Evaluate

Evaluate

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

• 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

• Windows 10 hardware requirements take security head on

  IT pros should follow Microsoft's guidelines for optimal Windows 10 security, but they should also take a look at what those guidelines signal moving forward.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

• Assess and choose the right container management system

  The right container management system for your company depends on whether you need a basic system, orchestration, a combination of these, resource abstraction or extra security.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

• End-user computing trends to know for 2018

  Organizations need to pay attention to shifts in the trends around end-user computing to stay one step ahead. One expert predicts what those next steps might be.Continue Reading

• Unwrap 18 Windows 10 facts IT must know for 2018

  It is essential for IT pros to know all the important information about Windows 10 so they can deal with any problems or integrate new features in the OS with ease.Continue Reading

• Can you pass the Windows 10 upgrade test?

  A full upgrade to Windows 10 is easier said than done. Use this quiz to determine how ready you are to lead the migration charge.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

• What's your biggest concern with machine learning and AI?

  Three IT experts talk about the potential of AI and machine learning in end-user computing, particularly discussing their concerns about data privacy and security.Continue Reading

• Familiarize yourself with the Microsoft Edge web browser

  With features such as Cortana integration and a growing library of extensions, Microsoft Edge aims to win over Windows 10 users.Continue Reading

• Should IT use desktop management tools in the cloud?

  Desktop management was more straightforward before cloud computing came along. With cloud-based desktop management tools, organizations must choose wisely.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

• Why IT should keep Windows 10 virtualization in mind

  When considering virtualization for Windows 10, IT must understand the difference between persistent and nonpersistent VDI, as well as on-premises vs. cloud deployments.Continue Reading

• Lenovo ThinkPad X270 packs business features into a smaller PC

  Get to know the Lenovo ThinkPad X270, including its optional processor choices, the ThinkPad pointing stick and its extended battery life.Continue Reading

• Honey, I shrunk the app: Micro apps herald new age of mobile dev

  Applications built decades ago weren't meant for today's mobile workflows. That's why mobile application development platforms are evolving to take into account the data users need from those legacy systems. Developers can create micro apps, which ...Continue Reading

• Test the waters on Microsoft Office alternatives

  Microsoft Office has some competition from enterprise productivity suites. Check out just how much there is to know on this hot topic.Continue Reading

• Unearth Microsoft Office alternatives for business

  There are plenty of Microsoft Office alternatives to help organizations keep up with the pace of business if they want a change from the typical enterprise software.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

• CCleaner 5.33 32-bit Carries Malicious Payload

  Because of compromise at the distribution servers, admins should be aware that CCleaner 5.33 32-bit carries malicious payload.Continue Reading

• What user experience monitoring tools are available to IT?

  User experience monitoring tools, such as ControlUp Real-time and Goliath Technologies' Logon Simulator, help IT get in front of issues before they affect users.Continue Reading

• Embrace Windows 10 metered connections to optimize bandwidth

  Windows 10 updates are eating up precious bandwidth. Reconfigure the OS to use a metered connection, and crack down on peer-to-peer update sharing.Continue Reading

• Are there viable spreadsheet app alternatives to Microsoft Excel?

  Microsoft Excel may be widely used, but other spreadsheet applications such as Google Sheets and Thinkfree are available for organizations to use.Continue Reading

• What to consider when looking at Microsoft Office alternatives

  Microsoft Office might sit atop the productivity suite mountain, but if IT wants to go in a different direction, it can -- the key is understanding interoperability and support.Continue Reading

• Safeguard against threats with third-party Windows 10 security software

  Microsoft tries to keep Windows 10 safe, but there is still significant room for improvement. Third-party Windows 10 security software may be the missing piece.Continue Reading

• Does the enterprise have a viable Microsoft Word alternative?

