Operations | Monitoring | ITSM | DevOps | Cloud

January 2024

What is SAML and How Does It Work?

Web authentication is a vital cornerstone of online security and trust in the ever-evolving digital landscape. This process, pivotal in verifying the identity of users accessing various digital services – from cloud applications to online platforms, has grown increasingly crucial. As organizations transition to digital operations, their potential attack surface expands, statistically heightening their susceptibility to a spectrum of cyber threats.

What is a Failover Cluster? How It Works & Applications

Seamless operations and system resilience are critical concerns in modern business IT, and failover cluster technology can play a major role in achieving these goals. This article delves deep into the core of failover clusters, exploring their functionality and applications. Whether you’re a seasoned IT professional or a curious enthusiast, read on to understand the intricacies of failover clusters, discover how they work, and see scenarios where they prove indispensable.

How to Create and Manage a Team in Microsoft Teams

As of 2024, over one million organizations are using Microsoft Teams. Is yours one of them? If so — or if you’re looking to start using this platform — you’ll want to know how to make the most of Microsoft’s flagship collaboration tool. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of Microsoft Teams, offering you a comprehensive guide on how to create and manage a team in Microsoft Teams effectively within this versatile platform.

How Much Does IT Management Software Cost?

The quality of your IT department’s management software and its ability to quickly identify and fix vulnerabilities can determine your company’s success. While there are many types of IT management software available today, you must choose the right one that seamlessly aligns with your business needs, from determining the desired features and functions to understanding the factors that influence IT management software cost.

How to Execute a PowerShell Loop: Guide to Boosting Your Scripting Efficiency

PowerShell is a powerful scripting language that allows you to automate tasks on your Windows computer. System administrators and IT professionals can use PowerShell to boost IT efficiency and productivity by executing commands through the tool’s command-line interface. The features and benefits of PowerShell include integration with the.NET framework, remote management for large-scale IT environments, and the ability to create pipelines of multiple commands.

How Much Does Endpoint Management Software Cost?

Organizations today have seen a significant increase in endpoints due to the rapid growth of remote and hybrid work, along with the emerging trend for employees to bring their own devices to work. With all these additional endpoints to keep track of and manage, it has become all the more necessary for IT managers and cybersecurity professionals to implement or upgrade their endpoint management software to ensure that all devices are secure and up to date.

What is Bash Scripting? Tutorial and Tips

Linux is a powerful and versatile operating system that’s widely recognized for its robustness, security, and open-source nature. It is a Unix-like OS, which means it shares many characteristics with the original Unix system developed in the 1970s. Linux has become a preferred choice in various computing environments, from personal computers and servers to embedded systems and supercomputers.

What Is ELK Stack? A Guide to Elasticsearch, Logstash, & Kibana

Effective log management and data analysis are vital components of a robust IT infrastructure. They empower organizations to proactively manage their systems, identify and address potential issues, and maintain high levels of performance and security. In this context, the ELK stack plays an indispensable role. It provides a unified framework for managing, analyzing, and visualizing data, thereby simplifying and streamlining these critical operations.

4 Ways to Easily Disable Windows Updates in Desktops and Servers

Windows updates are essential to keeping your system safe with access to the latest tools and features. Updates provide bug fixes, performance improvements, and, perhaps most importantly, security patches that protect your device from potential threats. Still, there are a few reasons why you may want to disable Windows updates—either temporarily or permanently. Are you wondering how to turn Windows updates off? Find out all the details below.

What is a Compliance Audit? Definition & Importance

A compliance audit systematically examines an organization’s adherence to established rules, regulations, and standards governing its industry or sector. This rigorous process is designed to evaluate whether the company’s operations, policies, and procedures align with legal requirements, industry standards, and internal protocols. Essentially, a compliance audit acts as a comprehensive health check, ensuring that the organization operates within the bounds of the law and ethical guidelines.

What is Hyper-V? Key Features and Capabilities

Virtualization involves creating a virtual representation of resources, such as servers, storage, or networks, to efficiently utilize hardware and enhance resource management. This technology has revolutionized IT by enabling the creation of virtual machines (VMs) that operate independently within a shared physical environment.

What is Software-Defined Networking (SDN)?

Modern networking methodologies have evolved significantly, paving the way for innovations like Software-Defined Networking (SDN). Recent trends, such as increased demand for cloud services, data center virtualization, and the growing complexity of networks, have necessitated more dynamic and flexible network solutions. These advancements have set the stage for SDN by highlighting the limitations of traditional, hardware-centric networking.

8 Common Network Issues & How to Address Them

A stable network is synonymous with operational reliability in an era where digital transactions and communications form the backbone of most operations. Unstable networks can lead to many problems – from lost revenue to damaged reputations. Imagine a retail company experiencing network slowdowns or outages during a high-volume sales period. This could result in significant sales losses and customer dissatisfaction.

Choosing the Best IT Management Solution: NinjaOne vs. Workspace ONE

Establishing effective IT management frameworks hinges on selecting the right solution, vital for optimizing efficiency and safeguarding security. In a recent survey, 72% of small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) prioritized enhancing security in response to growing cyber threats, with 47% recognizing the importance of automation for operational efficiency in 2024. In this context, two prominent contenders are NinjaOne and VMware’s Workspace ONE.

