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Working With the Exchange Best Practices Analyzer |
Here, award-winning Microsoft MVP Brien Posey shows you an easy way of keeping your Exchange Server organization's configuration consistent with Microsoft's best practices for Exchange. |
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Managing Storage from the Command Line |
In this article, Brien Posey shows you how Windows volumes can be managed from the command line. |
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Group Policy Object Modeling in Windows Server 2008 |
Here, Brien Posey shows you how to evaluate proposed changes to group policy objects by using the Group Policy Modeling Wizard. |
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Creating a Group Policy Central Store for Windows Vista and Server 2008 |
In this article, Brien Posey explains why it is important to control how users connect to your wireless network, and how to use group policies to regulate wireless connectivity. |
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Find Out How PacketTrap Perspective Fills Your Network Management Needs – Now With VMware Support |
There is a lot going on your network – many things you don’t know about. PacketTrap Perspective can answer all the network management questions of what, where, how, and why. In this article, David Davis demonstrates just how PacketTrap Perspective can help you manage and monitor your servers, network, applications (like Exchange and SQL) and now, even VMware ESX servers. |
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Performance Monitoring The Easy Way, Part 4 |
In the concluding article of this four part series, Brien Posey shows you how to interpret the data gathered by a data collector set. He also details how to create a custom data collector set, and build a schedule so that it starts and stops at predetermined times. |
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Security Configuration Wizard for Exchange Server 2007 – Part 2 |
In this second part of a three part series, MVP Pat Richard continues the steps needed to secure an Exchange 2007 server using the Security Configuration Wizard in Windows Server 2003. By taking these simple steps, an Exchange server is further secured from outside threats by decreasing its attack surface. In this part, Pat walks through creating the Security Configuration Wizard policy, and applying it to the Exchange Server. |
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Quickly See if your Server, PC or Laptop Supports Hyper-V |
Hyper-V is a Microsoft's hypervisor-based technology that can be installed as one of the available roles in Windows Server 2008. Hyper-V has some basic hardware requirements that must be met in order to allow the installation of the role. In this article, Daniel Petri will show you 2 tools that will help you determine if your computer meets these requirements. |
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Defragmenting an Active Directory Database |
In this article, Brien Posey shows you how to save disk space on your domain controllers by performing an offline defragmentation of the Active Directory database. |
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Installing Hyper-V on Windows Server 2008 Server Core |
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Hyper-V is a hypervisor-based technology that is a key feature of Windows Server 2008, and provides a scalable, reliable, and highly available virtualization platform. The Server Core installation option of the Windows Server 2008 operating system installs a minimal server installation of Windows Server 2008 to run supported server roles, including the Hyper-V role. The benefits of using the Hyper-V on a Server Core installation include a reduced attack surface, reduced management, and reduced maintenance. In this article, MVP Daniel Petri will show and walk you through how to install Hyper-V on your Windows Server 2008 Server Core. |
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Monitor Exchange Server 2003 Performance for free with Solarwinds Exchange Monitor |
SolarWinds has released a free tool for monitoring Exchange 2003 servers. In this review, MVP Pat Richard puts the tool
through its passes. Check it out! |
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Configuring the Lightweight Directory Services, Part 1 |
In this first part of a two part series, author Brien Posey describes the basic Exchange 2007 architecture, and then explains how an edge transport server uses Light Weight Directory Services, or AD LDS. |
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Train Signal launches new Windows 2008 Active Directory and Network Infrastructure video training courses |
Our sponsor Train Signal has recently launched two new courses, one on Active Directory in Server 2008, and the other on Network Infrastructure for Server 2008. The courses cover plenty of solutions for real-world problems, and can be used to prepare for the 70-640, Configuring Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Exam, and the 70-642, Configuring Windows Server 2008 Network Infrastructure Exam. |
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Performance Monitoring The Easy Way, Part 3 |
Data collector sets are groups of Performance Monitor counters that are specifically related to some troubleshooting task. Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 contain four built in sets; LAN Diagnostics, System Diagnostics, System Performance, and Wireless Diagnostics. You also have the ability to create your own. In this article, Brien Posey shows you how data collector sets can simplify the performance monitoring process. |
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Understanding Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Domain and Forest Functional Levels |
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After you remove domain controllers that are running older versions of Windows Server or you upgrade them to Windows Server 2008, you can raise the domain or forest functional level. Raising functional levels enables advanced features in the domain or forest. Raising the functional level also limits which versions of Windows Server can host the domain controller role. In this article, MVP Daniel Petri will explain the changes in Windows Server 2008 domain and forest level functions. |
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Raising Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Domain and Forest Functional Levels |
