Tips

Tips

• The truth about Microsoft licensing for portable devices

  Microsoft's rules for portable devices are different from those for desktops and include a catch-22 in its licensing policy.  Continue Reading

• zPOD makes Windows 7 portable, but not without compromises

  The Zinstall zPOD enables portability and speed when backing up a desktop and accompanying applications. However, its usefulness doesn't come without drawbacks.  Continue Reading

• The facts about Windows 7 licensing

  Windows 7 licensing can be complicated, partly because the OS has had multiple predecessors and editions. Get control by using helpful tools and avoiding common problems.  Continue Reading

• Using Windows ReadyBoost in enterprise settings

  There are some misconceptions about what ReadyBoost is. Here's a look at what it really is, what it does and what it doesn't do.  Continue Reading

• When alternative OSes are part of the desktop picture

  With the arrival of new endpoints and virtualization options, alternatives to traditional operating systems are becoming more common, complicating management and supporting harried IT workers.  Continue Reading

• Is your enterprise protected from advanced persistent threats?

  Advanced persistent threats are just one example of the modern malware that is becoming an increased threat to enterprise security. But early prevention can hinder the effects.  Continue Reading

• How to build a WIM file in Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010

  WIM files let admins consolidate desktop images onto a single disk to simplify OS deployments, such as Windows 7.  Continue Reading

• Windows 7 SP1 rollout concerns: What you need to know

  Now that Service Pack 1 has been released, many enterprise admins are ready to give Windows 7 a try. See what you need to know before making the move.  Continue Reading

• Enterprise Agreement renewal: Is it worth the cost?

  Hidden price increases can not only make an Enterprise Agreement renewal less attractive, but burden enterprises with unnecessary software as well.  Continue Reading

• Turn a Windows 7 desktop into a wireless hotspot

  Faulty Internet connections are a nightmare for on-the-go admins, but wireless hotspot software can eliminate network headaches.  Continue Reading

• Internet Explorer 9 in the enterprise: Ready or not?

  Microsoft is aiming IE9 at organizations planning a Windows 7 migration. Find out what your enterprise needs to know about the vendor's latest Web browser.  Continue Reading

• Analyzing the Windows Intune value proposition

  Windows Intune is touted for its promising feature set and price. But a closer look at the cloud-based antivirus product might make admins think twice about investing in it.  Continue Reading

• Getting started with Microsoft Deployment Toolkit 2010

  Windows client or server roll outs can be tedious. Microsoft's own Deployment Toolkit 2010 may help streamline the process. Here's how to get started.  Continue Reading

• Software prevents online bank fraud, blocks phishing attacks

  It's hard to find good anti-phishing software for end points. Our expert likes one tool that bulks up online security, and protects end users and banks alike.  Continue Reading

• Going green with enterprise asset management systems

  Giving your enterprise a green makeover will not only make your organization environmentally friendly, but reduce overall desktop costs as well.  Continue Reading

• Reasons for Windows 7 backup adding non-system drives to a system image

  Is your Windows 7 backup system adding non-system drives to a system image? Don't fret. There are several solutions for this common -- yet frustrating -- problem.  Continue Reading

• Application security gets a tuneup in Windows 7

  Enterprise app security made headway in Windows 7 with Microsoft AppLocker, a clear-cut alternative to Software Restriction Policies.  Continue Reading

• The basics of social media in the enterprise

  Your organization's desktop policy may need to evolve to include social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook.  Continue Reading

• Managing Windows desktops with PowerShell

  PowerShell isn't just for Windows servers -- Microsoft made the scripting language the core management platform in Windows 7.  Continue Reading

• Licensing options for accessing Microsoft Office remotely

  There are plenty of choices for licensing virtual applications, but understanding when to use which ones can be a challenge.  Continue Reading

• Using P2V Migration for Software Assurance for Windows 7 upgrades

  P2V Migration for Software Assurance automates the Windows 7 migration process and preserves XP applications and data. Yet its limitations may be a deal breaker.  Continue Reading

• Preparing your applications for a Windows 7 migration

  Desktop applications that ran flawlessly in Windows XP or Vista may be defective in Windows 7. Here are some steps you can take to minimize -- and solve -- these problems.  Continue Reading

• Common whole-disk encryption configuration weaknesses

  Whole disk encryption can leave you with a false sense of security. See which common configuration weaknesses can spell disaster for your enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Resetting passwords in the enterprise without the help desk

  While there are several self-service password-reset options on the market, many organizations are hesitant to implement them -- even though the payoffs are significant.  Continue Reading

• Endpoint security may not keep your enterprise safe

  Endpoint security isn't everything. It's more important to prevent attacks in the first place.  Continue Reading

