Tutorials

Tutorials

• Zero-code Kubernetes observability with eBPF demo

  OpenTelemetry eBPF Instrumentation provides zero-code observability for Kubernetes applications using kernel-level eBPF, then complements SDK instrumentation for deeper insights.  Continue Reading

• How to build lightning-fast Quarkus native executables

  Want to build cloud-native Java apps in Java versus Go and Rust? This step-by-step tutorial shows how to create native executables in Quarkus that start fast and use little memory.  Continue Reading

• How to optimize DNS for reliable business operations

  The internet would be different today without DNS anchoring digital communications. Companies can take some basic steps to ensure they can protect and maintain this vital protocol.  Continue Reading

• What are the different types of network cables?

  The main types of network cables are coax, fiber optics, and shielded and unshielded twisted pair. As enterprises deploy new technologies, it's critical to select the right cables.  Continue Reading

• Automating domain joins for Azure VMs with Terraform

  Streamline the provisioning of Windows VMs in Azure, then securely join them to the on-premises AD domain using Terraform in combination with Azure Key Vault.  Continue Reading

• Checking Exchange Online health with PowerShell automation

  Learn how to use scripts to streamline Exchange Online monitoring, produce reports and address issues related to mail flow and other key areas before they affect your organization.  Continue Reading

• Guide to Windows storage management using Storage Spaces

  Windows Storage Spaces is an alternative approach to traditional storage management that provides increased flexibility and scalability in a straightforward configuration process.  Continue Reading

• See PowerShell parameter default values in action

  Learn how to build PowerShell functions that work in multiple scenarios and stay easy to manage, even as your scripts grow more complex.  Continue Reading

• Configure AD sites for optimized replication topology

  AD sites configuration optimizes replication by mapping physical network topology -- locations, WAN links, subnets and domain controllers -- for efficient database synchronization.  Continue Reading

• Use PSResourceGet to manage PowerShell modules and scripts

  The updated package manager for PowerShell improves performance, simplifies module management and streamlines repository handling to free up time for automation tasks.  Continue Reading

• How to build a network-aware CI/CD pipeline with GitLab and Ansible

  Automation is becoming a common process for organizations to include in their networks. No matter what type of automation a network uses, their CI/CD pipeline should be network-aware.  Continue Reading

• How to join Linux to an Active Directory domain

  This tutorial explains the benefits of this integration, how to connect Linux systems to the Microsoft directory service and how to troubleshoot authentication issues.  Continue Reading

• How to find and customize your PowerShell profile

  Give a more streamlined approach to PowerShell by learning how to customize your PowerShell profile to optimize workflows, enhance security and adapt to different environments.  Continue Reading

• How to use Vim in Linux

  This tutorial explains basic functions and commands used in Vim to complete simple tasks. Follow along to learn some beginner tips on how to install and use Vim in Linux.  Continue Reading

• Azure Arc setup tips for on-premises server management

  Admins should explore their patching options now that Microsoft deprecated WSUS. Azure Arc offers integration with Azure to give the operations team a unified management approach.  Continue Reading

• How Ansible's Python framework enables network automation

  Ansible's use of Python scripts creates a powerful network automation tool. This guide shows how to automate router tasks with Ansible in a GNS3 lab, such as VLAN setup and backup.  Continue Reading

• Secure Windows with Microsoft's Security Compliance Toolkit

  Learn how to work with the tools and security baselines provided by Microsoft to tighten the defenses in the Windows environment.  Continue Reading

• PowerShell while loop tips for infrastructure automation

  Loops enhance task automation scripts by enforcing conditions before the script progresses. This tutorial explains the concepts and offers tips for avoiding an endless loop.  Continue Reading

• An introduction to network automation with Ansible

  Ansible gives administrators additional control over how they configure devices. These tips and tricks help give you a head start in learning what Ansible can do.  Continue Reading

• How to create a network monitoring system

  Most organizations buy network monitoring systems from vendors, but those that choose to build in-house must follow a detailed set of steps to ensure a comprehensive platform.  Continue Reading

