Windows OS and management
For decades, Windows desktops have had a massive share of the overall desktop OS market. Therefore, enterprise desktop administrators must focus their energy on building a strong management plan for the latest versions of Windows. This process includes testing and applying updates and patches, upgrading to new versions and much more.
Top Stories
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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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News
04 Sep 2024
Copilot+ PCs with AMD and Intel silicon show AI PC trends
The tech giant introduced computers with chips from Intel and AMD. The new machines come amid a refresh cycle for organizations and employees and open prospects for local AI apps. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Aug 2024
How to repair Windows 11 with an ISO file
While wiping and reinstalling via a clean install is the simplest way to fix a broken Windows 11 desktop, an ISO file repair can help save some of the desktop's settings and files. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Aug 2024
Understanding how the Copilot+ PC program uses AI
Organizations looking to boost productivity for key Windows users should learn what Copilot+ PCs can offer and what workflows the features can help with. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Aug 2024
User mode vs. kernel mode: OSes explained
Kernel mode exists to keep user applications from disrupting critical system functions. Learn how each state works and what can happen when an error occurs in kernel mode. 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
12 Aug 2024
How to fix Windows 11 desktops after CrowdStrike outage
IT administrators had to jump into action after the CrowdStrike outage to recover faulty desktops. Learn how to use the Microsoft Recovery Tool to fix Windows 11 issues. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Aug 2024
What is a device driver?
A device driver, or driver, is a special kind of software program that controls a specific hardware device attached to a computer. 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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News
30 Jul 2024
Researcher: CrowdStrike blunder could benefit open source
Enterprises with the IT talent might turn to open-source software as a backup for commercial products to mitigate damage from a CrowdStrike-like IT outage, researcher said. Continue Reading
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Video
29 Jul 2024
An explanation of the CrowdStrike outage
A botched CrowdStrike update triggered a massive outage, affecting airlines, healthcare, banking and transit. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Jul 2024
CrowdStrike outage explained: What caused it and what’s next
A CrowdStrike update caused a massive IT outage, crashing millions of Windows systems. Critical services and business operations were disrupted, revealing tech reliance risks. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jul 2024
Understanding the use cases of Copilot for Microsoft 365
Copilot is a powerful generative AI technology with lots of integrations with Microsoft technology. But the usefulness of this tool will be driven by enterprise use cases. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2024
How to plan a Windows 11 upgrade project
The process of an upgrade to Windows 11 -- or any new desktop OS -- is a massive undertaking. IT professionals must plan out each phase carefully and test the system thoroughly. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Jul 2024
Comparing Copilot Pro vs. Copilot for Microsoft 365
Microsoft Copilot takes many forms, but the main offerings for end users in an enterprise setting are Copilot Pro and Copilot for Microsoft 365. Learn how these offerings compare. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jul 2024
Understanding how GPOs and Intune interact
Group Policy and Microsoft Intune are both mature device management technologies with enterprise use cases. IT should know how to pick between these tools or when to use both. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jul 2024
Comparing MSI vs. MSIX
While MSI was the preferred method for distributing enterprise applications for decades, the MSIX format promises to improve upon the deployment process. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jul 2024
How to install MSIX and msixbundle
IT admins should know that one of the simplest ways to deploy Windows applications across a fleet of managed desktops is with an msixbundle and MSIX files. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jun 2024
How to create a custom ISO for Windows 10
A custom ISO for Windows 10 can make desktop deployment and installation much simpler. IT allows admins to including applications and themes pre-installed on business desktops. 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
20 Jun 2024
software patch
A software patch or fix is a quick-repair job for a piece of programming designed to resolve functionality issues, improve security or add new features. Continue Reading
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Answer
18 Jun 2024
Can a virtual machine get a virus like a desktop can?
There is a perception that virtual machines are completely secure and immune to all malware, but the reality of virtual machine security is much more complicated. 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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Opinion
14 Jun 2024
Is it worthwhile to upgrade to Windows 11 right now?
