Get started

Get started

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content.

• How do you back up the Windows 11 registry before editing it?

  Without a Windows 11 registry backup, IT risks breaking the OS by making edits. Find out how easy it is to back up the Windows 11 registry. Continue Reading

• Task Manager

  Task Manager, which was previously known as Microsoft Windows Task Manager, is a component of the Windows operating system (OS) that helps administrators and end users monitor, manage and troubleshoot tasks. Continue Reading

• Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) utility

  The Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) utility is a command-line interface for working with Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), a framework for managing data and operations on a Windows computer. Continue Reading

• virtualization-based security (VBS)

  Virtualization-based security (VBS) is a technology that abstracts computer processes from the underlying operating system (OS) and, in some cases, hardware. Continue Reading

• Windows key (winkey)

  The Windows key (winkey) is a button on a Windows computer keyboard. Continue Reading

• Definitions to Get Started

  • Task Manager
  • Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) utility
  • virtualization-based security (VBS)
  • Windows key (winkey)

  • Microsoft Windows Credential Guard
  • Microsoft Windows Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM)
  • kiosk mode (Windows assigned access)
  • BIOS password

  View All Definitions

• Microsoft Windows Credential Guard

  Microsoft Credential Guard is a security feature in Microsoft Windows operating system (OS) that isolates user credentials, such as login information, from the rest of the operating system.Continue Reading

• How to access and read Intune management extension logs

  The Intune management extension provides new capabilities for Windows admins, including the ability to track and analyze logs related to the management add-on.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM)

  Microsoft Windows Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is a command-line tool that allows IT administrators to service Windows desktop images and virtual hard disks prior to deployment to users.Continue Reading

• kiosk mode (Windows assigned access)

  Kiosk mode is a feature in Windows operating system (OS) that allows a device to run only specified applications and settings.Continue Reading

• How to restart the Intune Management Extension agent service

  When IT has issues with Intune deploying commands to endpoints, IT teams should consider restarting the Intune Management Extension to address lingering issues.Continue Reading

• BIOS password

  A BIOS password is authentication information that's sometimes required to log into a computer's basic input/output system (BIOS) settings before a computer boots up.Continue Reading

• Windows as a service

  Windows as a service is the approach Microsoft introduced with Windows 10 to deploy, update and service the operating system.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows System Image Manager (SIM)

  Microsoft Windows System Image Manager (SIM) is a tool in the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit that IT professionals can use to create and manage unattended setup answer files for Windows before installing the operating system.Continue Reading

• Windows reboot loop

  A reboot loop (or boot loop) occurs when a Windows device unexpectedly restarts at some point during its startup process.Continue Reading

• Apache OpenOffice

  Apache OpenOffice is an open source office productivity suite used to create and edit documents (Writer), presentations (Impress), spreadsheets (Calc), graphics (Draw), mathematical formulas (Math) and databases (Base).Continue Reading

• context menu (right-click menu)

  A context menu is a pop-up menu that provides shortcuts for actions the software developer anticipates the user might want to take.Continue Reading

• Internet Explorer (IE)

  Internet Explorer (IE) is a web browser that formerly came bundled with the Microsoft Windows operating system.Continue Reading

• host intrusion prevention system (HIPS)

  A host intrusion prevention system (HIPS) is an approach to security that relies on third-party software tools to identify and prevent malicious activities.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows File Explorer

  Microsoft Windows File Explorer is a graphical file management utility for the Windows operating system (OS).Continue Reading

• Deploying Intune's Microsoft configuration manager console

  Organizations looking to deploy Microsoft Configuration Manager console must make sure to set up this platform correctly and should follow these steps.Continue Reading

• HyperTerminal

  HyperTerminal is a communications and terminal emulation program that came with the Windows 98 and Windows XP operating systems.Continue Reading

• desktop

  A desktop is a computer display area that represents the kinds of objects found on top of a physical desk, including documents, phone books, telephones, reference sources, writing and drawing tools, and project folders.Continue Reading

• treemap

  A treemap is a visual method for displaying hierarchical data that uses nested rectangles to represent the branches of a tree diagram.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows 10 Shared PC Mode

  Microsoft Windows 10 Shared PC Mode is an operating system feature that allows IT administrators to configure computers for multiple user access.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Defender Device Guard

  Windows Defender Device Guard is a security feature for Windows 10 and Windows Server designed to use application whitelisting and code integrity policies to protect users' devices from malicious code that could compromise the operating system.Continue Reading

• How to set up MFA for an organization's Microsoft 365

  To deploy MFA to an entire Microsoft environment, specifically to Microsoft 365, IT administrators will need to set up authentication via Azure AD.Continue Reading

• Will Windows 11 become a subscription-only service?

