Features

Features

Windows 8 and 8.1

• 4 tips for handling the upgrade process to Windows 10

  To ensure a smooth upgrade to Windows 10, IT should take advantage of helpful tools such as the Microsoft Management Console to test Windows 10 application compatibility.  Continue Reading

• How to transition to Windows 10 without the headaches

  IT pros should take a step back and decide if an upgrade to Windows 10 is right for their organizations, or they may encounter problems during the process.  Continue Reading

• Take a stroll down the Windows 10 upgrade paths

  IT can get lost in a Windows 10 upgrade. Save time and money by knowing the do's and don'ts of migrating to the new OS, and avoid common mistakes.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows history: A 30-year timeline

  Microsoft celebrates 30 years of the Windows operating system when it ships Windows 10 this fall. Here's a look at Windows history -- bumps and all.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft news dominates top 10 desktop developments of 2014

  Thanks to Windows and Office developments, Microsoft news was among our most popular coverage of the past year. See which articles came out on top.  Continue Reading

• 13 top tips on Windows support from 2014

  The past year marked the transition between versions of Microsoft software. Look back at our menu of 2014 Office and Windows support tips.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 Windows troubleshooting and security articles of 2014

  In 2014, Microsoft improved OS security with Windows 8.1 and set a deadline for Windows 7 support. See our most popular Windows troubleshooting articles.  Continue Reading

• Registry tweaks can speed up Windows 8 performance

  Our latest article on using the Windows registry to improve Windows 8 performance looks at disk access and shutting down Windows Store apps  Continue Reading

• Alternative OS and productivity suites gain steam

  Admins considering open source alternatives to Microsoft desktops should know what an alternative OS, office suite or graphics editor can do.  Continue Reading

• Use the Windows 8 registry to reduce CPU cycle waste

  The Windows 8 registry is a key component of the OS that admins can use to disable background checks and other activities to make systems run faster.  Continue Reading

• Windows 7 troubleshooting matures

  Windows 7 support is ending in 2015, but that doesn't mean troubleshooting is going with it -- in fact, Windows 7 troubleshooting is easier than ever.  Continue Reading

• Boot to open source desktops with Linux on USB sticks

  Want to try a new OS sans commitment? Linux on USB sticks can be the first step to replacing Windows XP with an open source desktop such as Xubuntu.  Continue Reading

• Avoid potholes on the migration path from XP to Windows 8.1

  Organizations moving from Windows XP should consider app compatibility, security and alternative OSes before conducting a migration to Windows 8.1.  Continue Reading

• How to enable Windows 8.1 kiosk mode for Modern apps

  It's possible to control user application access on startup with Assigned Access, but note that Windows 8.1 kiosk mode works only for Modern apps.  Continue Reading

• Windows kiosk mode locks down PCs, but note workarounds

  Switching from the Windows Explorer shell to a particular app can be useful for single-purpose devices, but users can still foil Windows kiosk mode.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 Microsoft desktop developments this past summer

  Microsoft desktop news didn't slow down this summer; see our top 10 articles on Windows 8 and its predecessors, Office 2013 features and more.  Continue Reading

• Windows 9 features may address unified apps and the cloud

  Based on the Windows 8.1 update, it's reasonable to expect Windows 9 features for universal apps and cloud integration. Will they entice enterprises?  Continue Reading

• Speculating about the Windows 9 Start menu and other OS features

  Despite a lack of hard facts about Microsoft Windows 9, it's possible to make educated guesses about its release date, cost and features such as its Start menu.  Continue Reading

• Finding and fixing Office 2013 installation problems

  Desktop administrators can streamline Office deployments by understanding fixes to important installation problems.  Continue Reading

• Windows 7 migrations win out for XP shops

  Some IT shops view the relative simplicity of a Windows XP to Windows 7 migration as the best way to deal with the XP end of support.  Continue Reading

