Many companies profess a concern for the environment, but few are taking active steps. Take a good look at your organizations’ priorities and policies, and you may discover you’re going green just by trying to save some green.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine July 2010
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Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Fine-tuning SharePoint to ensure top performance should be one of your priorities for managing and monitoring SharePoint.
Iqbal Khan
TechNet Magazine July 2010
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Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Brien Posey
TechNet Magazine July 2010
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Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:00:00 GMT
This list of “to-dos” will help IT professionals regain lost ground, become celebrities in their own right and dust off that antiquated image of the modern IT professional.
Romi Mahajan
TechNet Magazine July 2010
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Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services (LDS) is almost like AD, but--as some have said--is a toned down version without the full enterprise abilities.
Frank C. Rettig
TechNet Magazine July 2010
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Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:00:00 GMT
The concept of “going green” has been around for years, but there’s still very limited data about the specific benefits of doing so. The “trap” is to dive into the green movement without a clear set of goals and target metrics. Here are some thoughts on where to start on the green journey.
Ric Merrifield
TechNet Magazine July 2010
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Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:00:00 GMT
While it's easy to get caught up in "going green," you can often do so just by doing the things you would ordinarily do to save money at your organization.
Lafe Low
TechNet Magazine July 2010
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Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Be careful of what you actually blame for bugs. What was once thought to be an Internet Explorer issue turned out to be a simple bug with Windows.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine July 2010
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Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Now that Windows PowerShell v.2 supports transactional operations, make sure they all complete successfully before saving any changes.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine July 2010
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Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Using the offline VM servicing tool is a good way to patch those dormant virtual machines populating your enterprise.
Greg Shields
TechNet Magazine July 2010
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Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:00:00 GMT
This month, Cable Guy gives you a tutorial on using Windows 7 to onnect to wireless networks.
Joseph Davies
TechNet Magazine July 2010
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Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:00:00 GMT
This month's SQL questions focus on shrinking or expanding the size of SQL database files, and how best to manage that process.
Paul S. Randal
TechNet Magazine July 2010
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Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Manage Windows systems with the power of PowerShell, schedule and run backups, and test Linux apps with this month’s collection of tools.
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine July 2010
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Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine July 2010
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Thu, 01 Jul 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Our intrepid writer takes us through the process of using Visual Studio 2010 and IIS to develop an application for Windows Azure. Here is his story.
Jose Baretto
TechNet Magazine June 2010
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Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Developing and maintaining the primary system image you use for deploying to new systems need not be a complicated process. Our writer explores some best practices for streamlining the process.
Mitch Tulloch
TechNet Magazine June 2010
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Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:00:00 GMT
You can apply much more secure authnetication for multiple systems and remote location when you develop using AD Federated Services 2.0. Now built into BPOS and Windows Azure, ADFS 2.0 lets you log on once to any Windows Server.
Jeffery Schwartz
TechNet Magazine June 2010
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Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:00:00 GMT
When used in concert with Network Access Protection (NAP) with IPsec connectivity, DirectAccess can help improve your auditing and compliance reporting. By setting policies for compliance, reporting and remote connectivity now, you set the stage for how your team will work within the cloud in a smooth and secure fashion.
Dan Griffin, Lee Walker
TechNet Magazine June 2010
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Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Upgrading to SharePoint 2010 will take some planning to get it right the first time. Taking your time and formulating a detailed game plan with make things easier down the road.
Brien Posey
TechNet Magazine June 2010
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Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Lafe Low
TechNet Magazine June 2010
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Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:00:00 GMT
A little-known feature in Windows PowerShell 2.0 can help you add a considerable degree fo flexibility to your environment. Our PowerShell superhero shows us how.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine June 2010
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Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Security configuration is always important. That's why Microsoft continues to strengthen its tools for centrally configuring computer settings -- Group Policy, System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM).
Greg Shields
TechNet Magazine June 2010
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Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:00:00 GMT
This month's Utility Spotlight looks at a unique Web management tool for Microsoft's Bing Web browser that lets you record and analyze hits, page views and everything else a webmaster needs.
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine June 2010
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Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Moving mailboxes from one domain server to another or even across AD forests top the questions for this month's Exchange Queue & A.
Henrik Walther
TechNet Magazine June 2010
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Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:00:00 GMT
A tool to help users self-manage their passwords and other fundamental issues, and another that consolidates IT management tasks headline this month's Toolbox.
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine June 2010
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Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Joseph Davies
TechNet Magazine June 2010
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Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:00:00 GMT
The Fast Items feature on the Windows Start menu has moved around and received some different treatment. It's still essentially there, but with a different look.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine June 2010
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Tue, 01 Jun 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Paul Yu takes us on a detailed, step-by-step look at planning for and deploying Read-Only Domain Controllers with Windows Server 2008 R2.
Paul Yu
TechNet Magazine May 2010
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Sat, 01 May 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Paul Yu gives us an in-depth look at what it takes to be ready to deploy RODCs in support of secure branch office connections.
Paul Yu
TechNet Magazine May 2010
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Sat, 01 May 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Virtual desktops are not without their unique management issues. This article explores some of the best practices for maintaining a secure and efficient virtual environment.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine May 2010
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Sat, 01 May 2010 07:00:00 GMT
With the release of SharePoint Server 2010 and SQL Server 2008 R2 come significant improvements to the integration between SharePoint and SQL Server 2008 R2 Reporting Services (SSRS). This article looks at configuring and using the latest enhancements.
Alan Le Marquand
TechNet Magazine May 2010
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Sat, 01 May 2010 07:00:00 GMT
This month, our Toolbox includes a deployment tool called SmartDeploy and a performance tuning utility called Tweak7.
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine May 2010
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Sat, 01 May 2010 07:00:00 GMT
The Cable Guy introduces you to the latest changes to the DNS service in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, including name devolution behavior, the Name Resolution Policy Table and DNS security.
Joseph Davies
TechNet Magazine May 2010
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Sat, 01 May 2010 07:00:00 GMT
The Microsoft Office Environment Assessment Tool scans your systems to determine their readiness (or lack thereof) to upgrade to Office 2010.
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine May 2010
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Sat, 01 May 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Whither the Windows/E keystroke combo? This has done many things in its life, and every time it's function was changed, the die-hards have spoken up and had their say. Its function remains the same.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine May 2010
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Sat, 01 May 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Lafe Low
TechNet Magazine May 2010
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Sat, 01 May 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine May 2010
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Sat, 01 May 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Greg Shields
TechNet Magazine May 2010
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Sat, 01 May 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Paul S. Randal
TechNet Magazine May 2010
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Sat, 01 May 2010 07:00:00 GMT
TechNet Magazine April 2010
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Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:00:00 GMT
While it was first introduced with Vista, the new and improved BitLocker may well be one of the most important security upgrades to Windows 7.
Orin Thomas
TechNet Magazine April 2010
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Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Deploying SharePoint isn't the hard part -- deploying it properly and securely takes some careful planning and execution. One size does not fit all with SharePoint.
Brien Posey
TechNet Magazine April 2010
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Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:00:00 GMT
A free tool from Microsoft can make backing up data in Windows Server 2008 R2 efficient and almost hassle-free. Here’s how to use it effectively.
Jeffery Hicks
TechNet Magazine April 2010
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Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:00:00 GMT
The new Editor in Chief of TechNet Lafe Low gives an introduction and discusses his take on high-level security issues.
Lafe Low
TechNet Magazine April 2010
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Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Migrating from Office 2007 to Office 2010 can be an interesting process. The Office 2010 Code Compatibility Inspector can help you ensure all macros and other hidden code survive the migration.
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine April 2010
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Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Our PowerShell expert Don Jones looks at how modules work in Windows PowerShell version 2.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine April 2010
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Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Greg Shields takes you through how to best use the virtual functionality of Windows 7 so your business can continue to use legacy applications.
Greg Shields
TechNet Magazine April 2010
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Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen takes a look at VirtualBox, CPU-Z and Prime95.
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine April 2010
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Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Henrik Walther gives an in-depth look at creating and configuring server roles and CAS arrays to avoid conflicts.
Henrik Walther
TechNet Magazine April 2010
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Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Joseph Davies discusses how the Network Diagnostics Framework (NDF) from Windows Vista has been integrated into the Windows 7 OS with a host of other new features, which help you more easily troubleshoot network difficulties.
Joseph Davies
TechNet Magazine April 2010
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Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Raymond Chen looks at one of the compatibility beahviors in the Application Compatibility Toolkit called EmulateHeap
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine April 2010
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Thu, 01 Apr 2010 07:00:00 GMT
Leveraging of identity management tools such as ILM 2007 and Forefront Identity Manager 2010 (FIM 2010) can eliminate the error-prone manual tasks involved in creating accounts and mailboxes in AD and Exchange.
TechNet Magazine March 2010
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Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 GMT
A detailed look at how to use TMG 2010 to enable safe Internet access and to enhance the end-user experience.
TechNet Magazine March 2010
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Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Chris Jackson explains how to make your applications compatible with Windows 7 in a virtualized environment using Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V).
Chris Jackson
TechNet Magazine March 2010
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Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 GMT
TechNet Magazine of March 2010 brings Vistualization and Cloud Computing as editorial themes for all the articles produced.
Rogerio Panigassi
TechNet Magazine March 2010
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Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 GMT
We asked TechNet Magazine readers for their input, and you delivered in spades. Read on to find out what new services we're providing based on reader feedback.
Jeff James
TechNet Magazine March 2010
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Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Adding virtual desktops to your other mechanisms for connecting users to applications and data can be a very smart solution for your small business.
Greg Shields
TechNet Magazine March 2010
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Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 GMT
As you work with Windows PowerShell and start creating scripts and functions for others to use, are you making sure there’s actually a set of instructions for them to read?
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine March 2010
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Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Paul S. Randal answers a host of reader questions this month, including a discussion of distributed transactions, performance counters, and SQL backup and restore advice.
Paul S. Randal
TechNet Magazine March 2010
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Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen examines a trio of useful products this month, including Alloy Navigator Express, CleanAfterMe, and KBAlertz.com.
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine March 2010
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Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Microsoft provides several free and effective tools for you to store and synchronize your files and documents via the Internet, including Microsoft Live Mesh.
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine March 2010
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Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Raymond discusses the origins and history of the Windows Stat Menu, from Windows 95 to Windows 7.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine March 2010
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Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Karen Forster outlines the similarities and differences between BPOS and Azure and shed some light on which platform may be suitable for your IT environment.
Karen Forster
TechNet Magazine February 2010
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Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Greg Shields
TechNet Magazine February 2010
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Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine February 2010
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Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Henrik answers reader email about using Exchange 2003/2007 in an Exchange 2010 environment and discusses changes that Exchange 2010 brings to cross-forest mailbox moves.
Henrik Walther
TechNet Magazine February 2010
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Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Raymond takes us on a deep dive inside the inner workings of the Windows File Property Timestamp.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine February 2010
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Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Joseph Davies
TechNet Magazine February 2010
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Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen discusses free tools that can help you manage multiple systems, obtain IP address information, and create database queries.
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine February 2010
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Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine February 2010
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Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Is cloud computing ready for primetime? Let us know what you think.
Jeff James
TechNet Magazine February 2010
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Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Combining SQL Server Reporting Services with System Center Configuration Manager creates a flexible and powerful reporting solution.
Steve Rachui
TechNet Magazine January 2010
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Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:00:00 GMT
TechNet Magazine January 2010
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Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Jeff James
TechNet Magazine January 2010
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Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Kerberos is one of the more popular authentication options in the enterprise. Read this article to see how to get the most out of Kerberos in a SharePoint environment.
Pav Cherny
TechNet Magazine January 2010
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Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:00:00 GMT
PowerShell is favorite admin option for many IT pros, and PowerShell v2 makes it even more useful by bring PowerShell scripting to Active Directory.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine January 2010
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Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:00:00 GMT
In this installment of SQL Q&A we take a look at some database recovery tips, database shrinkage advice, and discuss DBCC CHECKDB usage.
Paul S. Randal
TechNet Magazine January 2010
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Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Data Protection Manager offers powerful new ways to manage your legacy tape storage and backup systems. Read on to find out how.
Greg Shields
TechNet Magazine January 2010
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Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:00:00 GMT
In the days of Windows 95, a Folder Options property sheet called File Types listed all the registered file types and their associated verbs. What ever happened to that guy?
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine January 2010
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Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Microsoft's newest security product provides a simple, straightforward security solution that could be ideal for small businesses and home office PCs.
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine January 2010
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Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Get the most out of those branch offices with BranchCache, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 R2.
Joseph Davies
TechNet Magazine January 2010
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Wed, 06 Jan 2010 08:00:00 GMT
Microsoft’s latest Exchange features enable new levels of reliability, better performance, simplified administration, improved protection of communications and greater business mobility for users. Get the lowdown on what’s so great in Exchange Server 2010.
Henrik Walther
TechNet Magazine December 2009
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Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Arguably the crown jewels of the Microsoft Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 releases, get the inside skinny on the benefits and drawbacks of BranchCache and DirectAccess. Also included: a guide to implementing these new features.
Gary Olsen
TechNet Magazine December 2009
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Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Acclaimed author William Stanek takes you on a whirlwind tour of the high-availability features of Microsoft Exchange Server 2010. You’ll find out how to make the mailboxes you control and the data they contain safer and more flexible because of changes in clustering and replication and new features such as Shadow Redundancy Manager and Active Manager. You’ll also discover why data availability groups (DAGs) built into the core architecture of Exchange 10 are William’s favorite new feature.
William Stanek
TechNet Magazine December 2009
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Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Jeff James
TechNet Magazine December 2009
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Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen discusses how to wipe disks clean with Eraser, streamline backups with SQL Backup Pro and map out projects and ideas with MindManager.
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine December 2009
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Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Keeping track of all the security settings and updates on the PCs in your organization can be a full time job, but the free Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer helps you evaluate your security state to make sure your systems are properly secure. By Lance Whitney.
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine December 2009
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Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Working with regular expressions can provide great value, but be like solving a puzzle. Read this article for an example of a real-life, practical application of regular expressions and discover a trick for using them.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine December 2009
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Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:00:00 GMT
A monolithic approach to deployment just isn’t practical anymore. What’s needed is a layered approach that lets you easily deploy your Windows desktops, one with a single Windows image as its core. By Greg Shields.
Greg Shields
TechNet Magazine December 2009
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Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Microsoft created junctions to provide compatibility with applications that hard-coded paths to various well-known file-system locations, but junctions don’t work as you might expect.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine December 2009
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Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Join William Stanek on a guided tour through the new and enhanced features of Windows Server 2008 R2. Important stops along the way include Windows PowerShell cmdlets, tools for remote management, Core Parking options for processors, Active Directory changes and branch caching.
William Stanek
TechNet Magazine November 2009
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Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT
The main reason a backup exists is to be restored in the event of a disaster. Although most people are comfortable taking regular backups of their SQL Server databases, restoring a database from backups can be a lot more complicated. This article explains how restore works and walks you through some simple restore scenarios.
Paul S. Randal
TechNet Magazine November 2009
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Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT
In this article, you’ll find out how the Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Toolkit 4.0 takes care of the details involved in planning your migration to Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2, from inventorying your hardware devices to providing customized hardware assessments. You’ll also discover how MAP can help you plan server virtualization and consolidation.
Rob Polly
TechNet Magazine November 2009
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Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Using Microsoft’s own massive migration as an example, this article describes tools and techniques for streamlining your organization’s move to Windows 7. Learn how the Operating System Deployment (OSD) feature in System Center Configuration Manager 2007 can simplify and speed up any deployment project—regardless of size or complexity.
Chris Adams
TechNet Magazine November 2009
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Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT
There’s a lot of information hidden in your data. Learn how a cube helps you analyze your data—and how to build one. We show you how.
Stacia Misner
TechNet Magazine November 2009
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Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Keith Ward
TechNet Magazine November 2009
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Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Learn about free and low-cost tools that can help you more easily compare and manage files, obtain information on IP addresses and restore accidentally deleted Active Directory objects.
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine November 2009
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Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Henrik Walther
TechNet Magazine November 2009
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Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine November 2009
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Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Getting ready for SharePoint 2010 means considering your upgrade and migration options, and the actions you’ll need to take to prepare your environment. Pav Cherny offers suggestions from a practical, best-practices point of view.
Pav Cherny
TechNet Magazine November 2009
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Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine November 2009
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Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT
IT pros today are responsible for effectively managing ever-increasing amounts of data that may include sensitive or personally identifiable information. Microsoft’s new File Classification Infrastructure make this easier by allowing the use of predefined policies to automate the process of dealing with that data based on the data’s characteristics.
Greg Shields
TechNet Magazine November 2009
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Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine November 2009
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Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Getting ready for Windows 7 may seem like a Herculean job—but there are plenty of ways to maximize the OS’s new features while minimizing disruptions in your organization. This offer spells out 10 steps that can help streamline your efforts and smooth the transition.
Bill Boswell
TechNet Magazine October 2009
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Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Security enhancements in Windows 7 mean the OS is not only more securable, it’s more usable as well. Learn how the new features make life easier and more secure for both admins and users.
Steve Riley
TechNet Magazine October 2009
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Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Explore the new and updated Group Policy features in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. System administrators will find plenty of goodies, from new Windows PowerShell functionality to updated power options, task scheduling and software restriction policies.
Jeremy Moskowitz
TechNet Magazine October 2009
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Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Whether you’re upgrading from Vista or skipping it altogether and moving up from Windows XP, you’ll need to know how to make the most of Windows 7 in your environment. Here are 77 tips and tricks to get you there.
