Features

Features

• 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

• 5 WSUS alternatives for patch management

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

• Securing Active Directory also involves good backup practices

  The 'Active Directory Administration Cookbook' covers what admins can do in advance to bring the identity and access management platform back online after an attack.  Continue Reading

• PowerShell book captures the tool's intense early days

  Getting PowerShell off the drawing board and into Windows required an iron will, as well as technical chops. A new book unveils the story behind its development process.  Continue Reading

• Q&A;: Recounting the rough-and-tumble history of PowerShell

  Today, PowerShell is a key tool for many Windows administrators, but its developers had to battle to get it launched. Don Jones talks about PowerShell's tumultuous start.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 5 PowerShell tools to help simplify admin tasks and support

  Learn how systems admins, software developers and engineers can use tools, such as Cimitra Software, to build better PowerShell scripts to manage and automate repetitive tasks.  Continue Reading

• 7 PowerShell courses to help hone skills for all levels of expertise

  Online PowerShell courses, such as the seven examined here, offer systems administrators and other users basic tutorials as well as more advanced courses.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2008 end of life means it's time to move

  Your organization has a few options to migrate from unsupported Windows Server 2008/2008 R2 systems to avoid becoming another cyberattack statistic.  Continue Reading

• On-premises server monitoring tools meet business needs, budget

  Compare these eight on-premises network, server and application monitoring tools to determine which best fits your organization's specific use cases, business needs and budget.  Continue Reading

• 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

• What admins need to know about Azure Stack HCI

  Microsoft put its branding on a relatively new hyper-converged infrastructure offering that capitalizes on the software-defined features in Windows Server 2019.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft's history and future strategy beyond 2020

  Microsoft's history over the past 20 years is marked by the pivot from closed software models to support for open source and cloud. Quantum computing will shape the next decades.  Continue Reading

• How to plan for an Azure cloud migration

  A Windows Server migration into the Microsoft cloud comes with several administrative benefits, but it also means there are new management aspects to worry about.  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

• Install Exchange Server 2019 on Server Core 2019 to boost security

  If you don't know how to manage servers without GUI, there may be a bit of a learning curve to get the benefits of running Exchange on Server Core.  Continue Reading

• System administrator resources you'll actually use

  The learning resources available for IT administrators are more plentiful than the technology that admins manage. How do they sift through the inundation of information?  Continue Reading

• 7 Windows Server 2019 features to know

  If administrators want to get the most from Windows Server 2019 features, they should familiarize themselves with this cheat sheet of the improvements Microsoft has made.  Continue Reading

• System administrator skills you need to succeed in the cloud

  Cloud technology gives IT administrators more tools to manage enterprise resources than ever before, but the expanding technology also requires admins to develop a new skill set.  Continue Reading

• Windows Admin Center brings server management under one roof

  Microsoft built Windows Admin Center to make administrators' jobs easier, but the tool has many facets to learn to expertly manage Windows servers.  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

• 4 Windows Server 2019 storage features to ease management

  Microsoft includes storage features in Windows Server 2019 to ease migration and create highly available and scalable software-defined storage in data centers.  Continue Reading

• How to automate with PowerShell in Windows Server 2019

  Microsoft developed many tools to simplify tasks in Windows Server 2019, but PowerShell skills still remain a staple of an administrator's tool set.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server cluster sets add more protection to workloads

  Microsoft stepped up its high availability game with its cluster sets technology in Windows Server 2019 to give on-premises workloads more cloudlike resiliency.  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

• Got infrastructure needs? These PowerShell tutorials can help

  From streamlining remote sessions to setting up an SSL certificate, these PowerShell tutorials show IT admins how to get more done with the management tool.  Continue Reading

• Understand Azure Update Management basics

  Microsoft provides a variety of tools that IT administrators can use to simplify update deployment, including Azure Update Management. Find out if the service will work with your systems.  Continue Reading

• Hone your PowerShell text manipulation skills

  Retrieving content from and modifying content in text files with PowerShell are skills many administrators need to cultivate to aid their automation efforts.  Continue Reading

• Understanding the three main goals of PowerShell Core 6

  The book 'Learn PowerShell Core 6.0' offers a closer look into the history of PowerShell and its evolution into the PowerShell Core open source project.  Continue Reading

• IT pros must adapt to Azure certification path changes

  Microsoft reworked its Azure certifications recently and offers an upgrade path for IT pros with older credentials, but there is little time before the transition tests expire.  Continue Reading

• Server Core vs. GUI: Is Server Core ready for prime time?

