Tips

Tips

• Teaching a new PC old tricks: How to deploy Windows 7's XP mode

  Windows XP Mode can help corporate IT move to Windows 7 and avoid application compatibility problems. Learn how to install and deploy XP Mode across your network.  Continue Reading

• Improvements to offline file synchronization in Windows 7

  Windows 7 allows offline file caches to be synchronized with corporate networks, but you'll need group policy settings to properly secure them. Learn how to use these settings.  Continue Reading

• New Windows XP Mode eliminates compatibility issues in Windows 7

  Time to ditch the old OS and hardware. Windows XP Mode is a new feature that virtually -- and seamlessly -- emulates Windows XP and its associated hardware on a Windows 7 PC.  Continue Reading

• Using Windows 7 to configure workstations for optimal power management

  Windows 7 can help organizations manage their power consumption. Learn how to use power management reports, workstation settings and group policy settings to save energy and money.  Continue Reading

• Structuring patch management in seven steps

  Does your patch management process feel chaotic? With new patches popping up consistently, it's no surprise. Get some structure by breaking the process up into seven steps.  Continue Reading

• Underlying causes of inconsistent patch management

  Think your business is secure? Think again. Many environments, including those with patch management systems, are missing critical patches. Learn how to secure your organization.  Continue Reading

• Converting Windows 7 deployment images to virtual hard drive files

  Microsoft has made it easier to deploy custom desktop images with a feature in Windows Server 2009 R2 that allows you to convert a.WIM file to a virtual hard drive file.  Continue Reading

• Monitoring user activity with network analyzers

  Network analyzers are one of the best -- and cheapest -- security tools for managing an enterprise and minimizing business risks, but they are often overlooked.  Continue Reading

• An intro to Windows 7's Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool

  Desktop image management once required multiple Microsoft tools. The Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool in Windows 7 can help with tasks such as adding device drivers.  Continue Reading

• Using third-party technologies with Microsoft's NAP

  Third-party vendors are integrating their software into Microsoft's NAP framework in hopes of further extending enforcement protections to custom configurations.  Continue Reading

• Admins can wear many hats using Netcat

  Netcat is a TCP/IP tool that should be in every administrator's toolkit. Learn how to use it for instant messaging, file transfer, security monitoring and more.  Continue Reading

• Understanding Microsoft's Network Access Protection's internal and external components

  Knowing how -- and why -- the many components of Network Access Protection connect in Windows Server 2008 will prepare you to design the best security solution for your business.  Continue Reading

• New tool makes workstation image management easier in Windows 7

  The Windows Automated Installation Kit has been revised to ease deployments of Windows 7, and the Deployment Image Servicing and Management Tool is a command-line tool that you can use to manage desktop images.  Continue Reading

• Top 5 registry keys for Windows XP

  Systems administrators may not know about useful registry keys for Windows XP. Learn how they can help you secure your network, create drive shares, manage passwords and more.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft's Network Access Protection can ensure security compliance

  Enforcement of security policies is as important to network environments as updated software is. Microsoft's Network Access Protection can verify whether a business is protected.  Continue Reading

• Manage the desktop image lifecycle to limit work, ensure security

  An image lifecycle management plan makes it easier to balance the need to limit the number of desktop images with the need to keep up with security patches and new software.  Continue Reading

• Choosing the best way to install images

  Image management has become a monumental task for many organizations. Combining desktop imaging with other traditional application-deployment techniques can reduce the burden.  Continue Reading

• Should you switch to the Office 2007 file format?

  Are the benefits of the Open XML file format in Microsoft Office 2007 significant enough to make switching a high priority? Consider your businesses' needs.  Continue Reading

• Are you ready to migrate to Windows 7?