• PowerShell background jobs unlock scripting performance

  When you need a PowerShell script to execute as quickly as possible, try this native feature to run multiple jobs in parallel to overcome processing bottlenecks.  Continue Reading

• A guide to switch from Windows to Linux

  Switching from Windows to Linux can seem like a daunting task. Follow this guide to seamlessly migrate to Linux, from premigration practices to installation.  Continue Reading

• Manage storage using Linux Logical Volume Manager

  To see how flexible your storage space can be, consider Logical Volume Manager on Linux. Flexibility is critical on servers housing huge numbers of files or other resources.  Continue Reading

• How to set up Docker containers on Windows Server

  Docker started on the Linux OS, but Windows containers based on this technology can bring numerous benefits to the enterprise. Here's how to get started.  Continue Reading

• How to troubleshoot IP settings with Windows ipconfig

  Ipconfig is a vital tool for network troubleshooting. It displays key network information to help administrators diagnose and fix connectivity issues efficiently.  Continue Reading

• Deploy a read-only domain controller for security, speed

  A read-only domain controller requires a fair amount of work for a proper deployment, but it can be a great option for quicker logins for users in branch offices.  Continue Reading

• Learn to automate with PowerShell and Task Scheduler

  Using automation in tandem with scheduled tasks helps a busy admin stay on top of responsibilities big and small to free up time for more involved work.  Continue Reading

• Steps to launch an EC2 instance using AWS CloudFormation

  Admins can use AWS CloudFormation templates and resource stacks to deploy an EC2 instance using an infrastructure-as-code approach.  Continue Reading

• How to create an EC2 instance from the AWS Console

  AWS has made launching EC2 instances an easy task, but there are still many steps to the result. Learn how to successfully create an EC2 instance from AWS Console.  Continue Reading

• How PowerShell can automate Hyper-V deployments

  This tutorial explains the basics of how to build a proper template to stand up a Hyper-V VM with a script, then go further with advanced configurations for smoother deployments.  Continue Reading

• How to optimize Azure VMs for performance and cost savings

  Learn how to reduce the monthly cloud bill from Microsoft while, in some cases, also improving Azure workloads performance by using a storage pooling technique.  Continue Reading

• How to use Ansible with Windows for server management

  Initially made for Linux, Ansible also manages Windows systems through playbooks that use declarative syntax. Learn how to set up a control node and add roles to Windows Server.  Continue Reading

• How to create an EC2 instance using PowerShell

  PowerShell has practical integrations that provide users with cross-platform capabilities. Get to know prerequisites and resources to create an EC2 instance using PowerShell.  Continue Reading

• Use the AWS CLI to create an EC2 instance

  IT admins can use the AWS CLI to launch and manage EC2 instances. Follow these steps to learn how.  Continue Reading

• Learn to use PowerShell Invoke-RestMethod for API calls

  Admins who work with the cloud, from Azure hybrid services to Microsoft 365, should understand how REST APIs work in conjunction with PowerShell for their automation needs.  Continue Reading

• Getting started with Argo CD on Kubernetes

  Argo CD can make managing Kubernetes clusters simpler and more efficient. Learn how to install Argo CD and set up an application to get started.  Continue Reading

• How to create Azure Blob Storage accounts

  Follow these steps and best practices for how to create Azure Blob Storage. Keep security in mind as you move through the important, detailed process.  Continue Reading

• Using PowerShell for monitoring SharePoint Online

  The scale and complexity of some SharePoint Online environments can make maintenance difficult. Learn to use automation scripts to keep tabs on the collaboration platform.  Continue Reading

• Examine a captured packet using Wireshark

  Wireshark is a useful tool for capturing network traffic data. Network pros can make the most of the tool by analyzing captured packets to see what that data means for troubleshooting.  Continue Reading

• Deploy Azure landing zones using Terraform

  Azure landing zones are well-managed environments that provide a way to run workloads. Deploying them using Terraform lets users build a solid foundation.  Continue Reading