  IT Director Christopher Rivers says the Windows Admin Center is a step in the right direction to boost adoption of Server Core, but administrators will still encounter challenges.  Continue Reading

• Q&A;: Will Microsoft artificial intelligence change your job?

  Technical architect Jason Wynn says the data center is already on the path to a more autonomous future due to the acceleration of Microsoft artificial intelligence efforts.  Continue Reading

• Discover the top Windows Server and PowerShell tutorials of 2018

  Administrators can level up their management game with these Windows Server tips and PowerShell tutorials that got the most attention on the SearchWindowsServer site in 2018.  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

• 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

• Mastering PowerShell commands for Exchange by the book

  This book works through common scenarios administrators face when managing Exchange Server 2016 and explains how to tackle them with PowerShell scripts.  Continue Reading

• Future of Windows might involve significant weight loss

  The influence of containerized applications could sway Microsoft to introduce more far-reaching refinements to Windows Server and reduce the OS to the bare necessities.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server hardening still weighs heavily on admins

  Windows Server hardening procedures drew renewed interest following the rash of ransomware outbreaks this year. See what tips on server safeguards got the most views in 2017.  Continue Reading

• The top Exchange and Office 365 tutorials of 2017

  Exchange Server remains a solid messaging choice, but interest in Microsoft's cloud platform shows no sign of abating. These Office 365 tutorials got the most attention in 2017.  Continue Reading

• Windows administrators contend with call to the cloud

  Microsoft's rapid development pace in the cloud tempts more enterprises to pull the plug on on-premises systems, as Azure technology works its way into multiple offerings.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server 2016 book serves up PowerShell recipes

  This book details the evolution of the PowerShell scripting and management tool, and teaches admins how to write commands to streamline tasks on Windows Server 2016.  Continue Reading

• Revved-up Windows Server release cadence now serves DevOps

  Microsoft will release a developer-focused Windows Server version twice a year. Businesses can choose between a traditional release cycle or one that suits continuous deployment.  Continue Reading

• Server Core installation offers perks, challenges for IT

  Server Core is a lighter Windows Server deployment that frees up server resources for additional workloads, but the management aspect will put some admins to the test.  Continue Reading

• Expect service providers to ease Azure Stack deployment

  Azure Stack will be ready in September. But given the product's complexity, early customers might think about working with a service provider.  Continue Reading

• Office 365 admins can evolve as platform expands

  A move to Office 365 lets IT concentrate less on technology idiosyncrasies and more on business needs. Here are some new tasks to take on, but watch out for a few challenges, too.  Continue Reading

• Office 365 compliance issues deserve your attention

  Businesses have more data than ever before, and Office 365 stores that information in more than email messages. Make sure that data retention is in compliance with regulations.  Continue Reading

• Close ranks with key Office 365 security features

  Security practices that work on premises won't translate to the cloud. Office 365 admins need to use the platform's protection features to stop advanced attacks.  Continue Reading

• Windows PowerShell DSC book trains IT to lock down systems

  This DSC book familiarizes administrators with Microsoft's change management tool, giving them the skills to clamp down on system configurations.  Continue Reading

• Migrate to Exchange 2016 with all the facts

  When the time comes for a business to update its messaging platform, an Exchange 2016 migration can make sense. These four expert tips can usher you past pitfalls.  Continue Reading

• Q&A;: Jeffrey Snover discusses PowerShell on Linux, Azure Stack snags

  Jeffrey Snover talks about the reasons Microsoft expanded PowerShell to other OSes and why Azure Stack's release was rescheduled.  Continue Reading

• Scrutinize the Office 365 roadmap to steer clear of trouble

  The Office 365 roadmap informs admins when Microsoft plans to release -- or pull -- a feature. Our experts offer advice to navigate the collaboration platform's twists and turns.  Continue Reading

• Weigh Windows Server 2016 new features before committing

  As older versions of Windows Server age, businesses will consider a Windows Server 2016 upgrade. Containers and application compatibility are two areas to be aware of.  Continue Reading

• Stay vigilant with compliance management tools in Exchange, Office 365

  Organizations must set up messaging platforms to prevent email purges, often to meet legal obligations. These tips help Exchange and Office 365 administrators stay compliant.  Continue Reading

• Learn how to manage Exchange outages with four expert tips

  Exchange's automated maintenance routines only go so far. Administrators need a repertoire of troubleshooting tools and techniques to unclog problems and get messages moving.  Continue Reading

• Email options: Upgrade Exchange or go another way?

