Tips

Tips

• 12 best patch management software and tools for 2024

  These 12 tools approach patching from different perspectives. Understanding their various approaches can help you find the right product for your needs.  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

• Using the Intune management extension for PowerShell scripts

  Intune and PowerShell have a lot of unique management actions they can take, but with the help of the Intune management extension, they can communicate and manage more efficiently.  Continue Reading

• How to handle rugged device management in the enterprise

  Certain endpoint use cases require ruggedization to ensure devices aren't physically compromised. IT still needs to manage these devices, regardless of the OS or device type.  Continue Reading

• Compare rugged phones vs. rugged cases for enterprise users

  In use cases that require ruggedized devices, organizations can choose to go with fully ruggedized devices or standard devices with rugged cases. Learn how to make that choice.  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

• Deciding which AppleCare plan is best for the enterprise

  Apple provides multiple coverage and support options to supplement basic AppleCare, and it can be difficult to determine whether one will be best suited to an organization's needs.  Continue Reading

• A guide to Intune Suite licensing for endpoint management

  With the changes to the structure of Intune and the end of Microsoft Endpoint Manager, organizations will need to reevaluate their endpoint management licensing options.  Continue Reading

• Maximize PC lifespans with effective PC lifecycle management

  When IT departments set lifecycle policy for PCs and desktops, they will need to set the length of a PC's life for user groups. Learn how to calculate the ideal lifecycle length.  Continue Reading

• Evaluating the AppleCare Professional Support options

  AppleCare+ isn't the only coverage and support option Apple offers. IT should consider the different AppleCare Professional Support options, including AppleCare for Enterprise.  Continue Reading

• The role of Mac file and folder encryption for businesses

  IT administrators can enable the Mac FileVault utility across business files and data to provide an extra layer of security and meet compliance standards.  Continue Reading

• Is AppleCare+ worth it for enterprise organizations?

  AppleCare is a useful limited warranty that comes with all Apple devices, but some organizations should consider the benefits of additional coverage options such as AppleCare+.  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

• How to build a plan for PC and desktop lifecycle management

  Comprehensive device-as-a-service plans and full in-house management are two options for desktop lifecycles, but there are plenty of in-between options that can be a good fit.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for a PC end-of-life policy

  Organizations that deploy PCs need a strong and clear policy to handle hardware maintenance, end of life decisions, sustainable disposal practices and more.  Continue Reading

• Does macOS need third-party antivirus in the enterprise?

  Macs are known for their security, but that doesn't mean they're safe from viruses and other threats. IT teams can look into third-party antivirus tools to bolster macOS security.  Continue Reading

• Setting up Windows 11 kiosk mode with 4 different methods

  Windows 11 kiosk mode offers improvements over previous versions for desktop admins. IT should learn these four methods and choose the best deployment for their organization.  Continue Reading

• 6 Mac antivirus options to improve internet security

  Organizations with macOS desktops under their management need to ensure their security products can support Macs. Review these six antivirus products with macOS support.  Continue Reading

• Should organizations turn on the native firewall on Mac?

  The native macOS firewall is off by default, so IT might wonder if it's worth it to set up the security feature. Find out how to enable the Mac firewall and why it's important.  Continue Reading

• Key Apple-native macOS security features for administrators

  There are lots of universal security controls that can apply to any type of desktops, but IT teams need to look at the specific features native to desktops such as macOS.  Continue Reading

• Comparing enabled and enforced MFA in Microsoft 365

  When managing Microsoft 365 authentication, IT admins may encounter the distinction between enabled and enforced MFA. Find out what those terms mean.  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

• Costs to migrate from Windows 10 to 11

  Each organization's cost to migrate to Windows 11 will be slightly different depending on existing licenses, so IT teams should be familiar with the associated guidelines.  Continue Reading

• 9 end-user experience monitoring tools to know

  The end-user experience monitoring market is chock-full of options that can be confusing to keep track of. Take a look at nine EUEM tools IT professionals should know about.  Continue Reading

• What does a Windows 11 license cost for business?

  There are many approaches to licensing Windows 11 along with other Microsoft business software and services, which can be daunting, but executives and IT teams can learn the basics here.  Continue Reading

• What do the different licenses for Windows 11 come with?

