Category: Windows

Preparing for the Future: Expected Features of Windows Server 2025

The world of server technologies stands on the brink of significant change. Windows Server 2025 — the latest version of Microsoft’s popular server operating system — promises to revolutionize enterprise IT infrastructure. This release is not just an update but a qualitative leap in security, performance, and cloud integration. In this article, we will examine the most important features.

Key Security Innovations

Security is the cornerstone of Windows Server 2025. The updated version offers several significant improvements:

  • enhanced Active Directory protection;
  • updated SMB protocol with QUIC support;
  • new password encryption methods, including the use of AES.

Of particular note is the abandonment of the outdated Mailslots protocol in favor of more modern and secure solutions. This change will significantly increase the overall security level of server infrastructure.

Improved Performance and Scalability

Windows Server 2025 takes a big step forward in performance. Improvements affect various aspects of the system:

  1. Optimization of data storage operations, providing up to a 90% increase in IOPS.
  2. Hyper-V update with support for up to 1792 virtual processors and 29.7 TB of RAM per VM.
  3. Implementation of GPU partitioning technology for more efficient use of graphics resources.

These changes will allow organizations to use existing hardware resources more effectively and scale their infrastructure without significant additional investments.

Integration with Cloud Technologies

Hybrid and multi-cloud environments are becoming the norm in the modern IT landscape. Windows Server 2025 takes this trend into account, offering expanded capabilities for integration with cloud services:

  • Improved Software-defined Networking (SDN) tools for managing networks in distributed environments.
  • Close integration with Azure Arc, allowing management of on-premises servers through a cloud interface.
  • Support for hybrid work scenarios, ensuring a smooth transition between on-premises and cloud resources.

These features will help organizations create a more flexible and adaptive IT infrastructure capable of quickly responding to changing business requirements.

Artificial Intelligence and Management

Artificial intelligence is becoming an integral part of modern IT systems. Windows Server 2025 keeps pace with this trend, offering:

  • AI-based management functions to simplify server administration.
  • Optimized support for AI workloads, including improved GPU utilization.
  • Tools for performance analysis and optimization based on machine learning.

These innovations will allow IT teams to manage complex infrastructures more effectively and optimize resource utilization.

Updates to Active Directory

Active Directory (AD) is a key component of Windows Server, and in the 2025 version, it receives substantial improvements. The new version of AD offers enhanced capabilities for identity and access management:

  • Support for 32k-page AD databases, significantly increasing capacity and performance compared to previous 8k-page databases.
  • Improved AD replication for faster and more reliable data synchronization between domain controllers.
  • New forest and domain functional levels, providing access to advanced features.
  • Support for TLS 1.3 for LDAP communications, enhancing the security of network interactions.
  • Implementation of Kerberos keys for local accounts, strengthening authentication protection.

The updated Active Directory will provide organizations with a more reliable and scalable identity management infrastructure, which is critical in today’s distributed and hybrid environments.

New System Update Capabilities

One of the most notable improvements in Windows Server 2025 is the Hotpatching feature. This technology allows critical security updates to be installed without server restarts. Previously, this capability was only available in the Azure Edition Windows Server 2022 Datacenter, but now it will be available for all editions of Windows Server 2025.

Hotpatching significantly reduces system downtime and simplifies the maintenance process, which is especially important for critical services operating 24/7.

Network Improvements

Windows Server 2025 offers numerous significant improvements in network technologies:

  1. SMB over QUIC — a more secure and performant protocol for file sharing.
  2. Adaptive Traffic Control (ATC) for optimizing network flows.
  3. Health and Usage Dashboard (HUD) for improved visualization of network activity.

These innovations will help organizations increase the performance of network infrastructure and improve control over network resources.

Licensing Models

Microsoft offers flexible licensing options for Windows Server 2025:

  • Traditional perpetual license model;
  • New “pay-as-you-go” subscription model through Azure Arc.