• How Office 365 is changing the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement

  The release of Office 365 will bring many changes to Microsoft's premiere volume licensing agreement, including a more diverse application selection and Office subscriptions.  Continue Reading

• Testing new Microsoft technologies with the Proof of Concept Jumpstart Kit

  The Proof of Concept Jumpstart Kit lets you take Windows 7 and other new Microsoft technologies for a spin in your environment.  Continue Reading

• Options for Windows XP's end of life

  Windows XP will be gone before you know it. These four options can help you prepare for its postmortem.  Continue Reading

• Comparing on-site desktop management platforms to cloud-based applications

  Hands on desktop management is a must, but should you go with an in-house or a hosted management application? It depends on your specific needs.  Continue Reading

• Options for licensing Windows in virtual scenarios

  Confused by Microsoft's virtual licensing? Who isn't? Our expert describes options you may not know about and explains how to bypass SA's stringent requirements.  Continue Reading

• Identifying the hidden costs of desktop management

  Several desktop expenses lurk beneath the enterprise's surface. Factoring these often overlooked or ignored costs into your budget may improve ROI.  Continue Reading

• Should you use third-party patching tools to keep Windows 7 secure?

  Don't assume that Microsoft's security updates will keep your Windows 7 desktops safe. Third-party patching products may be a better option.  Continue Reading

• Diagnosing client performance problems: Examine system resources

  When you're trying to determine the cause of a desktop slowdown in any version of Windows, it's important to look at the system resources and the Task Manager.  Continue Reading

• Diagnosing client performance problems

  With so many potential culprits, figuring out the cause of a slowed desktop can be a challenge. Simplify the process by breaking it down into these four steps.  Continue Reading

• Diagnosing client performance problems: Consider upgrades

  Hardware and software upgrades -- or lack there of -- may be causing your Windows desktops to run slowly.  Continue Reading

• Preparing your Windows XP enterprise for a Windows 7 migration

  Concerned about software compatibility and manageability with Windows 7? It’s time to get over it. These troubles have mostly been solved, and the real challenge is deployment.  Continue Reading

• A step-by-step guide to creating a flash drive version of Windows

  Creating a bootable flash drive version of Windows Vista or Windows 7 isn't as complicated as you may think. This step-by-step guide shows you the way.  Continue Reading

• Why you should eliminate passwords in your enterprise

  Not only are passwords annoying to remember and a pain to reset, but they're also easy to crack. See a better way to secure your desktops.  Continue Reading

• Replicating the functionality of SteadyState in Windows 7

  Although SteadyState doesn't work in Windows 7, Microsoft did create a method for imitating certain aspects of the feature in its latest desktop OS. But is that good enough?  Continue Reading

• How to invoke defrag when fragmentation reaches a certain level

  A command-line utility in both server and desktop versions of Windows can help determine if a given volume needs to be defragmented. Here's a script to automatically call it up.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Windows 7 with built-in tools and online resources

  Imagine a world where users can solve their desktop issues without calling help desk. These Windows 7 resources may bring you one step closer to that IT Utopia.  Continue Reading

• Windows 7's XP Mode can help with compatibility, as a last resort

  While Windows XP Mode can help with application compatibility, it's not your best option. Find out what to do first.  Continue Reading

• Social networking tools emerge for the enterprise

  Twitter and Facebook aren't the only social networks available for enterprise users. See what some traditional software vendors have come up with.  Continue Reading

• Network tracing 101: collecting client data for troubleshooting

  As desktop users increasingly rely on virtualized applications, they become more sensitive to network performance problems. Network trace tools can help troubleshoot client data.  Continue Reading

• Windows 7 doesn't end the need to monitor passwords

  Protecting enterprise desktops requires more than locking down passwords at the operating system level. Even with Windows 7, you should watch for other password vulnerabilities.  Continue Reading

• The pros and cons of PS/2 to USB adapters and converters

  Now that most PCs and laptops ship with only USB ports, you'll need an adapter for older PS/2 devices. Here are some things to look out for when picking an adapter or converter.  Continue Reading

• Controlling desktops with AppLocker and software restriction policies

  Many IT admins rely on User Account Control, but AppLocker or software restriction policies can also prevent unauthorized installation of desktop apps.  Continue Reading

• Using Windows 7's built-in features to keep your desktops secure

  There are a plethora of features in Windows 7 that can keep your desktops secure without breaking the bank.  Continue Reading

• Which built-in Windows applets should you lock down?

  Certain default Windows applets could be a threat to your enterprise. See what to look for in controlling user access.  Continue Reading

• Window desktop features you didn't know you had

  There's more to Windows 7 than meets the eye. These nondefault features may be useful in your enterprise.  Continue Reading

• How do Group Policy settings differ between versions of Windows?

