Tips

Tips

• Hands-on look at Microsoft's Edge Web browser

  Microsoft Edge, the new browser for Windows 10, makes reading websites easier, allows users to annotate a page and integrates with Cortana.  Continue Reading

• Your guide to desktop support certifications

  There are many different certifications from Microsoft, Apple and other vendors. Admins can use these certs to validate their skills and make themselves more marketable to hiring IT shops.  Continue Reading

• Windows 10 security improves with Windows Hello and Passport

  Biometrics and multifactor authentication in Windows 10 make it easier and more secure for users to access the resources they need.  Continue Reading

• Putting the Windows 10 Action Center to work

  The Windows 10 Action Center is a carryover from Windows Phone that puts all your notifications in one place. It also makes accessing some features and settings easier.  Continue Reading

• Ten most useful Windows Sysinternals utilities

  Sysinternals utilities such as Autoruns and TCPView can target specific problem areas in a Microsoft Windows environment, including performance issues.  Continue Reading

• What to expect from Macs in the enterprise

  For enterprise IT, Apple's Mac OS can pose a few problems, including compatibility, applications, support, networking and other issues. But if you know what could be coming your way, you can get the training and tools to manage Macs.  Continue Reading

• What Windows desktop admins need to know about mobile OSes

  Today's workers are mobile, so Windows desktop administrators have new challenges to face from mobile devices. Luckily, Apple and Google have made devices and OSes more enterprise-friendly.  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

• Desktop management tools and best practices

  Desktop management tools are the key to making sure things in your fleet are running smoothly. Systems such as Desktop Central and Client Management Suite cover the big five of desktop management.  Continue Reading

• Software deployment tools, patching critical to endpoint management

  The software deployment component of your endpoint management system plays an important role in desktop health. So too do monitoring, patching and security capabilities.  Continue Reading

• The importance of desktop inventory management tools

  Desktop inventory management tools help keep track of how many endpoints are in use and who's using them. That basic information can help with sundry other management tasks, such as budgeting and responses to security breaches.  Continue Reading

• How to do an Oscar-worthy hardware demo

  Treat a hardware demo like you're going on stage. Prepare your script, rehearse like crazy and make sure your material is rock solid.  Continue Reading

• Three ways to manage Macs in the enterprise

  Although they’re still uncommon, Macs are making their way into corporate IT shops. Luckily, you can take your pick from a few different management approaches.  Continue Reading

• Configuration options for Windows 10 startup

  Startup in Windows 10 is a little different than Windows 8. The Continuum feature alters how the OS behaves depending on what kind of device it's running on.  Continue Reading

• The Windows 10 Command Prompt includes new capabilities

  The Windows Command Prompt has been a stable feature for years, but Windows 10 brings some much-needed tweaks to the command prompt window.  Continue Reading

• Synchronize Windows 8 settings across PCs with OneDrive

  Windows 8 settings can be synchronized across devices, but the differences between OneDrive and Active Directory will determine which one you use.  Continue Reading

• What non-Linux admins need to know about the apt-get tool

  Apt-get is a widely used application manager for Unix and Linux systems, so even Windows and Linux admins can benefit from knowing its requirements.  Continue Reading

• Flying without a net: How to find Windows 7 support

  IT can buy extended support for Windows 7 desktops from Microsoft, but security and other features may make Windows 8 and 10 increasingly appealing.  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

• 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

• Managing desktop processes with Mac Activity Monitor

  Desktop admins can use the Mac Activity Monitor to filter views of system activity and diagnose performance problems, similar to Windows Task Manager.  Continue Reading

• Alter Group Policy caching for faster Windows 8.1 startup

  Synchronous Group Policy processing can slow Windows 8.1 startup for devices on the network, so enable caching in Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2.  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

• Using Windows 8 settings for performance improvement

  Windows 8 settings and built-in optimization tools such as Windows 8 Fast Startup can make life easier for Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 admins and users.  Continue Reading

• Windows 8 disk cleanup is part of routine maintenance

  Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 include built-in utilities for improving and maintaining performance. Start with simple Windows 8 disk cleanup practices.  Continue Reading

• Package managers ease installation of Linux programs

  Tools such as Synaptic Package Manager provide a GUI for installing and maintaining the many Linux programs suitable for enterprise use.  Continue Reading