• Mastering Windows 8 USB booting with Windows To Go

  Follow simple rules to get better performance and reliable Windows 8 USB operation from Windows To Go devices.  Continue Reading

• Watch Windows 8.1 app compatibility even after Update 1

  The Windows 8.1 update has shifted application and device controls from the basic schemes IT admins have used for years.  Continue Reading

• Admins planning for extended XP support must reduce security exposure

  IT admins can plan for extended XP support, but they should reduce corporate security exposure by evaluating critical software.  Continue Reading

• Android desktops may provide another alternative OS for enterprises

  A large user base and app support are among the advantages of Android desktops, but complex Windows apps and thin clients may limit adoption.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft requires Office 2013 licensing for some non-Windows devices

  Microsoft's Office 2013 licensing scheme isn't overly complicated, but IT should still understand Software Assurance, remote access rights and more.  Continue Reading

• IT works to keep up with Microsoft's Windows 8 licensing shifts

  Windows 8 licensing poses new challenges for IT admins, who need to know how it will affect costs, desktop virtualization and remote access.  Continue Reading

• Will tablets with the Windows 8.1 update come to an office near you?

  Is there room for Windows 8.1 tablets to be deployed in the enterprise when iOS and Android devices dominate the market?  Continue Reading

• Windows 8 laptop reviews for business PC buyers

  These in-depth Windows 8 laptop reviews examine features, performance and price to inform the purchasing decisions of business PC buyers.  Continue Reading

• Windows To Go USB drives need Windows 8 BitLocker to secure data

  Lost or stolen USB drives, data leakage and boot conflicts are among the risks posed by Windows To Go. BitLocker can help tighten Windows 8 security.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 countdown of Windows 8, Office 2013 tips for 2013

  Our experts spent 2013 doing their best to keep you in the know about Windows 8, Office 2013 and more. Now check out the year's top 10 Windows 8 tips.  Continue Reading

• Windows 8 interface, Windows 8.1 features top desktop stories in 2013

  It's no surprise that Windows 8 articles were popular this past year, but the amount of discussion around its UI and Windows 8.1 features was.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 enterprise desktop and Windows security stories of 2013

  Don't miss our most popular Windows security stories of 2013, including coverage of Windows 8.1 features, IE and Office flaws, and mobile security.  Continue Reading

• IT turns to third-party Active Directory audit tools for Windows data

  Microsoft's built-in audit tools may not be enough for regulatory compliance, but there are lots of Active Directory alternatives that can help.  Continue Reading

• Third-party Active Directory alternatives aid compliance, auditing

  Microsoft has strengthened Windows auditing in Active Directory, but these third-party Active Directory alternatives can ease regulatory compliance.  Continue Reading

• Office 2013 compatibility, interface hurdles don't trip one migration

  Walsh Construction has built its business with Office 2013, whose new features make up for third-party software-compatibility problems.  Continue Reading

• Office 2013 security features for the enterprise include digital signatures

  Our continuing look at Office 2013 features for enterprise IT examines Office 2013 security measures such as recovery of password-protected documents.  Continue Reading

• Getting to and managing Windows 8 applications and files

  Windows 8 can be tricky to navigate, so you may have questions about locating Windows 8 applications and files. Check out this FAQ for answers.  Continue Reading

• Buying Windows 8 PCs for your company? Do your homework first

  If you're in charge of buying Windows 8 PCs for your company, these reviews will help you sort through your options.  Continue Reading

• Windows 8.1 preview fixes the failings of Windows 8 for the enterprise

  The Windows Assessment and Deployment Toolkit included with the Windows 8.1 preview addresses concerns hindering adoption of Microsoft's OS.  Continue Reading

• Four Office 2013 features address security configuration, authorization

  Microsoft Office 2013 features for enterprise IT include tools for security configuration, authentication and restriction of file copying.  Continue Reading

