How do I install Active Directory on Windows Server 2012 using Server Manager?

If you’re new to Windows Server 2012, or have simply avoided using the graphical Server Manager tool that was introduced in Windows Server 2008, it might not be immediately obvious how to set up a new Active Directory (AD) domain. There are two stages to this process: installing the Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) components and then configuring a new domain. Install the AD DS components: Start Server Manager from...

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Use Active Directory Administrative Center to Create PowerShell Commands in Windows Server 2012

How can I use Active Directory Administrative Center (ADAC) in Windows Server 2012 to create PowerShell commands? The PowerShell History Viewer is a new feature in the Windows Server 2012 Active Directory Administrative Center (ADAC). If you have never had a reason to use ADAC before because other AD management tools get the job done, this feature alone makes it worth taking a look. Many system administrators still haven’t...

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How can I create an Active Directory site in Windows Server?

Active Directory gives system administrators the option to define sites, consisting of one or more subnets. While it may not be necessary to define sites in all AD deployments, they can come in useful if you have geographically dispersed offices that are separated by slow wide area network (WAN) links. If you have plenty of bandwidth linking offices, so that Active Directory can replicate in a timely fashion, it may not be necessary to...

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How to Integrate Microsoft Lync 2010 with BlackBerry Enterprise Server (BES)

Do you have Lync 2010 and BES servers running in your enterprise? Did you know there is a Lync app for BlackBerry devices? Integrating Lync Instant Messaging (IM) with your BES server will give your users the ability to have Lync IM sessions while they are on the go. Overview of the BES Collaboration Service The Lync IM integration with BES is provided by the installation of the BlackBerry Collaboration Service. This service...

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Excel Password Recovery Instructions (.xls)

ften when an employee departs, they take important Excel passwords with them. This guide outlines how to use a simple Excel password recovery application to crack lost or forgotten passwords, allowing you to unlock password-encrypted Microsoft Excel documents quickly as possible. Step 1: Download and Install the Office Password Recovery Utility To perform the following recovery steps, you'll need to grab the download of Office Password Recovery...

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How a Cisco Switch functions on an Ethernet network

Many of us use switches every day but never really think about how they work. Whether you are studying to become a CCNA or just want to learn more about how a switch really functions, this article is for you. Hubs vs. Switches Prior to switches, Hubs were the standard for connecting devices on a local area network (LAN). The problem with hubs was that everything that went through them had to share the bandwidth of the link, bandwidth was wasted...

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How to Setup VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP) on Cisco Switches

In our last article about VLAN’s (Read ore about it on the What is a VLAN? How to Setup a VLAN on a Cisco Switch article), we learned about how VLAN’s provide greater performance and security for your LAN. Unfortunately, if you have more than a couple of switches, configuring VLAN’s can be a real pain. To make life easier, Cisco developed VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP). Let’s find out what VTP can do for you. How can VTP help me? Say...

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What is a VLAN? How to Setup a VLAN on a Cisco Switch

Have you ever wondered what a Virtual LAN (or VLAN) is or been unclear as to why you would want one? If so, I have been in your place at one time too. Since then, I have learned a lot about what a VLAN is and how it can help me. In this article, I will share that knowledge with you. What is a LAN? Okay, most of you already know what a LAN is but let’s give it a definition to make sure. We have to do this because, if you don’t know what a LAN...

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How To Create Additional Domain Controller (ADC) In Windows Server 2008

Before installing the first Windows Server 2008 R2 domain controller (DC) into an existing Windows 2000, Windows Server 2003 or Windows Server 2008 domain, you must prepare the AD forest and domain. You do so by running a tool called ADPREP. ADPREP extends the Active Directory schema and updates permissions as necessary to prepare a forest and domain for a domain controller that runs the Windows Server 2008 R2 operating system. Note: You...

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