  Windows 7 features can greatly benefit your organization. Therefore, the question is not if you should upgrade to Microsoft's newest operating system, but when.  Continue Reading

• Secure Windows XP before a Windows 7 upgrade

  Ensure the continued security of your Windows XP systems by setting up Windows security standards, processes and guidelines long before upgrading to Windows 7.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Office 2010: At a glance

  With Microsoft Office 2010 on the horizon, but no public betas as of yet, information on the new release is scattered across the Internet. Get everything you need to know here.  Continue Reading

• Nine common password oversights to avoid

  Protect your systems from weak passwords, poor password policies and any subsequent security issues with these nine tips designed to strengthen your password protection.  Continue Reading

• Your questions answered: The Windows 7 upgrade quandary

  If you have Windows 7 upgrade questions and concerns, you're not alone. Brien Posey weighs in on recently asked questions from SearchEnterpriseDesktop.com readers.  Continue Reading

• Secure your Windows systems with proper password practices

  Creating and enforcing comprehensive policies, along with ensuring a layered approach to security, are basic Windows password recommendations that can keep your systems secure.  Continue Reading

• Managing multiple passwords in Windows

  Allowing users to manage their passwords can lead to security risks. Enacting policies, such as base passwords for different systems, can help keep your Windows environment safe.  Continue Reading

• Using System Center Essentials as a patch management tool

  Microsoft's System Center Essentials isn't designed to manage third-party patches. But, with creativity, you can use one of its features as an application patch management tool.  Continue Reading

• How Windows 7 stands up to security tests

  Windows 7 is proving to be faster and more stable than its predecessor, but how does it measure up to security tests?  Continue Reading

• Gathering and documenting your Windows desktop security policies

  An information risk assessment and this security policy template offered by security expert Kevin Beaver should be all you need to get started documenting and enacting your own Windows desktop policies.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting Microsoft WSUS connectivity issues

  Microsoft Windows Server Update Services may impede your system updates because of IIS and Group Policy settings issues. Find out quick solutions to these WSUS errors in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Windows desktop security standards documentation best practices

  Improve your Windows desktop security by developing detailed documentation of an organized focused set of security standards.  Continue Reading

• Desktop security preparation for a new wave of Windows apps

  Prepare for the new wave of Windows applications and software with a desktop security management plan. Learn how in part one of this three-part tip on desktop security standards and policies.  Continue Reading

• Four Internet Explorer 8 Group Policy security settings

  Internet Explorer 8 doesn't have nearly as many new security mechanisms as its predecessor; however, there are four Group Policy security settings for IE8 worth mentioning.  Continue Reading

• The state of enterprise security and emerging threats in 2009

  Enterprise security today is still not where it needs to be. Learn about the enterprise security issues that organizations continue to face, as well as what they can do to mitigate emerging security threats.  Continue Reading

• Should administrators use hard disk compression?

  Should admins use hard disk compression? There's no right or wrong answer. Weigh the pros and cons of hard disk compression and learn when compressing the hard drive can be harmful.  Continue Reading

• How to move hard drives and transplant system drives between servers

  Moving hard drives can be tricky; but it may be faster and more cost-effective than re-imaging. Learn how to remove hard drives and transplant system drives.  Continue Reading

• Combining folder redirection with roaming profiles

  Using roaming profiles and folder redirection can prevent corporate data loss and streamline network management processes.  Continue Reading

• Why should Windows shops use Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer?

  Learn about Microsoft's Baseline Security Analyzer, a free and easy-to-use tool that helps enterprises with necessary security scanning measures.  Continue Reading

• Reduce unapproved device driver installs via Group Policy in XP, Vista

  End users installing unauthorized device drivers? Learn about three Group Policy settings in XP and Vista administrators can use to take back control of the desktop.  Continue Reading

• A first look at Windows 7 security enhancements

  Microsoft plans to address complaints about the much-maligned security features in Vista -- chiefly the UAC and nag screens -- in the release of Windows 7.  Continue Reading

• Using Sysinternals tools in security management scenarios

  Discover three valuable Sysinternals tools and common Windows security management scenarios in which these tools would be used.  Continue Reading

• Using Reliability and Performance Monitor to gauge system stability

  Windows Vista's Reliability and Performance Monitor is a lightweight tool that help desk professionals can use to diagnose the cause of system errors.  Continue Reading

• Sysinternals tools: A must-have for every Windows security toolbox

  Learn about the free Sysinternals tools that make managing and troubleshooting Windows-based PCs almost effortless for administrators.  Continue Reading

• How to strike a balance between Windows security and business needs

  Stringent Windows security controls can get in the way of your users' day-to-day job responsibilities. Don't let this happen. Learn how to create and manage a balance between your Windows security controls and the needs of your company and its users.  Continue Reading