• Dive into Terraform basics with this tutorial

  Terraform can save you time and headaches when deploying servers with cloud providers. Get up to speed on Terraform basics in this tutorial.  Continue Reading

• Activate Windows Server 2019 with KMS or the command line

  Running the Software License Manager from the command line or using Key Management Services for automatic activation can sidestep one hurdle to get going with Windows Server 2019.  Continue Reading

• Boost Exchange Online automation with Azure Functions

  Admins can use the event-driven functionality in Microsoft's serverless offering and build event-driven workflows for a more efficient management approach.  Continue Reading

• Manage Microsoft 365 users and groups with Azure Functions

  This Microsoft service performs large-scale admin jobs and also automatically reacts to certain conditions to execute predefined tasks with speed and consistency.  Continue Reading

• Deploy a Redis Cluster on Kubernetes

  Redis is a powerful platform with many use cases. Follow this tutorial to run Redis on Kubernetes to simplify deployments and increase reliability and performance.  Continue Reading

• Follow these steps to optimize Hyper-V performance

  Follow these best practices for Microsoft's virtualization platform to prevent unnecessary slowdowns with your VMs.  Continue Reading

• How to successfully debug PowerShell scripts

  Got a PowerShell script that isn't working as intended? Debug it using breakpoints and a few simple steps in VS Code, and you'll be on your way to scripting success.  Continue Reading

• How to use regex in PowerShell

  A regular expression is a series of characters that determine a matching pattern in text to find or replace input validation. Walk through a regex example in PowerShell.  Continue Reading

• Use advanced DHCP logging techniques for troubleshooting

  This guide helps admins solve problems on the network by explaining how to work with recorded activity in logs and set up an archival system to examine older incidents.  Continue Reading

• Find and fix server problems with Best Practices Analyzer

  Admins need all the help they can get, and this Microsoft utility shows IT how to correct security issues and optimize performance in key infrastructure workloads.  Continue Reading

• How to use the Windows Server Backup tool

  In this tutorial you'll learn how to install, schedule and test Windows Server Backup utility. Readers will also find out which environments the tool is best suited to.  Continue Reading

• Streamline Microsoft 365 onboarding with PowerShell

  Learn how to simplify user provisioning in the cloud collaboration platform with faster results by seeing examples of scripts that work with Microsoft Graph.  Continue Reading

• Automate Microsoft 365 user offboarding with PowerShell

  Automation is a good way for admins to handle all the tasks associated with removing a user from the organization's tenant in Microsoft's cloud-based productivity platform.  Continue Reading

• Secure Kubernetes with this Kubescape tutorial

  Kubescape can help discover misconfigurations in a Kubernetes cluster by scanning various resource types. Learn how to use the platform to scan clusters.  Continue Reading

• How to use PowerShell for Exchange Online monitoring

  Many enterprises rely on Exchange Online for more than just email. Admins need to stay on top of this important service to pinpoint when problems occur to resolve them quickly.  Continue Reading

• How to manage Microsoft 365 guest users with PowerShell

  The flexible automation tool used in conjunction with Microsoft Graph can give admins the right combination to quickly tackle a range of tasks related to guest user management.  Continue Reading

• How to install and run Podman on Rocky Linux

  Rocky Linux can run and install Podman, an open source Linux tool and competitor to Docker that uses containers to find, run and deploy applications. Run Podman on Rocky Linux now.  Continue Reading

• Azure Site Recovery tutorial for workload disaster recovery

  Understand the costs and the requirements to use this flexible disaster recovery service that works with Linux and Windows Server in the data center and virtual machines in the Azure cloud.  Continue Reading

• Configure Kubernetes garbage collection to get rid of waste

  Kubernetes garbage collection is an important task for cluster health. Learn how to configure garbage collections to your own preference to effectively manage deployments.  Continue Reading

• How to Create an AWS Lambda Function with CloudFormation

  Do you want to enhance automation, consistency, scalability and cost-effectiveness? Follow this step-by-step tutorial on how to create an AWS Lambda function using CloudFormation.  Continue Reading