  Staying with Exchange Server is a valid choice. But there are other email options that deserve consideration.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft's strategy on open source is a sign of the times

  Microsoft astonished the IT world again with a series of big open source moves in 2016. Do Windows admins need to get on board or risk getting left behind?  Continue Reading

• The top Windows Server tutorials and tips of 2016

  A new operating system sparked Windows administrator's interest in 2016, as did information about using PowerShell to manage Windows Server and ways to deflect ransomware attacks.  Continue Reading

• Will Microsoft Ignite 2016 catch fire with IT?

  Microsoft Ignite 2016 will set the course for the company's agenda in the coming year, but is IT on board with its push to the cloud?  Continue Reading

• Who's to blame when Microsoft security updates go bad?

  A bad Microsoft patch is not an uncommon event, but without the resources to test it adequately, what's an overworked IT staff supposed to do?  Continue Reading

• Five Exchange 2016 migration best practices

  If your organization is considering an Exchange 2016 upgrade, follow these expert tips to make the transition as painless as possible.  Continue Reading

• How managing Docker containers is shaping up for administrators

  While container management software remains in flux as this version of virtualization matures, administrators should build their familiarity with the technology.  Continue Reading

• Office 365 management tips for Exchange administrators

  Going to the cloud can alleviate a lot of mundane duties, but there are still common tasks required for managing Office 365.  Continue Reading

• Exchange Server best practices for administrators

  Exchange Server errors are an unfortunate but often unavoidable reality for administrators. These tips will help Exchange admins maintain the security and health of their servers.  Continue Reading

• Learn the basics of PowerShell Desired State Configuration

  PowerShell DSC allows administrators to define and manage the configurations of operating systems and applications. Here's how it works and how to use it.  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

• Ransomware protection is futile, but all hope is not lost

  It's only a matter of time before a hacker infiltrates your system and holds your files hostage. But there are ways to blunt a Windows ransomware assault.  Continue Reading

• Words to go: Exchange Server architecture

  Microsoft's Exchange team released its recommendations for the preferred architecture for Exchange 2013 and 2016. Here are some terms Exchange architects should know.  Continue Reading

• Exchange 2016 CU1 overshadowed when mailbox anchor drops

  Microsoft released updates for all supported versions of Exchange Server. The updates cover issues with mailbox anchoring in Exchange 2013 and improvements to lagged database copies.  Continue Reading

• How can administrators prepare for the Windows Docker invasion?

  Docker management on the Windows Server platform is just one of the many issues containers bring to the data center.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft certification preparation advice for Windows admins

  Windows admins who want to prepare for Microsoft certification should learn which options exist and best align with their career path in order to form an effective study strategy.  Continue Reading

• A new skill for Windows Server administrators: Building their brand

  Marketing yourself may not come naturally for Windows systems administrators but there are several ways to get noticed for promotions or a new career trajectory.  Continue Reading

• Five points to consider before a SharePoint Online migration

  Organizations that are planning a move from on-premises SharePoint to SharePoint Online should consider which features may not survive a migration to the cloud.  Continue Reading

• What you need to know about Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute

  Azure ExpressRoute provides a private cloud connection that is secure and predictable. Read our Azure ExpressRoute FAQ to find out more about this Microsoft cloud feature.  Continue Reading

• Must-know Exchange Server info from 2015

  We've rounded up the top Exchange Server info of the past year, including a look at deploying Exchange 2016, and troubleshooting common Outlook error messages.  Continue Reading

• Anticipation builds for key Windows Server 2016 features

  Microsoft's push to develop its container technology and its other advancements in Windows Server caught the attention of our experts.  Continue Reading