• How to recognize and repair Blue Screen of Death stop error messages

  Unsure what's causing Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) stop error messages in your network? Learn to recognize and repair common stop error messages.  Continue Reading

• Deciphering the Blue Screen of Death

  What exactly happens when the Blue Screen of Death occurs? Learn the components of this much dreaded stop message and get advice on some quick action you can take to fix the problem.  Continue Reading

• Defragmenting balances performance and security

  In most cases, disk defragmentation is all you need to speed up computer performance. It's a simple solution that can free up money to do other projects.  Continue Reading

• Ten ways to sell security to management

  Here's ten tips for Windows security managers who need coworkers and managers to buy into their new information security initiatives.  Continue Reading

• Ten ways to selling security to management

  Even your best security policy ideas can get rejected by management, even if improved IT security is what your organization needs. Learn how to sell security ideas in this tip.  Continue Reading

• AppLocker improves on software restriction policies

  AppLocker, Windows 7's updated and rebranded version of software restriction policies, could reduce the headaches caused by unauthorized applications in Windows systems.  Continue Reading

• Reduce resistance to creating strong computer passwords

  You've heard all about the need for strong passwords, but implementing them is easier said than done. Users often resist using complex passwords or their use results in increased help desk calls. Contributor Serdar Yegulalp provides some practical ...  Continue Reading

• A Windows security checklist for IT managers

  Do the Windows security products you're considering address every security issue? Use this high-level checklist as a quick reference to make sure all your bases are covered.  Continue Reading

• Check IT List: Five steps for rootkit detection

  Rootkit detection and removal is no easy task. Here are five steps to help you identify and prevent rootkits on your systems.  Continue Reading

• Top Windows client security tools for end users

  Tony Bradley helps narrow down the field of client security tools on the market and gives his top four picks.  Continue Reading

• Build secure computer password policies

  In some cases passwords are your network's last line of defense and your only tool to ensure strong passwords is your password policy. Contributor Kevin Beaver suggests tweaking your policy to improve security and usability and discusses ways to get...  Continue Reading

• Top 10 ways to improve Windows Vista security

  Windows Vista was designed to be Microsoft's most secure desktop operating system to date. In the opinion of expert Brien Posey, Vista is a pretty secure OS right out of the box, but you can make it even more secure. Check out Brien's top 10 list of...  Continue Reading

• Unauthenticated vs. authenticated security testing

  Security testing as a user signed into the network can yield different results. Use unauthenticated and authenticated testing and learn the pros and cons of each method.  Continue Reading

• Enhancing patch management with NAP

  Patch management has always been a necessary evil for Windows systems. But now, thanks to Network Access Protection (NAP), patch management just got a whole lot easier.  Continue Reading

• How to exploit two common Windows vulnerabilities

  Metasploit and other free security testing tools can help you uncover Windows security vulnerabilities, like unencrypted laptop drives and local Windows password hashes.  Continue Reading

• Install Windows XP on a Vista-ready machine

  It's more complicated than you think to install Windows XP on a Vista-ready machine. Learn how you can downgrade Vista and run XP on new machines.  Continue Reading

• The 10 most common Windows security vulnerabilities

  Most Windows networks, including yours, have a number of security holes. Fortunately, though, many of these holes can be filled quickly and easily before they pose a major threat to your business-critical data. In this tip, learn what security ...  Continue Reading

• Free security testing toolkit review: BackTrack 3

  The latest update to the BackTrack toolkit not only features several tools that can help lighten the load of security assessment in your organization, but it's also free. In this review, learn why BackTrack 3 has security expert Kevin Beaver so ...  Continue Reading

• Service level security in Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008

  Windows Service Hardening, a service level security feature in Windows Server 2008 and Vista, reduces security risks by limiting enabled services and privileges. Find out how in this excerpt from "Hacking Exposed Windows."  Continue Reading

• Cross-site Scripting 102: How to defend against cross-site scripting

  Cross-site scripting is a threat to Web browsers everywhere, and that includes the onese in your company. See how a hacker can use an XSS attack to steal sensitive information from your organization and how you can prevent it from happening.  Continue Reading

• Using Vista's overhauled Windows Task Scheduler

  Microsoft revamped its Task Scheduler tool with the release of Windows Vista. Learn how new enhancements to the console give administrators more control over triggers and actions.  Continue Reading

