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Microsoft Windows 8 operating system

• 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

• HyperTerminal

  HyperTerminal is a communications and terminal emulation program that came with the Windows 98 and Windows XP operating systems. Continue Reading

• Why you should back up Windows drivers and how to do it

  To make sure all the extra devices users attach to their Windows desktops work right, you must ensure that the device drivers function properly. DISM and DriverBackup can both help. Continue Reading

• Everything you need to know before a Windows 10 migration

  No matter which version of Windows you're upgrading from -- be it XP, 7 or 8.1 -- the move to Windows 10 will probably seem strange. If you've performed migrations before, you will be familiar with the planning that goes into an upgrade, including ... Continue Reading

• Group applications, users with Windows Apportals

  With Windows Apportals, IT administrators can build custom environments -- which include specific applications and data -- for groups of users, which lets users skip the Start menu and get right to the tools they need. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • HyperTerminal
  • Microsoft Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE)
  • client-side extension (CSE)
  • context menu (right-click menu)

  • Microsoft Windows 8 Modern
  • Windows Management Instrumentation Command line (WMIC)
  • Windows key (Winkey)
  • WinPE (Microsoft Windows Preinstallation Environment)

  View All Definitions

• How do I build Apportals in Windows 8.1?

  Windows Apportals let you put the applications certain user groups need right in front of them, but you need some development knowledge and a Windows Developer License if you want to build them yourself.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 alternatives to Windows Defender?

  Windows Defender is useful for Windows 8 security, but it can't keep up with malicious software alone. Several third-party products can help.Continue Reading

• Options abound for running Windows on Mac machines

  The best way to run Windows on Mac OS devices depends on whether you need performance, open source support or centralized management.Continue Reading

• Comparing Windows 10 features with those in earlier OSes

  IT got a glimpse of new Windows 10 features in the technical preview and updated build. See how they compare to Windows 7 and Windows 8 features.Continue Reading

• MDOP 2014 gets BitLocker, app virtualization updates

  The MDOP 2014 suite includes changes in tools for remotely managing and restoring Windows, as well as new BitLocker Group Policy settings.Continue Reading

• Don't pass the hash for Windows 8.1 security

  Single sign-on lets users skip multiple logins but also threatens Windows 8.1 security. Fix the vulnerability in that OS and Windows Server 2012 R2.Continue Reading

• IE is everywhere, but don't dismiss alternative browsers

  Our columnist says free alternative browsers such as Google Chrome and Firefox are giving IE a run for its money because they run anywhere and don't rely on mandatory updates.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

• Microsoft Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE)

  The Microsoft Windows Recovery Environment, or Windows RE, is a simplified, scaled-back version of the Windows operating system that is used to boot the system when Windows 8.x, Windows Server 2012 or Windows Server 2012 R2 can't.Continue Reading