Evaluate

Evaluate

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

• Get to know third-party Windows 10 migration tools

  IT professionals should look to third-party migration tools during a transition to Windows 10 to provide any features that the native Windows migration tools do not. Continue Reading

• Top Microsoft Office alternatives for enterprise use

  Microsoft's productivity suite sees the most enterprise use, but organizations can switch to certain Microsoft Office alternatives for lower licensing costs and more. Continue Reading

• The complete guide to Windows 10 security tools

  IT professionals must carefully consider which security tools they use to protect their Windows 10 desktops. They may want to stray from the Microsoft path in some instances. Continue Reading

• Buy the right help desk tools to track and resolve incidents

  Help desk management tools help admins manage, track and resolve problems. Learn about the leading products and the reporting, communication and support features they offer. Continue Reading

• Understanding third-party Windows 10 security tools

  Third-party security tools provide value and new utilities for Windows 10 desktop administrators. IT should consider non-Microsoft options for patching, firewalls and more. Continue Reading

• What's new in the Microsoft Windows 10 October 2018 Update?

  The Windows 10 October 2018 Update might be best known for some of the problems it caused, but it also added some features that can help business users and IT pros.Continue Reading

• Why you don't always need a general-purpose operating system

  A purpose-built, or real-time, operating system could be more useful for applications that require a lot of data processing. Several options for this type of system exist today.Continue Reading

• Get to know the device-as-a-service trend

  Everything is a service these days. You can even get Yankee candles delivered from Amazon on a subscription basis. For EUC admins, device as a service is probably a bigger deal.Continue Reading

• Five Microsoft Windows 10 features to know in the enterprise

  IT professionals transitioning their organization's desktops to Windows 10 should understand the best Windows 10 features, such as Microsoft Cortana and Windows Defender's new tools.Continue Reading

• Assess IT help desk software options based on these features

  Explore communication channels, ticket management, agent management, knowledge base options and reporting capabilities when evaluating prospective help desk management software.Continue Reading

• 4 enterprise email clients to consider instead of Outlook

  Organizations looking to cut costs or make a change for their business email client have numerous options to replace Microsoft Outlook, but not all of them are viable.Continue Reading

• Understand Windows Insider Program for Business options

  With its business-friendly Insider Program, Microsoft allows IT and users to test Windows 10 preview builds for compatibility and performance issues.Continue Reading

• Win10 Version 1809 Makes Official Debut

  A quick screen capture of winver.exe from Build 17741 shows that Win10 Version 1809 makes official debut as the upcoming next version name.Continue Reading

• Get to know data synchronization tools for the enterprise

  Users who work with multiple devices will want their data to transfer across endpoints. IT can ease the syncing process by working with the right tools.Continue Reading

• NoMo Snipping Tool Try Screen Sketch Instead

  Starting with a feature upgrade sometime soon, the screencap motto will be "NoMo Snipping Tool Try Screen Sketch Instead!" I take a look at what's what with Skip Ahead Preview Build 18204.Continue Reading

• Establish help desk best practices to improve the system

  To run a successful help desk, IT must prioritize help desk tickets and establish expectations for admins and users, as well as reduce the number of time-wasting tickets.Continue Reading

• Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 laptop slims down, but it's no tablet

  Despite Dell's best efforts, including combining CPU and GPU in a single processor to make the device smaller, the XPS 15 2-in-1 still falls short as a tablet.Continue Reading

• Get to know enterprise patch management tools

  Unpatched software and OSes can create a huge security hole in any organization. IT should know what tools can fill in the gaps.Continue Reading

• Resolve problems right with a help desk management system

  Help desk management tools keep employees working after problems and outages occur. Discover the extensive benefits the right platform can provide.Continue Reading

• How to deploy and administer help desk management software

  Help desk tools help IT manage the submission, status and resolution of employee help desk tickets. Read on to learn about common help desk challenges and the latest trends.Continue Reading

• How the Microsoft Teams app can boost collaboration

  Microsoft Teams is an app users can work with to collaborate no matter where they're located. It comes as part of certain business-focused Office 365 subscriptions.Continue Reading