In Windows Server 2003, functional levels were an extension of the older mixed/native mode concept introduced in Windows 2000. In Windows Server 2008 this was further extended to include new features and benefits, and are used to activate new Active Directory features after all the Domain Controllers (DCs) in the domain or forest are running Windows Server 2008 operating systems. In this article, MVP Daniel Petri will walk you through the process of raising the domain and forest function levels in Windows Server 2008. |
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Solving offsite tape storage issues with ‘ejectable’ disk backup drives |
Tape backups have been around for a very, very long time. We’re used to them by now, and although they serve their main purpose they do have their limitations. Tape backups haven’t progressed with the rest of technology and we’re paying the price. In this article, learn how to use the best tape backup option today - ejectable disk backup. |
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Installing Active Directory on Windows Server 2008 |
In order to configure a Windows Server 2008 machine to act as Domain Controller, several considerations and prerequisites should be taken into account, and several steps should be performed. In this article, MVP Daniel Petri will guide you through these prerequisites and steps of creating a new Windows Server 2008 Domain Controller for a new Active Directory domain in a new forest. |
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Active Directory on Windows Server 2008 Requirements |
While most experienced administrators have probably installed Active Directory once or twice in their lives, some beginners or IT professionals that have never had a chance to get their hands on AD installations might find this guide – about the hardware, software and configuration requirements for installing Active Directory on Windows Server 2008 - useful. |
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Setting Outbound Message Limits |
In Brien Posey's latest article, he explains how you can control the way in which Exchange 2007 deals with undeliverable messages. Remember, you can't prevent message delivery failures from happening, but you can control how Exchange Server reacts to these delivery failures. |
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Defining an Exchange 2007 E-Mail Address Policy, Part 2 |
In this article, Brien Posey concludes the series by showing you how to define an E-mail address policy in Exchange 2007. |
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Rename Windows Server 2008 Domain Controllers |
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Choosing the right name for your servers is one of the steps that should be taken into account when designing a new network, or when deploying new servers. However, in some cases, a simple typo might cause the new server to get the wrong name. While easy to fix on regular servers, Domain Controllers should be renamed by using a different method. In this article, MVP Daniel Petri will show you how to rename a Windows Server 2008 Domain Controller by using the right method. |
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Monitor VMware ESX Server Performance for free - VM Monitor |
As you continue to consolidate virtual guest machines on to VMware ESX Server, performance monitoring becomes more of an issue. Luckily,
you can download a free VMware ESX Server performance monitoring tool that can tell you what is going on with your VMware host and guest systems. Best of
all, that tool comes at no charge to you. |
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Configuring Exchange 2007 Send Connectors |
In this article, Brien Posey explains why new Exchange Server 2007 deployments may not initially be able to send mail to the outside world, and
then explains how to correct the problem. |
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Windows Server 2008 ADPREP |
When adding the first Windows Server 2008 domain controllers into existing Windows 2000 or Windows Server 2003 domains, you must prepare the
forest and domains with the ADPREP utility. This utility prepares the AD Schema and existing domain for the introduction of the new objects and attributes
required by Windows Server 2008 Active Directory. In this article, MVP Daniel Petri describes the requirements and procedures of running ADPREP in preparation
for the new Windows Server 2008 Domain Controller. |
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Defining an Exchange 2007 E-Mail Address Policy, Part 1 |
In this article, Brien Posey explains that creating an E-mail address policy has changed radically since Exchange Server 2003. |
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Consolidating Multiple Windows Domains |
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In this article, Brien Posey explains some considerations for moving Active Directory objects between domains. He discusses the Active Directory Migration Tool and both Interforest and Intraforest migrations. |
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Delete IE7 History From the Command Line |
When cloning a computer running Windows XP, 2003, Vista or 2008, one of the tasks that you should perform before running SYSPREP is to delete the Internet
Explorer 6 history, stored passwords, offline files and cookies. While easy to perform from the IE7 GUI, sometimes it would be much easier to simply run a
command line command or batch file to perform the same task. In this article, Daniel Petri will show you how to do that. |
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SCW for Exchange Server 2007 – Part I |
In the first part of a three part series, Pat Richard describes the steps needed to secure an Exchange 2007 server using the Security Configuration Wizard in Windows Server 2003. By taking these simple steps, an Exchange server is further secured from outside threats by decreasing its attack surface. In this part, Pat walks through getting the Security Configuration Wizard installed, and the Exchange Server 2007 configuration files registered. |
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Specops Releases Gpupdate 2.0 and Remote Admin CTP Products |
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Specops has recently announced a new product called Remote Admin CTP, and have also updated their Gpupdate product to Version 2.0. They are currently seeking beta testers for both products.