Edited by Keith Ward
TechNet Magazine October 2009
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Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Forefront Security product management is being unified in a single management console known as Forefront Protection Manager (FPM). Here’s a peek at FPM’s features, including its effective task and alert systems and its comprehensive monitoring views.
Chris Sfanos
TechNet Magazine October 2009
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Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Mitch Irsfeld
TechNet Magazine October 2009
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Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen discusses encrypting sensitive data with AxCrypt; connecting remotely to your PC with Kavoom! KVM; and discovering unknown file extensions with FILExt.com. He also looks at the book, "Malware Forensics: Investigating and Analyzing Malicious Code," from Syngress.
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine October 2009
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Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Paul S. Randal answers your SQL questions: Why are consistency checks running? How do I figure out how much memory is being used? Why are some of our databases becoming "suspect"? And more!
Paul S. Randal
TechNet Magazine October 2009
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Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT
A solid utility written by Mark Russinovich for Windows Sysinternals, Contig can help boost your systems performance by quickly and efficiently optimizing specific files or directories.
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine October 2009
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Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Pav Cherny looks at the data-protection strategies and options available with SharePoint, focusing on the most issues and how to resolve them.
Pav Cherny
TechNet Magazine October 2009
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Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT
One big question about writing a user-provisioning script using Windows PowerShell: handling the errors that occur when you’re trying to create a username that already exists. Read this article for an approach that neatly addresses that issue.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine October 2009
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Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT
There’s still no one-stop solution for fully securing your IT systems, but AppLocker comes really, really close. This article offers insights about the technology’s features and functionality.
Greg Shields
TechNet Magazine October 2009
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Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Raymond Chen demistyfies the algorithms used by the Windows shell when resolving a shortcut.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine October 2009
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Fri, 25 Sep 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Microsoft System Center is typically associated with largescale IT environments. Learn how System Center components can offer managing and monitoring capabilities for the small to midsize organization as well.
Greg Shields
TechNet Magazine September 2009
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Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Find out how the R2 version of VMM 2008 can help you manage your organization’s virtual machines more easily and effi ciently. A key feature is its support for new new functionality in Microsoft’s Hyper-V hypervisor.
Paul Schnackenburg
TechNet Magazine September 2009
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Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Manually installing and deploying your infrastructure is a time-consuming, tedious process. Automate those tasks with System Center tools, and get on to more important work.
Chris Adams
TechNet Magazine September 2009
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Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Are you having problems with Access Control Lists and permissions? It may be related to AdminSDHolder. Learn exactly what AdminSDHolder is, how it works—and how you can tweak it to better meet your organization’s needs.
John Policelli
TechNet Magazine September 2009
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Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Mitch Irsfeld
TechNet Magazine September 2009
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Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen discusses free tools that can help you clone hard drives, identify unknown files, protect sensitive data and monitor disk space
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine September 2009
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Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Henrik Walther digs into database availability, archiving and performance improvements planned in Exchange Server 2010.
Henrik Walther
TechNet Magazine September 2009
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Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Certain Web pages may display differently in Internet Explorer 8 than they did in earlier versions. This tool lets you view pages from different versions side by side to see what needs tweaking for IE8.
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine September 2009
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Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Protecting SharePoint from the bad guys involves understanding your topology and layering solutions.
Pav Cherny
TechNet Magazine September 2009
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Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Two of the biggest Windows PowerShell headaches involve filtering and formatting. Learn about two simple rules that can help you avoid problems in both areas.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine September 2009
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Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Microsoft’s System Center Essentials (SCE) platform combines the functionality of two large-scale Microsoft management solutions—Windows Server Update Services and System Center Operations Manager—in a package designed for smaller environments. Learn how
Greg Shields
TechNet Magazine September 2009
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Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Encoding usage information in the Start menu lets tinkerers know to stay away—and here’s why.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine September 2009
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Tue, 18 Aug 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Even BI novices can learn what goes into creating a BI solution, from planning and designing a data mart to preparing data. An Adventure Works example illustrates the first steps a company can take to ensure that its BI solution supports the strategic decisions it needs to make.
Stacia Misner
TechNet Magazine August 2009
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Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT
See how you can design and build a data mart that uses SQL Server 2008 Integration Services to perform the extract, transform and load (ETL) processes for the Adventure Works BI solution introduced in "Planning Your First Microsoft BI Solution."
Derek Comingore
TechNet Magazine August 2009
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Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT
By reducing the number of times that certain Web pages execute, Web-caching solutions can dramatically reduce performance and scalability bottlenecks. This article offers a comprehensive look at ASP.NET Web Cache key features, geographical cache distribution, Web-caching clusters and more.
Iqbal Khan
TechNet Magazine August 2009
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Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Fixing server-side performance issues starts with an understanding of the components comprising Microsoft Dynamics CRM and how those fit in your overall system architecture. Here’s a look at the Microsoft Dynamics CRM solution, five steps to follow for troubleshooting and tools for helping you diagnose the problems.
Aaron Elder
TechNet Magazine August 2009
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Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Commerce Server 2009 leverages the strengths of a mature platform, addresses many common deployment pain points and provides a solid e-commerce framework. Learn about CS 2009’s enhanced features, optional components and the new functionality created by its integration with SharePoint Server 2007.
Alan Maddison
TechNet Magazine August 2009
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Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Howard Dierking
TechNet Magazine August 2009
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Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen highlights new tools and utilities for the IT Professional.
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine August 2009
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Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Paul S. Randal answers your SQL questions: How can I tell when there’s a checksum problem without waiting until the monthly maintenance plan? Is it true that using a GUID as
the clustered index key can lead to performance issues with indexes? How can I choose the correct recovery model? And more!
Paul S. Randal
TechNet Magazine August 2009
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Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT
This free utilitly from Microsoft permanently wipes single files, directories or multiple objects, and purges unallocated clusters of a disk.
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine August 2009
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Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Pav Cherney presents an overview of key SharePoint architecture components, describes how they can lead to common performance issues, and discusses how to resolve and troubleshoot problems.
Pav Cherny
TechNet Magazine August 2009
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Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Windows PowerShell v2 aims to fix the server management shortcomings of Windows Management Instrumentation. Don Jones shows how the new remoting features in Windows PowerShell v2 are a powerful and simple way to run any commands on remote computers.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine August 2009
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Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT
With the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer credential being retired for all iterations but Windows Server 2003, a new certification program has been created. Greg Shields explains how this new certification path helps to better identify where your skills lie.
Greg Shields
TechNet Magazine August 2009
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Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Why case-sensitivity doesn’t matter to Windows, just to a user’s sense of aesthetics.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine August 2009
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Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Microsoft Identity Lifecycle Manager 2007 enables administrators to manage the multiple digital identities inherent in enterprises today, and to keep users, computers, and other directory objects in sync among diverse directories and databases. This article introduces the key concepts of ILM.
John McGlinchey
TechNet Magazine July 2009
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Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT
User Account Control is a set of technologies that has one overall goal: to make it possible for users to run as standard users. In this article, Mark Russinovich explains how the default Windows 7 UAC mode makes a PA user’s experience smoother by reducing prompts, allows them to control what legitimate software can modify their system, and still enables more software to run without administrative rights and continues to shift the software ecosystem to write software that works with standard user rights.
Mark Russinovich
TechNet Magazine July 2009
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Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT
In most situations, database backups are critical for recovering from a disaster, but there are lots of misconceptions about how backups work and what a good backup strategy is. In this article, the fi rst in a three-part series on disaster recovery, Paul S. Randal explains how the three most common types of backups work and how you can combine them into an effective backup strategy.
Paul S. Randal
TechNet Magazine July 2009
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Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Mitch Irsfeld
TechNet Magazine July 2009
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Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen highlights new tools and utilities for the IT Professional.
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine July 2009
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Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Are there new high-availability features in Exchange 2010? Is administration any easier? Has the Extensible Storage Engine been replaced? And what’s new with Outlook Web Access? Henrik Walther answers these questions and more.
Henrik Walther
TechNet Magazine July 2009
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Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Trying and failing to connect to Exchange Server often leaves you with no hint as to the nature of the problem. Now the Microsoft Exchange Server Remote Connectivity Analyzer can help IT administrators figure out the causes of the connectivity failures and, in many cases, provide suggested steps for resolution.
Brad Hughes
TechNet Magazine July 2009
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Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT
SharePoint security hardening requires an end-to-end approach that addresses the full spectrum of security dependencies and risks within and across server farms. Pav Cherny discusses how deploying NAP with IPsec enforcement is an effective way to harden your SharePoint infrastructure.
Pav Cherny
TechNet Magazine July 2009
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Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Don Jones shares his top six common suggestions to improve Windows PowerShell scripts.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine July 2009
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Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Greg Shields explains why setting and managing file permissions from the command line, though initially complex, can provide great benefits, and he describes two free tools to help you do this.
Greg Shields
TechNet Magazine July 2009
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Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT
The Microsoft Scripting Guys create a Windows PowerShell script that provides an easy way to back up, archive, and clear your event log files.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine July 2009
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Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT
If you are searching for a way to be able to access to files from anywhere, and to share and synchronize those files easily, there are a growing number of potential solutions, as this column describes.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine July 2009
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Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Jesper M. Johansson
TechNet Magazine July 2009
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Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 offer new features that support IPv6 for local and remote connectivity and for simplified management of host settings, as Joseph Davies explains.
Joseph Davies
TechNet Magazine July 2009
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Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT
When questioned about the business value of IT, IT professionals must not cede the debate to the questioner. Instead of directly responding, they should choose an approach that reveals both the invalidity of the question and the virtues of IT.
Romi Mahajan
TechNet Magazine July 2009
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Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Depending on your point of view, cached credentials can be both a blessing and a curse. Raymond Chen explains how they work and how you can control them.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine July 2009
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Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT
The Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) lets users know whether applications are compatible with a new version of Windows before deployment and can also help them determine how an operating system update will impact these applications. By taking a look under the hood of the Application Compatibility Toolkit, readers are better able to evaluate the potential of each tool and invest in them appropriately.
Chris Corio and Chris Jackson
TechNet Magazine June 2009
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Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
One of the biggest obstacles that hinder operating system upgrades is application compatibility, so it makes sense to design a project that will reveal the applications you have and figure out what will work or how to fix things ahead of time. This article describes what you have to consider to implement a successful project.
Chris Jackson
TechNet Magazine June 2009
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Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Group Policy is used in almost every environment and relied on by many to secure and their Windows environment. Surprisingly few have introduced automation into the process, however. This article explains how to take advantage of the GPMC APIs and Windows PowerShell to automate management of Group Policy in your organization.
Darren Mar-Elia
TechNet Magazine June 2009
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Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
In an ideal world, users are directed to the appropriate domain controller for Active Directory authentication, but this is not necessarily what happens in most organizations due to IP subnet information not being properly defined in Active Directory. This article presents a solution to ensure users locate the appropriate DC for authentication—a catch-all subnet to catch the authentication from clients on subnets are not defined in Active Directory.
John Policelli
TechNet Magazine June 2009
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Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Although Web technology provides an elegant architecture of Web farms and load balancers for ASP.NET applications, data storage technologies have not kept pace, so the applications are unable to scale effectively. The solution is an in-memory storage mechanism that can grow linearly—a distributed cache, as this article discusses.
Iqbal Khan
TechNet Magazine June 2009
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Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Joshua Hoffman
TechNet Magazine June 2009
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Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen highlights new tools and utilities for the IT Professional.
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine June 2009
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Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Paul Randal answers your SQL questions: How does removing index fragmentation affect statistics? Does data compression interfere with backups? Can you explain database mirroring states? And more!
Paul S. Randal
TechNet Magazine June 2009
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Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
You can’t move, rename or delete a file that’s in use—but sometimes you have to. Luckily, two free utilities called PendMoves and MoveFile let you handle these tasks with ease.
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine June 2009
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Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Storing unstructured data in SharePoint content databases is not always ideal. This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using an external storage solution; extending the SharePoint storage architecture using the ISPExternalBinaryProvider API in managed and unmanaged code; and how to avoid data loss during lazy garbage collection.
Pav Cherny
TechNet Magazine June 2009
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Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Don Jones concludes his four-part series on automating user provision with Windows PowerShell. In this final edition, Don discusses adding users to domain groups and modifying directory attributes.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine June 2009
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Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Windows Server Backup is a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to back up computers running the Windows Server 2008. Greg Shields explains some of the design decisions that went into this tool, an why it may be useful in small environments.
Greg Shields
TechNet Magazine June 2009
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Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
In this article, the Microsoft Scripting Guys develop a script that will gather comments from other scripts (providing those comments follow a certain pattern) and then save the comments in a text file.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine June 2009
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Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
In this first part of a two part series, security expert Jesper Johansson delves into the concept of identity - What defines an identity? Who gets to control the information, and how do we ensure it is properly secured?
Jesper M. Johansson
TechNet Magazine June 2009
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Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
IT organizations today face challenges whose complexities rival those of advanced software development projects and, to boot, require doing a lot more with substantially less. Certain practices, however, can help to ensure the success of a project.
Alessandro Muti
TechNet Magazine June 2009
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Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
It seems almost inevitable that the Default Management Pack will become cluttered over time, and that can build a dependency for this MP on any MP it references. In this column, Jonathan Almquist gives you a sample script and Management Pack that will alert you whenever someone saves an override to the default MP.
Jonathan Almquist
TechNet Magazine June 2009
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Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Network Access Protection (NAP) on the Internet is the extension of Internet Protocol security (IPsec) enforcement to the Internet. It allows roaming computers to validate and correct their health state, remain healthy, and mitigate security risks. NAP on the Internet helps fill the security gap that exists for mobile computers that are only evaluated for system health when connected to the intranet.
Joseph Davies
TechNet Magazine June 2009
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Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Rather than fighting against the introduction of consumer technologies into IT organizations, IT pros should consider the ways they themselves use these technologies, and how this knowledge can be translated into a business resource.
Romi Mahajan
TechNet Magazine June 2009
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Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Raymond Chen discusses how to handle unexpected trouble with the Windows Audio Engine (AudioDG).
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine June 2009
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Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Windows 7 includes many new features and enhancements to help improve security. Here’s an overview of everything you’ll find, from the new Biometric Framework and AppLocker to improvements for BitLocker and UAC.
Chris Corio
TechNet Magazine May 2009
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Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 introduce PKI enhancements that greatly improve the deployment and operational experience for users, enabling powerful new scenarios while decreasing operational costs. Learn about all the changes to PKI.
John Morello
TechNet Magazine May 2009
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Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Have you found yourself inadvertently in charge of a SQL Server database and don’t know all the best practices for making it secure? Paul Randal covers the top 10 security areas you should worry about, detailing common problems and their solutions.
Paul S. Randal
TechNet Magazine May 2009
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Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
As IM becomes ever more popular, it is increasingly important that administrators have a way to keep it secure. Forefront Security for Office Communication Server provides effective protection against instant messaging-targeted malware or other prohibited content within an OCS 2007 environment.
Molly Gilmore
TechNet Magazine May 2009
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Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Neetu Rajpal introduces the next generation of Forefront Security for Exchange, a premium anti-malware product that protects e-mail that flows through Exchange server environments.
Neetu Rajpal
TechNet Magazine May 2009
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Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
The Microsoft Offi ce Ribbon makes it extremely easy to customize the interface of Offi ce applications for users in your environment— and all you need is Notepad. Here is everything you need to know to start customizing the Offi ce Ribbon today.
Stephanie Krieger
TechNet Magazine May 2009
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Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
A look at how you can use Visual Basic for Applications to create a game in Excel 2007. It's the perfect way to prep for OfficePalooza!
Greg Stemp and Jean Ross
TechNet Magazine May 2009
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Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Joshua Hoffman
TechNet Magazine May 2009
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Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen looks at using Admin Script Editor Enterprise Edition and finding SQL Server instances with Quest Discovery Wizard for SQL Server. He also discusses the book "Windows PowerShell Scripting Guide".
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine May 2009
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Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Exchange Online and Exchange 2010
Henrik Walther
TechNet Magazine May 2009
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Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Delprof is a command-line utility that lets you free up disk space by deleting user profiles that are no longer required on both local or remote computers.
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine May 2009
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Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Continuing last month’s discussion about SharePoint integration with AD RMS, this column show you how to establish an AD RMS pre-production development environment, compile the IRM protectors, and integrate the compiled components into WSS 3.0.
Pav Cherny
TechNet Magazine May 2009
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Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Don Jones continues his four-part series that explains how you can create an automated provisioning function in Windows PowerShell
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine May 2009
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Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
NAP monitors the health of specified computers when they attempt to connect to a network and includes a number of mechanisms to enforce health requirements. This article gives readers an overview of these enforcement mechanisms and, as an example, takes a closer look at setting up DHCP enforcement
Greg Shields
TechNet Magazine May 2009
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Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Automating data entry is more important than ever, and today’s automation language is Windows PowerShell. This article uses Windows PowerShell to collect some data about the local computer and write it to an Office Access database.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine May 2009
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Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Wes Miller updates his 2007 article on the Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack, a collection of valuable components that can can save your IT department a lot of time and effort. All of the components have been enhanced—and something new has been added.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine May 2009
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Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Romi Mahajan notes the reasons people sometimes doubt the value of IT, then discusses why those reasons have little validity.
Romi Mahajan
TechNet Magazine May 2009
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Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
DirectAccess is a new feature of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 that enables transparent, concurrent intranet and Internet remote access and eases the management of remote computers by combining a number of technologies and components, facilitating the transition to a thin edge network.