• LibreOffice 6.0 pushes for enterprise viability

  The debate of office suites may boil down to Microsoft Office vs. LibreOffice. The former is an expensive but consistent native suite, and the latter is third-party and free.Continue Reading

• Windows Command Line Reference Observations

  By checking which commands work in PowerShell and which have PowerShell aliases, I compile an interesting set of Windows Command Line Reference observations.Continue Reading

• Top Windows 10 April 2018 Update features you need to know

  Microsoft's latest update to Windows 10 helps IT pros and users alike. On the user front, Focus Assist can help employees silence notifications while they work.Continue Reading

• Four Windows 10 migration tools to consider

  With the right tools -- such as the Windows ADK or MAP -- at their disposal, IT pros can take some of the headaches out of a move to Windows 10.Continue Reading

• Manage Windows 10 desktops, mobile devices with EMM software

  Windows 10 supports crucial functions that enable enterprise mobility management. IT must follow a few important steps to prepare desktops for management through EMM.Continue Reading

• How to get the best desktop support SLA bang for your buck

  IT can save money on its desktop service-level agreements by mixing and matching the level of support to meet the importance of the device.Continue Reading

• MS Releases Open Source Win3.0 File Manager

  In an interesting surprise move, MS Releases Open Source Win3.0 File Manager. Works like a champ on Windows 10, too!Continue Reading

• Maximize PC lifespans with effective PC lifecycle management

  Effectively managing PC lifecycles can lead to significant cost savings via prudent distribution of high-performance hardware and purchasing new devices only when it is critical.Continue Reading

• MPP IT Support Track Offers Interesting Insights

  For those interested in working in tech support, but also for those into understanding Microsoft, the MPP IT Support Track offers interesting insights.Continue Reading

• What Microsoft Outlook alternatives can IT choose from?

  When IT pros are seeking an alternative to Outlook, they should consider the features their users need the most and select an email client that best matches those needs.Continue Reading

• Get to know your Windows 10 update options

  Windows as a service changes the way updates work in Windows 10 from past versions of the OS. Each of the three servicing channels handles updates in its own way.Continue Reading

• Do Try Microsoft Teams

  Having now used the platform for a couple of month, I enthusiastically exhort you: Do try Microsoft Teams! You may be in for a pleasant and productivity-enhancing surprise.Continue Reading

• Ten Windows 10 Fall Creators Update features to know

  Microsoft introduced some significant changes to Windows 10 in the Fall Creators Update. The My People app, for example, lets users pin contacts to their task bars.Continue Reading

• Guard the line with Windows Defender features

  The Windows 10 Fall Creators Update took Windows 10 security up a notch by adding advanced features to Windows Defender, including Application Guard and Exploit Guard.Continue Reading

• Ready to master virtualization-based security in Windows 10?

  Put your knowledge of virtualization-based security in Windows 10 on the line with this quiz covering the ins and outs of features such as Isolated User Mode and Device Guard.Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of a Windows 10 clean install vs. upgrade

  When migrating to Windows 10, IT must decide whether to perform an upgrade install or clean install. The benefits of one are the weaknesses of the other.Continue Reading

• Six Windows 10 Fall Creators Update features to know

  The Fall Creators Update is the latest major update to Windows 10. Two of the biggest changes are security enhancements and better Windows Update control.Continue Reading

• How to check Windows 10 compatibility for legacy apps

  Testing apps is just one way to ensure that legacy apps have Windows 10 compatibility. Find out how to confirm the compatibility of legacy apps with the OS.Continue Reading

• How to use the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit for Windows 10

  It's important for IT admins to know everything is going to work before they deploy Windows 10 desktops. They can use the tools in the Windows ADK to do just that and more.Continue Reading

• Are third-party firewalls worth the investment?

  It might be effective, but Windows Firewall is not the be-all and end-all of security. In some cases, third-party firewalls add the extra layer of protection IT needs.Continue Reading

• Windows 10 security tools to have handy

  Cyberthreats lurk around every corner, so it's always a good time to fortify Windows 10 defenses. These top security tools can help make that happen.Continue Reading

• Nine end-user experience monitoring tools to know

  The user experience monitoring market is chock-full of options that can be confusing to keep track of. Take a look at nine tools every IT pro should know about.Continue Reading

• How to build and use a bootable recovery partition in Windows 10

  Understanding how to set up a bootable recovery partition in Windows 10 allows you to restore a damaged OS or troubleshoot a litany of problems.Continue Reading

• Office 365 vs. Office 2013: What are the key differences?

