Tips

Tips

• Hedging your bets on Microsoft Software Assurance

  Microsoft Software Assurance requires enterprises to roll the dice on upgrades vs. unneeded expense. IT shops can improve their odds, however.  Continue Reading

• How to install Windows 8 on your laptop in just 45 minutes

  The process of installing the Windows 8 Consumer Preview isn't difficult. Follow these steps and get to testing Microsoft's new OS in under an hour.  Continue Reading

• What type of Windows user profile should you use?

  Windows user profiles come in a few flavors: local, roaming and mandatory. Each one offers different availability and performance to IT and users.  Continue Reading

• Full-disk encryption can save IT grief from lost laptops

  Full-disk encryption can help enterprises comply with data security regulations, but it can hurt performance. See if the pros outweigh the cons for this laptop protection measure.  Continue Reading

• Rootkit detection and malware removal FAQ

  This malware FAQ guide provides several tips and tools on rootkit detection, prevention and removal.  Continue Reading

• Using desktop management software for physical vs. virtual desktops

  Desktop management software is necessary for both physical and virtual desktop environments. IT has different endpoint management tasks for each, such as hardware inventory.  Continue Reading

• Patching Windows FAQ: Securing desktops as a Windows admin

  Admins need to stay abreast of security vulnerabilities and ways to patch them. These tips for patching Windows can help IT assess what needs to be patched and various patch tools.  Continue Reading

• Use data loss prevention software to secure endpoints from malicious insiders

  Mobile devices make it easier than ever for malicious insiders to take sensitive data from the enterprise. Data loss prevention software can help with endpoint security management.  Continue Reading

• Windows Runtime and Metro style can make a sysadmin's life easier

  If you're thinking about migrating to Windows 8, it's best to know the programming foundation Windows RT and how it can put an administrator's mind at ease.  Continue Reading

• A first look at Microsoft Office 15 features

  Microsoft is set to release Windows 8 later this year, as well as the Microsoft Office 15 beta. But how will users cope with learning new Office 15 features?  Continue Reading

• Deploying Windows 7: Four hardware-based lessons we've learned

  When you deploy Windows 8, remember what you learned from your Windows 7 implementation. Windows 7 taught us to use SSDs and that a hardware upgrade isn't always necessary.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft licensing FAQ: Watching Windows 8, BYOD and the cloud

  Microsoft licensing rules have always been complex, but IT might not know how they apply to VDI and mobile devices. As Windows 8 and Office 15 approach, see whether you comply.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Security Compliance Manager enhances desktop security

  Security baselines in the free Microsoft Security Compliance Manager tool can enhance desktop security by standardizing configurations, as well as help with the IT audit process.  Continue Reading

• Group Policy settings FAQ: Why they matter

  Group Policy settings in Microsoft's Active Directory are useful not only for managing user access and applications, but IT admins can also apply them to desktop and server security.  Continue Reading

• What place do biometric passwords have in enterprise security?

  Traditional passwords and smart cards alone may not be enough to protect data anymore, so biometric passwords could be the next big thing in enterprise security.  Continue Reading