Articles

As magazine authors, Resolutions’ contributors, Danielle Ruest and Nelson Ruest, try to cover a broad range of topics organizations need to deal with on an ongoing basis. The Ruest write for several publications: the Windows Server System Magazine, Network World as well as Redmond Magazine. They also help systems administrators simplify their tasks through a regular Windows Server 2003 Tips and Tricks column in the Windows Server System Magazine. Resolutions also writes articles in French.

Access Our White Papers
Working with the Encrypting File System	Using Windows XP to Protect Data Confidentiality	Web site
Virtualization, From Concept to Reality	Learn how you can make the most effective use of virtualization technologies.	Web site
Managing the Certificate Lifecycle	Learn how to work with a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)	Web site
Authenticode and Code Signing	Working with Signed Data	Web site
Enterprise Software Packaging Practices, Benefits and Strategic Advantages	Learn how to implement proper software packaging practices in your network.	Web site
The Case for Quality Assurance in Enterprise Software Packaging	Use Wise Package Studio to improve the quality of your software packages.	Web site
Garbage In, Garbage Out! Controlling Quality in Software Packages	Use InstallShield AdminStudio to ensure you create high quality packages.	Web site
The 20 Commandments of Software Packaging	White Paper and Webcast covering Practical Implementation of Software Packaging Best Practices	Web site
How to Control Your Infrastructure with Configuration Management	An overview of IT configuration management and auditing practices and procedures	Web site
The Secure Sockets Layer	Learn how to identify if your Internet Communications are secure.	Web site
A Practical Guide for Patch Testing	Use this process to ensure all patches are tested prior to deployment.	Web site
A 10 Step Migration Survival Guide and Poster	Migrations for Exchange Server 2003	Web site
Active Directory
A New Roadmap to Directory Services	Windows Server 2003 Active Directory offers new features to simplify identity and application management in the enterprise.	Web site
Add Centralized Auditing to AD	Control and map change with Change Auditor for Active Directory.	Web site
The 12 Mighty Chores of Active Directory Administration in Depth	Administering Active Directory takes some practice. Here are 12 exercises to keep your AD skills limber.	Web site
Simplifying the Life of an AD Admin	Review: NetPro’s suite can reduce AD administration woes.	Web site
Microsoft ships beta of Active Directory “light”	Resolutions is quoted here	Web site
12 Mighty Labors of Active Directory Management	Administering and managing AD encompasses a multitude of activities. Although you can do the job with built-in services and tools, four powerful third-party solutions also want to help.	Web site
Microsoft prepping directory upgrade	Writer John Fontana outlines Microsoft's future application directory strategy. Nelson Ruest is quoted in this article.	Web site
Development Support
Local Coding Support Infrastructures	Second of a five-part series, this article identifies how to design local coding support in a locked-down PC world.	Web site
Is Everett Worth the Switch?	Evaluate the newest version of Visual Studio .NET and find out if it will open the .NET adoption floodgates.	Web site
Connected Systems: The Microsoft Approach to SOA	Gain an understanding of Microsoft's approach to service-oriented architectures and how they relate to building a more connected business with .NET.	Web site
Meeting Mission-Critical Development Needs	How can IT support in-house development efforts in a locked down PC world?	Web site
The End of “DLL Hell”: Supporting Centralized Corporate Development	This article identifies how to design infrastructures that put an end to “DLL Hell,” at least in relation to corporate development projects.	Web site
Supporting developers with virtual machines	Learn how to use virtual machines to support development efforts	download
A First Look at IIS 7.0	Componentization and ASP.NET integration are among the many new features coming up in the next version of Internet Information Services.	Web site
Using Active Directory to Support Internal Development	This article is the third part of a five-part series. It identifies how to design virtual development environments with Active Directory.	Web site
Decentralized Development Strategies: Providing Development Support for End-User Developers	This qualitative discussion of the requirements for special development support infrastructures using Microsoft Windows technologies is the final offering in a five-part series.	Web site
Microsoft Corporation
Is Microsoft changing its stripes?	Writer John Fontana outlines Microsoft's new relationship with arch-rival competitors. Nelson Ruest is quoted in this article.	Web site
Microsoft's $56 billion question	John Fontana explores what Microsoft should do with its cash reserves. Resolutions is quoted in this article.	Web site