• Server consolidation benefits, types and considerations

  Server consolidation enables admins to boost server utilization and decrease power consumption, which can also reduce costs and improve performance.  Continue Reading

• How to use the LFTP client to download files

  The open source LFTP client supports multiple file transport types, such as FTP and HTTPS, enabling administrators to use a single interface to upload and download files.  Continue Reading

• How to monitor and deallocate Azure VMs to save money

  Enterprises can save costs by deallocating Azure VMs during inactive periods. Teams can use log files and automation to monitor VM jobs and push deallocation when a job is complete.  Continue Reading

• How to use the PowerShell extension for Visual Studio Code

  Administrators who want to accelerate their automation skills can tap into the enhanced editing and debugging features of the Microsoft code editor.  Continue Reading

• Why you can benefit from using Always On VPN

  The Windows Server feature gives administrators more flexibility to manage clients, while giving users a better overall experience when connecting to enterprise resources.  Continue Reading

• Using Microsoft AD Explorer for common admin tasks

  The utility makes it easier to navigate the Active Directory database and features snapshot capabilities with a comparison function to detect where a change caused a problem.  Continue Reading

• How to build a successful FinOps team

  A successful FinOps team relies on clear team structure and roles, shared accountability and baseline measures of success. Use these best practices to build a FinOps team.  Continue Reading

• Boost productivity with these PowerShell GUI examples

  PowerShell scripts can be tedious to write and difficult to use. These easy-to-follow commands can help teams build GUIs for their PowerShell scripts to save time and effort.  Continue Reading

• How to use TFTP to transfer files across the network

  Trivial File Transfer Protocol is one of the oldest and simplest TCP/IP file exchange protocols. Here are use cases and best practices for installation and security.  Continue Reading

• Deploy OpenTelemetry to improve Kubernetes observability

  Deploying OpenTelemetry on Kubernetes can give teams a leg up in observability monitoring. It only takes a few simple steps to get the tool up and running.  Continue Reading

• Understand PowerShell splatting with these examples

  Give this PowerShell splatting tutorial a closer look to see how to simplify complex commands to make your code more versatile, which can be a boon in team environments.  Continue Reading

• How to survive a cloud service outage

  Outages might be rare, but they are rarely cheap -- any amount of downtime can cost you money. Learn how to minimize the risks and survive a cloud service outage.  Continue Reading

• Tutorial: How to use Linux Deja Dup to back up and restore files

  Deja Dup isn't advertised as a backup tool, but that doesn't mean you can't use it for data protection. Find out how to use Linux Deja Dup for backup and restore in this tutorial.  Continue Reading

• Tutorial: Use Linux cpio to back up and restore files

  There are many ways of backing up files on Linux devices. The cpio utility copies contents out of the file system and into an archive to create reliable backups.  Continue Reading

• Dump and restore: Helpful backup utilities for Linux users

  Dump and restore are two Linux utilities that help ensure reliable backups. From utility installation to restoring file systems, this tutorial is for Linux users of all levels.  Continue Reading

• Tutorial: How to use tar to back up and restore files in Linux

  This tutorial walks users through using the Linux tar utility. Readers will learn a few commands to create files, then how to back up and restore them.  Continue Reading

• Use resource tagging to optimize cloud costs

  When it comes to cost management in cloud computing, tags and additional metadata can help with reporting, allocation and optimization recommendations.  Continue Reading

• Craft a data protection strategy for multi-cloud

  Data protection is harder when you have multiple clouds in the mix. Manage this challenge by crafting a data protection strategy and following these best practices.  Continue Reading

• Optimize ML models with Amazon SageMaker Neo

  Machine learning models that run inference tasks require optimized performance and monitoring. Amazon SageMaker Neo can be a helpful tool in the ML model release cycle.  Continue Reading

• Create a private endpoint to secure Azure Functions apps

  Don't overlook security and leave your functions exposed. Learn how private endpoints can add an extra layer of protection for your Azure Function apps.  Continue Reading