• Bypass Microsoft SA with the Windows 8.1 volume license

  Windows 8.1 Enterprise doesn't require Microsoft Software Assurance, which could save organizations money, but watch Windows 8.1 volume license terms.  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

• Four third-party Windows 8 tools empower PC users

  Useful Windows 8 tools include third-party products for launching and uninstalling apps, grabbing screens, and editing PDFs.  Continue Reading

• Control Windows 8 apps with more registry tweaks

  You may have good reasons to want to control user access to Windows 8 apps. Here's how to disable Windows Store apps with Group Policy Objects.  Continue Reading

• Windows 8 File History is one way to ensure data backups

  Windows 8.1 doesn't include Backup and Restore as its predecessors did, so you may have to use Windows 8 File History and other disaster recovery features instead.  Continue Reading

• How to enable Windows 8.1 settings for admin troubleshooting

  Changing default Windows 8.1 settings -- such as the dialog box confirming file deletion -- is easy and potentially useful for desktop admins.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows 8 tools can extend IT capabilities

  Microsoft's downloadable, in-house Windows 8 tools can help IT with virtualization, server management and malware removal.  Continue Reading

• LibreOffice is a robust Microsoft Office alternative

  Is an open source Office alternative enough to dethrone Microsoft's productivity suite? See how LibreOffice compares with Office 2013 and Office 365.  Continue Reading

• Size up Office 365 in Microsoft Office 2013 comparison

  How does Microsoft Office 2013 stack up against Office 365? While the productivity workhorse offers many benefits, the cloud-based Office 365 may deliver comparable perks.  Continue Reading

• Using tools to back up and restore bootable USB device images

  Do you have more install or diagnostic environment images to manage than physical UFDs? Learn how to back up and restore bootable USB device images.  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

• Avoid these assumptions about Windows 8.1 security

  As IT shops finally move from Windows XP to Windows 8, they may believe that Windows 8.1 security is automatically better. Know the real risks with both Windows and the enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Save WIM file space with WIMBoot in Windows 8.1 update

  With Windows 8.1 Update 1, it's possible to boot desktops directly from a WIM file. Follow these steps to create WIMBoot images and save disk space.  Continue Reading

• How to bypass the kinks in Windows 8.1 deployment

  Windows 8.1 deployment tools can ease the switch from Windows XP to Windows 8.1, but be aware of compatibility issues and third-party utilities.  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

• Windows 8.1 boot to desktop and other timesavers

  Windows 8.1 boot to desktop, Charms and touchpad settings are among the new operating system options that can empower admins and users.  Continue Reading

• Save time with Windows 8.1 boot to desktop settings

  Windows 8.1 boot to desktop, Charms and touchpad settings are among the new operating system options that can empower admins and users.  Continue Reading

• Use Group Policy to control Windows 8 Store access

  The Windows 8 Store enables users to download apps, but IT may want to lock it down with the Desktop Experience in Windows Server 2012.  Continue Reading

• For missing GPO settings, check the Winlogon component

  If a Windows system isn't applying certain Group Policy settings, you may need to check Winlogon and common client-side extensions.  Continue Reading

• Using Modern.ie to test Web browser compatibility with applications

  Although Microsoft's Modern.ie can be helpful with testing Windows app compatibility with Internet Explorer, there are some things to keep in mind.  Continue Reading

• The Rufus USB tool may ease building bootable Windows flash drives

  Find out about a quick, free alternative to the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool -- the open source Reliable USB Formatting Utility.  Continue Reading

• More Mac OS tips may remind desktop admins of Windows functions

  We wrap up our look at Mac OS tips for Windows desktop admins with the command prompt, fixes for corrupted apps and more troubleshooting functions.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft tightens Windows 8 encryption with Windows 8.1 features

  Windows 8 encryption is more secure, thanks to Windows 8.1, but admins first must know whether drives are affected and which hardware is required.  Continue Reading

• Five Mac tips for Windows desktop admins straddling two OSes

  Desktop admins may have to support Mac OS in addition to Windows machines, so here are some Mac tips to help make your life easier.  Continue Reading

• Ensure compliance with Windows BitLocker encryption using MBAM 2.0

  Before you can use MBAM 2.0 to manage Windows BitLocker encryption across multiple computers, follow these tips on deploying and administering it.  Continue Reading

• App store maximizes manageability of Microsoft Office applications

  The app store for Office 2013 can enable admins to better manage Microsoft Office applications, but they need to know what add-ins are available.  Continue Reading