Microsoft TechEd 2005
New Dev Tools Integrate With VS 2005	Promising new development tools unveiled at Tech•Ed 2005.	Web site
Infrastructure Takes Center Stage	Here's a sampling of key products vendors are showing off at Tech•Ed 2005.	Web site
Admin Benefits of SQL Server 2005	Any database or system administrator will be glad to finally move on from SQL Server 2000.	Web site
Where Microsoft Stands With Security	Recent releases to implement security include Windows Server Update Services and Service Pack 1 for Windows Server 2003.	Web site
Migration & Consolidation
Easy Desktop Migrations	Review: Desktop DNA can handle any size network.	Web site
The Fast Road to Exchange Server 2003	You'll never truly see the beauty of Exchange 2003 unless you migrate. Here are five tools to make that move quicker and easier.	Web site
Provision Servers With Automated Deployment Services	Identify when to use which tool to provision the servers in your network from bare metal on. Learn what Microsoft is offering with Automated Deployment Services and how it can make your job easier.	Web site
A 10 Step Migration Survival Guide and Poster	Migrations for Exchange Server 2003	Web site
Consolidate Your Web Servers with IIS 6.0	The latest version of IIS is perhaps the best reason to move to Windows Server 2003	Web site
Make the Most of Server Consolidation	Use the built-in features and stability of Windows Server 2003 to consolidate and reduce the number of servers your network holds.	Web site
Server Migration: Moving from Here to There	Migrating servers, users and resources from Windows NT to Windows Server 2003 was a big challenge for our fictional hero. We review a number of third-party tools to help ease his pain.	Web site
Microsoft’s Free AD Migration Tool Shines	While commercial product boast bells and whistles, Microsoft's free tool gets the job done.	Web site
Riding Up to Longhorn	A first look at what Longhorn will bring.	Web site
Souping Up Windows 2003 Migrations	Five tools that promise to speed and ease Windows 2003 file and print migrations. Which one is the very best?	Web site
Windows 2000 Deployments demand masterful planning	Resolutions is quoted here	Web site
Use the Proper Tool When Consolidating	Use this roundup to make a better product selection	Web site
Make a Smooth Move to Windows Server 2003	A successful Windows Server 2003 migration calls for evaluating your organization’s needs and creating a migration plan that matches them.	Web site
Virtual Machine Management at Your Fingertips	VMware VirtualCenter 1.1 lets administrators control hundreds of virtual machines from one console.	Web site
You're Fired	Ditch your server dead weight: Consolidate to streamline management.	Web site
Security & Privacy
Defending Against Layer 8	Don't forget the 8th layer of the OSI stack in your security strategies.	Web site
Is Active Directory more secure?	Can you answer this question? If not, read on...	Web site
Is Windows Server 2003 more secure?	Can you answer this question? If not, read on...	Web site
Use Server Roles to Heighten Security	Define the purpose each server plays in your network.	Web site
Serious Perimeter Security	Use these two keywords to make your perimeter more secure.	Web site
Patching Windows Security	Microsoft is preparing a series of updates that will tighten security on most of its software	Web site
Beyond the Firewall	With the proliferation of malicious attacks aimed at applications, network protection at the physical layer may no longer be enough.	Web site
Roll Out a Secure Wireless Solution	New products help make wireless more secure	Web site
Secure Wireless for the Enterprise	With a little effort, you can make wireless computing safe and simple to use, even in the enterprise.	Web site
Raising the Bar on Windows Security	Even with improved security in Windows Server 2003, administrators need to stay vigilant to create secure networks.	Web site
Add Virus Protection to Your Apps	Symantec's AntiVirus Corporate Edition 10 makes virus protection simple and easy while maintaining a robust protection level.	Web site
Put an End to Spam	Use Sybari Advanced Spam Manager to put an end to spam in your organization.	Web site
Security Explorer 4.8	This powerful tool allows you to view or modify permissions on any NTFS object in your network	Web site
Manage Patches and Updates	Identify your vulnerabilities and evaluate and apply patches when required.	Web site
Plan Your Defense Strategy	Use these keywords to establish a security process of workflow patterns, procedures, and standards.	Web site
Develop a Security Plan Now	The best place to start the secure enterprise is with a comprehensive security plan—one that works as you do.	Web site
Hands-Free Virus Protection	Use Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition to set up a network-wide, low-maintenance virus protector	Web site
Five Layers of Defense	A perimeter network design protects your resources	Web site
Software & Systems Management