Joseph Davies
TechNet Magazine May 2009
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Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
IT organizations have more intrinsic value than is immediately apparent. They need to find ways to demonstrate that value in order to reclaim their rightful standing in their companies. This article discusses five approaches they can take.
Romi Mahajan
TechNet Magazine May 2009
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Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Of course you want to lower the cost of IT—without hurting either your company or the IT department itself. That may seem impossible at first, but if you step back and look at your entire IT infrastructure and business needs, you can find unexpected ways to save money without causing too much pain. This article presents a number of suggestions that can help you identify ways to reduce IT costs while increasing IT’s value to your business.
Karen Forster
TechNet Magazine May 2009
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Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
This edition of Utility Spotlight is a little different than the usual, in that it involves scripts instead of executables, and so the column is dual-purpose: not only does it give you a nice way to build a report on CPU utilization in your organization, it also serves as a mini-tutorial to explain how the script works and how to use it.
James Turner
TechNet Magazine May 2009
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Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Raymond Chen discusses the difficult job of satisfying audiophiles and those who just want the sound to work.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine May 2009
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Thu, 02 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
A Hyper-Green virtualization system is designed to fully optimize your reduction in enegy consumption. Here are seven steps you must follow to build a Hyper-Green system.
Adam Bogobowicz and Dave Ohara
TechNet Magazine Earth Day 2009 2009
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Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Implementing power management and virtualization strategies are ideal first steps in moving towards a greener IT environment. Learn how you can simplify planning these strategies with the free Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Toolkit.
Baldwin Ng
TechNet Magazine Earth Day 2009 2009
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Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Is your infrastructure ready for virtualization? The Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit, a network-wide infrastructure assessment tool, can help you better understand your IT infrastructure and determine whether your systems are ready for upgrade or migration to a variety of technologies, including virtualization.
Jay Sauls and Baldwin Ng
TechNet Magazine Earth Day 2009 2009
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Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Companies around the world are beginning to think of ways to save energy and reduce costs, yet there is little guidance on how you can take action. Get started with our introduction to planning, designing, and implementing a green datacenter in your organization.
Dave Ohara
TechNet Magazine Earth Day 2009 2009
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Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
It's time to start acting on your Green IT initiatives.
Matthew Graven
TechNet Magazine Earth Day 2009 2009
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Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Find out how features in Microsoft operating systems, various IT tools, and system management solutions (such as Microsoft System Center) can help you save money and minimize carbon emissions.
Frank Koch, Mike Stephens, and Michael Walsh
TechNet Magazine Earth Day 2009 2009
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Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Leaving your computer on when it's not in use is a waste of energy. Features like Sleep and Hibernate make it easy to power down your system when you're not using it, and these features are more reliable now than in previous versions of Windows. Here's a look at the differences between these features and some best practices for configuring them.
Mark Aggar, Megan Morrone, and Michael Walsh
TechNet Magazine Earth Day 2009 2009
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Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
When you're not using your PC, you shut it down. So why not do the same with your servers? Dave Ohara explores the strategy of powering down idle servers for significant reductions in power consumption.
Dave Ohara
TechNet Magazine Earth Day 2009 2009
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Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Enforcing a power management strategy on the systems throughout your entire organization can add up to substantial savings. And Windows Vista includes 35 power management settings that you can configure and enforce with Group Policy. Here is some guidance for configuring some of the more common settings.
Mark Aggar, Pat Stemen, and Michael Walsh
TechNet Magazine Earth Day 2009 2009
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Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
To truly achieve energy efficiency across the enterprise, you must think beyond power management settings and take into consideration the entire profile of your organization's architecture.
Frank Koch, Mike Stephens, and Michael Walsh
TechNet Magazine Earth Day 2009 2009
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Tue, 21 Apr 2009 07:00:00 GMT
Everyone expects something different from their browser. Some users are most concerned with security and privacy while others are more focused on customizability. Some want full standards compatibility, and others just desire ease of use. Explore the numerous new features and enhancements in Internet Explorer 8 that allow it to meet every user’s needs.
Matt Hester
TechNet Magazine April 2009
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Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT
If your organization has multiple Active Directory forests, you need to manage multiple Active Directory schemas and ensure consistency between schemas. Check out our step-by-step guide to comparing and synchronizing Active Directory schemas in multi-forest environments.
John Policelli
TechNet Magazine April 2009
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Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Office Communicator Web Access is a messaging client that requires nothing more than a Web browser. Discover how it can extend the capabilities of Office Communicator—instant messaging, presence, desktop sharing, and so on—to anyone with an Internet connection and a supported browser.
Greg Stemp and Jean Ross
TechNet Magazine April 2009
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Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Office Communications Server 2007 provides very powerful and flexible conferencing capabilities. Learn how OCS 2007 R2 allows users to set up real time conferences with other users inside and outside the corporate firewall, supporting both ad-hoc escalation of calls to a conference and pre-scheduled conferences and meetings.
Rajesh Ramanathan
TechNet Magazine April 2009
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Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Windows HPC Server 2008 was designed specifically for use in compute-intensive environments. See how it is used, along with other Microsoft technologies, in a life science laboratory to provide a solution that enables automated processing of data generated from an imaging device.
Joshua M. Kunken
TechNet Magazine April 2009
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Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Joshua Hoffman
TechNet Magazine April 2009
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Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen discusses NetCmdlets V2 for Windows PowerShell, KeePass Password Safe V2 for managing passwords, and Regular Expression Designer. He also looks at the book "Windows Administration Resource Kit".
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine April 2009
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Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Explore how advances in technology can help reduce material waste in the medical field, reduce a variety costs, and help to keep patients safer and healthier.
Nihar Ganju and Michael Walsh
TechNet Magazine April 2009
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Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Why does DBCC CHECKDB find corruption errors that disappear? Does tempdb really cause performance issues? Are there any drawbacks to using the FILESTREAM datatype? Paul Randal answers these reader questions and more.
Paul S. Randal
TechNet Magazine April 2009
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Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT
RichCopy is a powerful, multi-threaded alternative to the popular RoboCopy file copy utility. Take a look at how this free tool can significantly improve file copy performance.
Joshua Hoffman
TechNet Magazine April 2009
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Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT
SharePoint integration with AD RMS can be useful for extending security and regulatory compliance solutions beyond the SharePoint environment. But for real security, the SharePoint environment must be secure within itself.
Pav Cherny
TechNet Magazine April 2009
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Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Don Jones continues his look at how you can use Windows PowerShell to automate user provisioning. In this installment, Don details the function that will create a mail-enabled user in Active Directory.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine April 2009
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Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Struggling to keep computers running with a minimum of resources and a shrinking budget is a challenge. One thing you can do is increase the availability of your servers with Hyper-V and failover clustering. Find out how.
Greg Shields
TechNet Magazine April 2009
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Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT
File compression is even more useful when you can automate the process via scripting. Here are some Windows PowerShell scripts you can use to create and expand cab files.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine April 2009
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Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT
The first in an ongoing series, Jesper Johansson discusses the broad and varied challenges faced in the field of Information Security Management and the keys to planning a sound InfoSec strategy.
Jesper M. Johansson
TechNet Magazine April 2009
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Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT
A look at why IT organizations need to really care about the customers they serve, act on that commitment consistently, and collect feedback on their performance.
Romi Mahajan
TechNet Magazine April 2009
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Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT
The default management pack that ships with OpsMgr 2007 is used to store very specific information for the management group. Though it is not meant to hold any custom rules, monitors, groups, views, or overrides, this MP still often ends up full of junk. This post discusses what should be in your default MP, what should not, and how to clean it up.
Kevin Holman
TechNet Magazine April 2009
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Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Raymond Chen explores how forcing file handles closed can lead to a series of cascading errors.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine April 2009
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Thu, 05 Mar 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Office Communications Server 2007 R2 introduces not only a number of brand-new features, it also delivers some significant enhancements to existing functionality. Here’s an overview of some of the most important new features and functions you’ll find in this latest release.
Stephanie Pierce
TechNet Magazine March 2009
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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT
The Remote Call Control capabilities in OCS can be used to extend your R2 deployment to legacy devices. Find out how to configure Remote Call Control to provide rich OCS capabilities in an environment with a PBX system.
Rajesh Ramanathan
TechNet Magazine March 2009
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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT
To securely extend your OCS 2007 infrastructure to remote users and organizations, you need to deploy one or more Edge Servers and provide reverse proxy access to these servers. Here’s what you need to know to use and configure ISA Server 2006 as a reverse proxy for your OCS deployment.
Alan Maddison
TechNet Magazine March 2009
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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Though you can configure Office Communications Server using wizards, there are times it makes sense to work from the command line. Explore the LCSCmd command-line tool and see how you can use it to set up OCS 2007 R2.
Greg Stemp and Jean Ross
TechNet Magazine March 2009
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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT
The Planning Tool for OCS 2007 R2 is a wizard that provides prescriptive guidance to help you prepare to deploy R2 in your organization. Discover how you can quickly generate a topology and create a list of recommended hardware to help guide your planning and deployment efforts.
Stephanie Pierce
TechNet Magazine March 2009
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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Joshua Hoffman
TechNet Magazine March 2009
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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT
TechNet Magazine March 2009
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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen discusses tweaking your system with TuneUp Utilities, auditing system configurations with SysCompare Pro, and fixing configuration errors with HijackThis. He also looks at the Microsoft Press book "Configuration Manager 2007 Administrator’s Companion".
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine March 2009
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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Should you deploy CCR-based mailbox servers in a multi-subnet environment? Can you determine the maximum latency for Outlook clients running in cached mode? Get answers to these Exchange Server questions and more.
Henrik Walther
TechNet Magazine March 2009
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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Discover how you can use the free VMC to Hyper-V Import tool to import and then modify VMC files, easing the process of migrating older virtual machines to Hyper-V.
Matthijs Ten Seldam
TechNet Magazine March 2009
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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Screenrecorder is a very easy-to-use screen-to-video capture program that lets users easily capture onscreen events to a small video file that can be shared with others, making it easy to record instructions or reproduce problems for more effective troubleshooting.
Burak Uysaler
TechNet Magazine March 2009
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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT
The second of a two-part series, this installment discusses how automating password changes for SharePoint security accounts is complicated despite the fact that the SharePoint object model includes the necessary logic to carry out credential updates.
Pav Cherny
TechNet Magazine March 2009
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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Don Jones kicks off a four part series that will look at how you can use Windows PowerShell to create a real-world user provisioning script.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine March 2009
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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Get an overview of some handy free tools created by Microsoft that cover many of the tasks IT professionals must deal with on a regular basis. These utilities will help ease the administration of file servers, Exchange servers, desktops, and more.
Greg Shields
TechNet Magazine March 2009
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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT
It’s not enough to simply wait for security problems to surface and then try to eliminate them. Wes Miller explains how real security involves proactively seeking out the root causes of vulnerabilities and fixing them.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine March 2009
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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT
The Scripting Guys demonstrate a script that times an activity and writes the results to the registry. After subsequent runs, the script retrieves the previous value from the registry and tells you both the current time and the previous time.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine March 2009
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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Find out how establishing a system for listening to both internal and external customers can help your IT department become a more vital part of the larger business structure.
Vivek Bhaskaran
TechNet Magazine March 2009
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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT
You may notice that your clients will check into WSUS and install updates properly but don't send any status reports back to the server. Here's a cool tip and a cool tool that can help.
J.C. Hornbeck
TechNet Magazine March 2009
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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Raymond Chen looks at the evolution of the Alt+Tab hotkey and how the Alt+Esc hotkey has remained unscathed.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine March 2009
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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT
A good business intelligence strategy can both streamline business processes and boost productivity and profit. And rolling out a solution with tools that you already have may be easier than you think. Find out how you can integrate Microsoft Office Excel and Excel Services with SharePoint to create a business intelligence solution.A good business intelligence strategy can both streamline business processes and boost productivity and profit. And rolling out a solution with tools that you already have may be easier than you think. Find out how you can integrate Microsoft Office Excel and Excel Services with SharePoint to create business intelligence solution.
Ben Curry and Bill English with the Microsoft SharePoint teams
TechNet Magazine February 2009
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Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Logging and recovery are critical parts of SQL Server, but they are often poorly understood. Paul Randal gives an overview of how the logging and recovery features work in SQL Server and explains the transaction log and recovery models to help you maintain a better database.
Paul S. Randal
TechNet Magazine February 2009
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Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Hyper-V-based environments are relatively easy to automate, making it a trivial task to deploy and redeploy entire test environments with just a few clicks. Here’s what you need to know to start deploying Hyper-V servers, virtual machines, guest operating systems, and server applications with no need for administrator interaction.
Fergus Strachan
TechNet Magazine February 2009
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Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT
CRM is not just a sales and marketing management tool. Microsoft Dynamics CRM is a scalable, enterprise-class system that when appropriately configured and deployed can handle small teams, enterprise-wide solutions and everything in between. Here is a guide to planning the right solution for your environment.
Aaron Elder
TechNet Magazine February 2009
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Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Joshua Hoffman
TechNet Magazine February 2009
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Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT
TechNet Magazine February 2009
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Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen discusses using HTTP Debugger Pro to view and analyze HTTP data, using switcher to switch between applications, launching your applications with RocketDock, backing up your databases with SQLsafe, and performing fast recoveries with ReplayRA.
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine February 2009
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Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Should you enable Backup Compression? How can you avoid dropped application connections during a failover? Paul Randal answers these questions and more in the latest installment of SQL Q&A.
Paul S. Randal
TechNet Magazine February 2009
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Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Discover how you can use the free Web Page Error Toolkit from Microsoft to replace the generic 404 page with a custom error pages, providing useful details for site visitors who bump into trouble.
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine February 2009
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Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT
The Visual Round-trip Analyzer utility can help you to discover the reasons why your Web pages may be slow to load, and what you can do to make the pages load faster.
Jim Pierson
TechNet Magazine February 2009
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Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT
In the first part of a two-part series on the standard procedures and tools for maintaining SharePoint security accounts, Pav Cherny explores the architectural details and the complicated process of accomplishing password changes.
Pav Cherny
TechNet Magazine February 2009
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Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT
In the past few installments of the Windows PowerShell column, Don Jones has been demonstrating how to develop a Windows PowerShell-based inventory tool. In this installment, Don brings it all together into a very powerful, full-featured tool, and offers some guidance on customizing the tool for your own needs.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine February 2009
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Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT
In the world of IT publications, the needs of the jack-of-all-trades IT professionals tend to be neglected. Do you work in a small environment where you are responsible for managing everything from network routing to changing toner cartridges? If so, this new column is dedicated to you. In this first installment, Greg Shields discusses using Windows Server 2008 Server Core in a small environment.
Greg Shields
TechNet Magazine February 2009
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Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT
This installment clears up some confusion over Active Directory Browser, ADSI Scriptomatic, and browsing Active Directory. And in doing so, the Scripting Guy creates a Windows PowerShell script that will allow you to browse the Active Directory schema.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine February 2009
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Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Learn how to use the Malware Inspection feature of the Microsoft Forefront Threat Management Gateway to mitigate threats at your perimeter.
Yuri Diogenes, Mohit Saxena, and Jim Harrison
TechNet Magazine February 2009
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Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT
What does change really mean in the world of IT? Romi Mahajan discusses three theories of change, offering a historical perspective on how IT has evolved and what we can expect to experience in the near future.
Romi Mahajan
TechNet Magazine February 2009
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Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT
While new technologies and media can facilitiate the speed and breadth of content, it does not impact impact the meaning or the message.
Romi Mahajan
TechNet Magazine February 2009
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Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT
Have you ever noticed that the cursor blinks when you take a screen capture? Raymond Chen explains why.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine February 2009
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Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:00:00 GMT
The upcoming release of Microsoft Identity Lifecycle Manager “2” offers many new features and enhancements. Explore the new portal experience and find out how you can cut costs with self-service tools, increase security compliance with business process modeling, and reduce development time with simplified development tools.
Aung Oo
TechNet Magazine January 2009
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Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:58:07 GMT
The new Group Policy Preferences feature found in Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista provides more than 3,000 settings, greatly expanding what administrators can do with Group Policy. Here’s a guide to using Group Policy Preferences to manage your environment.
Derek Melber
TechNet Magazine January 2009
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Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:58:07 GMT
Without too much effort, you can deploy a terminal server to host the applications you need in your environment. But there are some important decisions you’ll need to make to ensure your implementation meets user expectations. Greg Shields discusses the various options you have and explains how they will affect you.
Greg Shields
TechNet Magazine January 2009
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Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:58:07 GMT
SQL Server 2008 includes a new “eventing” mechanism called SQL Server Extended Events that enables some sophisticated troubleshooting. Get an overview of Extended Events and find out how you can use this new functionality for monitoring and troubleshooting.
Paul S. Randal
TechNet Magazine January 2009
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Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:58:07 GMT
Project Server 2007 delivers significant enhancements, not only to the features and functionality for users but also for administrators. Alan Maddison explores some of the most significant new features and walks you through the installation and configuration of Microsoft Office Project Server 2007.
Alan Maddison
TechNet Magazine January 2009
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Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:58:07 GMT
Joshua Hoffman
TechNet Magazine January 2009
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Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:58:07 GMT
TechNet Magazine January 2009
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Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:58:07 GMT
Greg Steen discusses recovering from system crashes with Replay RA - Recovery Accelerator, managing compressed archives with WinRAR, using TortoiseSVN to simplify source control, measuring disk I/O with Iometer, as well as rebooting servers remotely with the APC Switched Rack PDU, and looks at the book "Windows Group Policy: Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista".
