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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News
12 Nov 2024
Microsoft halts 2 zero-days on November Patch Tuesday
The company addressed 88 vulnerabilities, including an Exchange Server spoofing flaw and a significant number of SQL Server bugs, this month. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
25 Oct 2024
How to use Ansible with Windows for server management
Initially made for Linux, Ansible also manages Windows systems through playbooks that use declarative syntax. Learn how to set up a control node and add roles to Windows Server. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
25 Oct 2024
How to use Ansible with Windows for server management
Initially made for Linux, Ansible also manages Windows systems through playbooks that use declarative syntax. Learn how to set up a control node and add roles to Windows Server. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Oct 2024
What is C (programming language)?
The C programming language is a procedural and general-purpose language that provides low-level access to system memory. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Oct 2024
What is a command prompt?
A command prompt is the input field in a text-based user interface screen for an operating system (OS) or program. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Oct 2024
How to evaluate AI for Windows Server environments
Organizations tasked with assessing AI workloads on Windows Server must weigh all the variables to determine the best approach to adopt this budding technology. Continue Reading
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News
08 Oct 2024
Microsoft repairs 2 zero-days on October Patch Tuesday
Administrators will have to tackle 117 new vulnerabilities, including three rated critical, in this month's batch of security updates. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Oct 2024
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
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Feature
25 Sep 2024
Will Windows Server 2025 release spark VMware migrations?
Can Microsoft capitalize on VMware customer concerns by touting enhancements to its next version of Windows Server along with its cloud and hyperconverged infrastructure options? Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Sep 2024
What is an IT service catalog?
An IT service catalog is a list of information technology resources and offerings available from the IT service provider within an organization. Continue Reading
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News
10 Sep 2024
Four zero-days fixed for September Patch Tuesday
Most corrections this month focus on the Windows OS, but enterprises that rely on SQL Server or SharePoint should prioritize deploying the security updates for those platforms. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Sep 2024
Microsoft Purview Audit helps IT flush out bad behavior
The auditing tool gives enterprises a way to find problems by examining logs from Microsoft 365 cloud services, such as Exchange Online, to see what actions were taken and where. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Aug 2024
What is Microsoft Azure File Service?
Microsoft Azure Files -- sometimes known as Microsoft Azure File Service -- is a simple, secure, serverless, fully managed and cloud-based file sharing service for enterprise users. Continue Reading
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News
14 Aug 2024
Microsoft corrects six zero-days for August Patch Tuesday
Admins can address most of the zero-days with a cumulative update. But of more concern is the lack of patches for two vulnerabilities demonstrated at the Black Hat conference. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Aug 2024
Use diskpart to create, delete and modify disk partitions
Diskpart is one of the oldest disk management tools in Windows, but it remains useful for its advanced capabilities in automation and granular control compared to other utilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Aug 2024
Learn to use Windows registry editor command-line options
This tutorial explains how to use the regedit tool on the command line and make changes to the Windows registry for advanced administrative jobs. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jul 2024
What is the blue screen of death (BSOD)?
The blue screen of death (BSOD) -- also known as a stop error screen, blue screen error, fatal error or bugcheck -- is a critical error screen that can be displayed by Microsoft Windows operating systems (OSes). Continue Reading
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Tutorial
24 Jul 2024
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
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Definition
22 Jul 2024
What is an uninterruptible power supply (UPS)?