Take Control of Your Enterprise Computers	Combine Altiris IT Lifecycle Management and Wise Package Studio Professional suites to get full control of your systems.	Web site
Set Strategies for Enterprise Software Management	Combine the right tools and processes to gain complete control of the software in your network.	Web site
Policy Maker Pro & Software Updates	Extend Group Policy in your network by adding muscle to GPOs	Web site
Specops Deploy 3.0: Deployment Done Right	Specops Deploy 3.0 puts you on the right road to effective software deployment with Active Directory	Web site
Keep an Eye on Those Servers	The right server management tool closely monitors your network and offers proactive responses to most common problems.	Web site
Know Thy Services	Use a lifecycle approach to move to a service-oriented architecture	Web site
10 Commandments of Software Packaging	Prepare! Prepare! Prepare! But first, be sure to check out these rules to guarantee a smooth deployment of software across your enterprise.	Web site
Step Up to SMS 2003	Take advantage of Systems Management Server 2003's new feature set to take control of your network.	Web site
Pack ‘Em Up, Move ‘Em Out	Migrating applications is far from easy—that’s why choosing the right tool is imperative	Web site
AdminStudio Professional 6.0: Get It Right the First Time	AdminStudio supports better quality control for software packaging and simplifies the overall packaging process.	Web site
Use Your ESP to Test Software Packages	The Enterprise Software Packaging cycle helps you test your software packages thoroughly before introducing them into the production network.	Web site
Streamline Your Systems Management	MOM 2005 aims to improve control over the components of your networked infrastructure.	Web site
Altiris Client/Total Management Suites: Take Control	The Altiris Management Suites give you complete control over every aspect of your network operations.	Web site
Step By Step
Simplify User Administration With Template Accounts	Template accounts ensure that standards are maintained in your directory.	Web site
Decentralized Development Strategies	Here's how to manage and control Microsoft Access database proliferation in your network.	Web site
Creating a "Super" MMC	Manage your server network with a customized Microsoft Management Console	Web site
Install Help Files from Other Operating Systems	Having this information at your finger tips will let you switch from one OS's help to any other	Web site
Printer Location Tracking	O, printer, where art thou?	Web site
Manage and Administer Groups in AD — Part Two	Simplify changes in your organization by managing group ownership and deciding which groups to populate in your directory.	Web site
Use “Run as” To Secure Administration Tasks	This tool allows you to do various things using different rights/credentials	Web site
Manage and Administer Groups in AD — Part One	Learn to manage and control user group proliferation in your network.	Web site
Create a Delegation Console	When you have to create a custom delegation task, get your structural setup completed and then create a custom console.	Web site
Build a Server Cluster	Use Microsoft Virtual Server to create server clusters	Web site
How to build and manage a Virtual Laboratory	This two part article describes how to use Virtual Server 2005 to build and manage a corporate virtual laboratory. Note, this article is only available to Microsoft Certified Professionals. MCPs: you need to sign into the MCP Secured Site first before you	Web site
Storage & Disaster Recovery
New Single-Purpose Servers Introduced	Microsoft launches a new series of single-purpose servers with Windows Server 2003.	Web site
A Better Outlook for Information Management	New storage industry trends help organizations face the information explosion.	Web site
Redefining Windows Storage	Feature improvements in Windows Server 2003 make way for a better storage future.	Web site
Manage Data and Backups	Take a close look at CommVault Galaxy to manage data backups	Web site
10-Minute Solution: Using the Volume Shadow Copy	Decrease your volume of help-desk calls with Windows Server 2003.	Web site
10-Minute Solution: Consolidate File Shares	Consolidate file-sharing servers with Windows Storage Server 2003.	Web site
Upgrade Your Back Ups	Use this product round up to make a better tool selection	Web site
Build Resiliency Into Your Networks	Use the appropriate technologies to build system resiliency into your Windows Server 2003 network and establish smart strategies for system backup and recovery.	Web site
Open 24 Hours: Load Balancing	The proper level of load balancing services can ensure consistent availability of Web services.	Web site
Ooops! Recovering Deleted Files: Volume Snapshots vs. Undelete 4.0	Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Services and Undelete 4.0 are a potent one-two punch.	Web site
Creating a Resilient Windows Infrastructure	Proper implementation of clustering technologies can help ensure that your systems are always available.	Web site