The choice of model depends on the specifics of the business. For companies with seasonal load fluctuations, the subscription model may be more advantageous, while for stable infrastructures, a perpetual license may be the optimal solution.

Preparing for the Transition

Transitioning to Windows Server 2025 requires careful planning. For a successful upgrade from Windows Server 2022, it is recommended to:

  • Conduct an audit of the current infrastructure.
  • Assess application compatibility.
  • Develop a migration plan that accounts for possible downtime.
  • Train IT personnel on working with new features.

Advance preparation will help avoid problems during the transition and help you start using the advantages of the new version as quickly as possible.

Potential Business Benefits

The implementation of Windows Server 2025 promises many significant benefits for businesses:

  • Increase in overall IT infrastructure security.
  • Enhanced performance and scalability of server systems.
  • Improved flexibility in IT resource management.
  • Optimization of IT costs through new licensing models.
  • Support for modern workloads, including AI and machine learning.

These advantages can become key factors in increasing business competitiveness in the digital age.

Conclusion

Windows Server 2025 represents a significant step forward in the evolution of server operating systems. The combination of enhanced security, increased performance, and deep integration with cloud technologies makes this version an attractive choice for organizations seeking to modernize their IT infrastructure.

From Unrecognized to Accessible: 3 Ways to Fix Your SD Card on Windows 10

If you are using an SD card on your Windows 10 computer, you may have experienced issues where the card is not recognized or not showing up. These issues can be frustrating, especially when you need to access important files on the card. In this article, we will discuss some common reasons why SD cards may not be recognized on Windows 10 and provide you with some solutions to fix them.

Reasons Why SD Card is Not Recognized on Windows 10

One of the most common reasons why an SD card is not recognized on Windows 10 is due to outdated or corrupted device drivers. Windows 10 may not be able to recognize the SD card if the device drivers are not up-to-date or if they are corrupted. Another reason could be due to a faulty SD card reader. The reader may not be able to read the card due to a physical issue or a software problem.

Reasons Why SD Card is Not Showing Up on Windows 10

If your SD card is not showing up on Windows 10, it could be due to a few different reasons. One reason could be due to a drive letter conflict. Windows 10 may assign the same drive letter to another device, causing the SD card to not show up. Another reason could be due to a corrupted file system on the SD card. If the file system is corrupted, Windows 10 may not be able to read the card.

Common SD Card Errors and How to Fix Them

There are a few common SD card errors that you may encounter while using the card on Windows 10. One of the most common errors is the “SD card is write-protected” error. This error occurs when the SD card is set to read-only mode, and you cannot write files to the card. To fix this error, you need to remove the write protection from the card.

Another common SD card error is the “SD card is not formatted” error. This error occurs when the file system on the SD card is corrupted or damaged. To fix this error, you need to format the card. Formatting the card will erase all the data on it, so make sure to back up any important files before formatting.

Fixing a Corrupted SD Card on Windows 10

If your SD card is corrupted, you may not be able to access the data on it. To fix corrupted SD card on Windows 10, you can use the built-in Disk Management tool. First, connect the SD card to your computer and open Disk Management. Right-click on the SD card and select “Format.” Choose the file system you want to use and click “OK” to format the card.

Alternatively, you can use a third-party tool like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard. This tool can recover data from a corrupted SD card and restore it to your computer. To use this tool, connect the SD card to your computer and open EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard. Select the SD card and click “Scan” to search for lost data. Once the scan is complete, you can preview and recover the data from the SD card.

 

How to use a Tool to Recover Files from a Memory Stick? If you accidentally deleted files from a memory stick, you can use a tool like Cleverfiles to recover them. Cleverfiles is a free data recovery tool that can recover deleted files from a memory stick. To use this tool, connect the memory stick to your computer and open Cleverfiles. Select the memory stick and click “Scan” to search for deleted files. Once the scan is complete, you can preview and recover the deleted files.

Updating Device Drivers and Windows 10

As mentioned earlier, outdated or corrupted device drivers can cause issues with SD cards on Windows 10. To update the device drivers, you can use the Device Manager. Open the Device Manager and expand the “Disk drives” section. Right-click on the SD card and select “Update driver.” Follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver.