• The use cases (or not) for upgrading to Microsoft Office 2013 editions

  As IT shops consider various Microsoft Office 2013 editions, they should determine which revised and new Microsoft Office 2013 features work best.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft re-engineers the wireless stack for Windows 8 wireless users

  Microsoft has given much thought to Windows mobile device and broadband support. See how Windows 8 wireless integration and connectivity work.  Continue Reading

• Weighing Windows 8 features: Windows 8 drawbacks

  After taking a look at several Windows 8 improvements, our columnist revisits his reasons for Windows 8 hate, starting with the Windows 8 UI.  Continue Reading

• Windows tools and terminology for desktop admins

  There are a number of Windows tools that desktop admins can use, but before you can use them you have to know what the terms actually mean.  Continue Reading

• Weighing Windows 8 features: Windows 8 pros

  As IT shops weigh Windows 8 pros and cons, they should note these Windows 8 features that can benefit users and admins alike.  Continue Reading

• Mind the gaps left by Windows 8 security features

  Observers agree that Microsoft has improved security in Windows 8, but IT must still check how the OS affects third-party apps and privacy.  Continue Reading

• Windows 8 Enterprise offers admin capabilities absent in Windows 8 Pro

  Desktop admins should carefully consider OS editions -- Windows 8 Enterprise provides options for connectivity and control that Windows 8 Pro lacks.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Office 365 tries to keep enterprises in its suite spot

  IT shops may find that the entire Office 365 suite is a good deal, once they parse Microsoft's licensing options and address initial misgivings.  Continue Reading

• Tech Watch: The Windows 8 touch interface could change the way we work

  The Windows 8 touch interface promises to change the way we work, but businesses need to adopt new hardware and apps need to be developed first.  Continue Reading

• Reviewing Windows 8 licensing and enterprise options

  As enterprises plan migrations to Microsoft's latest OS, they need to understand Windows 8 licensing and which volume-licensing SKUs are best.  Continue Reading

• Assembling a Windows 8 migration toolbox

  Whether your organization is refreshing or replacing PCs, you should be familiar with such Windows 8 migration tools as USMT.  Continue Reading

• How to handle legacy apps in a Windows 8 migration

  Once your organization has decided on a Windows 8 migration, one of the first things to do is determine which legacy applications will run.  Continue Reading

• Before a Windows 8 migration, see whether the new OS is a good fit

  While users are looking at Microsoft's latest OS, the question is whether a Windows 8 migration is really worthwhile for enterprises.  Continue Reading

• Adding Microsoft Windows 8 multi-touch to a desktop or notebook

  Microsoft Windows 8 Touch isn't just for tablet computers. Our expert discusses how the user interface can be added to desktops and notebooks.  Continue Reading

• The importance of touch in the Microsoft Windows 8 environment

  One noteworthy feature of Microsoft Windows 8 is its use of a touch-based interface. Our expert takes a look at the user interface and ways around it.  Continue Reading

• Understanding Windows 8 app compatibility and the Metro user interface

  We answer some questions about Windows 8 application compatibility and the new Metro user interface, whose name Microsoft has quietly dropped.  Continue Reading

• Windows 8 tablet review: Fine for newbie, awkward for iPad user

  Microsoft says Windows 8 is great for business. An iPad enthusiast and a tablet newcomer share their experience in this Windows 8 tablet review.  Continue Reading

• It's not too late for a Windows 7 migration plan

  Even with Windows 8 looming on the horizon, stragglers can take advantage of others' experiences for their Windows 7 migration plans.  Continue Reading

• Why the simple Windows 8 Metro interface may not benefit users

  For IT administrators, less isn't always more. The simplified Windows 8 Metro interface may frustrate users and do more harm than good for desktop security.  Continue Reading

• A first glimpse at Windows 8

  Although Windows 7 has been on shelves for less than two years, desktop admins are already gearing up for Windows 8. See what Microsoft has in the works with its upcoming OS.  Continue Reading