• Surprise changes in the Exchange 2016 release

  Exchange 2016 brought mixed feelings for admins who felt like the release was more of an Exchange 2013 Service Pack than a new version. See which changes made it to the final release.  Continue Reading

• The 10 most popular Windows Server admin tips of 2015

  Microsoft released three Windows Server 2016 technical previews in 2015, and our readers couldn't wait to learn what to expect from the upcoming version of the OS.  Continue Reading

• Making the most of Hyper-V live migration

  Hyper-V live migration delivers flexibility in a demanding environment, but administrators should be aware of ways to optimize the process.  Continue Reading

• The top Active Directory tools and techniques for backup and restore

  A business with a broken Active Directory can crumple without this key piece of infrastructure. Learn how to plan an Active Directory backup and restoration.  Continue Reading

• Office 365 issues that torment email admins

  Tricky Office 365 problems are no treat to the IT admin. Fix the nuisances that corrupt your email with these troubleshooting treats.  Continue Reading

• Learn Group Policy basics for Windows administrators

  Group Policy hasn't changed much since its introduction, but it can be overwhelming to beginners. Learn how to use Group Policy to manage users and computers.  Continue Reading

• Poof! You're also a Linux administrator. Now what?

  Linux has crept into data centers where Windows was once the sole operating system. If you're a budding Linux admin, here's a guide to help get you started.  Continue Reading

• Should email platforms be hosted, or should they stay home?

  Messaging and web collaboration tools and other email alternatives can go to the cloud or stay on-premises. Where are you sending your email platforms?  Continue Reading

• Email alternatives signal the end for traditional messaging

  With email alternatives permeating the workplace, the onus is on IT to allow employees to communicate and collaborate effectively from anywhere.  Continue Reading

• Skype for Business vanishes after Office 2016 upgrade

  Customers who recently upgraded to Office 2016 were in for an unpleasant surprise after Skype for Business was uninstalled from their machines.  Continue Reading

• Conversational Geeks explicate migrating to Office 365

  What's the best way to understand confusing technology concepts? Chat about it. The Conversational Geeks explain how to migrate to Office 365.  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

• Tips for landing the best Windows administrator jobs

  Whether you're looking for the best Windows Server job or have been in your position for years, these five tips will help you strengthen your skills.  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

• Words to go: Exchange 2013 management tools and features

  Need a quick glossary of Poison Message Queue, EAC and other administrative and management features and tools in Exchange 2013? Keep this handy list next to your desk.  Continue Reading

• Avoid Exchange 2013 storage snags with the right disks

  Choosing the right disks for your Exchange 2013 setup is a battle between cost and performance. How do you decide what's more important?  Continue Reading

• A first look into the Exchange 2016 Preview

  Microsoft rolled out the Exchange Server 2016 Preview with productivity and collaboration changes. But is it actually a new version of Exchange?  Continue Reading

• Top Windows Server admin tips of 2015 -- so far

  A lot has happened this year. Windows Server 2003 support ended and Windows Server 2016 was announced. Here are some must-read tips for 2015.  Continue Reading

• Is RAID 5 or RAID 10 a better Exchange 2013 storage choice?

  Choosing the right RAID level for your Exchange 2013 setup can prevent disk failures and improve overall storage performance.  Continue Reading

• Overcome Exchange 2013 storage sizing issues

  Properly sizing an Exchange 2013 deployment protects it from future performance issues resulting from storage bottlenecks.  Continue Reading

• Exchange Server administrator job prep: Security and compliance

  Get that Exchange administrator job offer by standing out with security and compliance prowess in your interview.  Continue Reading

• Tips to ace your next Exchange admin job interview

  Planning for a job interview? Be ready to detail your experience in Exchange Server, including environments you've worked in, tools and virtualization.  Continue Reading

• Your Exchange 2016 cheat sheet

  Microsoft is still refining Exchange 2016 for release later this year, but the company has already outlined key features and capabilities.  Continue Reading

• Five quick tips on Microsoft Azure management

  Strapped for time? Get the lowdown on Azure Pack, Microsoft Cloud Platform System and more in this fast feature on Azure.  Continue Reading

• Prep for these Exchange interview questions

  Before Exchange admin candidates drive off to tackle their job interviews, here's how to review their job background and be ready for any question an interviewer throws at them.  Continue Reading