As Microsoft prods its customers toward Windows 11, organizations should be asking what their approach to the new OS will be and when is best for them to migrate. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jun 2024
12 best patch management software and tools for 2024
These 12 tools approach patching from different perspectives. Understanding their various approaches can help you find the right product for your needs. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jun 2024
When is Windows 10 end of life? How to extend support
Windows 10 end of support is a critical date for administrators to know about. While the simplest option is to move to Windows 11, organizations can extend support for Windows 10. 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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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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News
04 Jun 2024
AMD, Intel and Nvidia's latest moves in the AI PC chip race
Major chip makers used Computex 2024 to launch their aggressive AI chip strategies and stake a claim in the burgeoning AI PC market. 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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Opinion
22 May 2024
Microsoft Copilot+ AI PCs turn up the heat on Apple
Microsoft, with the help of Qualcomm, might have finally delivered a device that will cause users to reconsider their Apple endpoint device purchase next time around. 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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Definition
15 May 2024
What is patch management? Lifecycle, benefits and best practices
Patch management is the subset of systems management that involves identifying, acquiring, testing and installing patches, or code changes, that are intended to fix bugs, close security holes or add features. 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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Tip
13 May 2024
The risks of failed patch management
Some risks -- like security vulnerabilities and system downtime -- are obvious, others not so much. Good patch management also requires weighing the possible risks of patching. Continue Reading
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Opinion
08 May 2024
Reviewing the features of Copilot for Microsoft 365
Copilot and Microsoft 365 is a promising partnership. But the license price tag may cause second thoughts, so it's important to learn Copilot's features and use cases. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Apr 2024
Fix Windows 11 remote desktop credentials that don't work
IT administrators should be ready to deal with credentials issues for remote desktops, as they are major hindrances to productivity. Learn what steps admins can take. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Apr 2024
How to remove a device from Intune enrollment
When a device reaches its end of life, IT needs to remove that device from any management software, such as Microsoft Intune. But there are several removal options to learn. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Apr 2024
local area network (LAN)
A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and peripheral devices that are connected together within a distinct geographic area, such as an office building or campus. 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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Opinion
08 Apr 2024
Windows XP EOL anniversary: 10 years of endpoint evolution
Windows XP EOL meant upgrading to Windows 7, but times have changed. IT pros can use the next upgrade cycle as an opportunity to reevaluate endpoints and consider DaaS or AI PCs. 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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Tip
18 Mar 2024
How to change a Windows device name with Intune
There are several ways that IT administrators and users can change the name of Intune-managed Windows devices, but first they must understand the different types of device names. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Mar 2024
7 steps to fix a black screen on a Windows 11 remote desktop
Remote desktops are a common technology to provide access to Windows systems, but these types of desktops are susceptible to errors such a full black screen. Learn how to fix this. 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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Tip
08 Mar 2024
How to create a local admin account with Microsoft Intune
Local admin accounts can cause problems for Windows administrators due to their lack of oversight and privileged account status. Learn how IT can manage these accounts with Intune. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Mar 2024
How to add and enroll devices to Microsoft Intune
The Intune enrollment process can follow several paths, but one of the most common and efficient approaches involves Windows Autopilot. IT can set this up within Intune. 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
20 Feb 2024
How IT can use the gpresult command to check GPOs
When Windows issues arise, desktop administrators can use the gpresult utility to see what Group Policy settings are in place and which ones should be applied. 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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Tip
12 Feb 2024
How to deploy and force updates with gpupdate
Group Policy can be a helpful tool during the troubleshooting process. Further, refreshing a system's Group Policy settings with gpupdate can solve plenty of issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Feb 2024
What types of management are available for thin client OSes?
Thin client OSes present opportunities to run virtual desktop environments more efficiently, but they come with management decisions and challenges as well. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jan 2024
What to do when Group Policy shows an access denied message
IT administrators might encounter an error message that states 'access denied' when working with Group Policy. There are a few different steps to fix a problem like this. Continue Reading
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News
17 Jan 2024
Microsoft delivers Copilot Pro, eliminates 300 seat minimum
Copilot Pro, a faster version of Microsoft's AI tool, debuts with features such as 'roll your own GPT,' where users can build custom LLMs, along with looser license requirements. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jan 2024
Find the best Windows 11 registry cleaner
Making changes to the Windows registry presents numerous risks for desktop administrators. Find out when to tweak the registry and what tools can help with that task. 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
27 Dec 2023
How to install and set up Copilot for Microsoft 365
Copilot for Microsoft 365 offers AI-powered functionality to users, but there's more to consider before installing it. Data governance and licensing determine the setup process. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Dec 2023
Windows Imaging Format (WIM)
Windows Imaging Format (WIM) is used for the creation and distribution of disk image files. 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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Feature
30 Nov 2023
The 6 best rugged computers for business use cases
Finding the right device for a business scenario can be challenging, and adding rugged conditions to the mix can complicate things further. Learn about that endpoint market. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Nov 2023
How do you back up the Windows 11 registry before editing it?