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine January 2009
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Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:58:07 GMT
Why do attachment sizes increase when sending and receiving e-mail messages? How can you ensure databases on a passive node in a CCR cluster are defragmented during online maintenance? Can you use an external trust between forests? We answer these questions and more.
Henrik Walther
TechNet Magazine January 2009
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Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:58:07 GMT
See how the free Microsoft USB Flash Drive Manager can help you easily copy, delete, and back up files from a flash drive, as well as perform other useful tasks.
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine January 2009
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Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:58:07 GMT
This column describes the Microsoft Remote Server Administration Tools, which allow administrators to remotely manage roles and features in Windows Server 2008 and Windows Server 2003 from a computer running Windows Vista SP1.
Edward Dake
TechNet Magazine January 2009
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Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:58:07 GMT
Take a close look at SharePoint Security Accounts to see how a weak configuration can give an attacker full control over all site collections and sites.
Pav Cherny
TechNet Magazine January 2009
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Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:58:07 GMT
Learn how you can implement error-handling in Windows PowerShell.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine January 2009
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Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:58:07 GMT
Discover how to use the Excel.Application automation model for a more powerful way to process data from your servers and take advantage of the analysis and charting tools built into Excel.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine January 2009
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Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:58:07 GMT
Drivers fail, files get corrupted, disks crash--there are numerous uncontrollable reasons why Windows might fail. But all is not lost. Wes Miller explores the kinds of things that can go wrong in a Windows system, and explains how you can troubleshoot them to get your system working again.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine January 2009
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Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:58:07 GMT
Security principals underlie so much of Windows security that it is essential for any administrator to have at least a basic understanding of how the various types of Security principals work and how they are used. Here's what you need to know.
Jesper M. Johansson
TechNet Magazine January 2009
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Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:58:07 GMT
Find out how you can use Microsoft System Center and virtualization software to consolidate servers and reduce your IT costs.
Frank Koch and Michael Walsh
TechNet Magazine January 2009
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Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:58:07 GMT
Get a quick overview of some simple IT upgrades that can provide both environmental and cost cutting benefits.
Jim Lynch
TechNet Magazine January 2009
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Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:58:07 GMT
Although many CIOs want to avoid the public eye, a lively discussion at a recent conference revealed that perhaps the opposite is actually true—the IT department should take the time to extol its virtues and reveal its accomplishments to the people it supports.
Romi Mahajan
TechNet Magazine January 2009
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Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:58:07 GMT
Raymond Chen explains why it is often the developers who have their acts together who end up checking in the final bug fixes to products.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine January 2009
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Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:58:07 GMT
Many IT shops are divided into two camps—the Windows team and the Linux team—but we all have the same ultimate goal of providing high-quality and cost-effective IT services. One way you can do this is by sharing core software infrastructure. Think Windows and Linux don’t mix? See how you can configure Linux machines to use Active Directory for authentication.
Gil Kirkpatrick
TechNet Magazine December 2008
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Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:37:48 GMT
Today, the likelihood of a homogeneous network has become increasingly remote. It’s in your interest not to limit yourself to a single platform. Instead, you can be known as the IT guy who can do whatever needs to be done—whether it be supporting Mac or Windows. Don Jones teaches what you need to know to set up a Mac on your Windows network, troubleshoot network problems, share files and folders among Macs and Windows-based systems, and configure Macs to use your network printers.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine December 2008
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Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:37:48 GMT
How times have changed! These days it is fairly easy to bring Macs into your Windows network infrastructure. And with a little work you can even integrate some of the operating system services. Learn how to connect Macs to Active Directory, see how you can use Entourage with Exchange, integrate the Messenger for Mac 7 application with your Windows-based communications, and explore how you can bridge the platforms with virtualization.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine December 2008
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Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:37:48 GMT
How do you give your Mac users the rights they need on an as-needed basis and improve security at the same time? Surprisingly, by enabling the root account. Find out how.
Chris Stoneff
TechNet Magazine December 2008
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Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:37:48 GMT
Proxy authentication lets users perform a simple bind to an Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services instance but still have an association to an Active Directory account. This can be very useful: it gives developers full access to a user object without giving them access to the Active Directory account, and it allows products that require the X.500 format to be used with Active Directory. Here’s what you need to know about proxy authentication.
Ken St. Cyr
TechNet Magazine December 2008
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Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:37:48 GMT
Joshua Hoffman
TechNet Magazine December 2008
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Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:37:48 GMT
TechNet Magazine December 2008
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Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:37:48 GMT
Greg Steen looks at managing your environment with Desktop Authority, checking site links with Xenu Link Sleuth, and managing partitions with GParted Live. Greg also discusses the book “How to Cheat at Administering Office Communications Server 2007”.
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine December 2008
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Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:37:48 GMT
Paul Randal answers your questions about SQL Server. In this installment, Paul discusses the row-overflow feature, database mirroring and automatic failovers, backup strategies, and managing workloads and memory for failover scenarios.
Paul S. Randal
TechNet Magazine December 2008
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Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:37:48 GMT
See how the Change Analysis Diagnostic tool can help users discover system changes on their computers (from updates, new software, and changed hardware) and resolve problems they may encounter due to these changes.
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine December 2008
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Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:37:48 GMT
This column describes what’s new in version 2 of SyncToy, a utility that helps you keep your files in sync across computers and external drives.
Jay Munro
TechNet Magazine December 2008
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Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:37:48 GMT
Microsoft Office Project Server (MOPS) 2007 is extremely complex and difficult to deploy. Yet the effort is worthwhile—MOPS inherits the strengths of SharePoint as an enterprise platform, allowing you to increase the efficiency of team collaboration within and across departments. This article discusses some of the challenges you’ll face when deploying MOPS.
Pav Cherny
TechNet Magazine December 2008
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Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:37:48 GMT
Following up on the November installment of his Windows PowerShell column, Don Jones demonstrates an even better inventorying tool and demonstrates a sound process for building your own custom Windows PowerShell functions.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine December 2008
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Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:37:48 GMT
You need to calculate server downtime in order to report on server uptime. The Scripting Guys have a Windows PowerShell script that can do this for you.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine December 2008
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Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:37:48 GMT
It's been about 8 years since "The 10 Immutable Laws of Security" were first published, and a lot has changed since then. In part three of this series, Jesper Johansson wraps up his analysis of the immutable laws to see if they still hold true after all this time.
Jesper M. Johansson
TechNet Magazine December 2008
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Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:37:48 GMT
Explore how features in Microsoft operating systems, various IT tools, and management solutions can help you save money and minimize carbon emissions in your organization.
Frank Koch, Mike Stephens, and Michael Walsh
TechNet Magazine December 2008
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Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:37:48 GMT
Find out how you can use Microsoft System Center to plan an energy efficient infrastructure and enforce energy policies throughout your organization.
Frank Koch, Mike Stephens, and Michael Walsh
TechNet Magazine December 2008
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Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:37:48 GMT
Without a thorough and consistent service pack policy, an organization runs the risk of disruptions and downtime. This is because systems throughout the organization may have different patches installed. The key is to think outside your domain.
Mark D. Scott
TechNet Magazine December 2008
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Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:37:48 GMT
This column delves into the potentials of aligning IT and marketing.
Romi Mahajan
TechNet Magazine December 2008
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Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:37:48 GMT
Raymond Chen looks at how a poorly implemented proxy server can completely nullify the benefits of a proxy server.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine December 2008
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Wed, 19 Nov 2008 13:37:48 GMT
As you deploy Windows Server 2008 into your environment, you’ll need a way to manage and monitor its health, performance, and availability. Fortunately, you can use the existing System Center tools you are already familiar with. See how you can use OpsMgr 2007 to manage your Windows Server 2008 assets.
Pete Zerger
TechNet Magazine November 2008
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Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:00:00 GMT
The release of System Center Configuration Manager SP1 added full support for managing Windows Server 2008 systems, including such new features as server core. Get a quick overview of deploying the ConfigMgr agent and using ConfigMgr to manage Windows Server 2008 systems throughout your organization.
Cameron Fuller
TechNet Magazine November 2008
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Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:00:00 GMT
For every monitoring object you build, you must also decide what target to use. Choosing the correct target is critical, but knowing how to go about choosing the correct target is not always clear. Steve Rachui explores various options for correct targeting in OpsMgr and provides guidance for choosing the appropriate method for each scenario.
Steve Rachui
TechNet Magazine November 2008
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Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Virtualization isn’t limited to virtual machines and the virtualization of operating systems. Terminal Services has been abstracting the presentation layer of remotely run applications and desktops for years. Take a close look at key improvements to Terminal Services in Windows Server 2008 and get some tips for using these new features.
Joshua Schnoll
TechNet Magazine November 2008
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Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:00:00 GMT
SQL Server 2008 introduces two new features that allow you to track changes more easily and efficiently. Paul Randal examines the new Change Tracking and Change Data Capture features and discusses the implications these features will have for database administrators.
Paul S. Randal
TechNet Magazine November 2008
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Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Joshua Hoffman
TechNet Magazine November 2008
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Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:00:00 GMT
TechNet Magazine November 2008
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Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine November 2008
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Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Have Exchange questions? We've got answers. This month, Henrik Walther looks at configuring Windows Server 2008 to work with Outlook Anywhere, testing remote connectivity, deploying standby continuous replication, and more.
Henrik Walther
TechNet Magazine November 2008
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Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Whether you develop Web content or simply support a webmaster, here’s a free Microsoft utility that will make your job easier. See how the Internet Explorer Developer Toolbar can help you explore and troubleshoot Web pages.
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine November 2008
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Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Web services are fundamental building blocks of distributed business applications. Here's an overview of how you can use Web services in a SharePoint environment to extend Microsoft Office applications.
Pav Cherny
TechNet Magazine November 2008
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Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Don Jones demonstrates a Windows PowerShell-based inventory tool and guides you through the process that goes into building such a solution.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine November 2008
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Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:00:00 GMT
This month, The Scripting Guys take a close look at the WMI infrastructure. Along the way, they provide some helpful scripts that can serve as a starting point for learning more and accomplishing useful administrative tasks.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine November 2008
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Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Enterprise rights management is effectively the only way to protect confidential information from being leaked. Discover how the Microsoft rights management solution can protect your organization's information from unauthorized access and use.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine November 2008
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Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:00:00 GMT
It's been about 8 years since "The 10 Immutable Laws of Security" were first published, and a lot has changed since then. In this installment, Jesper Johansson continues his analysis of the the immutable laws to see if they still hold true after 8 years.
Jesper M. Johansson
TechNet Magazine November 2008
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Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Romi Mahajan reflects on how technology has dramatically impacted community, but explains why there will always be a need for in-person meetings and events.
Romi Mahajan
TechNet Magazine November 2008
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Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Raymond Chen explains why Windows can but chooses not to replace a file that is currently in use.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine November 2008
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Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:00:00 GMT
The introduction of Hyper-V makes virtualization an even more compelling solution for IT environments. Get an overview of today’s virtualization market and see how Hyper-V improves the manageability, reliability, and security of virtualization
Rajiv Arunkundram
TechNet Magazine October 2008
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Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:00:00 GMT
System Center Virtual Machine Manager provides a consolidated interface for managing your virtual infrastructure. The latest version adds support for Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V, as well as for VMware virtual machines. Explore the new features and get an overview of using VMM to centralize your management tasks.
Edwin Yuen
TechNet Magazine October 2008
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Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) allows you to deliver virtualized desktops to client systems throughout your organization. This simplifies system management and liberates employees from their desktops. Take a close look at how App-V works and discover how you can deploy it in your organization.
Anthony Kinney
TechNet Magazine October 2008
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Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Consolidating servers onto fewer physical machines has many advantages, but it is extremely important that you plan for your systems to be highly available. Here’s a guide to using Windows Server 2008 Failover Clustering to bring high availability to your Hyper-V virtual machines.
Steven Ekren
TechNet Magazine October 2008
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Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Virtualization brings significant changes to disaster recovery. Here’s an introduction to how the Microsoft virtualization platform factors into your disaster recovery plan, as well as a deeper look into backup and restore options and considerations for Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V.
Adam Fazio
TechNet Magazine October 2008
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Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Is your infrastructure ready for virtualization? The Microsoft Assessment and Planning Toolkit, a network-wide infrastructure assessment tool, can help you better understand your IT infrastructure and determine whether your systems are ready for upgrade or migration to a variety of technologies, including virtualization.
Jay Sauls and Baldwin Ng
TechNet Magazine October 2008
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Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Joshua Hoffman
TechNet Magazine October 2008
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Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:00:00 GMT
TechNet Magazine October 2008
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Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine October 2008
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Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:00:00 GMT
In this installment, Paul Randal answers questions about backing up and restoring, looks at the differences between log shipping and database mirroring, and explains why the Repair function should only be used as a last resort.
Paul S. Randal
TechNet Magazine October 2008
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Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Virtual machines that are stored offline don’t automatically receive the necessary updates to keep them safe and compliant. This, in turn, can pose a risk to your entire IT environment. Find out how the free Offline Virtual Machine Servicing Tool lets you automate the process of updating virtual machines.
Peter Skjøtt Larsen and Suveen Kumar Reddy Vuppala
TechNet Magazine October 2008
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Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Ever wish Windows PowerShell would launch with a work environment tailored to your needs? Don Jones demonstrates how you can use profiles to customize the Windows PowerShell shell.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine October 2008
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Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:00:00 GMT
The Scripting Guys discuss Socrates and revisit the topic of querying an XML file . This time, however, the XML file is structured so that rather than using child nodes, additional property values are configured as attributes.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine October 2008
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Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Wes Miller delves into Windows Deployment Services, showing you how you can customize and configure WDS to meet the needs of your organization.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine October 2008
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Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:00:00 GMT
It's been about 8 years since "The 10 Immutable Laws of Security" were first published, and a lot has changed since then. This month, Jesper Johansson kicks off a three-part series in which he analyzes the laws from today's perspective to see if they still hold true.
Jesper M. Johansson
TechNet Magazine October 2008
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Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Gavin Jancke has developed a new bar code, using colors and triangles, that has much higher data capacity than traditional black and white bar codes. Take a closer look at these high-capacity color barcodes.
Gavin Jancke
TechNet Magazine October 2008
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Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Raymond Chen looks at the skewed relationship bugs have to errors, and explains why it's important that programmers suffer as well as give results.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine October 2008
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Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Many organizations rely on ISA Server 2006 to secure their environment, but few take the important step of securing ISA Server itself. Here’s a guide to using the Security Configuration Wizard and Administrative roles to limit its attack surface and secure your ISA Server 2006 implementation.
Alan Maddison
TechNet Magazine September 2008
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Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:12:47 GMT
Using the new TS Gateway feature, Windows Server 2008 enables users to access their desktops from anywhere, without using a VPN. Find out how you can publish the TS Gateway through ISA Server 2006 and extend the ISA Server 2006 publishing scenario to include client health enforcement.
Dr. Thomas W. Shinder and Yuri Diogenes
TechNet Magazine September 2008
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Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:12:47 GMT
The latest release of IIS introduces a modular and extensible platform with improved support for common deployment and management scenarios, enabling significant performance improvements. Here’s a look at 10 key areas in IIS 7.0 that provide these improvements.
Mike Volodarsky
TechNet Magazine September 2008
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Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:12:47 GMT
Many mobile professionals today need the line of business applications they use in the office (CRM, ERP, and the like) to be accessible from a mobile device when they are in the field. See how Windows Mobile and Mobile Device Manager allow you to deploy rich mobile functionality for critical line of business applications.
Matt Fontaine
TechNet Magazine September 2008
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Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:12:47 GMT
Shared and privileged account passwords are commonplace, but far too many organizations fail to adequately manage these shared passwords. This creates a serious security issue. Explore the risks involved with shared and privileged accounts, and discover better approaches to managing more secure passwords.
Chris Stoneff
TechNet Magazine September 2008
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Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:12:47 GMT
Joshua Hoffman
TechNet Magazine September 2008
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Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:12:47 GMT
TechNet Magazine September 2008
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Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:12:47 GMT
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine September 2008
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Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:12:47 GMT
In the September 2008 installment of Exchange Queue & A, we answer questions about calculating the number of Global Catalog servers you'll need, changing a server's site membership, and more.
Henrik Walther
TechNet Magazine September 2008
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Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:12:47 GMT
See how this free utility can help you determine whether problems you are experiencing while running Windows are caused by faulty memory.
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine September 2008
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Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:12:47 GMT
Pav Cherny discusses the limitations of the built-in Directory Management Service in SharePoint and explains how you can replace this component with a custom solution that lets you synchronize SharePoint recipient information with other directory solutions.
Pav Cherny
TechNet Magazine September 2008
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Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:12:47 GMT
Despite its object oriented nature, Windows PowerShell is also able to parse complicated strings. Don Jones demonstrates how you can do this in Windows PowerShell using Select-String.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine September 2008
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Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:12:47 GMT
Discover how you can use disconnected recordsets—virtual database tables—to work around VBScript limitations relating to data-sorting and working with large data sets.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine September 2008
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Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:12:47 GMT
In his third installment on Windows Deployment Services, Wes Miller explores features that enhance performance and scalability, logging, and command-line automation.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine September 2008
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Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:12:47 GMT
In the final part of this three part series, Jesper Johansson looks at how software vendors, security suites, and marketing efforts hinder true security efforts and he warns us about how these practices can lead to the collapse of the technology security ecosystem.
Jesper M. Johansson
TechNet Magazine September 2008
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Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:12:47 GMT
Romi Mahajan explains his theory of “Innovation from Within,” which emphasizes both human creativity and capital as keys to sustained comparative advantage.