  Group Policy Objects vary from one version of Windows to another. Determine which ones to apply in your environment.  Continue Reading

• The Windows Remote Assistance feature: Friend or foe?

  The Remote Assistance feature in Windows makes desktop support easier, but it can be a nuisance and weaken enterprise security. Restrict access with these Group Policy settings.  Continue Reading

• Using security and desktop management products to block USB access

  While gluing your USB ports shut is one way to avoid data loss via a portable driver, a less drastic -- but still effective -- option is a security or desktop management product.  Continue Reading

• How to control desktop gadgets in the enterprise

  Learn about the pros and cons of Microsoft's desktop gadgets in the enterprise, and about the group policy settings that can help you manage them.  Continue Reading

• Where does Windows store its temporary files?

  The temporary files generated by Windows can pile up and become a security hazard. Learn how to track them down and tidy up your systems.  Continue Reading

• How Windows 7's SKUs compare with Windows XP's editions

  Are you perplexed by the various editions of Windows XP and Windows 7? Our Windows expert clarifies the differences.  Continue Reading

• Assessing Microsoft's cloud-based Intune for Windows management

  Microsoft Intune, the company's cloud-based application management tool, has many good features, but is it better than on-premise or third-party tools?  Continue Reading

• How to make legacy applications run on Windows 7

  Windows 7 was designed to avoid the application-compatibility problems of Vista, but some legacy apps still require extra effort to work properly.  Continue Reading

• Why security certifications are still necessary with Windows 7

  Just because Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 are more secure than prior operating systems doesn't mean security certifications are obsolete.  Continue Reading

• How to crack a password

  Expert Brien Posey describes some techniques used to crack Windows passwords and offers several defenses against attack.  Continue Reading

• Installing device drivers in Windows 7

  Windows 7 only lets you install device drivers that have been code-signed. But there is a workaround for Microsoft's cross-signed driver requirement.  Continue Reading

• The art of locating device drivers for Windows computers

  Installing device drivers on Windows machines shouldn't be difficult, but the specific device and version of Windows matter.  Continue Reading

• Managing file associations in Windows 7

  Applications can sometimes be greedy and hijack file extensions. Learn how to take control and reassign these extensions.  Continue Reading

• Free client diagnostic tools to help you troubleshoot desktops

  You can use client diagnostic tools to help gather the desktop data you need to troubleshoot connectivity and authentication issues in the enterprise.  Continue Reading

• How to run the chkdsk utility in Windows 7

  Hard drives and file systems have undergone major changes in the past few years. But the tool that keeps these file systems consistent when things go wrong remains the same.  Continue Reading

• Sysinternals tools can help clean your Windows systems

  PC cleanup is no one's favorite task. Process Monitor and Process Explorer are two Sysinternals tools that can help make your systems tidy again.  Continue Reading

• Six Windows 7 security vulnerabilities you don't know about

  Just because Windows 7 is Microsoft's most secure desktop OS doesn't mean it's trouble-free. Before you migrate, address these new and old security issues.  Continue Reading

• Metasploit Express eases Windows penetration testing

  A commercial version of the free Metasploit penetration-testing tool can help find Windows vulnerabilities.  Continue Reading

• Devise a Windows XP end-of-life strategy before migrating to Windows 7

  Make sure that you have a good business case for migrating from Windows XP, and plan accordingly before moving your enterprise to Windows 7.  Continue Reading

• Debugging client event logs with Windows Vista Event Viewer

  The latest edition of the Event Viewer features several enhancements that can help you diagnosis client problems in your enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Security Essentials: When it may not be a good fit

  Security Essentials, Microsoft's antivirus software, is fast, reliable and free. But in certain situations, that's not enough.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Security Essentials can protect non-enterprise users in your business

  Many businesses rely on independent contractors and other self-employed workers. Microsoft Security Essentials can provide antimalware protection to these users.  Continue Reading

• Optimizing Windows startup

  Slow startup times have bedeviled Windows users. While Microsoft has provided utilities to hasten the process, there are additional things you can do to speed up desktop boot.  Continue Reading

• Using Group Policy to lock down the Control Panel

  Preventing unauthorized changes to Windows systems is a basic security precaution. Group Policy settings can keep users from messing with the Control Panel.  Continue Reading

• What is a Microsoft hotfix?

