Tips

Tips

• Uncover PII security risks with free tools

  Personally identifiable information can live outside the databases on corporate networks, and it needs to be locked down so attackers can't get it. Luckily, there are free tools IT can use to improve PII security.  Continue Reading

• Don't blow your Windows XP to Windows 10 migration

  Moving from Windows XP to Windows 10? Microsoft doesn't support in-place or leapfrog upgrades, so you likely have hardware inventory, application compatibility testing and a clean install in your future.  Continue Reading

• Windows 7 migration costs more with procrastination

  As Windows 7's EOL approaches, shops must consider how to transition away from the aging operating system. In extended support, companies must pay for help from Microsoft.  Continue Reading

• Considerations for a Windows 8 to Windows 10 upgrade

  Until mid-2016, eligible Windows 8 customers can upgrade to Windows 10 for free, but it's important to keep hardware requirements and app function in mind before making the jump.  Continue Reading

• Windows 10 branches out with three update options

  Windows 10's update format has three servicing options called branches: There's Current Branch, Current Branch for Business and Long Term Servicing Branch. Each meets different needs, so it's up to IT to decide which one is right for their shop.  Continue Reading

• Be on the lookout for Linux security vulnerabilities

  Some of the most common Linux security vulnerabilities are also Windows vulnerabilities. They're all fairly easy to guard against, but some shops overlook securing any Linux systems that may be on their network.  Continue Reading

• Universal Windows Platform powers adaptive Windows 10 applications

  The Universal Windows Platform in Windows 10 marks a new generation of apps that can work across a variety of device types.  Continue Reading

• Considerations for your Windows 7 to Windows 10 migration

  It's not very hard to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10 -- it just takes some planning and testing to make sure things go smoothly.  Continue Reading

• Windows 10 command-line console gives IT long-awaited capabilities

  Microsoft's command-line console has new editing options and is easier to use in Windows 10. Just switch legacy mode off to take advantage of opacity options and better text controls.  Continue Reading

• Get to know the awk command for Linux

  Awk lets you find and process patterns in text. It can get complicated, but the basics are pretty simple and a good place to start learning about Linux commands.  Continue Reading

• Windows 10 improvements help the OS meet enterprise needs

  Windows 10 mashes up some of the best features of Windows 7 and 8, and delivers them to users and IT shops in a way that could make it the de facto OS for the enterprise.  Continue 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

• Control app updates with Windows 8 and 8.1 GPO settings

  Some Windows 8 and 8.1 GPO settings that you might not know about can make dealing with automatic updates from Windows Store applications a lot easier.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• UEFI vs. BIOs in Windows 8 for desktop startup

  The Unified Extensible Firmware Interface can speed and secure startup for today's computers, but systems that dual-boot into Linux spur controversy.  Continue Reading

• Stripping a Microsoft Office password from a document with DocRecrypt

  DocRecrypt, an Office 2013 tool, allows an admins to get into an otherwise inaccessible file by stripping it of its Microsoft Office password.  Continue Reading

• Windows Server Update Services weaknesses you may not know about

  Built-in tools such as WSUS can help with Windows patching, but you may still need other tools to verify that enterprise systems are safe.  Continue Reading

• Comparing Office 2013 and Office 365 pricing, packages

  We explain the differences between Microsoft Office 365 and Office 2013, including the evolution of Office and Microsoft Office pricing.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Office 2013 crackable, so look to Office password recovery

  Microsoft Office 2013 may have improved protection, but third-party tools have already cracked passwords. See how to use Office password recovery.  Continue Reading

• Java malware, fileless malware pose threats to desktop security

  Conventional antivirus software can't detect fileless malware, and recent attacks highlighted Java vulnerabilities on Windows and Mac OS machines.  Continue Reading

• Windows XP end of support: What are the risks for users?

  As the Windows XP end of support nears, see what IT admins should do to prepare for the end of life of Microsoft's venerable OS.  Continue Reading

• What we know so far about Microsoft Office 2013

  We do have some early knowledge of Microsoft Office 2013. Check out what we know so far in this FAQ.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• How Microsoft OneNote 2010 can improve productivity, organization

  If organization isn't your strong suit, you can get help from Microsoft OneNote 2010. This powerful tool can save important emails, documents and more in easy-to-find locations.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft OneNote 2010: Office's best-kept productivity secret

  Microsoft OneNote lives in the shadows of other Office programs, but it can be one of the most useful. OneNote 2010 helps organize data, emails, notes and more all in one place.  Continue Reading

• How application whitelisting can help prevent advanced malware attacks

  Advanced malware can be tricky, but application whitelisting on desktops can provide an additional layer of protection against malware attacks.  Continue Reading

• Windows 7 improvements: Hype vs. reality

  It has been almost three years since Microsoft's previous OS release, so it's time to see if Windows 7 improvements, such as the Aero user interface, have lived up to IT expectations.  Continue Reading

• Using Windows 7 Task Manager features for Windows memory management

  To fix your Windows memory management problems, you must first diagnose how memory is allocated. Certain Windows 7 Task Manager features can cure what ails your desktops.  Continue Reading

• Using Group Policy settings to lock down enterprise desktop security

  Enterprise desktop security involves many moving parts, but Group Policy settings can help. Use them to manage IE and Outlook, as well as Windows 7's Control Panel and UAC.  Continue Reading

• Desktop audit checklist: Five steps to a successful desktop audit

  Now that 2012 has begun, consider doing a desktop audit to get your IT house in order. A strong desktop audit checklist can help you manage hardware, software and applications better.  Continue Reading

• Need more memory? Getting started with Windows memory management

  Do you need more memory? Our expert explains how to manage Windows memory, both physical and virtual, and how to diagnose memory-related performance issues.  Continue Reading

• Managing client encryption with BitLocker To Go

  Windows 7 Enterprise users have access to BitLocker To Go, Microsoft's encryption program for removable drives. Find out how to use it easily and automate with Group Policy settings.  Continue Reading

• Full-system encryption with BitLocker vs. third-party alternatives

  The BitLocker feature in Windows allows for full-system encryption, but it may not do everything you need. Consider third-party encryption products, but be aware of their costs.  Continue Reading

• Tablet licensing rules with Microsoft Office

  As tablets make their way into the enterprise, it might be time to brush up on licensing rules for mobilizing Microsoft Office. We also provide some solutions for reducing costs.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows 7 Task Manager troubleshooting tips

  Here are some troubleshooting tips for Microsoft Windows 7's improved Task Manager -- from identifying processes and services to using the Resource Monitor.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise password protection checklist

  Everyone should know by now that passwords are often the weakest link in enterprise security. Here's a password protection checklist for both end users and IT managers.  Continue Reading

• The limitations of restoring files in Windows using Previous Versions

  Microsoft's Previous Versions function can retrieve files, but only copies made during a system checkpoint or snapshot. Our expert found a third-party backup tool to span the gap.  Continue Reading

• What to do when USB flash drives refuse to mount in Windows

  If you're having trouble figuring out why a USB flash drive won't mount in your PC, this expert tip will help by providing advice on how to fix such a problem.  Continue Reading

• Who should know about Microsoft licensing? And why should you care?

  Microsoft software licensing is complicated, but our licensing expert breaks it down and gives the basics of what you need to know, including budgeting and volume purchasing.  Continue Reading