Romi Mahajan
TechNet Magazine September 2008
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Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:12:47 GMT
Raymond Chen explains how a bit of diagnostic code unexpectedly brought the Windows 95 build to crawl.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine September 2008
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Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:12:47 GMT
Far too often, people who are not trained database administrators somehow end up responsible for a database. They lack the proper training and knowledge to maintain their database, and problems begin to develop. Here’s a primer for all those involuntary DBAs who need a crash course in database maintenance best practices.
Paul S. Randal
TechNet Magazine August 2008
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Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Your users are complaining that a server is running poorly—do you know where to look to diagnose the problem? PerfMon can be an indispensible tool for this as it has numerous diagnostic capabilities. Get an overview of the key indicators you should use to diagnose a variety of common bottlenecks that can slow down your servers.
Steven Choy
TechNet Magazine August 2008
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Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Windows PowerShell has been integrated into System Center Operations Manager 2007, offering a powerful way to perform and automate common administrative tasks. Get an overview of how you can use Windows PowerShell in OpsMgr to perform routine maintenance, manage agents, and more.
Marco Shaw
TechNet Magazine August 2008
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Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:00:00 GMT
The key to successfully scaling an ASP.NET application is having a collaborative effort between developers and network administrators, starting at the beginning of the application’s lifecycle. Find out what factors are necessary to scale an application, and see how this collaboration can help ensure the application will run as intended.
Richard Campbell
TechNet Magazine August 2008
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Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Joshua Hoffman
TechNet Magazine August 2008
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Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:00:00 GMT
TechNet Magazine August 2008
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Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine August 2008
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Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Paul Randal answers your SQL Server questions, showing you how to perform consistency checks and other maintenance on very large databases, how to handle an accidental upgrade, and more.
Paul S. Randal
TechNet Magazine August 2008
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Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Leftover Windows Installer configuration information can cause problems when you try to update or uninstall an application. You can solve the problem using the Windows Installer CleanUp utility, which can help you remove an application’s Windows Installer information and then reinstall the app.
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine August 2008
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Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Integrating SharePoint into a secure messaging environment is no trivial task, but the positive impact on productivity will make the project worth all the effort. Here is some guidance on how to troubleshoot issues that may arise when you’re setting up the environment.
Pav Cherny
TechNet Magazine August 2008
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Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Windows PowerShell 2.0 is in the works and the latest CTP provides some great new capabilities. Here’s a look at remoting—one of the most exciting new features you'll find in Windows PowerShell 2.0 CTP2.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine August 2008
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Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:00:00 GMT
With Windows Vista, the UserAccounts.CommonDialog ActiveX control for opening a file open dialog box no longer exists. Here's a look at how you can solve that problem using Visual Basic Express Edition.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine August 2008
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Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Explore the different versions of Windows Deployment Services, see how you can capture a custom OS image, and find out what you need for performing more automated installations.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine August 2008
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Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:00:00 GMT
In the second part of this three part series, Jesper Johansson looks at how software vendors, security suites, and marketing efforts hinder true security efforts and he warns us about how these practices can lead to the collapse of the technology security ecosystem.
Jesper M. Johansson
TechNet Magazine August 2008
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Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Understanding your power consumption is now an essential part of managing an IT infrastructure. Learn about the strategies you can employ to implement power monitoring in your environment to better understand the power consumption of devices throughout your organization.
Dave Ohara
TechNet Magazine August 2008
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Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Do you have e-mail saved in many different places, in different formats, and on different operating systems? Dara Korra’ti explains how you can access all your mail from one place using IMAP4.
R'ykandar Korra'ti
TechNet Magazine August 2008
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Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Raymond explains how the one-time powerful Alpha AXP system came out of retirement to help develop a new generation of 64-bit systems.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine August 2008
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Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:00:00 GMT
The release of Internet Information Services 7.0 sets new standards, offers fundamental improvements, and brings new capabilities for consolidating Web environments. Explore the most important enhancements and get an in-depth guide to testing, staging, and migrating your Web apps to IIS 7.0.
Fergus Strachan
TechNet Magazine July 2008
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Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Moving from a legacy voicemail system to a unified messaging platform can be done fairly easily and with little disruption to your end users—as long as you have a solid plan in place. Here’s what you need to know to plan your migration, test your new systems, and implement unified messaging in your organization.
Jeff Goodwin
TechNet Magazine July 2008
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Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Microsoft Office Communication Server brings important changes to enterprise telephony. Examine how voice calls are made layer by layer, learn how calls can be routed to various endpoints, and explore the importance of conversations in OCS communications.
Rajesh Ramanathan
TechNet Magazine July 2008
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Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Microsoft Office Groove and SharePoint Server both provide powerful collaboration capabilities. Compare how they differ from and complement one another, and find out how you can integrate Groove and SharePoint to provide an easy and flexible collaboration solution that will support users at different locations.
Alan Maddison
TechNet Magazine July 2008
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Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Users have complained for years that clustering in Windows Server is too complicated. With the release of Windows Server 2008, clustering received a complete facelift. Explore some of the most significant advancements found in the new Failover Clustering, and see how this new implementation makes clusters much easier to set up and maintain.
Chuck Timon
TechNet Magazine July 2008
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Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Joshua Hoffman
TechNet Magazine July 2008
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Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:00:00 GMT
TechNet Magazine July 2008
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Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine July 2008
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Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:00:00 GMT
When you're not using your PC, you shut it down. So why not do the same with your servers? Dave Ohara explores the strategy of powering down idle servers for significant reductions in power consumption.
Dave Ohara
TechNet Magazine July 2008
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Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Have questions about Exchange? In this installment, we answer questions about using Exchange with SharePoint, working with standby continuous replication, installing Exchange 2007 Mailbox servers on Windows Server 2008, and more.
Henrik Walther
TechNet Magazine July 2008
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Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Looking for a way to quickly collaborate with someone located in another city? Take a look at out how Microsoft SharedView, a free utility, lets you easily share documents and screens with members of a small group, even across physical boundaries.
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine July 2008
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Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Find out how Microsoft Office applications integrate and communicate with SharePoint, and explore ways you can integrate non-Microsoft applications with SharePoint using the same principles.
Pav Cherny
TechNet Magazine July 2008
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Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Don Jones discusses filtering functions, the pipeline, custom objects, and how ping-pong balls hold the secret to understanding Windows PowerShell.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine July 2008
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Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:00:00 GMT
The Scripting Guys discuss adrenaline-filled scripting and show you how the new boot configuration data store in Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 can be accessed using scripts.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine July 2008
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Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Explore the history of Remote Installation Services (RIS) and other PXE-related technologies used at Microsoft.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine July 2008
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Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:00:00 GMT
The first installment in a three part series looking at how common security-related advice and common practices are outdated and actually hinder security efforts.
Jesper M. Johansson
TechNet Magazine July 2008
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Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Examine vulnerabilities in today's U.S. election system and see how cryptography can be used to create fully verifiable election results.
Josh Benaloh
TechNet Magazine July 2008
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Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Microsoft Bob is a lot more prevalent than you might think. Raymond Chen explains how Microsoft Bob made its way into millions of homes.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine July 2008
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Tue, 10 Jun 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Security by obscurity involves taking measures that don't remove an attack vector but instead conceal it. Some argue that this is a bad practice while others claim that as part of a larger strategy, every bit counts. The debate is quite heated, and some of our finest security experts face off, explaining security by obscurity and presenting both sides of the debate.
Jesper M. Johansson and Roger Grimes
TechNet Magazine June 2008
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Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Michael Murgolo is back with an update to his Elevation PowerToys. You'll find enhanced Run as Administrator functionality that works with third-party scripting tools, a way to replace a handy Windows XP feature removed from Windows Vista, and many more useful tools.
Michael Murgolo
TechNet Magazine June 2008
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Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Windows Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008 introduce important changes to BitLocker, including support for data volumes and improved protection against cryptographic attacks. Byron Hynes explores the new features, demonstrates how to use BitLocker on a server, and discusses some of the recent media coverage affecting BitLocker.
Byron Hynes
TechNet Magazine June 2008
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Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
When you want to reduce the total cost of ownership of the desktop machines in your organization, application lockdown can be a great help, letting you limit IT issues related to unsupported applications. See how you can use software restriction policies and Group Policy to control the applications being run throughout your IT infrastructure.
Chris Corio and Durga Prasad Sayana
TechNet Magazine June 2008
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Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
The recent update to the Windows Vista Firewall offers some impressive new features that make it a compelling choice for the corporate environment. Jesper M. Johansson gives a brief overview of the evolution of the Windows Firewall and delves into enhancements—such as new rules and profiles, domain isolation, and encryption—that will have administrators taking a closer look.
Jesper M. Johansson
TechNet Magazine June 2008
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Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Secure Multi-Purpose Internet Mail Extensions let you hide information in transit, validate senders, and authenticate messages. Learn how to secure e-mail using digital certificates and how to troubleshoot problems you may encounter on your S/MIME system.
Matt Clapham and Blake Hutchinson
TechNet Magazine June 2008
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Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Joshua Hoffman
TechNet Magazine June 2008
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Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
TechNet Magazine June 2008
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Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine June 2008
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Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Why should you upgrade to Windows Vista? Among many reasons, the new security features make it a must-have. This article explores some of the major security features introduced in Windows Vista.
Anthony (A.J.) Smith and Ned Gnichtel
TechNet Magazine June 2008
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Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
The Microsoft datacenter located in Quincy, WA is powered entirely by hydroelectricity. Dave Ohara takes you on a tour of this facility and shares some best practices from the Microsoft datacenter team for building and operating a sustainable datacenter.
Dave Ohara
TechNet Magazine June 2008
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Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Paul Randal answers your SQL Server questions, showing you how to create corruption in a test database, helping you avoid a shrink-grow-shrink-grow cycle, and explaining how you can determine how many databases you can mirror before performance starts to degrade.
Paul S. Randal
TechNet Magazine June 2008
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Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Ready to upgrade the systems in your organization to Windows Vista? Find out how the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor can help you determine whether your systems are ready for Windows Vista and which versions they can support.
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine June 2008
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Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Explore the advantages and implications of delegating administrative control over SharePoint sites to individual departments while maintaining centralized administrative control over the SharePoint infrastructure.
Pav Cherny
TechNet Magazine June 2008
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Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Discover how the object-oriented nature of Windows PowerShell allows you to apply formatting to its output.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine June 2008
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Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
The Scripting Guys ponder hard work, true happiness, and outputting data to the command window in a readable tabular format.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine June 2008
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Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
IT professionals often find themselves with objectives that contradict one another. Take a look at how being compliant often comes at the expense of being less secure.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine June 2008
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Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
As IT departments play an increasingly important role in corporate environmental efforts, IT professionals are finding an opportunity to drive change and become thought leaders in their companies and industries. Here's an overview to becoming an effective thought leader for environmental and sustainability initiatives in your organization.
Michael Walsh and Eliza Walsh
TechNet Magazine June 2008
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Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Developed by Microsoft Research India, Split Screen allows two users to share a monitor while running separate instances of the OS on each side.
Kentaro Toyama
TechNet Magazine June 2008
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Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Raymond Chen fondly reminisces about working with the two worst computers ever made.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine June 2008
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Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Windows Server 2008 and the new Windows Server Backup utility bring many changes and welcome enhancements to backing up. Here is an in-depth guide to backing up and restoring Active Directory in the new server OS.
Gil Kirkpatrick
TechNet Magazine May 2008
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Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Too many administrators underestimate the importance of having a well-designed Organizational Unit structure. Find out why having a sound OU strategy is important and determine the best OU structure for your organization.
Ken St. Cyr
TechNet Magazine May 2008
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Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Many applications that rely on Active Directory define their own changes to the schema. But it's important that these changes don't impact other applications. Get an overview of extending the Active Directory through the classSchema and attributeSchema objects.
Vikas Malhotra
TechNet Magazine May 2008
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Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
The new System Center Mobile Device Manager provides a complete set of tools for managing Windows Mobile devices through an MMC snap-in or via Windows PowerShell. Find out how this vital tool will allow you to manage mobile devices, increase security, and deliver mobile VPN capabilities.
Matt Fontaine
TechNet Magazine May 2008
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Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Service Pack 1 introduces significant enhancements for System Center Essentials 2007. Explore some of the key changes that will improve the user experience and streamline administration.
Pete Zerger
TechNet Magazine May 2008
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Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Joshua Hoffman
TechNet Magazine May 2008
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Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
As the environment becomes a topic of increasing attention, many IT departments are looking for ways to reduce their energy consumption. In the first installment of our new online Sustainable Computing column, Dave Ohara discusses ways you can start to cut down on the amount of energy your organization consumes.
Dave Ohara
TechNet Magazine May 2008
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Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
For the 2008 Imagine Cup, students have been challenged to use technology to enable a sustainable environment. Finalists in the U.S. competition recently presented their solutions in Los Angeles, and TechNet Magazine was there to see the innovative ideas participants have come up with.
Mitch Irsfeld
TechNet Magazine May 2008
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Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Leaving your computer on when it's not in use is a waste of energy. Features like Sleep and Hibernate make it easy to power down your system when you're not using it, and these features are more reliable now than in previous versions of Windows. Here's a look at the differences between these features and some best practices for configuring them.
Mark Aggar, Megan Morrone, and Michael Walsh
TechNet Magazine May 2008
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Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Enforcing a power management strategy on the systems throughout your entire organization can add up to substantial savings. And Windows Vista includes 35 power management settings that you can configure and enforce with Group Policy. Here is some guidance for configuring some of the more common settings.
Mark Aggar, Pat Stemen, and Michael Walsh
TechNet Magazine May 2008
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Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
TechNet Magazine May 2008
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Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine May 2008
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Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
In this installment, we provide answers to your questions about Exchange Server 2007 SP1.
Nino Bilic
TechNet Magazine May 2008
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Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Explore the SharePoint Capacity Planning Tool and see how you can design a topology for deploying SharePoint and then revise that topology after running load and usage simulations.
Peter Skjøtt Larsen and Satish Mathew
TechNet Magazine May 2008
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Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
SharePoint is powerful, but its complexity can make deployment quite challenging. Our new SharePoint column can help. In this first installment, we give an overview of the SharePoint architecture and show you how to set up a basic SharePoint infrastructure with WSS 3.0.
Pav Cherny
TechNet Magazine May 2008
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Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Version 1 of Windows PowerShell offers less than impressive Active Directory management capabilities. Find out how you can use add-ins to get more powerful ways to work with Active Directory objects from within Windows PowerShell.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine May 2008
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Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
The scripting guys visit the Louvre, take up art criticism, and show you how to use regular expressions in a script to do a search and replace.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine May 2008
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Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Find out how the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and other elements of quantum physics can shed light on evolving security strategies. (Note: No cats were harmed in the writing of this article.)
Jesper M. Johansson
TechNet Magazine May 2008
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Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Why is everyone running as Administrator? Wes Miller looks at the risks of running as Administrator and explores the benefits of transitioning your users (including yourself) to running as Users.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine May 2008
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Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
What do you do when students outnumber the computers available in a classroom setting? Microsoft Research India has developed a solution, termed MultiPoint, that allows multiple mice to be used simultaneously on one computer.
Kentaro Toyama
TechNet Magazine May 2008
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Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
Raymond Chen looks at why Windows Vista doesn't support 16-bit icons, and wonders whether anybody has even noticed.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine May 2008
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Wed, 02 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT
The new version of SQL Server offers a host of new features and enhancements that promise to improve performance, increase security, and make life better for database administrators. Here’s an overview of the key changes and what you can expect from SQL Server 2008.
Randy Dyess
TechNet Magazine April 2008
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Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:00:00 GMT
Security continues to be an area of deliberate improvement for SQL Server. Explore some of the most important security-related changes you’ll find in SQL Server 2008, from encryption and authentication enhancements to Policy-Based Management and the new auditing system that will help with regulatory requirements.
Rick Byham
TechNet Magazine April 2008
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Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:00:00 GMT
SQL Server 2008 offers seven new built-in data types that let you work with more complex data and simplify the management of structured, semi-structured, and even unstructured data. Get an in-depth look at these new data types and find out how you can use them to improve data management in your infrastructure.
Kelly Wilson
TechNet Magazine April 2008
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Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:00:00 GMT
SQL Server 2008 offers more powerful relational data warehousing capabilities. Take a close look at key performancerelated data warehousing features and find out how you can use all this new technology to optimize query performance.
S. Agarwal, T. Grabs, and J. Hammer
TechNet Magazine April 2008
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Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:00:00 GMT
While locking is essential to support concurrent read and write activities on a database, blocking can adversely affect system performance. Learn how to optimize your SQL Server database to minimize blocking, and see how you can monitor the system to better understand how locking impacts performance.
Cherié Warren
TechNet Magazine April 2008
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Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:00:00 GMT
Many businesses still rely on Microsoft Access. Fortunately, Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 allows you to integrate legacy Access data. Explore how you can use these tools to build new solutions for your organization.
Peter Serzo
TechNet Magazine April 2008
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Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:00:00 GMT
Joshua Hoffman
TechNet Magazine April 2008
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Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:00:00 GMT
TechNet Magazine April 2008
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Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine April 2008
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Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:00:00 GMT
Find out how to grow databases programmatically, learn how to use IFilters, and explore firewall settings that support remote SQL Server connections.
Edited by Matthew Graven
TechNet Magazine April 2008
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Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:00:00 GMT
Web logs and traffic analysis can give you a good idea of the kind of traffic you can expect over time. But how can you determine what your infrastructure can handle? The free Web Capacity Analysis Tool can help you to see how your systems will perform under stress.