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Configuring Exchange ActiveSync Policies, Part 1 |
In this article series, Brien Posey demonstrates the improvements that have been made to Exchange ActiveSync in Exchange Server 2007. These include better support for mobile devices and new security settings. |
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Problem with Exchange 2003 SP2 OWA and Windows XP SP3 When Using the Jerusalem Time Zone |
In this article, Daniel Petri, MVP and senior consultant, will demonstrate one of the nagging bugs that he's discovered in Windows XP SP3 and Exchange 2003 SP2 Outlook Web Access. This bug prevents users that use the DST+2 Jerusalem time zone from replying and forwarding email from their inbox by using OWA. |
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Performance Monitoring The Easy Way, Part 2 |
In this article, Brien Posey continues his series on Performance Monitoring by talking about how to get the results you need without needing a Ph.D. in computer science. |
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Performance Monitoring The Easy Way, Part 1 |
In this article, Brien Posey explains why performance monitoring is more essential than ever, and how to make this otherwise tedious process less difficult. |
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Setting up a Logon Script through GPO in Windows Server 2008 |
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This article is the second of a series, describing how to write and use logon scripts in Windows Server 2008. It focuses on Group Policy Objects (GPO), which work with Windows 2000 and above. |
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Setting up a Logon Script through Active Directory Users and Computers in Windows Server 2008 |
A logon script is a series of instructions that a workstation follows every time a user logs on. You can use logon scripts to assign tasks that will be performed when a user logs on to a particular computer. These scripts can carry out operating system commands, set system environment variables, and call other scripts or executable programs. This article is the first of a series, describing how to write and use logon scripts in Windows Server 2008. |
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GFI Releases Mail Essentials version 14 with new anti-spam features |
GFI has recently announced the latest version of their anti-spam solution, which includes improved anti-spam technology, improved performance, and a real-time dashboard. |
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Getting Mailbox Sizes in PowerShell |
Using some simple PowerShell, Exchange MVP and author Pat Richard shows how listing mailbox sizes is easy and flexible. Pat shows how to build a quick script that gets the job done. Check it out! |
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Mobile Messaging for Small Businesses |
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In this article, Brien Posey explains why mobile messaging has not traditionally been an option for small businesses, and how to get around the obstacles that prevent businesses from using mobile messaging. |
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Enabling Telnet Client in Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista |
Telnet is a simple, text-based program that allows you to connect to another computer by using the Internet. Telnet will allow you to enter commands used to access programs and services that are on the remote computer, as if you were sitting right in front of it. Telnet can be used for many things, including accessing e mail, databases, or files. In Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, the Telnet client is not installed by default. In this article, Daniel Petri will show you how to install it on those systems. |
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Adding Network Support to Virtual Servers |
Attaching virtual servers to a network can be tricky, especially when your host operating system is running Hyper-V. In this article, Brien Posey explains how you can establish network connectivity for your virtual servers. |
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Running VMware ESX 3.5 and ESXi in Workstation on your desktop PC |
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In this new video by David Davis, VCP and ESX Server video training author, David demonstrates, step by step, how you can run VMware ESX Server 3.5 and ESXi 3.5 inside VMware Workstation 6.5. This could allow you to create a test VMware Virtual Infrastructure network with a number of servers, all on your desktop PC. Watch the video to see how to do it. |
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Free Packet Sniffers for Windows 2003/Vista/2008 |
In a local Ethernet all computers share the same wire, which means that all machines are able to "capture" all information that is transferred on that wire. Luckily, Ethernet network interface cards normally work in a "filter" mode that ignores all traffic that doesn't belong to it. A packet sniffer turns this filter off and puts the NIC into "promiscuous" mode, thus allowing the capture of ANY frame that is transmitted on the wire, even though it is not destined for that NIC. In this article, Daniel Petri will review some of the freeware network sniffers available today. |
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Taking Advantage of Outlook 2007’s Support for Secure Messages |
With E-mail spoofing on the rise, it is important for recipients to be able to verify that the messages that you send them are authentic. In this article, Brien Posey shows you how it’s done. |
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Optimizing PowerShell in Exchange 2007 |
In this article, Microsoft Exchange MVP and author Pat Richard shows you how to optimize the PowerShell environment. As Pat explains, speeding up the loading of PowerShell, along with a nicer layout will make using PowerShell much nicer. Check it out! |
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Mounting Vista Backups |
Windows Vista's backup tool has a new feature called "CompletePC Backup" which creates a backup image that contain copies of your programs, system settings, and files. The backup image is created in a VHD file format, and since this just happens to be the same file format of virtual machine hard disks under Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 or Virtual Server 2005, you can easily mount this backup media file either from a VM, or locally, on any Windows XP/2003/Vista/2008 machine. In this article, Daniel Petri, MVP and Windows Server 2008 specialist will show you how to do that. |
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Enterprise Print Management in Windows Server 2008, Part 3 |
