IT workers must contend with a domain controller exploit that could give an attacker administrative access. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
11 Aug 2020
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
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Tip
31 Jul 2020
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
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News
15 Jul 2020
DNS Server vulnerability tops July Patch Tuesday concerns
Microsoft warns administrators not to delay the deployment of a patch to shut down a critical bug in Windows DNS servers due to its potential to cause widespread damage. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jun 2020
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
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Tip
22 Jun 2020
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
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News
10 Jun 2020
Microsoft issues 129 fixes for June Patch Tuesday
SharePoint continues to attract attention this month, with 12 unique vulnerabilities corrected in the document sharing and storage product. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 May 2020
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
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Tip
28 May 2020
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
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Tutorial
27 May 2020
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
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Tip
26 May 2020
Steer clear of trouble while following the Office 365 roadmap
There are literally hundreds of changes coming to the collaboration platform that affect email and other services. Here's what IT can do to help ease the transition for end users. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 May 2020
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
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News
13 May 2020
May Patch Tuesday brings a bevy of SharePoint fixes
Microsoft delivers corrections for 111 unique vulnerabilities with a significant number aimed at SharePoint, which may signal growing interest from attackers. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
11 May 2020
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
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Tutorial
04 May 2020
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
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Tip
29 Apr 2020
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
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Tip
28 Apr 2020
Getting a handle on certificate management in Windows shops
A certificate that isn't renewed by its expiration date will cause dire consequences for administrators who will need to find a fast remedy when systems can't communicate. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Apr 2020
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
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Tutorial
24 Apr 2020
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
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Tip
22 Apr 2020
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
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Definition
22 Apr 2020
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
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Definition
14 Apr 2020
Active Directory forest (AD forest)
An Active Directory forest is the highest level of organization within Active Directory. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Apr 2020
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
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Definition
07 Apr 2020
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
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Tip
30 Mar 2020
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
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Definition
27 Mar 2020
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
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News
11 Mar 2020
Mammoth March Patch Tuesday lands on Windows admins
Microsoft delivers corrections for 115 unique vulnerabilities, including 26 bugs rated critical in one of its largest Patch Tuesday releases in recent memory. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Mar 2020
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
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Tip
19 Feb 2020
How to fortify your virtualized Active Directory design
It takes a little work to fine-tune your Active Directory deployment, but the benefits will result in little to no service interruptions to your users if an outage occurs. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Sep 2019
What is Group Policy Object (GPO) and why is it important?
Microsoft’s Group Policy Object (GPO) is a collection of Group Policy settings that defines what a system will look like and how it will behave for a defined group of users. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Sep 2019
Internet Information Services (IIS)
Internet Information Services (IIS) is a flexible, general-purpose web server from Microsoft that runs on Windows systems to serve requested HTML pages or files. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Jun 2019
Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute
Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute is a service that provides a private connection between an organization's on-premises infrastructure and Microsoft Azure data centers. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Apr 2019
computer
A computer is a device that accepts information (in the form of digitalized data) and manipulates it for some result based on a program, software, or sequence of instructions on how the data is to be processed. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Jan 2019
read-only
Read-only is a file attribute which only allows a user to view a file, restricting any writing to the file. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Dec 2018
System Insights
System Insights is a feature that debuted in Windows Server 2019 that processes data and uses predictive analytics to warn administrators of potential issues with Windows Server deployments. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
13 Dec 2018
Working with PowerShell module downloads from the gallery
Learn how to get the most out of the PowerShell Gallery with some distinctions for administrators who use Windows PowerShell or PowerShell Core. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Nov 2018
Exchange Online
Exchange Online is the hosted version of Microsoft's Exchange Server messaging platform that organizations can obtain as a stand-alone service or via an Office 365 subscription. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Oct 2018
Monad Manifesto
The Monad Manifesto is a document written by Jeffrey Snover in 2002 that outlined his idea for a new Windows systems administration tool named Monad, which was changed to Windows PowerShell. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Apr 2018
Microsoft Outlook on the web (formerly Outlook Web App, OWA)
Outlook on the web is the browser-based email client for users to access email, calendars, tasks and contacts from Microsoft's on-premises Exchange Server and cloud-based Exchange Online. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Apr 2018
Microsoft Connectivity Analyzer (MCA)
The Microsoft Connectivity Analyzer (MCA) is a diagnostics tool for troubleshooting and testing connectivity to several Microsoft messaging products from a client machine on an organization's network. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Jan 2018
Microsoft Windows Insider Program for Business
Microsoft Windows Insider Program for Business is a service for IT professionals who want to test preview builds of Windows 10 and Windows Server in the enterprise before general availability. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Dec 2017
Microsoft Windows Server OS (operating system)
Microsoft Windows Server OS (operating system) is a series of enterprise-class server operating systems designed to share services with multiple users and provide extensive administrative control of data storage, applications and corporate networks. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Nov 2017
Microsoft Exchange In-Place eDiscovery
Microsoft Exchange In-Place eDiscovery is an administrative feature to perform legal discovery searches for relevant content in mailboxes. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Oct 2017
Microsoft Exchange Mailbox Replication Service (MRS)
The Microsoft Exchange Mailbox Replication Service (MRS) is a feature that handles mailbox import, export, migration and restoration requests on Exchange Server. Continue Reading