To update Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Click “Check for updates” to see if there are any available updates for your computer. If there are updates available, click “Download and install” to update Windows 10.

Cleaning the SD Card Reader

If your SD card is not being recognized on Windows 10, it could be due to a dirty or dusty SD card reader. To clean the reader, first, turn off your computer and unplug any cables. Use a soft-bristled brush or compressed air to remove any dust or debris from the reader. After cleaning the reader, plug in the cables and turn on your computer to see if the SD card is now being recognized.

Tips for Preventing SD Card Issues on Windows 10

To prevent SD card issues on Windows 10, you can follow these tips:

  • Always safely eject the SD card from your computer before removing it.
  • Avoid using the SD card on multiple devices to prevent file system conflicts.
  • Use a high-quality SD card that is compatible with your computer.
  • Keep your device drivers and Windows 10 up-to-date.
  • Regularly back up important files stored on the SD card.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if your SD card is not recognized or not showing up on Windows 10, there are a few different reasons why this may be happening. By following the solutions outlined in this article, you should be able to fix the issues and access your files on the SD card. Remember to regularly back up your files to prevent data loss and follow the tips to prevent issues from occurring in the future.

 

Venturer introduces its PrimePro 12TS Windows 2-in-1 notebook. #Windows

Following the success of the Elite and Bravo 2 in 1 notebooks, Venturer is now launching the next generation of notebook, now with 4GB RAM and an impressive 64GB hard drive. The PrimePro 12TS is perfect for business use and for those who need a sturdy yet portable notebook for use in the office, on the move, or at home. Available in an attractive metallic black, the PrimePro offers great value for money at only £349.99.

 

 

With a 12.2 inch screen, 4GB RAM and 64GB Hard Drive, the PrimePro is the perfect option for working on the go

Venturer, one of the largest manufacturers of tablets world-wide, with world class manufacturing facilities, today announces the launch of the PrimePro 12TS Windows 10 2-in-1 Notebook. Following on from the hugely successful launch of its BravoWin and Elitewin 2-in-1 affordable notebooks which were positioned as an ideal first computer, Venturer have now produced a device perfect for business users who require a sturdy yet portable notebook for use in the office, on the move, or at home.

 

 

With an Intel Atom Core Quad Core processor, 4GB RAM and an impressive 64GB memory, the PrimePro 12TS offers a quick and responsive user experience. It has the ability to access the internet within seconds and has an expandable storage space for work files, photos, videos and music. The 2MP dual cameras at the front and rear allow users to make conference calls and take photos or videos, producing good quality images and videos.

 

 

 

Unlike other more expensive tablets in the market, the Venturer PrimePro 12TS is equipped with a detachable smart keyboard with a leather backing and stand to rest the screen on. When connected, this provides the optimum angle for working and when closed, also provides an extra layer of protection for the metallic black notebook. Rather than draining precious battery power using Bluetooth, the keyboard clips on magnetically, featuring a pressure sensing trackpad so the PrimePro 12TS can be used as a stand-alone tablet or quickly transformed into a working laptop; making it easier to type, work and surf the internet.

 

Specifications:    

Screen 12.2” 1920 x 1200 Pixels
Operating System Windows 10
Processor (CPU) Intel ® Atom™ (Up to 1.83GHz)
Display Multi Points Capacitive Touch Screen
Memory 4GB RAM
Storage 64GB Flash
Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0
Camera (MP) 2MP + 2MP (Front & Rear)
Sensor G-sensor
Connectors Micro SD, Micro USB (For Charging Only), USB, Headphone, Mini HDMI, DC Jack
Audio Speakers, Microphone
Battery Life Up to 8 Hours
Dimensions Approximately 300 x 206 x 11.8 (WxDxH) mm excluded keyboard
Approximately 300 x 213 x 24.6 (WxDxH) mm with keyboard
Weight Approximately 907g excluded keyboard, 1500g with keyboard
Accessories AC Adaptor
Detachable Keyboard Trackpad, Angle Adjustable
Colour options Metallic Black

 

 

The Venturer PrimePro 12TS is available in Metallic Black from Amazon RRP £349.99

#Microsoft wants you to have a #Surface with a special offer if you exchange your old #MacBook. #Windows #MacOS #Trade

Earlier this week we told you about what Microsoft brough to the table on the last event, and today we realized that the also want to give you a special discount in any of their Surface line up (but the new Studio PC) if you exchange your Macbook.