  Before organizations migrate to Windows 11, they must determine what the best options are for licensing. Learn about the choices to license via base Windows 11 or Microsoft 365.  Continue Reading

• Top 4 unified endpoint management software vendors in 2023

  UEM software is vital for helping IT manage every type of endpoint an organization uses. Explore some of the top vendors and how they compare.  Continue Reading

• Compare capabilities of Office 365 MDM vs. Intune

  Office 365 MDM and Intune both offer the ability to manage mobile devices, but Intune provides deeper management and security. Delve into this comparison of the two consoles.  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

• How to evaluate cloud vs. on-premises MDM, EMM or UEM

  Organizations should consider whether an on-premises or cloud MDM or UEM platform is best. Determine how to make the decision and, if that decision is cloud, migrate without issues.  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

• How Windows 11 Print Management can fix printer issues

  With the Print Management utility in Windows 11, IT administrators can perform all sorts of tasks, such as troubleshooting user issues, restarting devices and much more.  Continue Reading

• 4 steps to troubleshoot Windows 11 network issues

  When IT administrators encounter problems with a Windows 11 network connection, they have plenty of options to fix the issue. Learn the steps to troubleshoot these issues.  Continue Reading

• How to fix Windows 11 when Secure Boot and TPM don't work

  When organizations consider upgrading to Windows 11, they'll encounter several unique requirements, including TPM 2.0, UEFI and Secure Boot. Learn how to handle these requirements.  Continue Reading

• 5 steps to identify and fix Windows 11 performance issues

  Windows 11 administrators may encounter numerous desktops with varying performance issues. Follow these steps to identify the root cause of the performance issues and fix them.  Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting the most common issues with Windows 11

  When Windows 11 administrators encounter an issue with a desktop without a clear fix, they should perform general troubleshooting steps in a specific order to minimize risk.  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

• How to fix Windows 11 when it keeps restarting

  When a Windows 11 desktop keeps restarting, there are a few factors that may be behind the issue. IT administrators should understand all the possible causes and how to solve them.  Continue Reading

• Top 5 Windows 10 monitoring tools for business

  Users need unfettered access to all their apps and services to maintain productivity. Windows monitoring tools can verify the status of these components for IT teams.  Continue Reading

• How to perform a factory reset on a Windows 11 desktop

  A factory reset may be necessary when a device has performance issues or is set to go to a new user. IT can execute this process in Windows 11 while avoiding unwanted data loss.  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

• Comparing web browser privacy and security features

  While the four most common browsers -- Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari -- have largely the same feature sets, there are subtle differences when it comes to privacy and security.  Continue Reading

• Comparing RAM usage across common web browsers

  While there are plenty of similarities across web browsers, the processes that they consume RAM with can greatly differ. This may be critical information for some IT teams.  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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Windows 11 migration tools for desktop administrators

  While there are plenty of approaches to a Windows 11 migration, IT should plan out the process carefully and ensure they have the right tools and products to support it.  Continue Reading

• The risks of failed patch management

  Some risks -- like security vulnerabilities and system downtime -- are obvious, others not so much. Good patch management also requires weighing the possible risks of patching.  Continue Reading

• Completing a migration to Windows 11 with Microsoft Intune

  When IT administrators plan the switch to Windows 11, they may notice how similar the process can be to a Windows 10 update if they use Microsoft Endpoint Manager and Intune.  Continue Reading

• Use this 10-step patch management process to ensure success

  Following these steps will help keep your software updated, largely bug-free and secure from cyberthreats while making patch management more reliable and less stressful.  Continue Reading

• How to support Mac computers in Windows environments

  Organizations that support both Windows and Mac desktops must approach them differently, but there is plenty of overlap with the tools and practices they can use.  Continue Reading

• Comparing 8 desktop management software options for business

  Organizations that need desktop management software should survey a variety of platform types. UEM can often provide the most value and functionality in the enterprise.  Continue Reading

• Using Microsoft's Active Directory to manage Mac desktops

  Organizations with both Mac and Windows devices can use some of their Windows-focused AD setup to address macOS management tasks.  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

• 5 macOS management software options for the enterprise

  While Windows desktops are still the leading OS in the enterprise, organizations have adopted macOS desktops, and each OS requires a different management approach.  Continue Reading

• How to create a custom ISO for Windows 10

  A custom ISO for Windows 10 can make desktop deployment and installation much simpler. IT allows admins to including applications and themes pre-installed on business desktops.  Continue Reading

• Windows 365 compared to Windows 10

  Organizations may look at Windows 365 as a clear improvement from an administrative perspective, but a traditional Windows physical desktop environment still has its perks.  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

• 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

• Use Jamf Pro's basic features for enterprise management

  While Apple devices are vital to many workplaces, they present unique management challenges. Jamf Pro is a device management platform that helps tackle Apple-specific challenges.  Continue Reading

• Explore Jamf's products and features for Apple management

  Apple macOS devices make up a significant portion of enterprise endpoints, and vendors such as Jamf offer tools to help organizations manage Apple endpoints securely and easily.  Continue Reading