NinjaOne Named "Best Emerging Vendor" in 2023 Britain's Reseller Choice Awards

We are thrilled to announce that NinjaOne has been named the “Best Emerging Vendor” at the prestigious 2023 Britain’s Reseller Choice Awards. This achievement highlights NinjaOne’s significant impact in the IT sector and its rapidly growing influence within the British market.

SAML vs. SSO: What's the Difference?

The landscape of modern authentication and authorization in IT systems has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, systems relied on basic password-based mechanisms, which gradually gave way to more sophisticated methods as security demands escalated. The advent of digital certificates and biometric verification marked a significant leap, offering enhanced security.

What Is NIS2?

To better protect its residents, organizations, and institutions, the European Union (EU) has strengthened its stance on cybersecurity with the introduction of NIS2 —the newly upgraded Network and Information Security Directive. This legislative framework is a response to the evolving cyber threats that show no sign of abating. In this article, we demystify NIS2 and share how it’s being used to establish a strong, unified cybersecurity framework across the EU.

How to Set Up a VPN: Complete Guide with Steps

As a growing number of people take note of their online privacy, the Virtual Private Network (VPN) has come to the fore as a simple, accessible way to secure one’s digital footprint. If you’re ready to use a VPN, you may be wondering how to get started. Whether you’re concerned about data breaches, online surveillance, or simply wish to access geo-restricted content, our comprehensive guide is here to demystify the process.

Three Reasons Why You Should Learn PowerShell (With PowerShell Training Resources)

PowerShell is an extremely important tool in an IT professional’s arsenal, right next to the rattling box of screwdrivers and pile of vendor swag you got from IT conferences. If you aren’t familiar with PowerShell, let us introduce you! According to Microsoft, PowerShell is a cross-platform task automation solution made up of a command-line shell, a scripting language, and a configuration management framework.

How to Start Safe Mode with Windows Command Prompt

Your computer has just decided to throw a digital tantrum, and all the regular troubleshooting tricks just aren’t cutting it. You know that there’s something awry under the hood of your Windows operating system, but navigating the litany of errors is making your head spin. Fortunately, there’s another option: entering Safe Mode via Windows Command Prompt.

3 Ways to Boot Windows in Safe Mode with Networking

We all know the situation: You’re about to start working on your Windows machine, but instead of the familiar welcome chime and desktop, you’re greeted by relentless error messages, unpredictable system behavior, or even the infamous Blue Screen of Death. The good news is there’s a troubleshooter at your disposal. Safe Mode with Networking is the easiest way to troubleshoot issues and get back online quickly. So how can you boot Windows in Safe Mode with Networking?

How to Enable and Disable Kernel-mode Hardware-enforced Stack Protection

As technology evolves, with hackers perpetually sharpening their tools to breach our digital walls, understanding your computer’s built-in defenses is crucial. Kernel-mode hardware-enforced stack protection is one such mechanism. This article will look into the intricacies of this feature, as well as how to enable and disable kernel-mode hardware-enforced stack protection.

How to Install Active Directory (AD) Users and Computers (ADUC)

Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC) is a management tool that provides a graphical user interface for managing and organizing the elements of a Windows Active Directory (AD) domain. Key functions include user, group, organizational unit, and computer management, as well as control of security and permissions and trust relationships between domains. ADUC provides system administrators with a centralized interface, simplifying complex tasks and enhancing the security of Windows environments.

How to Remove Trojan Viruses and Prevent Them in the Future

As subtle as they are dangerous, Trojan horses (or just “Trojans”) masquerade as benign software only to unleash havoc once inside your computer. Despite their stealthy nature, there are specific strategies you can employ to safeguard your digital assets from these threats. Below, we’ll discuss how to recognize the signs of a Trojan infection, steps for removing Trojan viruses from your devices, and how to reduce the risk of future infiltrations.

How to Update Drivers on PCs and Troubleshoot Common Issues

You’re in the middle of an important task when suddenly your computer starts acting up—maybe it’s a flickering screen or a printer that’s decided not to heed your commands. Whatever the case, keeping your system drivers updated can help prevent and resolve these problems. But what exactly are drivers, and how do you update them? Below, we’ll offer guidance on how to update drivers on PCs and nip those nagging issues in the bud.

Broadcom VMware Acquisition Impact on Users

The digital world is full of change, so there aren’t many situations that place IT professionals on edge. However, Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware is an exception, since it will impact hundreds of thousands of IT professionals and their organizations. At the moment, VMware has over 500,000 customers worldwide who rely on their services. The Broadcom VMware acquisition, which closed on November 22nd, 2023, has the potential to affect each and every one of these users.

How a Major League Baseball Team Scored Big with NinjaOne's SaaS Solutions

In the high-stakes world of professional sports, IT plays a critical role that goes beyond the field. Recently, a Major League Baseball team demonstrated how switching to NinjaOne for IT management can lead to significant improvements in efficiency, security, and scalability, revolutionizing their operational approach.