• ActiveX security improves with Internet Explorer 8's security features

  Although Internet Explorer 8 is not necessarily going to be a security-centric release, it does include some rather promising new security features. It's still too early to tell whether or not the browser's new security features are going to put an...  Continue Reading

• Buffer overflows can be prevented by GS cookies

  Buffer overflows have plagued Windows users for years, but by using a compile time technology known as GS cookies, you can prevent them from damaging your Windows shop.  Continue Reading

• Making sense of Vista's Windows Experience Index

  Learn what Microsoft's Windows Experience Index scores mean, and how understanding them can help ensure better system performance of machines running Windows Vista.  Continue Reading

• How to use Group Policy to control wireless access

  Group Policy can be used to control wireless access in Windows networks. Find out which Group Policy settings you should create to accomplish this in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Creating a custom control panel in Windows Vista

  While Microsoft's Control Panel in Windows Vista is more complex than its predecessors, admins can create a custom control panel to quickly find the icons they want.  Continue Reading

• Windows Resource Protection (WRP) protects critical system resources

  Windows Resource Protection (WRP) has undergone some changes since it's predecessor, Windows File Protection (WFP) was used to protect critcal Windows system files. Learn about WRP's evolution and what it means to the security of your Windows shop ...  Continue Reading

• Microsoft's Windows Task Manager: What's new in Vista?

  While already a useful tool for administrators, Microsoft made several improvements to its Task Manager utility for Windows Vista. Technical writer Brien Posey breaks down what has changed.  Continue Reading

• Demystifying Microsoft's iSCSI Initiator for Windows Vista and Server 2008

  The inclusion of the iSCSI Initiator with Microsoft's latest operating systems is just one example of the company's increased focus on SAN. Microsoft MVP Brien Posey explains how to use the iSCSI Initiator to connect to remote targets in iSCSI ...  Continue Reading

• Establishing multiple hardware profiles in Windows XP

  Administrators can use hardware profiles in Windows XP to enable or disable hardware devices. Microsoft MVP Brien Posey explains how to create and configure hardware profiles in a Windows environment.  Continue Reading

• Vista SP1 vs. XP SP3 -- upgrade or business as usual?

  Vista Service Pack 1 just came out, and XP Service Pack 3 is right around the corner. Time to decide which is best for your organization. In this tip from security pro Kevin Beaver, learn about the updates and additions that each of these service ...  Continue Reading

• Web security features of Internet Explorer 8

  Internet Explorer 8 will go a long way toward solidifying various Web standards, but it lacks significant improvements in security. Learn about domain highlighting and other changes in this tip.  Continue Reading

• Free tools bring enterprise compatibility testing to Windows Vista

  Application compatibility is a major issue for large companies planning a migration to Vista. Fortunately, Microsoft designed its free tool, Application Compatibility Manager, to help large enterprises test for Vista compatibility issues before ...  Continue Reading

• How to secure BitLocker configurations

  BitLocker can be configured for Windows security in many ways: with TPM, with TPM and a startup PIN or without TPM but with a USB device. The list goes on and on. Find out which of these settings is right for you in this excerpt from "Hacking ...  Continue Reading

• Windows Integrity Control (WIC) in Vista

  BitLocker and User Account Control have gotten lots of hype, as new security features in Vista. But what about Windows Integrity Control? Learn about WIC in this excerpt from Hacking Windows Exposed: Microsoft Windows Security Secrets and ...  Continue Reading

• Regaining lost functionality in the Windows XP Recovery Console

  The fact that so many Windows command prompt features are disabled in the Windows XP Recovery Console is a source of frustration for admins. Fortunately, the Group Policy Object Editor and Set command can help restore access to most of those ...  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting IEEE 1394 bus devices for Windows machines

  FireWire (or 1394) devices work well most of the time, but when things go wrong, troubleshooting techniques can vary depending on what's causing the problem.  Continue Reading

• How do I properly configure WSUS?