  Software as a service may be one reason for choosing Office 365 over Office 2013, but licensing and update frequency are other considerations.Continue Reading

• Take a close-up look at Windows 10 permissions settings

  With all the new updates and features, Windows 10 can appear daunting. To simplify the transition, break down and tailor the permissions in Windows 10 to users' specific needs.Continue Reading

• Windows Updates: CAB vs MSU Files

  Sometimes, Microsoft releases out-of-band updates outside the Windows Update service through its Update Catalog. That's when understanding CAB vs MSU files helps.Continue Reading

• Five reasons Windows 10 adoption is worth considering

  A Windows 10 upgrade is not without potential pitfalls, but security enhancements, general improvements and new features such as Continuum make the move worthwhile.Continue Reading

• How does Windows AppLocker work?

  Windows AppLocker lets you use rules to whitelist or block applications based on attributes such as publisher or path, but it's not a comprehensive application control tool.Continue Reading

• Windows POSReady 2009 registry hack brings back Windows XP updates

  Admins who still have Windows XP systems on their networks can turn to a Windows POSReady 2009 registry hack to reopen the update floodgates.Continue Reading

• Productivity suite smack down: Office 365 vs. Office 2016

  Microsoft's Office 2016 for the desktop might seem like the de facto option for delivering productivity apps to users, but its cloud-based cousin Office 365 offers more flexibility.Continue Reading

• Choosing between Microsoft Office 2016 versions

  Choosing between Office 2016 versions may seem like a simple choice, but don't jump to conclusions: Consider functionality, operational consistency and cost.Continue Reading

• Download Ready-to-Run Windows 10 VMs

  For those interested in learning more about the new OS, downloading and using Ready-to-Run Windows 10 VMs may be just the ticket.Continue Reading

• How does Windows 10 virtualization-based security work?

  The Isolated User Mode in Windows 10 is a virtualization-based security technology that helps power Credential Guard and Device Guard.Continue Reading

• Complete guide to Windows 10 migration

  Everything you need to know about Windows 10 migrationContinue Reading

• Four ways to put Sysinternals Process Explorer to work

  IT admins can use Process Explorer in Sysinternals to find suspicious software, inspect process and object privileges, and more.Continue Reading

• Demystify the Windows 10 update process

  It would be simple if there was one update ring to rule them all in Windows 10. Instead there are two rings and four update branches to sort through.Continue Reading

• How do I fix a frozen or locked application?

  Apps can freeze or lock up for a variety of reasons, including bad memory, operating system issues, update problems and more.Continue Reading

• IT admin's guide to the Sysinternals suite

  Native Windows management tools are not always enough for admins to get the job done. Sysinternals, a free software suite, can fill in the cracks.Continue Reading

• Can I change the info in the Windows 10 Action Center?

  Users can change what types of notifications they receive in the Windows 10 Action Center by accessing their system settingsContinue Reading

• Windows 8 GPO settings to configure search, indexing options

  Windows 8 and 8.1 GPOs can help with many tasks, including creating Start screen layouts that adhere to corporate policies, as well as configuring search and indexing settings.Continue Reading

• Can I customize the Windows 10 Start menu?

  In Windows 10 there are four options you can use to turn off different features of the Start menu and customize it to your liking.Continue Reading

• What is the best way to transition from Windows XP to Windows 10?

  If you're still on Windows XP, there's really only one Microsoft-supported way you can move from XP to Windows 10.Continue Reading

• What is Cortana and how does it benefit my users?

  Microsoft integrated Cortana in its Windows 10 operating system. It's capable of carrying out complex search requests and it can help enterprise users navigate their desktops.Continue Reading

• How much memory do my Windows 8 desktops really need?