  There are several ways to handle Windows 11 licensing, only some of which are truly subscription-based. Find out what the landscape is for Windows licensing moving forward.Continue Reading

• ActiveX

  ActiveX is a set of object-oriented programming technologies and tools that Microsoft developed for Internet Explorer to facilitate rich media playback.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK)

  The Microsoft Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit is a set of tools IT professionals can combine to prepare, assess and launch image-based Windows deployments.Continue Reading

• end-user experience monitoring (EUEM)

  End-user experience monitoring (EUEM) is the process of monitoring the performance of IT resources from the perspective of an end user.Continue Reading

• What is unified endpoint management (UEM)? A complete guide

  Unified endpoint management (UEM) is an approach to securing and controlling desktop computers, laptops, smartphones and tablets in a connected, cohesive manner from a single console.Continue Reading

• Process Explorer

  Process Explorer is a free Windows task manager and system monitoring tool that details which programs in a user's system have a specific file or directory open.Continue Reading

• 7 key benefits of mobile device management for businesses

  Mobile device management tools offer several benefits, like improved productivity and enhanced security, to organizations that use mobile devices for business tasks.Continue Reading

• Windows Autopilot

  Windows Autopilot is a desktop provisioning tool native to Windows 10 that allows IT professionals to automate image deployment of new desktops with preset configurations.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Toolkit

  Microsoft Assessment and Planning (MAP) Toolkit is a free utility IT can use to determine whether its infrastructure is prepared for a migration to a new operating system, server version or cloud-based deployment.Continue Reading

• configuration service provider (CSP)

  A configuration service provider (CSP) is a component of Windows client operating systems that shows IT professionals device configuration choices and allows them to apply the settings across multiple Windows OSes.Continue Reading

• How to enable Internet Explorer mode on Microsoft Edge

  Internet Explorer mode lets users view legacy IE websites not supported by other browsers, which can increase productivity and improve security for IT administrators.Continue Reading

• How to successfully implement MDM for BYOD

  Implementing MDM in BYOD environments isn't easy. IT should communicate with end users to set expectations about what personal information the MDM platform can and cannot track.Continue Reading

• Windows 7

  Windows 7 is the Microsoft Windows operating system (OS) released commercially in October 2009 as the successor to Windows Vista.Continue Reading

• Sysprep (System Preparation Tool)

  Sysprep is Microsoft's System Preparation tool intended to duplicate, test and deliver new installations for the Windows operating system based on an established installation.Continue Reading

• device driver

  A device driver is a special kind of software program that controls a specific hardware device attached to a computer.Continue Reading

• desktop computer

  A desktop computer is a personal computing device designed to fit on top of a typical office desk.Continue Reading

• digital workspace

  A digital workspace is an integrated technology framework that centralizes the management of an enterprise's applications, data and endpoints, allowing employees to collaborate and work remotely.Continue Reading

• hard-drive encryption

  Hard-drive encryption is a technology that encrypts the data stored on a hard drive using sophisticated mathematical functions.Continue Reading

• Windows 10 (Microsoft Windows 10)

  Windows 10 is a Microsoft operating system for personal computers, tablets, embedded devices and internet of things devices.Continue Reading

• How to monitor Windows files and which tools to use

  Monitoring files on Windows systems is critical to detect suspicious activities, but there are so many files and folders to keep track of. This is where automation tools come in.Continue Reading

• How will Microsoft Loop affect the Microsoft 365 service

  While Microsoft Loop is not yet generally available, Microsoft has released details about how Loop can connect users and projects across the Microsoft 365 service.Continue Reading

• 7 steps to fix a black screen in Windows 11

  A black screen can be a symptom of several issues with a Windows 11 desktop. Knowing where to look for the source of the problem can simplify the troubleshooting process.Continue Reading

• How Windows 11 Safe Mode works and when to use it

  Windows 11 desktops can run into problems that don't have a clear cause. Safe Mode runs a pared-down version of the OS, making it easier to identify and solve system issues.Continue Reading