Grid Computing Comes to Windows	Polyserve creates shared-everything clusters with Windows servers.	Web site
Achieve 99.999% Uptime	Use Windows Server 2003 Datacenter Edition to obtain the highest levels of availability and performance.	Web site
First Defense-ISR 2.1	Roll back from OS mishaps in a snap	Web site
Data Protection Made Easy	Microsoft's new System Center Data Protection Manager 2006 can be the first step to protecting your data.	Web site
File Systems Get a Makeover With WinFS	Windows File System, to be released with Longhorn, aims to relieve user file storage headaches.	Web site
Storage & Disaster Recovery Special Report	Learn how advances in technology can reduce storage costs	Web site
System Administration
Fax Management for the Enterprise	Review: Brooktrout’s TruFax is Windows Server 2003-certified.	Web site
Task Scheduling Beyond Windows	ActiveBatch simplifies and fine-tunes automation of tasks.	Web site
Recovery Manager 1.2	This clever tool can help protect your systems and save you time when recovering from failures.	Web site
Take Control of Your Network	First, adopt a method and then take inventory.	Web site
Unshackled: Wireless Administration	Admin tasks don’t end the moment IT pros step out of the office. These devices and software solutions can keep servers shining, no matter where you are.	Web site
Tips & Tricks
Ease Windows Server 2003 Administration	Take advantage of Microsoft Management Console snap-ins to create a better administration tool.	Web site
Make Smart Migration Choices	Take advantage of the Active Directory Migration Tool to consolidate domains and migrate from Windows NT to Windows Server 2003.	Web site
Placing an Active Directory in the DMZ	Be careful when creating outward-facing Active Directories.	Web site
Secure Your Active Directory	Take advantage of new Windows Server 2003 features to ensure your Active Directory can't be subject to denial of service attacks.	Web site
Securing IIS	Modify the default installation parameters of IIS to provide a more secure configuration	Web site
Audit Account Management in AD	Discover who is doing what to your accounts easily using Group Policy's auditing.	Web site
Run Visual Studio .NET on Terminal Servers	Use Windows Server 2003 Terminal Services to centralize development projects	Web site
Is Certification a Good Idea?	Find out the best ways to get certified in Microsoft technologies	Web site
Manage Terminal Services	Take advantage of the new Group Policies in Windows Server 2003 to manage Terminal Services from a central point.	Web site
Manage Security Patches	Take control of the delivery and distribution of security patches within your network.	Web site
Monitor Your Systems Easily	Use free tools from Microsoft to monitor your systems and make sure they are running properly.	Web site
Integrate DNS With Active Directory	Use Windows Server 2003 application partitions to maintain high availability of DNS data.	Web site
Tracking the File Replication Service	Demystify FRS in your Windows network.	Web site
Detect and Monitor IM on Your Network	Use free tools to control IM in your network, manage group policy and get free training.	Web site
Manage Your Systems Better With Free Tools	Use free tools to improve systems management.	Web site
Windows 2000
What Users want from Microsoft?	Resolutions is quoted here	Web site
Is Windows 2000 ready for full rollout?	Proponents give the package a green light; others cite training issues as reason to proceed with caution.	Web site
Windows Server System
A First Look: Peer Into the Future of Windows	Microsoft hopes tightly integrated Windows servers will ease the complexity of managing an enterprise.	Web site
Audit for SharePoint	Learn to track changes in your SharePoint team sites and document libraries.	Web site
Orchestrate Complex Data Collaboration	Use BizTalk Server 2004 to orchestrate complex data collaboration and exchange scenarios	Web site
Increase Efficiency With Collaboration	Empower your employees by adding e-mail and instant messaging to your intranet.	Web site
How Does X64 Measure Up?	Upgrade to 64-bit computing to get the most out of Windows.	Web site
Follow the Microsoft Server Road Map	Will the third name change be the charm for Microsoft's server suite? Explore how Windows Server System provides new functionality and integration options for your organization.	Web site
New Strategy for Core Server OS	Microsoft announced a new strategy for the design and delivery of core operating systems with Windows Server 2003.	Web site
Build a Modern Call Center	Elements of the Windows Server System can help support modern, flexible, customer-pleasing call centers.	Web site
Building a Third-Generation Intranet	How to assemble Microsoft server technologies to create an intranet that's more than a static collection of HR pages.	Web site
Preparing for the Third-Generation Intranet	Here are the steps to help you implement the core technologies that support collaboration and communication in a modern intranet setting.	Web site

Archive