• How to upgrade RHEL 8 to 9

  With CentOS 7 and RHEL 7 reaching end of maintenance, RHEL admins and developers must look into other OS options. Follow this tutorial to upgrade from RHEL 8 to 9.  Continue Reading

• How to use ChatGPT with PowerShell to write code for admins

  Use of artificial intelligence tools is on the rise in many industries, and administrators can tap into these digital helpers to improve their scripting attempts.  Continue Reading

• Learn how to use Terraform modules with examples

  Running modules can benefit Terraform usability. Explore what a module in Terraform is, when you should use them, and run through some Terraform module examples.  Continue Reading

• How to perform an application modernization assessment

  Walk through an application modernization assessment process step by step to make the most informed decisions about how to approach modernization. Learn how to get started.  Continue Reading

• Automate IT operations with VMware and Ansible

  When paired with VMware, Ansible software can help automate IT tasks. Learn the steps to install Ansible and how to set up a virtual machine through vCenter.  Continue Reading

• Use cURL and Wget to download network files from CLI

  Web browsers aren't the only tools that use HTTP to download files. Command-line tools, such as cURL and Wget, can download resources like VM images, configuration files and updates.  Continue Reading

• Discover advanced regular expressions in PowerShell

  Learn how to develop more sophisticated regular expression techniques by understanding how to work with lookarounds with different operators.  Continue Reading

• How to use Amazon SageMaker Canvas for accurate predictions

  Amazon SageMaker Canvas is a useful machine learning tool for both technical and nontechnical professionals. This tutorial shows how to create data sets and train custom models.  Continue Reading

• Follow these 3 Azure Pipelines best practices

  IT teams can better streamline workflows, enhance security and improve the developer experience by understanding these Azure Pipelines best practices.  Continue Reading

• Get started with this quick Amazon SageMaker Autopilot tutorial

  Building machine learning models can be a daunting and complicated task. Learn how Amazon SageMaker Autopilot can help and how to start an Autopilot experiment.  Continue Reading

• How to write an SELinux policy

  The NSA created the SELinux policy to provide security to applications. SELinux policies best suit an app under specific conditions, which can be found in this tutorial.  Continue Reading

• Use Angry IP Scanner to audit the network

  Angry IP Scanner provides a network scanner alternative to Nmap that is simple, user-friendly and versatile across OSes. Scan types include ping scans, UDP scans and TCP scans.  Continue Reading

• How to run ML workloads with Apache Spark on Kubernetes

  IT staff looking for ways to maintain ML workloads with ease are increasingly turning to Apache Spark. Follow these simple steps to set up a Spark cluster on Kubernetes.  Continue Reading

• How to create an Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 account

  This tutorial details two different ways admins can set up an Azure Data Lake Storage Gen2 account, which will be a necessity when Gen1 isn't an option anymore.  Continue Reading

• How to set up PowerShell remoting over SSH

  Microsoft recommends using WinRM to manage Windows machines remotely, but OpenSSH offers other advantages, particularly in organizations that also use Linux systems.  Continue Reading

• How to use tcpdump to capture and analyze traffic

  Network administrators use tcpdump to analyze traffic in Linux systems. Learn how to install and use tcpdump, as well as examine the results of captured traffic.  Continue Reading

• An Azure Repos tutorial to build a container image

  Azure Repos is a tool for IT teams working with repositories and code versions. Get to know the tool better, and see how to use it alongside pipelines to build a container image.  Continue Reading

• Build a multi-cloud Kubernetes cluster step by step

  While Kubernetes is often deployed as a cluster on a single cloud, a multi-cloud cluster can provide numerous advantages, such as reliability, better performance and lower costs.  Continue Reading

• Get started with Kubernetes Cloud Controller Manager

  Kubernetes Cloud Controller Manager is an optional tool used to manage cluster resources. Learn how it works, why you may want to use it and the basics for getting started.  Continue Reading

• How to configure SELinux for applications and services

  Admins need to follow six steps to configure SELinux properly to run applications and services. This tutorial walks you through how to configure the security system.  Continue Reading