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine April 2008
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Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:00:00 GMT
Troubleshooting enforcement behaviors in the Network Access Protection platform can be challenging. The Cable Guy explains how NAP health policy evaluation works and how you can troubleshoot the most common issues.
Joseph Davies
TechNet Magazine April 2008
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Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:00:00 GMT
An overview of signing your scripts for improved security.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine April 2008
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Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:00:00 GMT
The AllSigned execution policy provides the most secure Windows PowerShell environment. So how do you sign your Windows PowerShell scripts? Don Jones shows you how.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine April 2008
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Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:00:00 GMT
Before you can effectively protect your Personally Identifiable Information, you must know where it’s stored on your PC. Here's a look at how to write scripts that will locate personal data stored on your computer. You just might be surprised at what these scripts uncover.
Frank Simorjay
TechNet Magazine April 2008
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Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:00:00 GMT
The Windows Automated Installation Kit was designed primarily for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. But did you know that it can also help you deploy Windows XP and Windows Server 2003? Here's what you need to know to get started.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine April 2008
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Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:00:00 GMT
See how the new Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) program can help companies deal with confusing software licensing issues when refurbishing old PCs.
Neil Fawcett
TechNet Magazine April 2008
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Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:00:00 GMT
"Are you sure you want to remove this shared file?" Raymond Chen explains why an uninstaller may ask this question when you remove a program.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine April 2008
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Wed, 05 Mar 2008 08:00:00 GMT
Dive in to our detailed tour of key changes in the Windows Server 2008 kernel that improve reliability, performance, and scalability. Find out how Windows Server 2008 makes better use of thread pools, streamlines recovery from hardware failures, improves virtualization with Hyper-V, and more.
Mark Russinovich
TechNet Magazine March 2008
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Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:00:00 GMT
Windows Server 2008 introduces some substantial enhancements to Active Directory Domain Services. Take a close look at how read-only domain controllers and Windows Server Core improve security in your environment, how the new Server Manager and revamped backup simplify management, and how the new auditing tools help ensure compliance.
Gil Kirkpatrick
TechNet Magazine March 2008
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Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:00:00 GMT
IIS 7.0 is packed with new features—too many to include in a single article. The new version builds on the solid, securityfocused design you got with IIS 6.0, providing enhancements that greatly improve the manageability and extensibility of the platform. Get an overview of some of the most important changes in IIS 7.0.
Isaac Roybal
TechNet Magazine March 2008
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Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:00:00 GMT
How do you allow network access to those who need it without sacrificing security? See how new technologies in Windows Server 2008, such as Windows Firewall with Advanced Security and Network Access Protection, let you implement a policy-based approach to help you achieve this goal. Ian Hameroff and Amith Krishnan 62 Configuring Roles with Server Manager A DNS server need not be a print server. One approach Windows Server 2008 takes to improve security and manageability is to simplify server roles so you can easily install only the tools and services you need, and nothing more. Here's an introduction to using Server Manager for configuring roles and simplifying deployments.
Ian Hameroff and Amith Krishnan
TechNet Magazine March 2008
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Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:00:00 GMT
A DNS server need not be a print server. One approach Windows Server 2008 takes to improve security and manageability is to simplify server roles so you can easily install only the tools and services you need, and nothing more. Here's an introduction to using Server Manager for configuring roles and simplifying deployments.
Byron Hynes
TechNet Magazine March 2008
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Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:00:00 GMT
It used to be that server administrators would install Windows Server manually using the CD or DVD and then spend several hours configuring the server. With the release of System Center Configuration Manager 2007 and the new Microsoft Deployment Toolkit, server administrators can now use the same tools that desktop administrators have been using for years to automate deployments.
Tim Mintner
TechNet Magazine March 2008
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Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:00:00 GMT
Auditing change is now a core responsibility for IT departments. It is an essential part of understanding and managing systems and data in a distributed environment. This article discusses common challenges, the landscape of compliance and regulation, some of the basics of auditing, and how you can create a comprehensive auditing strategy.
Rob Campbell and Joel Yoker
TechNet Magazine March 2008
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Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:00:00 GMT
Joshua Hoffman
TechNet Magazine March 2008
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Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:00:00 GMT
TechNet Magazine March 2008
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Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine March 2008
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Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:00:00 GMT
To help ISVs and customers gauge application compatibility, Microsoft created the "Works with Windows Server 2008" program. Here's a look at the free supporting test tools made available through the program that can help you ensure that applications will deliver a predictable experience.
Venkat Krishnamachari
TechNet Magazine March 2008
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Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:00:00 GMT
Getting ready to move to IPv6? The Cable Guy explains how you can use an IPv6 transition technology to get IPv6 connectivity and migrate to an IPv6-capable intranet.
Joseph Davies
TechNet Magazine March 2008
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Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:00:00 GMT
For your users with attention span issues—and even those without—providing status feedback in your scripts is a good idea. Here's all you need to know to provide status in Windows PowerShell.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine March 2008
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Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:00:00 GMT
The Scripting Guys demonstrate how you can change the last-modified date of a file with some script and the Shell object.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine March 2008
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Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:00:00 GMT
You've heard about the new Server Manager tool in Windows Server 2008. But the Security Configuration Wizard (SCW) is still available, as well. Find out why you will still want to use SCW.
Jesper M. Johansson
TechNet Magazine March 2008
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Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:00:00 GMT
Thin clients come and thin clients go, but there always seems to be some scenario that can benefit from them. Today, they're used in kiosks and in environments where Web browsing is all that is needed. Here's a look at how you can repurpose old hardware with a client app to save some money.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine March 2008
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Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:00:00 GMT
Here's a look at the importance of learning from the past in order to address the challenges that the future holds for IT.
Romi Mahajan
TechNet Magazine March 2008
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Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:00:00 GMT
Raymond Chen discusses the intriguing backstory of how naming conventions for non-final releases have changed. And he gives a gentle plea for companies to take beta testing more seriously.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine March 2008
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Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:00:00 GMT
Information is one of the most important assets in an enterprise. But it can be a challenge to manage the mountain of data being gathered through e-mail, Web-based forms, surveys, and other mechanisms. Here's a look at how the Microsoft Office system can help you integrate systems and make data more accessible.
Keith Deshaies
TechNet Magazine February 2008
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Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:13:27 GMT
Gathering and analyzing data is an essential part of business, but you need tools that will allow independent teams to collect the data they need, when they need it. Find out how you can use WSS 3.0, MOSS 2007, and InfoPath 2007 to build a complete and flexible survey solution that can be used throughout the enterprise.
Jim Bradley
TechNet Magazine February 2008
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Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:13:27 GMT
The vast number of disparate documents and other content items stored throughout a large organization can make it difficult to manage documents, their associated metadata, and their behaviors in a centralized and reusable way. Take a look at how you can use content types in SharePoint 2007 to simplify content management across the enterprise.
Pav Cherny
TechNet Magazine February 2008
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Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:13:27 GMT
Office Communications Server 2007 uses information about user availability to route communications to the most appropriate place—whether it's sending a voice call, a video conference, an e-mail message, or an IM. See how the OCS 2007 system uses presence to connect endpoints.
Rajesh Ramanathan
TechNet Magazine February 2008
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Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:13:27 GMT
Integrating Office Communications Server 2007 with an existing PBX system can be a challenging task. You need to select an integration scenario, understand call routing, know how to configure user settings, deal with number plans, and more. But don't worry. This overview will show you what you need to know.
Jochen Kunert and Rui Maximo
TechNet Magazine February 2008
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Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:13:27 GMT
Rather than relying on large specialized systems, high performance computing uses clusters of smaller, standard systems. Spreading the workload in this fashion offers an economical solution for solving complex problems quickly. Explore the compute cluster functionality and support provided by Windows Compute Cluster Server 2003.
John Kelbley and Doug Lindsey
TechNet Magazine February 2008
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Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:13:27 GMT
The 2007 Microsoft Office system includes design changes you must be aware of before deploying it in your Terminal Services server farm. This article gives you an overview of the changes.
James D. Silliman
TechNet Magazine February 2008
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Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:13:27 GMT
Joshua Hoffman
TechNet Magazine February 2008
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Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:13:27 GMT
TechNet Magazine February 2008
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Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:13:27 GMT
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine February 2008
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Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:13:27 GMT
Saleem Hakani and Dan Carollo
TechNet Magazine February 2008
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Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:13:27 GMT
With Windows Vista, the format for Group Policy templates has changed to an XML-based structure. The ADMX Migrator utility can convert your legacy ADM files into the new ADMX format, as well as help you easily create your own custom ADMX files.
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine February 2008
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Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:13:27 GMT
IEEE 802.1X authentication provides an additional security barrier for access to your intranet. See how Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 make it a snap to implement IEEE 802.1X authentication for your wired network.
Joseph Davies
TechNet Magazine February 2008
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Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:13:27 GMT
Permissions in Windows are, unfortunately, innately complicated. But Windows PowerShell can help. Get a quick overview of how permissions in Windows work and find out how you can simplify the task of working with them.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine February 2008
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Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:13:27 GMT
The Microsoft Scripting Guys go on and on about the 2008 Scripting Games, and they also show you how to create, append, and modify XML documents. By the way, have you heard about the 2008 Scripting Games?
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine February 2008
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Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:13:27 GMT
Unwanted security dependencies can expose your entire network to attacks. Find out how security dependencies work so you can analyze dependencies in your environment and resolve potential problems.
Jesper M. Johansson
TechNet Magazine February 2008
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Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:13:27 GMT
There are a number of advantages to booting Windows PE 2.0 from the same partition as Windows. Learn how to dual-boot Windows XP and Windows PE 2.0 from the same partition and explore the problems this can solve.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine February 2008
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Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:13:27 GMT
When you donate and reuse old hardware, you keep old hardware out of landfills-and that helps to preserve our environment. These tips can help you effectively delete personal data from your old computer equipment so it will be ready for reuse.
Jim Lynch
TechNet Magazine February 2008
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Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:13:27 GMT
Here's some history about how a couple of not so incredibly popular features disappeared.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine February 2008
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Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:13:27 GMT
Virtualization allows organizations to consolidate resources and save money. But as you begin to implement increasing numbers of virtual machines, you'll want a convenient way to manage them. Here's a guide to setting up Virtual Machine Manager and using it to perform administrative tasks from a centralized interface.
Edwin Yuen
TechNet Magazine January 2008
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Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:00 GMT
The latest version of Data Protection Manager offers many new features, delivering a powerful and flexible solution for managing your backups. Here's an overview of how DPM can protect everything from Exchange and SQL Server to branch offices and SharePoint sites.
Calvin Keaton
TechNet Magazine January 2008
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Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Software asset management is an essential task for every business—large or small. But with the amount of software businesses now purchase and deploy, getting a handle on those assets can feel next to impossible. Find out how the new Asset Inventory Service from Microsoft can help.
Paul Bourgeau
TechNet Magazine January 2008
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Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:00 GMT
ADM files are both necessary and often confusing. Don't let this slow your Group Policy efforts. This guided tour will help you better understand what's inside ADM files and the new ADMX format, which tools you can use to handle them, and how you can make the best use of these files.
Jeremy Moskowitz
TechNet Magazine January 2008
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Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:00 GMT
All Group Policy is not the same, and knowing the differences between types can help you fine-tune performance on your systems. Explore monolithic and functional GPs, learn how to process Group Policy, and find out what happens when Group Policy changes occur.
Darren Mar-Elia
TechNet Magazine January 2008
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Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:00 GMT
AGPM, or Advanced Group Policy Management, is a handy tool that lets you work with Group Policy Objects in ways that other tools don't. And it's now available to members of the Microsoft Software Assurance program. Check out how you can use AGPM to edit GPOs offline, delegate administration, track changes, and more.
Derek Melber
TechNet Magazine January 2008
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Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Joshua Hoffman
TechNet Magazine January 2008
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Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:00 GMT
TechNet Magazine January 2008
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Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine January 2008
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Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Have questions about Exchange Unified Messaging? We've got answers. In this installment of Exchange Queue & A, we focus on Unified Messaging, discussing how you can implement phone and fax features, offer high availability, set up voice prompts, and more.
Seema Rahman
TechNet Magazine January 2008
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Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:00 GMT
This free tool can simplify the migration of key applications from Windows XP to Windows Vista.
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine January 2008
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Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Windows Server 2008 includes many DNS server enhancements. Take a close look at how these updates make name resolution faster, improve support for IPv6, and add greater flexibility to DNS administration.
Joseph Davies
TechNet Magazine January 2008
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Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:00 GMT
When designing Windows PowerShell, a lot of thought was put into security. But, as with any software, Windows PowerShell can still be exposed to malicious code. Here are some recommendations for choosing an Execution Policy that will keep your systems more secure.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine January 2008
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Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Looking for a way to avoid making mistakes? Validation is a good start. Learn how to perform character pattern matching in a script using regular expressions.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine January 2008
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Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Security threats don't just come from e-mail and malicious Web sites. See how a USB thumb drive and some simple social engineering can be used to gain access to your entire network. And find out what you can do to keep your network more secure against this threat.
Jesper M. Johansson
TechNet Magazine January 2008
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Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:00 GMT
The new Windows SteadyState toolkit can help you improve security and simplify management of Windows XP systems in a shared-use environment? Take a guided tour to find out how.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine January 2008
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Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:00 GMT
When you're working on a project, don't underestimate the importance of setting aside time to think, plan, and prioritize.
Eric N. Bush
TechNet Magazine January 2008
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Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Hardware detection in the days before proper Plug and Play devices was a very scary undertaking. Find out why.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine January 2008
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Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Unlike the typical service pack, Exchange Server 2007 Service Pack 1 provides a lot more than just hotfixes and security updates. Here's an overview of some of the most important new features and capabilities SP1 has to offer.
Tony Smith
TechNet Magazine December 2007
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Mon, 05 Nov 2007 08:00:00 GMT
One of the most exciting features offered by Service Pack 1 is Standby Continuous Replication. Find out how this can help you improve uptime, limit data loss, and simplify e-mail maintenance and retention.
Scott Schnoll
TechNet Magazine December 2007
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Mon, 05 Nov 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Getting ready to run Exchange on Windows Server 2008? The Microsoft Exchange Development team has been doing this for a while now, and Paul Bowden shares some advice and lessons they've learned to help you get ready.
Paul Bowden
TechNet Magazine December 2007
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Mon, 05 Nov 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Combining voicemail, fax capabilities, and e-mail messaging into a single mailbox may seem like a daunting task. But it's easier than you think. Here's a guide to deploying unified messaging in your organization.
Jeff Goodwin
TechNet Magazine December 2007
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Mon, 05 Nov 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Learn about easy, cheap approaches to computer forensics that mainstream administrators can use for basic investigations.
Tom Cloward and Frank Simorjay
TechNet Magazine December 2007
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Mon, 05 Nov 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Microsoft gathers a lot of data on security threats faced by computer users. Get an overview of recent trends, how various versions of Windows have been performing, which regions of the world are most affected, and more.
Tim Rains
TechNet Magazine December 2007
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Mon, 05 Nov 2007 08:00:00 GMT
You've got a machine that isn't communicating with other machines for no obvious reason. These tips can help you quickly diagnose and repair the problem.
Christopher Stoneff
TechNet Magazine December 2007
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Mon, 05 Nov 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Joshua Hoffman
TechNet Magazine December 2007
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Mon, 05 Nov 2007 08:00:00 GMT
TechNet Magazine December 2007
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Mon, 05 Nov 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine December 2007
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Mon, 05 Nov 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Edited by Nancy Michell
TechNet Magazine December 2007
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Mon, 05 Nov 2007 08:00:00 GMT
This free utility and electronic questionnaire can help mid-sized organizations identify and resolve network security risks.
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine December 2007
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Mon, 05 Nov 2007 08:00:00 GMT
The Network Policy Server (NPS) service in Windows Server 2008 replaces the Internet Authentication Service used in Windows Server 2003 and brings numerous enhancements, from the ability to enforce system health requirements to improved management capability.
Joseph Davies
TechNet Magazine December 2007
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Mon, 05 Nov 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Windows PowerShell provides many features that often get overlooked. By taking a methodical approach to exploring Windows PowerShell cmdlets, you will unearth some powerful capabilities that you haven't yet noticed.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine December 2007
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Mon, 05 Nov 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Did the butler do it? Was it in the pantry with the candlestick? None of these questions are answered here. But after four long weeks, the Scripting Guys are back with Part 2 of their two-part series on WinRM.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine December 2007
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Mon, 05 Nov 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Until now, Windows has allowed only a single password policy per domain. Windows Server 2008, however, lets administrators implement multiple password policies, tailoring different policies for various types of users.
Derek Melber
TechNet Magazine December 2007
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Mon, 05 Nov 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Thinking about virtualization? If not, you should be. Find out what you need to know to deploy virtual systems, what to avoid, and how virtualization works under the covers.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine December 2007
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Mon, 05 Nov 2007 08:00:00 GMT
IT has become "consumerized" as technology and perceptions in personal life have merged with technology and perceptions in professional life. And the effects on both business and personal life are profound.
Romi Mahajan
TechNet Magazine December 2007
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Mon, 05 Nov 2007 08:00:00 GMT
A look at how the DirectInput force feedback joystick interface specifies periodic forces—and some of the unexpected results.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine December 2007
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Mon, 05 Nov 2007 08:00:00 GMT
It's a common problem—how do you let users work with files stored on the network, when they have unreliable or no connectivity, and still avoid versioning issues? Such continuity is essential to providing a seamless experience. Discover how improvements in Windows Vista provide a better approach to working with offline files.