  Hotfixes can solve an array of problems in your enterprise, but they have certain limitations and need to be managed properly.  Continue Reading

• A preflight checklist for installing apps

  Installing a new application? Use this checklist to keep your pilot on track and maintain end-user productivity.  Continue Reading

• Weighing Windows Firewall for enterprise desktop protection

  Enabling Windows Firewall is one of the best things you can do to control endpoint security. Check out the benefits of the Windows 7 incarnation.  Continue Reading

• Simple steps to securing Terminal Services communications

  Enabling certain features in Windows Server 2008 -- like network-level authentication -- can improve the security of your terminal servers.  Continue Reading

• Understanding the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack

  The Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack can help you mange, control and deploy client software -- and it could save you money.  Continue Reading

• Using Windows 7's DirectAccess to enhance the mobile user experience

  Microsoft's new desktop management tool, DirectAccess, allows Windows 7 systems to be virtualized without a VPN, but do its benefits outweigh security concerns?  Continue Reading

• Using Group Policy settings to secure local admin groups on your desktops

  Controlling local admin group memberships with Group Policy settings is relatively easy -- but you need to proceed with caution to avoid disastrous errors.  Continue Reading

• Using Windows 7's BranchCache to optimize WAN bandwidth

  The BranchCache feature in Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 is designed to improve WAN bandwidth for end users. Find out how to configure it in distributed mode or hosted mode.  Continue Reading

• Planning a migration from Windows XP to Windows 7

  Many enterprises are jumping on the Windows 7 bandwagon. Before you make the leap, consider issues like architecture and application compatibility.  Continue Reading

• Cracking passwords in Windows 7

  When it comes to cracking passwords, nothing has changed with Windows 7. See how easily your passwords can be exploited.  Continue Reading

• Top 10 command-line commands for managing Windows 7 desktops

  Admins don't always need fancy software to manage Windows 7 desktops. Here are 10 command-line utilities that can help you handle scripting tasks.  Continue Reading

• XP, Vista or Windows 7: Which is the most secure desktop operating system?

  Your favorite desktop operating system may not necessarily be the safest. See how XP, Vista and Windows 7 stack up in terms of security.  Continue Reading

• Best third-party tools for desktop management

  Desktop management is an art – not a science -- and having the right palette of tools is critical. Check out these recommendations for your enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Using Windows XP Mode for security testing in Windows 7

  Security testing slowing you down? Improve your system's stability -- and overall work efficiency -- with Windows 7's XP Mode.  Continue Reading

• RAM-scraping attacks are a rising -- but preventable -- threat

  The IT security community has been abuzz about RAM-scraping attacks since the Verizon Business Data incident. See how to protect your organization against these Trojan horses.  Continue Reading

• Migrating from XP to Windows 7 with the User State Migration Tool

  Windows XP users must migrate to Vista before they can install Windows 7. The User State Migration Tool helps simplify this process – but the utility has some limitations.  Continue Reading

• How to install a clean version of Windows 7

  Installing a clean version of Windows 7 on your desktops may be easier than upgrading from Windows XP or Vista. Migrate to Microsoft's newest OS with these steps.  Continue Reading

• Securing removable drives with BitLocker To Go

  BitLocker To Go, which ships with Windows 7 Ultimate and Enterprise Editions, can help secure FireWire and USB drives — but is it right for your business?  Continue Reading

• Five network security resolutions for 2010

  Tighten your enterprise's network security this year with these simple steps, which include regularly changing passwords, keeping patches up to date and talking to end users.  Continue Reading

• Checklist for upgrading from Windows XP or Vista to Windows 7

  While there's no single method for all enterprises to upgrade machines to Windows 7, these steps can help if you choose to migrate from Windows XP to Vista and then to Windows 7.  Continue Reading

• What can Windows 7's AppLocker do for you?

  Control applications on individual workstations more efficiently with AppLocker, an improved application management feature in Windows 7.  Continue Reading

• Top 5 registry keys for Windows 7

  Use these helpful Windows 7 registry keys to manage user account control, prevent the computer from rebooting after installing patches and more.  Continue Reading

• Group Policy tricks to secure network endpoints

  There are thousands of Group Policy settings available -- lock down your network endpoints with these favorites.  Continue Reading

• The right security tools for finding Windows desktop weaknesses

  Windows desktop systems need more protection than antivirus apps. Learn the best security tools for finding vulnerabilities in things such as file shares and open sessions.  Continue Reading

• Reduce hardware costs by using Universal Desktop Converter

  OS and security demands can reduce hardware savings from virtual desktop infrastructures. Tailor thin-client computing to your needs -- and learn about a product that could help.  Continue Reading

• Using BitLocker in Windows 7

  BitLocker allows users to lock down workstations and mobile devices. But the drive-encryption technology isn't for all enterprises. Find out if it's right security control for you.  Continue Reading