• MBAM 2.0 simplifies large-scale Microsoft BitLocker implementations

  Ensuring encryption compliance across multiple machines gets easier with MBAM 2.0, which enables enforcement and management of Microsoft BitLocker.  Continue Reading

• The open source GIMP editor has lots of support and useful features

  The free GIMP editor is not only a potential Adobe Photoshop alternative, but it also has a host of useful features and an online support community.  Continue Reading

• Consider GIMP as an Adobe Photoshop alternative for graphics editing

  Adobe Photoshop and other expensive graphics editors may suit power users, but there are good reasons to test the GNU Image Manipulation Program.  Continue Reading

• Use Group Policy to provide users a standard Windows 8.1 Start screen

  Windows 8 lacked a way to enforce a consistent user experience, but thanks to PowerShell, you can provide a common Windows 8.1 Start screen.  Continue Reading

• Before a Microsoft Office 2013 install, beware of potential gotchas

  After you deal with a Microsoft Office 2013 install, know about both the problems and workarounds lurking in Office 2013 features.  Continue Reading

• Process Monitor eases Windows troubleshooting of performance problems

  Microsoft's built-in tools may not be enough for Windows troubleshooting, so try Sysinternals Process Monitor to find desktop performance problems.  Continue Reading

• What a last-minute plan for the Windows XP support end should include

  The Windows XP end of support is almost upon us; don't forget things such as antivirus protection and network security as you prepare to migrate.  Continue Reading

• 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

• IT can tackle Windows configuration with a well-planned desktop audit

  Enforcing Windows policies across the enterprise seems like a pain, but a few desktop audit practices can help IT reach its configuration goals.  Continue Reading

• Group Policy settings alter Windows 8 configuration, user interface

  Windows 8 configuration gets a bit easier with Windows 8.1 Group Policy settings for features such as the Edge user interface and Web searches.  Continue Reading

• Two methods for remotely refreshing Windows 8 Group Policy settings

  Alternatives for setting Windows Server 2012 and Windows 8 Group Policy to remotely refresh include Microsoft's GPMC and a PowerShell cmdlet.  Continue Reading

• Windows 8 app store includes useful, free enterprise-class tools

  You may think of the Windows Store as being only for consumers, but the Windows 8 app store includes several useful utilities for businesses.  Continue Reading

• Use new Windows 8 Group Policy settings to control the Windows 8.1 UI

  Windows 8.1 administration includes new Windows 8 Group Policy settings. See how Windows 8.1 settings can affect the Start menu and Control Panel.  Continue Reading

• Five steps on the path to Microsoft Office alternative LibreOffice

  Leaving home can be scary, but the journey from Microsoft Office to LibreOffice isn't difficult if you have a road map for transitioning users.  Continue Reading

• Five steps for successful bot removal from enterprise desktops

  Botnet infections are an increasing threat to enterprise IT security, so don't be caught catching up. These five steps can help with malware defense.  Continue Reading

• Locking down Internet Explorer settings with Group Policy in IE 11

  New Internet Explorer settings can tighten enterprise security, but only if Group Policy is properly enabled in IE 11 and you have Windows 8.  Continue Reading

• What you need to know about the Windows Security Accounts Manager

  These five capabilities of Security Accounts Manager, which is built into Windows, can help IT manage and enforce enterprise password management.  Continue Reading

• A downgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 7 doesn't have to be complicated

  One step forward, two steps back: If you plan to revert Windows 8 to Windows 7, you'll need to consider licensing, software compatibility and more.  Continue Reading

• Build your mobile security policy around the enterprise laptop

  Enterprise laptops are easily lost, stolen or compromised, so a mobile security policy should address how they access data and enterprise networks.  Continue Reading

• No need to reinvent the wheel with Windows desktop manager commands

  There are lots of tools for Windows desktop management, but sometimes simpler command-line tools can get the job done.  Continue Reading

• Beat bad browser behavior by troubleshooting IE 10

  Internet Explorer 10 is popular but not trouble-free. Keep users happy by following these steps for troubleshooting IE performance and malware.  Continue Reading

• Sluggish file copying gets spurred on by RoboCopy and other tools

  File copying is usually an onerous task, but a file copy utility within Windows and add-ons like RoboCopy could make it easier.  Continue Reading

• Expand the ability of Windows Explorer to create thumbnail images

  Windows Explorer can't keep up with the growing number of formats for thumbnail images, so we compare two potential add-ons to Microsoft.  Continue Reading

• Windows 8.1 features treat power users, but watch out for tricks

  Several Windows 8.1 features will suit power users' tastes, but there are still hidden gotchas to beware of.  Continue Reading

• Bring some control to cloud file sharing with Windows 8.1 Work Folders

  BYOD security worries include how to control file synchronization. Work Folders in the Windows 8.1 update can be set to govern cloud file sharing.  Continue Reading

• Windows 8.1 biometrics support increases security, but do you need it?