Jeremy Moskowitz
TechNet Magazine November 2007
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Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Don't have SMS 2003? Don't worry, there's another solution for creating simple desktop deployments. Here's an in-depth guide to using BDD 2007 and SQL Server to create scalable deployments that require little or no manual input.
Adam Shepherd
TechNet Magazine November 2007
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Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Exchange Edge Transport servers can help you create a more reliable and secure messaging environment. We showed you how to configure these servers in Part 1, now we'll take you through some detailed examples of how key features help improve your messaging environment.
Kay Unkroth
TechNet Magazine November 2007
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Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMT
A virtual private network can provide improved connectivity and increased productivity—and it doesn't need to be difficult to implement and manage. Find out how you can use ISA Server 2006 to address two common VPN scenarios.
Alan Maddison
TechNet Magazine November 2007
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Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMT
When you optimize database performance, tuning individual queries is as important as tuning server hardware and software configurations. Even one runaway query can bring a database to its knees. Here's a guide to generating, analyzing, and tweaking execution plans to optimize the performance of your SQL Server queries.
Maciej Pilecki
TechNet Magazine November 2007
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Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Joshua Hoffman
TechNet Magazine November 2007
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Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine November 2007
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Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMT
In this month's installment, the Exchange team discusses Transport Layer Security for SMTP, how to prevent spoofed NDRs from clogging up your queues, and how to tackle various installation challenges.
Nino Bilic and Scott Landry
TechNet Magazine November 2007
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Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Find out how you can start using Windows PowerShell cmdlets to manage SMS 2003 clients from the command line.
Don Brown
TechNet Magazine November 2007
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Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Single Sign On offers many advantages for both end users and administrators. Here's a look at how Single Sign On can simplify implementation of wireless authentication for your network.
Joseph Davies
TechNet Magazine November 2007
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Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Take a look at how the eScience team in Microsoft Research is collaborating with medical researchers and using high performance computing to help find a cure for HIV.
Kristin Firth and Mia Matusow
TechNet Magazine November 2007
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Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMT
With a well-written regular expression, a Windows PowerShell script can determine whether or not data conforms to a valid format. Get an overview of how you can use Regular Expressions in Windows PowerShell.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine November 2007
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Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMT
The Scripting Guys demonstrate how to use Windows Remote Management to retrieve the properties and instances of classes on a remote computer. Oh, and there's a cool puzzle too.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine November 2007
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Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Explore network and security design considerations for an anywhere-access solution using Terminal Service components, and learn some practical methods and best practices for creating a solution with Windows Server 2008.
John Morello
TechNet Magazine November 2007
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Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Myths about the pitfalls of defragmentation have prevented many an administrator from performing this important maintenance task. Find out which problems are real, which ones are unlikely, and how you can avoid them.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine November 2007
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Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMT
When community members start acting, perhaps you just need a big fish. See how social engineering helped to save Live QnA.
Betsy Aoki
TechNet Magazine November 2007
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Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Ever wonder why you need a miniature file system driver built into those critical boot files?
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine November 2007
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Mon, 08 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Companies around the world are beginning to think of ways to save energy and reduce costs, yet there is little guidance on how you can take action. Get started with our introduction to planning, designing, and implementing a green datacenter in your organization.
Dave Ohara
TechNet Magazine October 2007
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Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Active Directory provides a great deal of flexibility for supporting a large or decentralized environment, but maintaining the integrity of your data can be challenging. Active Directory replication defines how updates are communicated throughout your environment and how conflicts are resolved. Here's what you need to know to meet the challenge.
Laura E. Hunter
TechNet Magazine October 2007
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Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:00:00 GMT
With System Center Configuration Manager 2007, you'll find a completely new mechanism for dealing with update management that ensures better compliance and enforcement on each client. Learn how this improved approach can help you get all of your machines up-to-date.
Steve Rachui
TechNet Magazine October 2007
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Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:00:00 GMT
How does Microsoft ensure delivery of legitimate messages to employees while keeping the flood of malicious content away from the messaging envrionment? One way is by deploying Exchange Server 2007 Edge Transport servers and Forefront Security for Exchange Server. Find out how these technologies can keep your organization safe.
Kay Unkroth
TechNet Magazine October 2007
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Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:00:00 GMT
The key to healthy CPU utilization on your database server is to make sure that the CPU is spending its time processing what you want it to process rather than wasting cycles on poorly optimized code or sluggish hardware. Here are some tips for getting the most out of SQL Server and your hardware.
Zach Nichter
TechNet Magazine October 2007
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Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Joshua Hoffman
TechNet Magazine October 2007
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Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine October 2007
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Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Edited by Nancy Michell
TechNet Magazine October 2007
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Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:00:00 GMT
The Virtual Server 2005 interface is a Web application, offering the conveniences of Web-based management. But sometimes you want a rich UI that behaves like a Windows application.VMRCplus gives you an alternative UI that offers easy configuration management and remote control of virtual machines, all from within a single application.
Matthijs ten Seldam
TechNet Magazine October 2007
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Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:00:00 GMT
What's the best way to justify IT infrastructure investments? Government IT organizations use a concept of public good. Find out how they use public value to articulate their business cases.
Acer Maamoun
TechNet Magazine October 2007
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Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:00:00 GMT
The Internet Key Exchange protocol and Authenticated Internet Protocol are both used to determine keying material and negotiate security parameters for IPsec-protected communications. Get an in-depth look at how they work.
Joseph Davies
TechNet Magazine October 2007
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Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Have you put off using Windows PowerShell because you don't have time to learn how to script. Don't worry. Here's a look at how you can start using Windows PowerShell immediately, without writing a lick of code.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine October 2007
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Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Silverlight makes it easy to create cool user interfaces and multimedia presentations. And it seems to work well in HTML Applications, or HTAs. The Scripting Guys show you how to give Silverlight a try.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine October 2007
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Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Some people have been skeptical of the cryptographic functionality built into Windows Vista. Here's a look at the design philosophies that went into BitLocker and why it should be taken seriously.
Justin Troutman
TechNet Magazine October 2007
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Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Dive into ImageX, finding out about changes for Windows Server 2008 and the right way to use command switches when creating or updating WIM files.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine October 2007
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Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:00:00 GMT
With its relatively unknown Community Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher program, Microsoft supports projects that improve education, create jobs, and enable sustainable economic opportunities for underserved communities.
Jim Lynch
TechNet Magazine October 2007
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Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Why does using Dr. Watson to take a memory dump of Winlogon bring down the entire system? This isn’t an accident. Explore the world of Task Manager and critical system files to find out why.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine October 2007
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Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Your organization is ready to migrate from Windows 2000 or Windows XP to Windows Vista, and the project is your responsibility. Don’t fret. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how you can use the Business Desktop Deployment 2007 Solution Accelerator to simplify your Windows Vista deployment.
Michael Niehaus
TechNet Magazine September 2007
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Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Backup is something many people ignore until it’s too late. But there’s no excuse for this, especially now that the new Windows Vista Backup and Restore Center offers a variety of features that make it easy to protect your data against most forms of data loss. Find out how you can plan a complete recovery strategy with Windows Vista.
Christine Fok
TechNet Magazine September 2007
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Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT
In a large organization, even the most common Active Directory tasks, such as adding and modifying objects, can be tedious and time-consuming. These 11 tools can make Active Directory management a lot easier.
Laura E. Hunter
TechNet Magazine September 2007
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Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT
There are a few essential tricks and tools that should be included in every Active Directory disaster-recovery plan. Tombstone reanimation is one of these techniques, offering the only way to recover deleted objects without taking a domain controller off line. Here’s a guide to finding and recovering tombstones in Active Directory.
Gil Kirkpatrick
TechNet Magazine September 2007
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Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Unified communication is here. Take a tour of the Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 and find out how integrated messaging, voice, video, and conferencing features can help to improve productivity and enhance long-distance collaboration in your organization.
Alan Maddison
TechNet Magazine September 2007
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Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Joshua Trupin
TechNet Magazine September 2007
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Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT
TechNet Magazine September 2007
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Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine September 2007
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Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Edited by Nancy Michell
TechNet Magazine September 2007
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Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT
The typical Windows defrag tool can optimize most of the files on your hard drive. But certain items, such the Windows page file and Registry hives, are beyond the powers of most defragging tools. This utility, created by Mark Russinovich for Sysinternals, saves the day by defragging the files that are left untouched by other tools.
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine September 2007
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Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT
A multihomed host provides enhanced connectivity by simultaneously connecting to multiple networks. However, services running on multihomed hosts have an increased vulnerability to being attacked. To help you prevent attack, here’s a look at the various host models of multihomed hosts and how they are supported in Windows.
Joseph Davies
TechNet Magazine September 2007
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Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT
When designing Windows PowerShell, Microsoft gave security a leading role. And it shows. Take a look at some of the key security features and settings, such as credential handling and execution policies, that ensure Windows PowerShell won’t fall game to the same problems that VBScript enabled.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine September 2007
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Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Relational databases are designed to handle one-to-many relationships. This can make writing scripts that query these databases a bit tricky. But don’t worry—the Scripting Guys are here to show you everything you need to know.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine September 2007
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Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Learn how you can use message journaling to monitor e-mail in your company, find out if Office 2003 users can use Unified Messaging, examine storage options for your Exchange 2007 implementation, get answers about connecting to Exchange 2007 with older versions of Outlook, and more.
KC Lemson and Nino Billic
TechNet Magazine September 2007
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Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT
For as much coverage as it gets, there are still a lot of questions and misconceptions about User Account Control. Here’s a frank discussion about what UAC is, what it is not, and how it should affect the way you manage systems.
Jesper M. Johansson
TechNet Magazine September 2007
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Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Windows Vista offers some valuable tools that make system recovery quite easy. But for large, diversified organizations, out-of-the box solutions don’t usually work. If you’re in a large company that needs to build customized self-recovery solutions, don’t miss this discussion about building your own recovery solution with Windows PE.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine September 2007
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Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Good user education is critical to keeping issues to a minimum. So don’t forget the importance of providing casual training sessions and roaming the halls to see if anyone has questions they wouldn’t bring up otherwise.
Michael Dragone
TechNet Magazine September 2007
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Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT
The Known DLLs feature was included in Windows as a way to improve performance. Find out how it works, and take a close look at how this feature has changed over time.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine September 2007
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Wed, 01 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Systems management is about to get a lot easier. Take a guided tour of System Center Configuration Manager 2007 and see how it can simplify key tasks, such as deploying software updates, managing mobile devices, and maintaining system configurations.
John Orefice
TechNet Magazine August 2007
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Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Branch distribution points, one of the new features in Configuration Manager 2007, might appear at first to be a fairly minor addition. But if you take a closer look, you’ll find that it offers new, indispensible capabilities for managing software distribution to branch offices.
Steve Rachui
TechNet Magazine August 2007
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Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Designed specifically for midsized businesses, System Center Essentials offers a unified solution for monitoring, managing, and troubleshooting systems. Here’s a detailed guide to installing and configuring Essentials 2007 for your network.
David Mills
TechNet Magazine August 2007
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Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Operations Manager 2007, the newest incarnation of MOM, introduces some major improvements, including new management interfaces, better reporting, support for line-of-business applications, new security options, and more.
Pete Zerger
TechNet Magazine August 2007
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Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Ready to make the switch to Operations Manager 2007? Due to architectural changes, there’s no simple in-place upgrade path from a previous version of MOM. Instead, follow one of the migration plans presented here.
Andy Dominey
TechNet Magazine August 2007
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Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Virtualized applications offer numerous benefits, from improved user experience to simplified system administration. Get a detailed overview of how Microsoft SoftGrid delivers virtual applications, how it can fit into your infrastructure, and how it can save your company time and money.
Ahmer Sabri and Kedar Shah
TechNet Magazine August 2007
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Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Joshua Trupin
TechNet Magazine August 2007
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Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine August 2007
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Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Edited by Nancy Michell
TechNet Magazine August 2007
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Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Wouldn’t it be great if you could see everything you need to know about a PC—its name, IP address, gateway, free disk space, and so on—in a single place. You can, with this free tool from Sysinternals.
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine August 2007
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Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:00:00 GMT
There's more to IPv6 than just extending the address space from 32 bits to 128 bits. Here's a look at how IPv6 hosts can automatically configure themselves, even without the use of an address configuration protocol.
Joseph Davies
TechNet Magazine August 2007
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Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:00:00 GMT
The pipeline isn't just for cmdlets. Take a look at how you can use the Windows PowerShell pipeline to add handy filtering capabilities to your scripts.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine August 2007
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Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:00:00 GMT
With Active Directory, users can have a variety of identities, such as givenName, displayName, userPrincipalName, or distinguishedName. As a system administrator, how do you get all this information about a user? With a script, of course.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine August 2007
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Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:00:00 GMT
In Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, the Windows PKI platform offers support for advanced algorithms, real time validity checking, and better manageability. Check out the new PKI features and see how they can be used to lower costs while improving security.
John Morello
TechNet Magazine August 2007
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Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:00:00 GMT
The Remote Desktop Protocol, which allows you to access machines remotely, is a useful piece of technology that gets better with every version of Windows. Get an overview of Remote Desktop, looking at many of the benefits and limitations it has to offer.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine August 2007
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Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:00:00 GMT
You have one position to fill and a large stack of resumes from around the globe. How do you quickly narrow your search? The answer may be to do interviews over IM. Here's one developer's success story.
Nathan G. Jensen
TechNet Magazine August 2007
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Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Why can't you copy a list of files in Windows Explorer and then paste them as text to get their file names? The Windows team tried to include this functionality, but it didn't work as planned.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine August 2007
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Mon, 02 Jul 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Exchange Server 2007 includes an array of options to support high availability and disaster recovery. Explore the alternatives Exchange has to offer and plan the ideal recovery solution for your organization.
Lee Benjamin
TechNet Magazine July 2007
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Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
While smartphones and PDAs offer access to the network from outside the office, they can also expose the network to new vulnerabilities. Here’s a guide to how Windows Mobile 6 and Exchange Server can help protect your company’s mobile devices and infrastructure.
Matt Fontaine
TechNet Magazine July 2007
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Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
MOSS 2007 provides a far more powerful solution for sharing data than Exchange public folders, offering enhanced capabilities and easier administration. Take a look at how you can use SharePoint for sharing calendars, contacts, and documents.
Alan Maddison
TechNet Magazine July 2007
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Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
One of the most vulnerable links in the security chain has to do with weak, easily compromised passwords. Learn how you can improve e-mail security by implementing two-factor smart card authentication for your mobile users.
Victor Akinnagbe, Ted Dressel, and Jason Opdycke
TechNet Magazine July 2007
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Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
How do you secure the desktop against malicious ActiveX controls without limiting application compatibility? We’ll take you on a tour of the ActiveX Installer Service (AxIS) in Windows Vista that addresses this issue with a new way to manage ActiveX controls.
Rob Campbell and Joel Yoker
TechNet Magazine July 2007
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Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Joshua Trupin
TechNet Magazine July 2007
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Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine July 2007
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Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Edited by Nancy Michell
TechNet Magazine July 2007
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Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Seeing the whole SMS hierarchy as a picture can help you quickly understand how your infrastructure is laid out. This handy tool automates creation of your infrastructure diagram in Visio via COM.
Jeff Tondt
TechNet Magazine July 2007
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Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Ever been confused by cryptic remote procedure call errors? Take a look at some common errors, techniques you can use to identify errors, and solutions to specific problems.
Zubair Alexander
TechNet Magazine July 2007
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Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Before implementing IPv6 support on your intranet, you need to understand how it is supported over VPN connections. Here's a detailed look at what you need to know.
Joseph Davies
TechNet Magazine July 2007
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Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Don't mistake the pipeline in Windows PowerShell for the UNIX pipeline. The Windows PowerShell pipeline is responsible for far different and far more powerful functionality.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine July 2007
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Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
For scripts that run in a graphical environment, looks are as important as function and performance. Explore techniques for using cascading style sheets to improve the look of your scripts.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine July 2007
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Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Find out how the Edge and Hub Transport server roles differ, take a look at how the setup process has changed for Exchange 2007, find and read the setup logs, and more.
KC Lemson and Nino Bilic
TechNet Magazine July 2007
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Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Managing ACLs can be one of the more complicated aspects of protecting the security of your users' systems. Here are some useful utilities to help automate and simplify these tasks.
Jesper M. Johansson
TechNet Magazine July 2007
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Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Microsoft Desktop Optimization Pack brings together a number of valuable utilities that Microsoft has recently acquired—and one that was built internally. Explore all of its components and see how they can save your IT department a lot of time.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine July 2007
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Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Did you know that besides disabling drivers, Windows safe mode repairs problems that can be repaired automatically? Find out why?
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine July 2007
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Thu, 28 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
User Account Control, or UAC, is one of the most misunderstood new features in Windows Vista. But its goal—to enable users to run with standard user rights—can solve many security issues. Get an inside look at the problems UAC is designed to address and see exactly how this new feature works.
Mark Russinovich
TechNet Magazine June 2007
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Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
BitLocker serves two very important purposes: it provides both full-volume data encryption and a way to validate the integrity of early startup components before Windows Vista starts. Get an overview of how BitLocker works and see how it can help you protect your organization.
Byron Hynes
TechNet Magazine June 2007
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Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Mobility has changed computer threats and the techniques that guard against them. As laptops wander outside the perimeter and come back to the network, you need better ways to protect your systems. Find out how you can use Windows Firewall to protect your computers—on the Internet and on your own internal network.
Steve Riley
TechNet Magazine June 2007
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Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
While ACLs haven’t had a major overhaul, there are a number of important changes you need to know about when managing ACLs in a Windows Vista environment. Discover how 30 ACLs have changed to improve security, find out how they will impact your organization, and learn how to manage these changes in your infrastructure.