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device that allows a computer to keep running for at least a short time when incoming power is interrupted. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
15 Jul 2024
Manage Microsoft 365 users and groups with Azure Functions
This Microsoft service performs large-scale admin jobs and also automatically reacts to certain conditions to execute predefined tasks with speed and consistency. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jul 2024
Linux Secure Boot
Linux Secure Boot is a Hyper-V feature that Microsoft introduced in Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016. The feature allows specific Linux distributions to boot properly when running in Hyper-V generation 2 virtual machines. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jul 2024
Microsoft Windows Server LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel)
Microsoft Windows Server LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) is one of the servicing options available for users of the Windows Server operating system (OS). Continue Reading
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News
09 Jul 2024
Microsoft fixes 2 zero-days in massive July Patch Tuesday
Microsoft disclosed and patched a whopping 142 vulnerabilities in a busy Patch Tuesday that included two zero-day flaws under active exploitation in the wild. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
08 Jul 2024
Follow these steps to optimize Hyper-V performance
Follow these best practices for Microsoft's virtualization platform to prevent unnecessary slowdowns with your VMs. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
01 Jul 2024
How to create Group Policy backups in Windows Server
Group Policy Objects represent a significant time investment and an important configuration management tool. Follow these simple steps to protect them. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 Jun 2024
Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)
Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) is a Windows server role that can plan, manage and deploy updates, service packs, patches and hotfixes for Windows servers, client operating systems (OSes) and other Microsoft software. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jun 2024
Group Policy
Group Policy is a management feature in Microsoft's Active Directory (AD) that enables network and system administrators to configure and assign user and computer settings in an AD environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jun 2024
Azure Functions overview: A guide for Microsoft admins
With Azure Functions, admins can tap into advanced automation, enjoy enhanced security controls and create highly customized workflows catered to the organization's needs. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jun 2024
Microsoft delivers 51 fixes for June Patch Tuesday
A critical remote-code execution flaw in Windows and a DoS vulnerability affecting DNS in Windows Server top the list of patching priorities for admins. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
11 Jun 2024
Use advanced DHCP logging techniques for troubleshooting
This guide helps admins solve problems on the network by explaining how to work with recorded activity in logs and set up an archival system to examine older incidents. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jun 2024
How to edit a Domain Group Policy for a Windows desktop
When IT administrators need to edit a Group Policy at the domain level, they can download the RSAT management tool and change policies from the local Windows desktop. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
06 Jun 2024
Find and fix server problems with Best Practices Analyzer
Admins need all the help they can get, and this Microsoft utility shows IT how to correct security issues and optimize performance in key infrastructure workloads. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 May 2024
When does AD domain-joined Group Policy override local?
There are several types of Group Policies that could exist for a particular desktop, so IT must carefully manage these different GPOs to ensure the correct policies are in place. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 May 2024
virtualization sprawl (VM sprawl)
Virtualization sprawl is a phenomenon that occurs when the number of virtual machines (VMs) on a network reaches a point where administrators can no longer manage them effectively. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 May 2024
Windows Server Client Access License (CAL)
A Windows Server Client Access License (CAL) is a license that gives a user or device the right to access services, such as printing or access to a file share, from a server running the Windows Server operating system (OS). Continue Reading
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Feature
15 May 2024
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
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News
14 May 2024
Microsoft handles 2 Windows zero-days on May Patch Tuesday
In addition to the Windows vulnerabilities exploited in the wild, admins should focus on patching multiple flaws in web browsers from Google, Microsoft and Mozilla. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 May 2024
Microsoft Remote Desktop Web Access (Microsoft RD Web Access)
Microsoft Remote Desktop Web Access (Microsoft RD Web Access) is a Remote Desktop Services role in some versions of the Windows Server OS. Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2024
Microsoft corks Windows zero-day on April Patch Tuesday
The company delivered one of its largest security update releases in recent years with a proxy driver spoofing vulnerability topping the patching priority list. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
08 Apr 2024
How to build an Azure Site Recovery plan for Windows Server
Understand the costs and the requirements to use this flexible disaster recovery service that works with Linux and Windows servers in the data center and VMs in the Azure cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Apr 2024
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
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Definition
19 Mar 2024
strategic planning
Strategic planning is a process in which an organization's leaders define their vision for the future and identify their organization's goals and objectives. Continue Reading
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News
12 Mar 2024
March Patch Tuesday fixes critical Hyper-V vulnerabilities
Microsoft also corrects a remote code execution flaw on Exchange Server and issues an advisory related to changes with an outdated file-scanning feature on the messaging platform. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Mar 2024
IT service delivery
IT service delivery is the way a corporation provides users access to IT services, such as applications, data storage and other business resources. IT service delivery covers design, development, deployment, operation and retirement. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Mar 2024
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