  The Windows 8.1 Preview features more biometrics support, such as built-in fingerprint authentication, which could be useful for mobile security.  Continue Reading

• Schedule a software update rather than race automatic rapid deployment

  Scheduling a software update is easier on admins than trying to keep up in the race with rapid deployment of automatically updating apps such as popular Web browsers.  Continue Reading

• New Windows 8.1 features can boost mobile device management

  Among its new Windows 8.1 features, Microsoft has added mobile device management tools, such as Open MDM, strengthening the case for Windows 8.1 BYOD.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Safety Scanner and MSRT can complement malware defenses

  The Malicious Software Removal Tool and Microsoft Safety Scanner are free Windows security tools that help, but do not replace, anti-malware software.  Continue Reading

• Learn how to install Office 2013 with Group Policies or SCCM

  To successfully deploy Office 2013 across a network, you'll need Group Policies or tools such as Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager.  Continue Reading

• What's old, what's new for the enterprise with the Windows 8.1 update

  Microsoft's Windows 8.1 update has stirred controversy among users who still hate its interface. Features such as BYOD support may change some minds.  Continue Reading

• Click-to-Run and MSI provide Office 2013 installation options

  The Microsoft Installer has competition for Office 2013 installation. See how Office Click-to-Run allows Office 2013 to run without a full download.  Continue Reading

• Don't forget enterprise password protection in a merger or acquisition

  Data security is always a Windows admin priority, but be ready to explain the importance of enterprise password control during a merger or acquisition.  Continue Reading

• Choose a Microsoft Office 2013 license based on user number, devices

  The number of versions of Microsoft Office 2013 can be confusing, so we walk you through Office 2013 license options, including for mobile devices.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft omits DVDs from Windows 8 media player, but it's fixable

  There is no DVD playback capability included standard in the Windows 8 media player, so our expert suggests some alternatives.  Continue Reading

• Three ways Windows Sysinternals Process Explorer reveals system usage

  Windows Sysinternals Process Explorer not only is free, but it can also help users understand the need for desktop security.  Continue Reading

• Top five Windows 8 security features new to Windows 8.1

  Microsoft has added several features in the Windows 8.1 update, mostly intended for maintaining Windows 8 security for mobile users.  Continue Reading

• Looking at Windows 8 BitLocker full-disk encryption and alternatives

  Microsoft has improved several features in Windows 8 BitLocker, but IT shops may still want to consider whole-disk encryption alternatives.  Continue Reading

• Restoring backward compatibility via a Windows 8 XP Mode

  Microsoft didn't include XP Mode, which was in Windows 7, in its latest OS. However, there is a free way to boost Windows 8 app compatibility.  Continue Reading

• Comparing Windows Defender in Windows 8 vs. third-party malware tools

  Microsoft has strengthened Windows Defender for Windows 8, but IT may find third-party anti-malware products more useful than Windows 8 Defender.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft's revised Resource Kit can ease Office 2013 deployment

  Microsoft's free Office 2013 Resource Kit provides documentation for Office 2013 deployment, as well as for management after an Office deployment.  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

• New Office 2013 features can help IT pros as much as end users

  New features in Microsoft Office 2013 make desktop management more efficient. See what Office Web Apps Server, Office Telemetry and more can do.  Continue Reading

• Windows 8 tools build on native Windows 7 utilities with new capabilities

  New and updated Windows 8 tools can help admins and users. Windows 8 utilities include functions for backing up and restoring systems.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft addresses legacy apps with Windows 8 app compatibility tools

  New operating systems are always accompanied by compatibility concerns. Windows 8 app compatibility is no different, or is it?  Continue Reading

• Windows Phone 8 security should be part of any mobile device strategy

  Windows Phone 8 security is yet another thing for IT admins to consider, but mobile device management policies and systems should include it.  Continue Reading