Jesper M. Johansson
TechNet Magazine June 2007
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Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
USB thumb-disk keys and other removable devices can make your personal life easier but your professional life harder. For improved security, you need a way to control what hardware devices your users are installing on their work systems. Now you can use Group Policy to control which devices they can use and which ones they can’t.
Jeremy Moskowitz
TechNet Magazine June 2007
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Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Most businesses share similar security issues. In today’s connected world, there are four general types of security tools that every organization absolutely must have. Find out what these tools are and explore how the technologies involved may work together in the future to create the ideal security solution.
Matt Clapham and Todd Thompson
TechNet Magazine June 2007
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Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Certificates are a key component in your infrastructure— when one expires, productivity can come to a halt. If you rely on a Microsoft PKI environment, the new Identity Lifecycle Manager Certificate Management (ILM-CM) solution can help keep things running smoothly. Find out how this tool can help you improve authentication processes and reduce certificate management costs.
Kevin Dallmann
TechNet Magazine June 2007
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Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Joshua Trupin
TechNet Magazine June 2007
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Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine June 2007
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Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Edited by Nancy Michell
TechNet Magazine June 2007
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Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
While User Account Control offers an important improvement in security, the ability to elevate permissions is essential for accomplishing certain administrative tasks and functions. Here are some Elevation PowerToys that make elevation more flexible and powerful.
Michael Murgolo
TechNet Magazine June 2007
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Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
The VPN protocols in Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 don’t work for some configurations. Get an in depth look at the various issues and see how Windows Server “Longhorn” and Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 will use the Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol to solve these problems.
Joseph Davies
TechNet Magazine June 2007
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Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Windows PowerShell doesn't provide a Get-ADSIObject cmdlet, but that doesn't prevent it from ogffering strong ADSI support. Get an introduction to type adapters and learn how you can use Windows PowerShell to work with directiory objects.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine June 2007
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Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Looking for an easier way to add terms to the Microsoft Word dictionary without doing it by hand, one word at a time? Who isn't? This month, the Scripting Guys show you how to create custom dictionaries in Microsoft Word, and how to programmatically configure Word to use those dictionaries.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine June 2007
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Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
It’s surprising how often important data is lost. But the reality is that information is lost because people fail to protect it. Explore the important steps you can and must take to secure your organization's data.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine June 2007
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Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Getting developers to build more manageable applications is easier than you think. It all starts with communication. Developers see software differently than administrators. But by talking to developers, administrators can explain what is important to them and developers can do a better job designing code accordingly.
David Aiken
TechNet Magazine June 2007
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Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Imagine buying a new computer, firing up Windows, clicking the Start button, and seeing a blank menu. There's a reason why the Start menu includes applications in the most frequently used spot before you've used anything--to provide a good out-of-box experience. Find out how these apps are chosen.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine June 2007
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Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
TechNet Magazine June 2007
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Mon, 11 Jun 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Mobile messaging has changed the way people work, and this change has made the security of mobile devices a greater concern. Get an overview of how Exchange Server 2007 improves the user experience and helps you manage an increasingly mobile workforce.
Yee-Chen Tjie
TechNet Magazine May 2007
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Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:00:00 GMT
The need to protect corporate assets and ensure regulatory compliance imposes a significant burden on IT departments. Find out how new features in Exchange Server 2007 can help you safeguard data and maintain regulatory compliance.
Alan Maddison
TechNet Magazine May 2007
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Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Looking for a Web-based provisioning system? Find out how you can use MIISWorkflow to build an automated, singlestep user provisioning system based on Microsoft Identity Lifecycle Manager 2007.
Aung Oo
TechNet Magazine May 2007
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Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Windows PowerShell is set to make your job significantly easier. See how GPMC APIs written for Windows Scripting Host languages can be consumed directly from Windows PowerShell, greatly simplifying the way you manage Group Policy.
Thorbjörn Sjövold
TechNet Magazine May 2007
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Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:00:00 GMT
There are numerous advantages to running your organization’s applications centrally, and getting started is now surprisingly easy. Here’s what you need to know in order to enable Terminal Services on Windows Server 2003 and implement Terminal Services throughout your organization.
James D. Silliman
TechNet Magazine May 2007
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Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Joshua Trupin
TechNet Magazine May 2007
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Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:00:00 GMT
TechNet Magazine May 2007
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Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine May 2007
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Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Edited by Nancy Michell
TechNet Magazine May 2007
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Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Upgrading to Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 can pose challenges if you use customized sites and templates. Explore a new Solution Accelerator that provides tools and guidance to help you get the job done.
Luis Câmara Manoel and Peter Skjøtt Larsen
TechNet Magazine May 2007
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Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:00:00 GMT
With today’s squeeze on IT, you need to justify most any IT purchase or investment. You’ll need a business case that includes the right information and is presented in the right way. Find out how to create a successful business case so you can get the go-ahead on your next IT project.
Stephen Ibaraki
TechNet Magazine May 2007
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Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:00:00 GMT
The Extensible Authentication Protocol, which is a framework that enables extensibility for authentication methods, has had certain limitations on previous Windows platforms. Examine how the EAPHost architecture in Windows Vista and Windows Server “Longhorn” addresses these limitations.
Joseph Davies
TechNet Magazine May 2007
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Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Windows Management Instrumentation is an incredibly useful technology for exposing system information. Find out how Windows PowerShell can make WMI infinitely easier to learn and use.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine May 2007
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Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Ever wonder how you could send values to and from a dialog box in an HTML Application (HTA)? Here’s an explanation of how to create a dialog box and then pass information back and forth between the dialog box and the main HTA.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine May 2007
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Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Learn how to manage OWA timeout rules with the Exchange Management Shell, take a close look at .pst files, explore new Exchange 2007 security groups, and more.
KC Lemson and Nino Bilic
TechNet Magazine May 2007
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Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Rogue devices being used behind the network perimeter pose a serious security risk. Microsoft Network Access Protection provides a flexible architecture for organizations of all sizes to protect themselves from non-compliant computers brought on to the network by employees, vendors, and visitors.
John Morello
TechNet Magazine May 2007
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Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:00:00 GMT
Get an update on Windows Deployment Services, or WDS, which will ship with Windows Server "Longhorn," and get answers to some frequently asked questions pertaining to ImageX, WDS, and Windows PE.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine May 2007
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Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:00:00 GMT
As your career advances and your responsibilities change, you may suddenly discover one day that you’re not actually administering a system or managing an infrastructure. Just don’t forget to spend hands-on time with the latest technologies, as this is the best way to keep at the top of your game.
Joshua Hoffman
TechNet Magazine May 2007
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Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:00:00 GMT
How does Windows determine the list of frequently used programs that appears on the Start menu? The concept started with a simple premise that soon required a lot of fine tuning. Here’s an inside look at the logic behind the design of this feature.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine May 2007
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Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:00:00 GMT
In this issue, we wrap up our in-depth discussion about what’s new in the Windows Vista kernel. In this final installment, we look at changes and new features pertaining to reliability, recovery, and security.
Mark Russinovich
TechNet Magazine April 2007
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Tue, 06 Mar 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Data recovery in Active Directory can be very complex, yet it’s essential that you have a recovery plan in order. We show you how Active Directory stores, deletes, restores, and replicates objects so you can be prepared the next time a user or group membership is accidentally deleted.
Gil Kirkpatrick
TechNet Magazine April 2007
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Tue, 06 Mar 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Though you may not know it, Windows XP Embedded could be a great fit for your organization’s IT lineup. Find out how Windows XP Embedded can lower your administrative overhead, save you money, and improve security.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine April 2007
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Tue, 06 Mar 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Insufficient hardware leads to poor response times while too much hardware is a waste of budget and administration resources. Learn how you can use the System Center Capacity Planner to model your network and accurately estimate your infrastructure needs.
John Savill
TechNet Magazine April 2007
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Tue, 06 Mar 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Out of the box, Microsoft Systems Management Server 2003 collects a lot of information, but it doesn’t collect nearly as much as you may need. Find out how the right combination of scripting, WMI, and SMS knowledge can help you expand SMS inventories to collect and report almost any morsel of information.
Wes Dobry
TechNet Magazine April 2007
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Tue, 06 Mar 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Systems Management Server 2003 R2 lets you use managedupdate features to deploy custom updates. Explore two new tools—the Inventory Tool for Custom Updates and the Custom Updates Publishing Tool—and see how they can help you deploy your own updates as well as updates from thirdparty developers.
Steve Rachui
TechNet Magazine April 2007
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Tue, 06 Mar 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Joshua Trupin
TechNet Magazine April 2007
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Tue, 06 Mar 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine April 2007
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Tue, 06 Mar 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Edited by Nancy Michell
TechNet Magazine April 2007
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Tue, 06 Mar 2007 08:00:00 GMT
The vast number of apps that run automatically at system start up can be a source of endless headaches. But with Autoruns, you can investigate every app that runs automatically, letting you troubleshoot conflicts, track down malware, and free up system resources.
Lance Whitney
TechNet Magazine April 2007
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Tue, 06 Mar 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Discover how you can use Group Policy to centrally configure and distribute wireless network settings to all the computers in your Active Directory network.
Joseph Davies
TechNet Magazine April 2007
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Tue, 06 Mar 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Windows PowerShell provides easy access to a wide range of data. In its raw state, however, this data isn’t ready for typical business purposes. Learn how to customize the data you gather by filtering, specifying properties, and applying formatting.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine April 2007
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Tue, 06 Mar 2007 08:00:00 GMT
It seems everybody has been asking about it. And now the Scripting Guys (finally) show you how to use scripts to manage local users and groups.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine April 2007
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Tue, 06 Mar 2007 08:00:00 GMT
The Security Configuration Wizard provides an efficient way to secure thousands of servers spread across numerous geographic locations. Here's everything you need to know to start hardening your servers and reducing their attack surface based on the roles they perform.
John Morello
TechNet Magazine April 2007
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Tue, 06 Mar 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Take a look at an implementation of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 on x64 systems, examining some of the deployment benefits and hurdles you can expect to run into. And get familiar with Windows Vista x64 support, migration, and deployment.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine April 2007
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Tue, 06 Mar 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Microsoft provides an extranet for its business partners, and this extranet requires that each external user have a unique domain account. Find out how Microsoft is planning to use Active Directory Federation Services to make a better user experience while streamlining the management involved.
Jim Guthrie
TechNet Magazine April 2007
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Tue, 06 Mar 2007 08:00:00 GMT
When the joy of being an early adopter begins to fade remember that Knowledge makes technology easier to use and easier to support. As IT professionals, we need to stay out there experimenting with new products. You just might be surprised with what you find.
Mark D. Scott
TechNet Magazine April 2007
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Tue, 06 Mar 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Why would you want to turn on a bug? Some applications actually rely on a bug in the OS. When the bug is fixed, the app breaks.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine April 2007
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Tue, 06 Mar 2007 08:00:00 GMT
To get the best performance out of SQL Server, you need to oversee and maintain healthy indexes. New dynamic management views and functions give you a window into SQL Server to help you better understand how your indexes are functioning and discover potential performance issues.
Randy Dyess
TechNet Magazine March 2007
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Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:00:00 GMT
SQL Server 2005 offers a number of options to improve database availability, from replication to clustering to log shipping. We’ll take a closer look at the various options for configuring SQL Server and help you find out which ones are right for your environment.
Zach Nichter
TechNet Magazine March 2007
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Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:00:00 GMT
In the past, working with partitions and very large tables was a burdensome and tedious task, but with SQL Server 2005, table partitioning has gotten much simpler. Now you can easily create multiple partitions, move those partitions around, drop old partitions, and even change the way data is partitioned. Here’s how.
Noah Gomez
TechNet Magazine March 2007
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Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:00:00 GMT
A server cluster provides failover capabilities, ensuring more uptime for your critical operations. But for a cluster to be effective, it must be implemented properly. Here are some key tips that will help you get your cluster up faster and keep it functioning reliably.
Tom Moreau, PhD
TechNet Magazine March 2007
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Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:00:00 GMT
This month we continue our in-depth discussion about what’s new in the Windows Vista kernel. In this issue, we review some advancements in how Windows Vista manages memory and explore the areas of system startup, shutdown, and power management.
Mark Russinovich
TechNet Magazine March 2007
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Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Joshua Trupin
TechNet Magazine March 2007
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Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine March 2007
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Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Face it, most of the users you support just don't back up there data. SyncToy provides an unintrusive way to ensure your users' files are always backed up and ready to be easily restored.
Jay Munro
TechNet Magazine March 2007
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Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Edited by Nancy Michell
TechNet Magazine March 2007
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Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:00:00 GMT
With an IPv6 network, you don't actually need DHCP to configure addresses, but there can be good reasons to use it. Find out why, and learn how to use DHCPv6 in your environment.
Joseph Davies
TechNet Magazine March 2007
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Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:00:00 GMT
In Windows PowerShell, variables are mapped to underlying classes in the .NET Framework, providing more powerful capabilities than are possible in previous scripting languages. Explore the inner-workings of how these variables work, and learn how to use them.
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine March 2007
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Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Ever wish you could display a dialog box that lets select an OU from Active Directory and connect to it using a script? The Scripting Guys have just the script you're looking for.
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine March 2007
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Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Find out how and why transaction logs have changed in Exchange Server 2007, discover new ways to manage your Exchange servers remotely, get a crash course in using cmdlets to manage Exchange from a command prompt, and more.
KC Lemson and Nino Bilic
TechNet Magazine March 2007
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Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Last month, we looked at the back-end portion of an EFS deployment, discussing the elements that a system administrator will deal with. In this issue, we focus on EFS from the end-users' perspective, exploring enhancements to Windows Explorer and the task of choosing file system locations to be encrypted.
John Morello
TechNet Magazine March 2007
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Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:00:00 GMT
PsTools provides a gaggle of useful utilities for system administration. Explore all the tools this free suite has to offer and learn how you can use them to do everything from changing a user account password and viewing a user's SID to gathering system information and managing processes.
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine March 2007
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Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Database failure can be detrimental, causing loss of data and loss of productivity. Fortunately, SQL Server 2005 SP1 introduced a database mirroring feature that can prevent such a disaster. Here's what you need to know to create a hot standby database that you can switch to in case your production server ever goes offline.
Saleem Hakani
TechNet Magazine March 2007
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Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:00:00 GMT
At a party, being an IT pro is sort of like being a doctor. Everybody has a question about a problem they've been having. But sometimes, even the experts overlook the simplest solutions.
Matt Hester
TechNet Magazine March 2007
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Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:00:00 GMT
Why did Windows forget your autoplay settings? It didn't. Sometimes the safest action is to take no action.
Raymond Chen
TechNet Magazine March 2007
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Mon, 29 Jan 2007 08:00:00 GMT
With Windows Vista, changes to the OS kernel bring about advances in many areas, ranging from memory management to reliability to security. We kick off this series with a look at how the kernel delivers improvements in the areas of processes, threads, and I/O.
Mark Russinovich
TechNet Magazine February 2007
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Thu, 21 Dec 2006 08:00:00 GMT
Implementing delegation in Active Directory can enhance security and simplify management tasks, and getting started is easier than you think. Here are some simple delegation models that will work in most IT infrastructures with little modification.
Joel Yoker and Rob Campbell
TechNet Magazine February 2007
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Thu, 21 Dec 2006 08:00:00 GMT
Windows Vista introduces significant changes to Group Policy templates. Find out everything you need to know about the new format, called ADMX, and how these changes will improve the administration of system configurations.
Darren Mar-Elia
TechNet Magazine February 2007
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Thu, 21 Dec 2006 08:00:00 GMT
Getting to the bottom of Group Policy issues can be a difficult process, but understanding how Group Policy works, and where problems can arise, makes things easier. This overview will help you troubleshoot Group Policy issues like a guru.
Derek Melber
TechNet Magazine February 2007
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Thu, 21 Dec 2006 08:00:00 GMT
Management packs for Microsoft Operations Manager 2005 allow you to more effectively monitor your IT infrastructure. See how these five management packs can help you keep an eye on the health, security, and reliability of your Active Directory environment.
John Hann
TechNet Magazine February 2007
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Thu, 21 Dec 2006 08:00:00 GMT
Whether you’re busy at work or doing some serious gaming at home, running as a limited user has many security benefits. Unfortunately, some games don’t want to work when they’re not run as administrator. Here’s a look at some common problems and their solutions.
Matt Clapham
TechNet Magazine February 2007
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Thu, 21 Dec 2006 08:00:00 GMT
Joshua Trupin
TechNet Magazine February 2007
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Thu, 21 Dec 2006 08:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine February 2007
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Thu, 21 Dec 2006 08:00:00 GMT
Edited by Nancy Michell
TechNet Magazine February 2007
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Thu, 21 Dec 2006 08:00:00 GMT
Greg Steen
TechNet Magazine February 2007
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Thu, 21 Dec 2006 08:00:00 GMT
Joseph Davies
TechNet Magazine February 2007
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Thu, 21 Dec 2006 08:00:00 GMT
Don Jones
TechNet Magazine February 2007
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Thu, 21 Dec 2006 08:00:00 GMT
The Microsoft Scripting Guys
TechNet Magazine February 2007
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Thu, 21 Dec 2006 08:00:00 GMT
John Morello
TechNet Magazine February 2007
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Thu, 21 Dec 2006 08:00:00 GMT
Wes Miller
TechNet Magazine February 2007
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Thu, 21 Dec 2006 08:00:00 GMT