  Microsoft Word may be the go-to application for word processing, but there are solid alternatives that organizations can turn to instead.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

• Citrix and VMware do battle with their workspace management tools

  Citrix and VMware workspace management tools are built on the foundation of existing technologies. As a result, understanding the parts that make up the whole is critical.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

• Windows 10 keylogger adds fuel to the privacy fire

  Microsoft's data collection practices in Windows 10 have been under scrutiny since the company released the OS. The Windows 10 keylogger doesn't do much to quell privacy fears.Continue Reading

• Top 2017 IT conferences you need to know about

  Four IT pros offer up their advice on the best IT conferences to attend this summer, including smaller gatherings with better networking opportunities.Continue Reading

• Application layering frees up IT management

  App layering can take a lot of the burden of application management off IT admins by allowing them to layer apps on top of the operating system.Continue Reading

• The benefits of Windows 10 are hard to deny

  The clock is ticking on Windows 7, so it's time to move to Windows 10. Microsoft's latest OS includes MDM APIs, Windows Hello and better endpoint control with Intune.Continue Reading

• Insider Win10 UWP File Explorer

  Recent Builds numbered 15063 or later can show savvy users what Insider Win10 UWP File Explorer looks like, for those willing to create a desktop shortcut.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

• Assess the hype around digital workspaces

  Digital workspaces, which give users one access point for all their resources, are great in theory. In practice, there are concerns about vendor lock-in and other issues.Continue Reading

• Take your knowledge of Windows 10 browsers to school

  Web browsing in Windows 10 comes with some major changes. Microsoft Edge, for example, is the new default browser. Show off how well you understand Windows 10 web browsers.Continue Reading

• Slack Enterprise Grid lends itself to large organizations

  Slack Enterprise Grid puts the emphasis on large organizations by giving IT a central location to deploy and customize settings for multiple teams at once.Continue Reading

• IT shops weigh diverse application delivery methods

  Web apps, virtualization and desktop as a service are just a few of the application delivery methods IT can choose. Admins should stay flexible when sorting through the options.Continue Reading

• Unified endpoint management tools can help clear clutter

  The endpoint world is changing rapidly, and IT admins are running to keep up. Unified endpoint management could help them bring some order to the chaos.Continue Reading

• Harness the power behind Microsoft's PowerShell framework

  IT admins can use PowerShell cmdlets in addition to other Windows features to simplify administrative tasks, as well as to discover, install and manage software.Continue Reading

• Windows 10 security guide to fortify your defenses

  Windows 10 comes with a host of security features IT should know about, including Windows Information Protection. It also has some obvious blind spots admins must not overlook.Continue Reading

• Should your business upgrade to Windows 10 or not?

  Organizations can cling to past versions of Windows as long as they want. But, eventually, they will have to accept Windows 10, and they should learn how to prepare for the move.Continue Reading

• Discover what Windows 10 Shared PC mode is all about

  There are many new features to keep track of with Windows 10. In the latest version, Microsoft introduced shared PC mode to give multiple users desktop access.Continue Reading

• Samsung Chromebook Pro stands out from the pack

  Samsung and Google bring the power of Android apps to a premium laptop, but business users familiar with Windows might not like the Chrome OS.Continue Reading

• How the desktop administrator role is changing

  Desktop administrators have been IT department staples for decades, but their jobs and titles are evolving as endpoints move beyond Windows.Continue Reading

• IT asset management tools keep desktops in line

  Businesses can use IT asset management tools to stay organized with licensing and more. Ivanti's ITAM Suite is one option.Continue Reading

• Explore the wonderful world of Windows 10 browsers

  With the end of support for IE prior to version 11 and the rise of Microsoft Edge, the time is now for admins and users to learn about the Windows 10 browser landscape.Continue Reading

• Windows Store for Business now open to ease app delivery

  The Windows Store for Business offers IT flexibility with Windows 10 application deployment, licensing and user management.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

• Five Windows 10 security risks that are easy to overlook

  Sometimes the biggest security problems in Windows 10 are the ones admins forget about, including user-induced issues, poor desktop security standards and more.Continue Reading

• Three Windows 10 upgrade questions all IT admins should ask

  Before making a move to Windows 10, IT admins need to know how licensing, hardware and management are different. They also must understand the benefits and drawbacks.Continue Reading

• How can you use PowerShell to enable automated software deployment?

  The quest to keep up with constant changes to software is tough for IT admins, but they can make their lives easier by automating the deployment process using PowerShell.Continue Reading

• Free Win7 Games Download

  When Windows 8 came along, the built-in desktop games from Windows 7 became unusable. Grab this free Win7 games download for Windows 10 today.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 10 update process sticks out in 2016 like Rudolph's red nose

  The last year was a big one for Windows 10. It saw the free upgrade window expire, Windows 10 Pro users lose some key features and sweeping changes come to the update process.Continue Reading

• Should you stick with Windows 7 or migrate to Windows 10?