Yes! As you can see from the capture above, the Microsoft Store is offering up to $650 for your old laptop.

Obviously the offering may vary depending on the state of your product, the closer you get to pristine condition (with box and original kits), the higher the discount.

The promo code will be valid until December 15, 2016 and the offers started yesterday October 27, 2016 at 12:00PM PST and will go all the way to November 7, 2016, 11:59PM PST.

This is a great offering considering that outdated processor in some old MacBooks, but the decision is yours.

Would you change your Mac for a Windows PC? Let us know in the comment section below or join us over Twitter

Microsoft Store

#Microsoft announces new Surface Studio PC and updated Surface Book i7. #Surface #Windows

During an event yesterday, Microsoft unveiled their two new offerings in the computer department.

Aiming not only to consumers that need portability but also the ones that need a powerhouse at home, we now see the company focusing once again in hardware…Well except mobile phones anyway..

Surface Book I7

 

 

There’s no big news on the portable side as what we have is a revindication of what I should have been the first offering.

The Surface Book is a great device, but for the more demanding professionals is was aimed, Not having the greatest battery life and some compatibility issues was a let down. But those flaws were attacked and now we have a new offer with the latest I7 processor (hence the name).

Also, they improved the graphics performance and increased the battery by 30%, everything else remains the same as previous models.

They even made a video just to say that, take a look:

The new model will be available starting in November and will start at $2,399 with pre-orders already open.

Surface Studio

This was the main attraction during the event, dubbed as “Surface Studio” this All-in-one PC is aimed to professional photographers, designers as well as Illustrators.

With a huge 28″ LCD PixelSense Display and a resolution of 4,500 x 3,000 (3:2 aspect), the Studio is Microsoft take on Apple’s iMac series.

Only one big difference though, the panel is completely tactile, which offer a whole new world of possibilities.

The spec sheet is quite impressive:

Display

Screen: 28″ PixelSense Display
Resolution: 4500 x 3000 (192 DPI)
Color settings: Adobe sRGB, DCI-P3 and Vivid Color Profiles, Individually color calibrated
Touch: 10-point multi-touch
Aspect Ratio: 3:2
Surface Pen
Zero Gravity Hinge

Processor

Quad-core 6th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7

Graphics

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 965M 2GB GPU GDDR5 memory or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M 4GB GPU GDDR5 memory

Storage

Rapid hybrid drive options: 1TB or 2TB

Memory

8GB, 16GB, or 32GB RAM

Wireless

Wi-Fi: 802.11ac Wi-Fi wireless networking, IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n compatible
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology
Xbox Wireless built-in3

Dimensions and weight

Display: 25.09 x 17.27 x 0.44 in (637.35 x 438.90 x 11.4 mm)
Base: 9.84 x 8.66 x 1.26 in (250.00 x 220.00 x 32.20 mm)
Weight: 21.07 lbs max (9.56 kg)

Connections and expansions

4 USB 3.0
Full-size SD card reader (SDXC compatible)
Mini Displayport
3.5mm headset jack
Compatible with Surface Dial onscreen interaction1

Cameras

Windows Hello2 face sign-in camera 5.0MP front-facing camera with 1080p HD video

Audio

Dual microphones
Stereo 2.1 speakers with Dolby Audio Premium
3.5mm headset jack

Buttons and keyboard

Physical buttons: Volume and power
Surface Pen
Surface Keyboard
Surface Mouse

In the box

Surface Studio
Surface Pen
Surface Keyboard
Surface Mouse
Power cord with grip-release cable

The Surface Studio will be available in December with some pre-orders being available for the holiday season, the next batch will have to wait till next year.