• An introduction to Edge Chromium vs. Edge

  The shift to Chromium has improved several aspects of Microsoft's Edge browser -- from privacy settings to reliability.Continue Reading

• The role of Windows log monitoring in the enterprise

  Whether organizations automate their log monitoring within Windows desktops or inspect them manually, logs can offer IT administrators valuable insight.Continue Reading

• message passing interface (MPI)

  The message passing interface (MPI) is a standardized means of exchanging messages between multiple computers running a parallel program across distributed memory.Continue Reading

• How to choose a PCaaS vendor

  The PC-as-a-service and device-as-a-service market is still developing and maturing, so organizations should learn who the major vendors are and how these services work.Continue Reading

• The Windows 11 system requirements and what they indicate

  When organizations consider upgrading to Windows 11, they need to compare the Windows 11 system requirements to their existing hardware before making the move.Continue Reading

• CONFIG.SYS

  CONFIG.SYS is a text file containing disk operating system (DOS) commands that tell the operating system (OS) how the computer is initially set up.Continue Reading

• Windows 11 upgrade issues that desktop admins should know

  Windows upgrades have caused numerous issues in the past, and the move to Windows 11 is no exception. Learn what problems IT can expect during a migration to Windows 11.Continue Reading

• VBScript

  VBScript is an interpreted script language from Microsoft that is a subset of its Visual Basic programming language designed for interpretation by Microsoft's Internet Explorer (IE) web browser.Continue Reading

• Guide to Linux patch management

  While patching desktops has some universal aspects across systems, there are specific Linux best practices that Linux administrators need to know. Here are eight important ones.Continue Reading

• Windows Registry Editor (regedit)

  The Windows Registry Editor (regedit) is a graphical tool in the Microsoft Windows operating system (OS) that enables authorized users to view the Windows registry and make changes.Continue Reading

• Patch management vs. vulnerability management: Key differences

  Although both patch and vulnerability management are intertwined, they differ in critical ways, and it's important to have tools and processes for executing both.Continue Reading

• Creating a patch management policy: Step-by-step guide

  A comprehensive IT patch management policy is insurance against network hardware and software prone to bugs and vulnerabilities that can disrupt critical business processes.Continue Reading

• Software patch/fix

  A software patch or fix is a quick-repair job for a piece of programming designed to resolve functionality issues, improve security or add new features.Continue Reading

• graphic equalizer

  A graphic equalizer is a high-fidelity audio control that allows the user to see graphically and control individually a number of different frequency bands in a stereophonic system.Continue Reading

• How to enroll and manage Mac devices with Intune MDM

  Organizations may turn to basic MDM platforms to help manage Mac devices in a Windows-focused environment. Often, these platforms provide just enough management.Continue Reading

• remote desktop

  A remote desktop is a program or an operating system feature that allows a user to connect to a computer in another location, see that computer's desktop and interact with it as if it were local.Continue Reading

• remote desktop protocol (RDP)

  Remote desktop protocol (RDP) is a secure network communications protocol from Microsoft.Continue Reading

• PC as a service (PCaaS)

  PC as a service (PCaaS) is a device lifecycle management model in which an organization pays a monthly subscription fee to lease endpoint hardware and management services from a vendor.Continue Reading

• Network File System (NFS)

  Network File System (NFS) is a networking protocol for distributed file sharing.Continue Reading

• IO.SYS

  IO.SYS is a hidden executable binary file that processes instructions that tell the operating system (OS) how the computer is set up when it is booted or started.Continue Reading

• Understanding the features of Windows 11 Enterprise

  IT admins considering a migration to Windows 11 should learn how the features of the Enterprise edition can benefit their organizations.Continue Reading

• What Microsoft Defender Antivirus features are on Windows?

  While there are plenty of viable enterprise-grade third-party desktop security platforms, Microsoft has built out a strong array of native features that IT admins can utilize.Continue Reading

• BitLocker

  BitLocker Drive Encryption, or BitLocker, is a Microsoft Windows security and encryption feature.Continue Reading

• Key native features for Windows 10 security and maintenance

  Desktop administrators should look for Windows 10's native security features and architecture to establish a baseline of desktop security before turning to alternative tools.Continue Reading

• 3 tools to check Windows 11 update compatibility

  Updating to Windows 11 isn't recommended for every PC. Tools such as PC Health Check assess whether a device meets the specifications and requirements to upgrade.Continue Reading