Without a Windows 11 registry backup, IT risks breaking the OS by making edits. Find out how easy it is to back up the Windows 11 registry. 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
14 Nov 2023
Task Manager
Task Manager, which was previously known as Microsoft Windows Task Manager, is a component of the Windows operating system (OS) that helps administrators and end users monitor, manage and troubleshoot tasks. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Nov 2023
Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) utility
The Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) utility is a command-line interface for working with Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), a framework for managing data and operations on a Windows computer. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
07 Nov 2023
Microsoft Ignite 2023 conference coverage
Bookmark this guide and check back regularly to see all the news and analysis related to the latest innovations launching at this year's Microsoft Ignite show. Continue Reading
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Opinion
02 Nov 2023
Microsoft's Copilot AI assistant brings upside, cost and risk
Microsoft's Copilot AI assistant arrives for office productivity apps. Not everyone's going to buy it at once, and it does come with risks common to all generative AI. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Oct 2023
virtualization-based security (VBS)
Virtualization-based security (VBS) is a technology that abstracts computer processes from the underlying operating system (OS) and, in some cases, hardware. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Oct 2023
Windows key (winkey)
The Windows key (winkey) is a button on a Windows computer keyboard. Continue Reading
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News
25 Oct 2023
Chip giant Nvidia takes on Intel with Arm CPUs for Windows PCs
Nvidia plans to jump into the Windows Arm CPU fray along with Qualcomm, AMD and purportedly Microsoft as chipmakers bet that AI will take root in the operating system in 2025. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Oct 2023
Microsoft Windows Credential Guard
Microsoft Credential Guard is a security feature in Microsoft Windows operating system (OS) that isolates user credentials, such as login information, from the rest of the operating system. Continue Reading
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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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Tip
05 Oct 2023
How to access and read Intune management extension logs
The Intune management extension provides new capabilities for Windows admins, including the ability to track and analyze logs related to the management add-on. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Oct 2023
kiosk mode (Windows assigned access)
Kiosk mode is a feature in Windows operating system (OS) that allows a device to run only specified applications and settings. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Oct 2023
Windows 11 vs. Windows 10: What are the differences?
Windows 11, now 2 years old, recently added Microsoft Copilot. See how it stacks up against Windows 10. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Sep 2023
Using the Intune management extension for PowerShell scripts
Intune and PowerShell have a lot of unique management actions they can take, but with the help of the Intune management extension, they can communicate and manage more efficiently. Continue Reading
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News
20 Sep 2023
Intel promotes new computing era with AI PC
Intel says its upcoming Core Ultra will help lead personal computing to the AI PC era by making AI processing a mainstream task on PCs, like office productivity and video editing. 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
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
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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Opinion
09 Aug 2023
Amazon WorkSpaces finally supports Office 365, but why now?
Microsoft has finally walked back one very specific angle of its Office 365 licensing policy, allowing enterprises to run it on Amazon WorkSpaces. Will others follow? 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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Tip
09 Aug 2023
How to use Reliability Monitor to manage servers
The utility gives administrators a way to look back over time to see what driver updates, software installations or hardware crashes might be related to the sudden instability. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Aug 2023
BIOS password
A BIOS password is authentication information that's sometimes required to log into a computer's basic input/output system (BIOS) settings before a computer boots up. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jul 2023
A guide to Intune Suite licensing for endpoint management
With the changes to the structure of Intune and the end of Microsoft Endpoint Manager, organizations will need to reevaluate their endpoint management licensing options. 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
18 Jul 2023
Windows as a service
Windows as a service is the approach Microsoft introduced with Windows 10 to deploy, update and service the operating system. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jul 2023
Microsoft Windows System Image Manager (SIM)
Microsoft Windows System Image Manager (SIM) is a tool in the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit that IT professionals can use to create and manage unattended setup answer files for Windows before installing the operating system. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Jul 2023
Windows reboot loop
A reboot loop (or boot loop) occurs when a Windows device unexpectedly restarts at some point during its startup process. 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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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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Definition
07 Jul 2023
context menu (right-click menu)
A context menu is a pop-up menu that provides shortcuts for actions the software developer anticipates the user might want to take. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Jul 2023
Internet Explorer (IE)
Internet Explorer (IE) is a web browser that formerly came bundled with the Microsoft Windows operating system. 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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Definition
16 Jun 2023
HyperTerminal
HyperTerminal is a communications and terminal emulation program that came with the Windows 98 and Windows XP operating systems. 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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Feature
18 May 2023
What does the new Microsoft Intune Suite include?
With all the recent name changes with Microsoft's endpoint management products and add-ons, IT teams need to know what Intune Suite -- Microsoft's latest bundle -- offers. 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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News
09 May 2023
Light May Patch Tuesday will weigh heavily on Windows admins
A zero-day that targets the Secure Boot feature will require extensive work from sysadmins to protect Windows systems from the Black Lotus bootkit. Continue Reading