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Tip
29 Feb 2024
How to use Microsoft 365 DSC to avoid configuration drift
This configuration-as-code technology gives admins a way to automate tasks on the Microsoft 365 tenant to keep settings locked in and avoid errors from manual input. Continue Reading
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News
13 Feb 2024
February Patch Tuesday corrects two Windows zero-days
Administrators should focus on quickly deploying a critical vulnerability in Microsoft Outlook and exercising caution when applying an Exchange Server 2019 cumulative update. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
13 Feb 2024
How to find and customize your PowerShell profile
PowerShell is integral for many admins, and any way to streamline how they use the scripting tool is key. A PowerShell profile is one way to tailor a more streamlined approach. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Feb 2024
How to set up a Windows Server 2022 domain controller
While the process to migrate from a legacy domain controller is not difficult, it does require advanced preparation to avoid connectivity issues and other problems. Continue Reading
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Video
05 Feb 2024
Full Git and GitHub tutorial for beginners
Git is the most popular version control tool on the market, and GitHub is the most popular Git hosting service. This Git and GitHub course shows you how to use them together. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
31 Jan 2024
How to use the PowerShell extension for Visual Studio Code
Administrators who want to accelerate their automation skills can tap into the enhanced editing and debugging features of the Microsoft code editor. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
30 Jan 2024
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
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News
09 Jan 2024
Microsoft starts year with a subdued January Patch Tuesday
For the second month in a row, Microsoft had no zero-days and relatively few vulnerabilities for administrators to address. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
28 Dec 2023
Understand PowerShell splatting with these examples
Give this PowerShell splatting tutorial a closer look to see how to simplify complex commands to make your code more versatile, which can be a boon in team environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Dec 2023
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
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News
12 Dec 2023
Microsoft delivers light December Patch Tuesday for admins
IT operations teams should prioritize deploying the Windows cumulative update to dispatch a critical MSHTML bug affecting Microsoft Outlook. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Nov 2023
Stop errors with these PowerShell ValidatePattern examples
Using regular expressions to validate input information and generate a tailored error message on a new user script can prevent unnecessary support tickets. Continue Reading
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News
14 Nov 2023
Microsoft halts 3 zero-days on November Patch Tuesday
Microsoft addresses 67 vulnerabilities, including six critical, and shuts down four bugs in the Exchange Server email platform this month. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Nov 2023
ITIL V3
ITIL V3 is the third version of the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), a globally recognized collection of best practices for managing IT and for implementing IT service management (ITSM) practices. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Nov 2023
client-server network
A client-server network is a distributed communications architecture in which a centralized server receives and responds to requests for services and data from multiple clients. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
24 Oct 2023
How to use ChatGPT with PowerShell to write code for admins
Use of artificial intelligence tools is on the rise in many industries, and administrators can tap into these digital helpers to improve their scripting attempts. Continue Reading
- Definition 18 Oct 2023
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News
10 Oct 2023
Microsoft tackles three zero-days for October Patch Tuesday
The company releases fixes for several products affected by the HTTP/2 "Rapid Reset" vulnerability to help curb widespread Distributed Denial-of-Service attacks. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
10 Oct 2023
Discover advanced regular expressions in PowerShell
Learn how to develop more sophisticated regular expression techniques by understanding how to work with lookarounds with different operators. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
22 Sep 2023
How to disable removable media access with Group Policy
Removable media can pose serious security problems. But there is a way to control who has access to optical disks and USB drives through Windows' Active Directory. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Sep 2023
What's new in Microsoft Graph PowerShell v2?
The company overhauled the new version of its software development kit and updated PowerShell modules that replace legacy methods for managing Microsoft's cloud-based services. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Sep 2023
Windows Sysinternals
Windows Sysinternals is a collection of 70 freeware utilities that Microsoft offers IT administrators and developers to help them monitor, manage, diagnose and troubleshoot Windows systems and their applications. Continue Reading
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News
12 Sep 2023
Microsoft solves two zero-days for September Patch Tuesday
Microsoft addresses 62 vulnerabilities this month, including a Microsoft Word flaw and a Windows bug that have both been exploited in the wild. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Aug 2023
IT organization (information technology organization)
An IT organization (information technology organization) is the department within a company that's charged with establishing, monitoring and maintaining information technology systems and services. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Aug 2023
How to configure shadow copies on file servers
When you enable the shadow copies service on your shared folders, you give your end users the flexibility to restore deleted files or revert a file to an earlier version. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Aug 2023
RSAT (Remote Server Administration Tools)
RSAT (Remote Server Administration Tools) refers to a set of tools from Microsoft that enable IT administrators to remotely manage roles and features in Windows Server from a computer that is running Windows 11, Windows 10 or Windows 7 Service Pack 1. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Aug 2023
Microsoft SCOM (System Center Operations Manager)
Microsoft SCOM (System Center Operations Manager) is a set of tools for infrastructure monitoring and application performance management. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Aug 2023
Exchange Web Services (EWS)