• Windows 2000

  Windows 2000 is an operating system developed by Microsoft.Continue Reading

• Security Accounts Manager

  The Security Accounts Manager (SAM) is a database file in the Microsoft Windows operating system that contains usernames and passwords.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Cortana

  Cortana is Microsoft's digital assistant.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM)

  Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM) is a cloud-based solution that is designed to address the challenges associated with deploying, managing and securing devices in the enterprise.Continue Reading

• cellular automaton (CA)

  A cellular automaton (CA) is a collection of cells arranged in a grid of specified shape, such that each cell changes state as a function of time, according to a defined set of rules driven by the states of neighboring cells.Continue Reading

• ActiveX controls

  ActiveX controls are component program objects that Microsoft developed to enable applications to perform specific functions, such as displaying a calendar or playing a video.Continue Reading

• ISA Server

  Microsoft's ISA Server (Internet Security and Acceleration Server) was the successor to Microsoft's Proxy Server 2.0 and was part of Microsoft's .NET support.Continue Reading

• system tray

  The system tray (or "systray") is a section of the taskbars in the Microsoft Windows operating system user interface that provides easy access icons to the user's most commonly used apps and displays the clock.Continue Reading

• strong password

  A strong password is one that is designed to be hard for a person or program to guess.Continue Reading

• MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System)

  MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) was the Microsoft-marketed version of the first widely-installed operating system in personal computers.Continue Reading

• Excel

  Excel is a spreadsheet program from Microsoft and a component of its Office product group for business applications.Continue Reading

• client

  A client is a hardware or software device that requests access to a service that is typically made available by a server.Continue Reading

• Microsoft Windows Hello

  Microsoft Windows Hello is a biometric identity and access control feature that supports fingerprint scanners, iris scanners and facial recognition technology on compatible devices running Windows.Continue Reading

• Windows 10 disk management terms and tasks IT should know

  Windows 10 disk management is a crucial function that system admins should perform. To manage Windows disks, IT must know the difference between volumes and partitions.Continue Reading

• How to perform Windows 10 disk optimization

  Normal use of a PC causes the disk drive to fragment over time, resulting in suboptimal performance. Use Windows 10 disk optimization to defragment a drive and increase efficiency.Continue Reading

• What's included in Microsoft 365 subscription plans

  Microsoft 365 has different licensing plans for all kinds of businesses. Learn about the different subscription plans that Microsoft offers for this cloud-based platform.Continue Reading

• A Microsoft 365 email migration checklist

  When an organization migrates its email servers and profiles to Microsoft 365, it could use several different processes. Sort through the five options listed below.Continue Reading

• Remote print management and security for the hybrid workforce

  Remote printing via VPN or cloud takes on critical importance as companies reshape a hybrid workforce to accommodate employees returning to the office and those who WFH.Continue Reading

• PCaaS vs. DaaS: learn the difference between these services

  While there is a lot of confusion surrounding DaaS -- devices as a service -- and PCaaS and what these services are defined as, but there may be less of a distinction than you think.Continue Reading

• How to set up MFA for Office 365 on end-user devices

  When it comes to authentication factors, more is always better from a security perspective. Find out how to deploy MFA on end-user devices for Microsoft 365 users.Continue Reading

• A complete guide to troubleshooting Windows Hello

  Windows Hello has several common issues that administrators may need to troubleshoot. Find out what those issues are here and what to do about them.Continue Reading

• Set up Windows Remote Desktop on a Mac device

  Organizations that need to enable remote workers on Mac devices should consider allowing them to remotely access Windows desktops with the Windows Remote Desktop application.Continue Reading

• How to use the Office cloud policy service with Microsoft 365

  The Office cloud policy continues Microsoft's trend of converging management utilities within Microsoft Endpoint Manager, and IT can manage all Office apps within this platform.Continue Reading

• Top 5 enterprise Linux distributions to consider adopting

  While Linux distributions all serve a similar purpose in the enterprise, organizations should still familiarize themselves with the different distributions to find the best fit.Continue Reading

• Passwordless authentication options and best practices

  Organizations that want to move away from passwords for authentication should learn the best practices for implementing passwordless authentication and which factors fit them best.Continue Reading

• Understand and manage Windows 10 virtual memory

  It can be difficult for IT pros to understand the intricacies of Windows 10 virtual memory, but they should develop a basic knowledge of virtual memory to effectively manage desktops.Continue Reading