The price tag of the base model will be $2,999.00 going all the way up to $4,199.00 for the high-end model.

Capable of Pen input as you’d expect from a Surface product, that’s not the only trick under the sleeve.

Pair with the “Zero Gravity Hinge” that allows it to go from monitor to drawing desk, the addition we are really impressed is the Surface Dial.

As You can see from the video above, the Dial is not just an extra tool to have around, Its what will complement the experience when your primary work is on the designing or editing process.

With haptic feedback to let you know you’re changing option without seeing using the radial input, add free location on the screen and you ready to work whenever you want.

As extra, the little gadget with not only be compatible with the new Studio Pc, but also with the Surface Book and the Surface Pro 4.

The can get a standalone Dial once available for $99 with just one color option (looks fine to me), but if you pre-order the Surface Studio before next month you’ll one for free.

But tell us, Do you think Microsoft is offering a solid option against the iMac or the MacBook that are currently on the market? Will be good enough to compete with today’s announcements from Apple?

Let us know in the comment section or join the conversation on Twitter

#Panasonic launches #Windows10 and #Android powered #Toughpad FZ-F1 and FZN1 respectively by @Tiwaash #MWC2016

Looks like 2016 is the year for some exciting Windows devices. After HP, it was Panasonic to surprise with an unusual but unique Windows10 device along with an Adrroid counterpart. Panasonic announced Toughpad FZ-F1 and Toughpad FZ-N1, two new rugged smartphones running Windows 10 IoT Mobile Enterprise and Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), respectively at the MWC 2016 in Barcelona.

Both these smartphones are aimed to attract the adventure enthusiasts with some toughness added to them  so they can stand up to the abuse of the most demanding usage environments. Both these smartphones have a 4.7-inch HD glove enabled, multi-touch, sunlight viewable display, powered by a quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor and come with IP65, IP67 and MIL-STD-810G ratings with drop rating of 6 feet and also submersible, in up to 3.3 feet of water for 30 minutes.

The Panasonic Toughpad FZ-N1 is expected to be available in WiFi version in March of 2016 at an estimated price of US$1,499 and the voice model will be introduced in summer 2016. The Windows 10 IoT Mobile Enterprise-powered Toughpad FZ-F1 will be available with data and voice in fall 2016 at an estimated price of $1,599.

Panasonic Toughpad FZ-F1 and FZ-N1 specifications

  • 4.7-inch (1280 x 720 pixels) sunlight-viewable display
  • 10-point capacitive multi-touch with rain sensing and glove touch mode, optional stylus pen (Active or Passive)
  • 2.3GHz Quad-Core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 (MSM8974AB) processor with Adreno 330 GPU
  • 2GB RAM, 16GB internal storage, expandable memory up to 64GB with microSD
  • Windows 10 IoT Mobile Enterprise (FZ-F1) / Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop) (FZ-N1)
  • Dual SIM
  • 8MP rear camera with LED flash and 5MP front-facing camera
  • Durability: IP65 (high-pressure jet spray) and IP67 (submersible up to 3.3ft. for 30 minutes)MIL-STD-810G (shock, vibration, rain, dust, sand, altitude, freeze/thaw, high/low temperature,temperature shock, humidity)
  • WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac; 4G LTE, HSPA+, UMTS, EDGE, GPRS, CDMA 1x, EVDO Rev.A
  • Angled 1D/2D barcode reader, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, GPS
  • FIPS140-2 level-1 compliant, ARM TrustZone (Built-in)
  • 3,200 mAh battery, optional 6200 mAh long life battery back; Warm Swap capability

Stay tuned for more tech buzz.