  Although upgrading operating systems is always tempting, migrating to Windows 10 may not be the best move for everyone.Continue Reading

• VMware Identity Manager helps IT provide user access across device types

  With Identity Manager, VMware's identity as a service offering, IT admins can deliver a variety of application types across devices and users can access resources through single sign-on.Continue Reading

• Experts predict the future of Windows 10 and the Creators Update

  Three experts share their thoughts on what's next for enterprise desktop admins in 2017, including what to expect from Windows 10 security.Continue Reading

• Take control of Windows tasks with TaskSchedulerView

  If admins notice any issues with tasks running on Windows, they can turn to NirSoft's TaskSchedulerView to pinpoint the culprit and fix the problems.Continue Reading

• Unearth the secrets behind three Windows 10 hidden features

  The main features of Windows 10 are no surprise anymore, but there are some less heralded tools, such as Web Notes, that deserve a chance to shine.Continue Reading

• How Microsoft's EMET fits into the Windows security arsenal

  Windows administrators can use Microsoft EMET to enhance security. The tool protects specific executable files or an entire network.Continue Reading

• Current Branch or Extended Beta?

  Since the release of AU has unleashed a raft of problems and issues for Windows 10s I find myself pondering the proposition: Current Branch or Extended Beta?Continue Reading

• BitLocker full-disk encryption makes its case in the enterprise

  Now that Microsoft BitLocker includes Direct Memory Access, Azure Active Directory and other new features, IT admins should consider it as an option for full-disk encryption.Continue Reading

• Take control of business data with Windows Information Protection

  WIP helps IT separate business and personal data in Windows 10. Admins can prevent users from performing certain tasks such as copying and pasting data into unapproved apps.Continue Reading

• Create a single Windows 10 management console with SCCM and Intune

  SCCM brings inventory management to the table. Intune allows for cloud-based PC and mobile device management. Together they create a Windows 10 management platform.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

• Hardware, app compatibility key concerns when preparing for Windows 10

  When it comes to moving to Windows 10, admins should keep minimum hardware requirements, potential problems with Office and device drivers, and web app compatibility at the front of their minds.Continue Reading

• Huawei MateBook proves 2-in-1s have enterprise prospects

  Huawei's MateBook is a cheaper alternative to other 2-in-1s on the market, and it still ticks all the boxes enterprise users could need.Continue Reading

• It's the end of the line for Oracle's Java browser plug-in

  Web browsers are becoming more streamlined and modern. To that end, Oracle will depreciate its Java plug-in.Continue Reading

• VDI storage horizons broadening

  Storage is a critical part of a successful VDI deployment; most IT administrators already know this. There are many different reasons VDI can fail, but one of the most persistent -- pun intended -- ...Continue Reading

• How do I get rid of browser malware?

  Browser malware can make it impossible to access websites you might need for work. Luckily, there's a simple way IT and end users can get rid of pesky scam pages.Continue Reading

• Office is Everywhere

  There are more versions and types of Office than ever before, which means companies of all sizes have some decisions to make when they migrate to a new version of Microsoft’s productivity suite. ...Continue Reading

• Get to know new versions of Microsoft’s Office productivity suite

  The newest versions of Microsoft's Office productivity suite are an interesting departure from the Office of old. There are several versions and editions of Office, and each one offers something a little bit different. There's the well-known local ...Continue Reading

• What to look for in client management tools

  Bringing PC and mobile device management under the same umbrella is clutch for IT today. Shops can get that done by picking the right client management tools.Continue Reading

• A no-frills look at Microsoft Office 2016 and Office 365 versions

  There are more versions than ever of Microsoft Office to choose from, so weighing your options is of the utmost importance. Find out which versions of the productivity suite come with which features.Continue Reading

• Look before you leap with a Windows 10 Enterprise PoC

  Before a company makes the move to a new operating system, IT should use a proof of concept deployment to test it out. Find out about Microsoft's PoC options for Windows 10.Continue Reading