Microsoft Exchange Web Services (EWS) is an application program interface (API) that lets applications access items in a Microsoft Exchange email mailbox, such as calendars, contacts, and messages. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Aug 2023
Microsoft Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
Microsoft Windows Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) is a service in Microsoft Windows operating systems (OSes) that allows download from and upload of files to Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) web servers and Server Message Block (SMB) file servers. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Aug 2023
Local Group Policy Editor
Local Group Policy Editor is a Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in that provides a user interface for managing local Group Policy settings on a Windows computer. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
21 Aug 2023
How to set up PowerShell remoting over SSH
Microsoft recommends using WinRM to manage Windows machines remotely, but OpenSSH offers other advantages, particularly in organizations that also use Linux systems. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Aug 2023
Terraform
HashiCorp Terraform is an infrastructure as code (IaC) software tool that allows DevOps teams to automate infrastructure provisioning using reusable, shareable, human-readable configuration files. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
16 Aug 2023
How to capture and analyze traffic with tcpdump
Network administrators use tcpdump to analyze traffic in Linux systems. Learn how to install and use tcpdump, as well as examine the results of captured traffic. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Aug 2023
Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM)
Directory Services Restore Mode (DSRM) is a Safe Mode boot option for Windows Server domain controllers. Continue Reading
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News
09 Aug 2023
Several Exchange Server flaws fixed on August Patch Tuesday
Microsoft addresses 74 vulnerabilities this month with the on-premises email server platform returning to the spotlight with corrections to close six security holes. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Jul 2023
Microsoft Exchange Server
Microsoft Exchange Server is Microsoft's email, calendaring, contact, scheduling and collaboration platform. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Jul 2023
Resultant Set of Policy (RSoP)
Resultant Set of Policy (RSoP) refers to all the group policies applied to a user and computer. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jul 2023
Microsoft System Center
Microsoft System Center is a suite of software products designed to simplify the deployment, configuration and management of IT infrastructure and virtualized software-defined data centers. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Jul 2023
Artificial Intelligence as a Service (AIaaS)
Artificial Intelligence as a Service (AIaaS) is the third-party offering of artificial intelligence (AI) outsourcing. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jul 2023
What's new with Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows Server 2022
Not every organization can move to the cloud but using Microsoft Office apps on premises might not be an option beyond 2026. Are the days of the RDS role numbered? Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Jul 2023
provisioning
In the context of IT and computing, provisioning refers to the process of setting up IT infrastructure and providing access to authorized users to the various resources that are part of the infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Jul 2023
System Restore (Windows)
System Restore is a Microsoft Windows utility designed to protect and revert the operating system (OS) to a previous state. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jul 2023
5 techniques to debug network issues in Linux and Windows
Debugging a network issue should start with basic troubleshooting. If that doesn't fix it, admins should check, verify and configure connections to the client, server and network. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Jul 2023
Windows containers
Windows containers provide abstracted, isolated, lightweight and portable operating environments for application development on a single system. Continue Reading
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News
11 Jul 2023
Microsoft repairs 5 zero-days for July Patch Tuesday
The company addressed 130 vulnerabilities and provided additional instructions to fully resolve several bugs, which will require extra attention from IT this month. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
30 Jun 2023
Automate workflows by running PowerShell in GitHub Actions
By running PowerShell scripts in GitHub Actions workflows, admins can automate common DevOps and IT management tasks. Get started with these hands-on examples. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jun 2023
Microsoft Windows File Explorer
Microsoft Windows File Explorer is a graphical file management utility for the Windows operating system (OS). Continue Reading
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Tutorial
23 Jun 2023
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
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News
14 Jun 2023
June Patch Tuesday settles two Exchange Server bugs
Microsoft's plans for upcoming security hardening in Kerberos and Netlogon protocols will have admins busy with testing over the next several weeks. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jun 2023
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
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Definition
05 Jun 2023
Open Document Format (ODF)
The Open Document Format (ODF) is a zip-compressed, Extensible Markup Language (XML)-based, open source file format for saving and exchanging text, spreadsheets, charts, graphics and presentations. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 May 2023
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
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Tutorial
18 May 2023
Learn how to use the PowerShell Trim method
With the Trim method in your PowerShell toolbox, you can write scripts to remove unwanted characters from strings without using regular expressions. Get started with this tutorial. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 May 2023
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
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Definition
15 May 2023
Microsoft Monitoring Agent (MMA)
Microsoft Monitoring Agent (MMA) is a service used to watch and report on application and system health on a Windows computer. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 May 2023
Active Directory domain (AD domain)
An Active Directory domain (AD domain) is a collection of objects within a Microsoft Active Directory network. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 May 2023
Active Directory functional levels
Active Directory functional levels are controls that specify which advanced Active Directory domain features can be used in an enterprise domain. Continue Reading