  An improperly configured WSUS can lead to some quirky security issues. In this question in our ITKnowledge Exchange, a user is seeing multiple instances of the same computer on his WSUS lists. See how other readers have responded to this user's ...  Continue Reading

• How to recover from lost BitLocker PINs and startup keys

  Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption makes it possible to encrypt your system drive, but permanent data loss can occur if you forget the PIN or lose the startup key. This article explains some steps that you can take to regain your lost data.  Continue Reading

• Metasploit 3.1 updates improve Windows penetration testing

  Metasploit has long been a popular tool to use to conduct Windows penetration testing. Well, just this January, the latest version, Metasploit 3.1, was released. Learn about the new features and updates of this cool tool, which include a true GUI ...  Continue Reading

• How to test a single machine for Windows Vista compatibility issues

  Using a free tool from Microsoft, admins in small companies can easily test a PC for application and hardware compatibility with Windows Vista.  Continue Reading

• Have my Windows patches actually been installed?

  Sometimes, knowing if a machine has been properly patched is not as easy as you would like it to be. Do you have to reboot? Have any of your programs changed the way they operate? Were the updates automated? This kind of thing can be a real mystery....  Continue Reading

• More tips for troubleshooting Windows XP Device Manager error codes

  Brien Posey continues his series on the Windows XP Device Manager with more error code explanations and solutions. He begins by taking a look at error code 16, which indicates that Windows could not identify all of the resources that a device uses.  Continue Reading

• How to use the Windows XP Recovery Console

  Once you install the Recovery Console, you have to familiarize yourself with the new command prompt -- and how it differs from the one within the OS itself.  Continue Reading

• How to create a Windows Vista boot CD with WinPE

  Using WinPE, admins can launch Vista from a disk and use the deployment to create and restore images.  Continue Reading

• Why Windows Vista compatibility issues exist, and what to expect

  Compatibility is a big concern for administrators planning an upgrade to Vista. Prepare for the conflicts by learning what to expect when moving away from Windows XP.  Continue Reading

• Working with Vista's Windows Recovery Environment

  With Windows Vista, Microsoft has revamped the old Recovery Console with the new and improved Windows Recovery Environment, or WinRE, for restoring a disk, drive and system.  Continue Reading

• Windows 2000 batch file command reference

  Check out this reference guide to batch file commands for Windows 2000, based on Microsoft documentation, but rewritten to increase usefulness and readability.  Continue Reading

• New Windows security tool protects users from keyloggers: XecureCK

  SSL and TLS encryption can give you a false sense of security. Sure, the data you enter may be encrypted when you enter into a Web application, but it is still vulnerable to exposure to keystroke loggers on local machines. SoftForum has a new ...  Continue Reading

• Accessing Windows Vista backups with Virtual PC or Virtual Server

  Windows Vista's Backup and Restore Center interface leaves a lot to be desired, but it has the ability to mount a backup file as a virtual hard drive -- and that can be very handy.  Continue Reading

• Cross-site scripting 101: XSS attacks plague Web browsers

  Cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks have been a burden for security professionals for a long time, and it doesn't appear that there is an end to these attacks coming any time soon. An attacker can use an XSS attack to gather vital information from ...  Continue Reading

• Understanding Windows XP System Restore strengths and limitations

  System Restore is an important feature for rolling back changes in Windows XP, but it's not ideal for every situation. Microsoft MVP Brien Posey breaks down how System Restore works and when to use it.  Continue Reading

• Advanced techniques for disabling Windows XP startup programs

  Microsoft MVP Brien Posey explains how to edit the Windows registry and use Group Policy to disable annoying startup programs in Windows XP.  Continue Reading

• Password cracking, network rights and Windows Firewall expert advice

  Our experts share advice on cracking Windows passwords, managing folders and permissions in Windows and how to manage Windows Firewall in the top expert advice from 2007.  Continue Reading

• How to install the Windows XP Recovery Console

  What happens when you can't use Safe Mood to fix an OS that won't boot? Try the Windows XP Recovery Console. Microsoft MVP Brien M. Posey explains step one -- installation.  Continue Reading

• Device driver rollback and System Restore: Two more options for rolling back changes in Windows XP

  Windows administrators have several options when attempting to restore XP to a functional state. In part 2 of this series, Microsoft MVP Brien Posey explains how to use a couple more techniques and gives details on when to use them.  Continue Reading

• Disabling annoying Windows XP startup programs

  Some applications and services can cause problems when booting Windows XP. Fortunately, there are several tips and tricks that admins can use to solve these bothersome startup issues.  Continue Reading