Windows10 will be the only fully supported OS for newer hardware By @VicenteA_George #Intel #AMD #W10

As the year is starting many of you are planning on upgrade you PC’s or laptops but if you’re thinking of getting the latest and greatest specs the only version of Windows you can use is Windows 10

Although as today, there’s more than 200 millions devices running Windows 10 there’s also millions of other that still prefer to use the old but reliable Windows 8/8.1 or even Windows 7, (specially companies)

And given the fact this versions of the OS are going to get updates ’till 2020 and 2023 is not a bad idea at all, but there’s a catch.

After CES las week, Microsoft has made official their commitment to Windows 10 as a “One OS to rule them all” therefore, they want to W10 to be on more and more devices.

So with the announcements of the upcoming silicon such as :

Intel’s “Kaby Lake”

Qualcomm’s “8996” 

and AMD’s “Bristol Ridge”

Microsoft is planning on rely on this manufactures “a better integration between software and hardware to improve performance” on every device.

How? There’s going to be limitations on how the devices will perform under certain OS, if you have W7 or W8 your system is not going to be well optimize, but if you have W10 you will get up to 30x better graphics and 3x battery life (which is certainly unfair as it’s a really big difference in graphics)

You still are going to be able to install any of the former versions but without the proper optimizations your system will be very vulnerable.

Actually, even the recently announced Skylake silicon is going to have a downfall as those who are still on W7 or W8.1 just going to get security updates until July 17th of 2017.

So this is one of those situation in which you have to choose between to two worst options.

But, what are your thoughts on this matter? Are you happy with this decision?

Or do you think is worth the risk keeping up the old W7 or the not so old W8.1 around?

Let us know in the comment below or tweet us at @jimboireland or @VicenteA_George

Source: Microsoft

 

Samsung unveils the Galaxy Tab Pro S at #CES2016 By @VicenteA_George #Samsung #Windows

Samsung’s keynote was one of the most unexpected yesterday at CES and they did what they do best, impress everyone with something unexpected.

The Galaxy TAB line is really well known by now, keeping Android on the tablet market for a while. But this time though the Galaxy line has seen a step in other direction.

Meet the Galaxy Tab Pro S

And as you can see its looking like a Surface Pro.

The new slate from Samsung runs on Windows 10 OS and they claim to have a “truly powerful 2-in-1”

The device itself is 6.3 mm thin and has 693 gm  making it easily portable, also the TAB Pro S comes with a full sized keyboard cover with a built in kickstand and touchpad.

Packs a gorgeous 12 inch 2K Super AMOLED display which will boost the 5,200 mAh battery lasting, one accordingly to Samsung should go up to 10.5H  and can be fully charge in just 2.5H

Also it comes with the Intel Core M processor with 4GB of RAM and either 128GB or 256GB of storage, and is the first Windows tablet to come with LTE Cat 6 support.

This is just one of the many announcements we’ll see this week, so stay tuned for more #CES2016 coverage

 

India to get the Surface Pro 4 on January 7th By @VicenteA_George #Surface #Windows

This year was great for gadgets that boost up our productivity on he go, like the IPad Pro, the stunning Surface Book and last but not least the Surface Pro 4 which was unveiled earlier this year and you can see our full coverage here.

But back then it wasn’t available everywhere to buy but today we received the news that is going to be officially available in India as soon as next week on January 7th

As you can see after all the wait is finally going to happen for our Indian readers the very next week.

There’s no word about full prices and available along the country but as a far as we know the “lower 128GB an Intel Core m3 with 4GB RAM model” could go for Rs. 67,999 and the powerhouse variant with 256GB an Intel Core i7 and 16GB of RAM could go for somewhere around Rs. 1,32,99 which means the other variants are going to be in between these prices.

The Surface Pro line is a well known productivity tool and made ir widely available is great, paired with Windows 10 this thing is a beast.

From consuming media to full work presentations the Surface Pro 4 packs everything you could need in a beautiful portable size.

We’ll bring more info once the day comes, but till then, let us know! Will you pick one for yourself? Sound below in the comments or Tweet us using #techbuzzireland

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