  It can be tough to know how much memory Windows 8 and 8.1 desktops need before they're actually in use, but the Windows Task Manager can help you see memory usage.Continue Reading

• Can you provision desktop apps with Windows To Go?

  It's OK to install desktops applications on a Windows To Go image, as long as they're small enough to fit on the USB drive and can run locally.Continue Reading

• What are my options for configuring Windows 8 startup?

  The System Configuration tool features four tabs of options you can use to configure Windows 8 startup.Continue Reading

• What are some common Office 2013 problems?

  Office 2013 problems can stem from an incomplete install, or your particular version or settings. Luckily, there are simple fixes for most issues.Continue Reading

• How does Windows 8.1 support affect Active Directory?

  Windows 8.1 support for endpoint security includes Open MDM and biometrics, but removing Remote Server Administration Tools can affect Active Directory.Continue Reading

• What Web application monitoring tools exist for desktops?

  Microsoft Intune and other mobile device management tools are also useful for desktop management from the cloud and Web application monitoring.Continue Reading

• Untangling the Gordian knot of the Windows boot process

  An infinite reboot loop is a common issue with the Windows boot process. Start up in Windows Safe Mode to diagnose device driver or hardware problems.Continue Reading

• Tighten Windows 8.1 security in five simple steps

  Microsoft has improved Windows 8.1 security, but no OS is free of vulnerabilities. Some basic settings can further protect Windows 8.x systems.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

• Four utilities can verify Group Policy object settings

  Client-side extensions could cause a Group Policy object to fail. Fortunately, there are a few different ways to track down Windows GPO settings.Continue Reading

• Three visual disk analyzer utilities to help you optimize disk space

  Learn about visual exploration tools for Windows drives of all sizes. These disk analyzers can help identify big unnecessary items for space savings.Continue Reading

• Office Telemetry reports on Office 2013 docs and apps

  If IT administrators need information on document and application usage, they can use Office Telemetry, an Office 2013 feature that gathers such data.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

• How to perform a Windows XP upgrade to Windows 8.1

  As organizations must now implement a Windows XP upgrade to Windows 8.1, they should understand that Windows 8 and 8.1 aren't identical and use the Windows 8.1 Upgrade Assistant.Continue Reading

• The Sysinternals Disk Usage tool is a simple way to assess free space

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• Free Sysinternals tools can be IT's friends

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• More remote Group Policy Object settings and checking refresh status

  Admins can refresh Group Policy Object settings across multiple computers, but they must verify that Group Policy settings have successfully changed.Continue Reading

• Excel pivot tables can help IT admins track support, costs

  Excel isn't just for end users. If you know how to properly filter data with Excel pivot tables, you can track expenses and create detailed reports.Continue Reading

• Before you clone HDD to SSD, know the benefits and danger to data

  Which type of drive is better: hard disk drive or solid-state drive? HDD to SSD cloning can ease data access, but SSDs aren't without risks to data.Continue Reading

• If you're not using Windows Sysinternals tools, you should be

  Windows Sysinternals tools can make work a lot easier for IT administrators, but many people don't even know the suite exists. Get with the program!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

• Using Active Directory activation and other new Office 2013 tools

  Among the new Office 2013 tools for IT admins are a method for volume activation, administrative template files and files for custom installations.Continue Reading

• Microsoft USMT (User State Migration Tool)

  The Microsoft User State Migration Tool (USMT) is a command-line utility used to transfer user files and settings between computers.Continue Reading

• A guide to Windows 7 migration tools

  Upgrading to Windows 7 from Windows XP is no easy task, but several tools from Microsoft and third-party vendors can simplify the process.Continue Reading

• Using Sysinternals tools in security management scenarios

  Discover three valuable Sysinternals tools and common Windows security management scenarios in which these tools would be used.Continue Reading

• Sysinternals tools: A must-have for every Windows security toolbox

  Learn about the free Sysinternals tools that make managing and troubleshooting Windows-based PCs almost effortless for administrators.Continue Reading

• Hacking Exposed Windows: Windows security features and tools

  In Hacking Exposed Windows, by Joel Scambray, you can learn how to prevent malicious attackers from hacking into your network and damaging or stealing the business critical data you have stored in your Windows machines.Continue Reading