• How to scan and repair disks with Windows 10 Check Disk

  Windows 10 Disk Check is an intuitive tool that can scan and repair hard drives to reduce the risk of total disk failure and loss of critical information.  Continue Reading

• How to troubleshoot when Windows 10 won't update

  Windows updates can lead to unexpected issues for IT administrators, but there are some simple steps they should always take to find the cause of the update issue.  Continue Reading

• 7 Windows 10 issues and how to troubleshoot them

  Microsoft offers different troubleshooters to fix common Windows 10 problems, and once you find the right one for your issue, these troubleshooters are easy to use.  Continue Reading

• Top 5 methods to address Windows 10 performance issues

  Strong desktop performance is a difficult balance to maintain, but with these 5 methods and a careful approach, IT admins can address any Windows 10 performance issues.  Continue Reading

• Top 7 Chromebooks for business use cases

  Chromebooks are high-performing thin clients with great ease-of-management features, but the market has so many options that it's hard to distinguish between them.  Continue Reading

• How to manage Windows 10 Power Options in settings

  Any Windows 10 desktop -- especially one that users access remotely -- needs special attention for its Power Options to ensure that the connection stays live throughout the session.  Continue Reading

• The options for running Microsoft 365 on a Chromebook

  Without access to the Microsoft 365 service locally, IT admins will have to consider a few workarounds to deliver Microsoft's productivity apps to Chromebook devices.  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

• Evaluate if Chromebooks are secure enough for business use

  Chromebooks are cost-effective endpoints that strip away desktop features for a simple desktop experience. Admins should evaluate if these endpoints are secure enough.  Continue Reading

• How to choose the right PC for business

  With seemingly endless options to choose from, finding the right PC for a business can feel daunting. Explore these top seven choices below.  Continue Reading

• How to choose the right Mac for business

  Despite a smaller selection than Windows PCs, finding the right macOS device can still be challenging. Learn more about the available options and how they compare.  Continue Reading

• Comparing macOS vs. Windows security

  Windows and macOS have their pros and cons and, often, security comes down to the individual use case.  Continue Reading

• How to evaluate Mac vs. PC for businesses

  While PCs have long been the preferred option for businesses, Mac computers are gaining in popularity due to improved functionality.  Continue Reading

• Comparing offerings: Microsoft 365 vs. Google Workspace

  Microsoft 365 vs. Google Workspace is a difficult choice, so organizations should evaluate each offering's features and pricing before they pick a cloud productivity service.  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

• How to evaluate printer management freeware for business

  While freeware isn't always feature-rich enough, organizations shouldn't overlook this option to manage all types of printing jobs, such as virtual desktop and remote printing.  Continue Reading

• 6 steps to troubleshoot remote printing via VPN

  While each organization's printing infrastructure is different, IT administrators should follow these six general steps to determine the cause of remote printing issues over a VPN.  Continue Reading

• Incorporating zero trust into endpoint security

  Zero trust is a complex term, but organizations that take security seriously must know what it is and how it can support existing endpoint security platforms.  Continue Reading

• Top 6 endpoint security software options in 2021

  The market for endpoint security software can be confusing to navigate for decision-makers, but this market roundup should help them navigate this process.  Continue Reading

• 6 components to look for in an endpoint security platform

  When it comes to selecting an endpoint security product, customers should look for essential features, such as application protection, that are crucial for enterprise security.  Continue Reading

• Why endpoint security is important and how it works

  Organizations and IT admins must understand the fundamental approaches that endpoint security platforms take to secure endpoints and defend against common threats.  Continue Reading

• Evaluate if Windows 10 needs third-party antivirus

  While Windows Defender, Microsoft's native antivirus for Windows 10 systems, is suitable for personal use, enterprise users may require a more comprehensive antivirus offering.  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 configure proxy settings using Group Policy

  IT pros can use this labor-saving tip to manage proxy settings calls for properly configured Group Policy settings. Here are the steps to take.  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

• How to enable and disable Tamper Protection in Windows 10

  Tamper Protection in Windows 10 can protect against malware and third-party applications from changing Windows security settings. Learn how to use the new security feature.  Continue Reading

• 11 tips to improve Windows 10 performance

  With a few minor tweaks, such as maximizing RAM, disabling visual effects and getting rid of unnecessary services, you can increase Windows 10 performance.  Continue Reading

• How does Microsoft 365 extend Windows 7 support?

  Microsoft is ending its official support for Windows 7. However, Microsoft 365 customers have the option to extend support via continued Windows security updates.  Continue Reading

• Windows 10 updates to avoid and how to address them

  While Windows administrators can never ignore Microsoft's updates, it may make sense to delay or even avoid Windows updates until they are stable for enterprise users.  Continue Reading