In Pictures: 11 (free!) Microsoft tools to make life easier

Tools that secure, automate, pinch pennies - including some for Windows 8

Best Practices Analyzer

Once you’ve got Windows Server 8 installed, make use of the Best Practices Analyzer tool that comes with it. It scans the server to make sure it’s configured to what are considered best practices – things that admins might know but over look. One example Microsoft cites: close all ports that aren’t necessary for the server to talk to just the network machines it needs to. The goal is to improve security, avoid conflicts and boost performance and reliability.

2 of 11
VIEW ALL THUMBNAILS

Most Popular

Tethering tutorial: How to use your iPhone as a modem
Capacitive vs resistive touchscreens
The next Xbox reveal: What to expect from the Xbox 720
LCD vs plasma vs LED TVs buying guide
How to pick the right size TV for your living room

Best Deals on PCWorld

Networking, Wireless & VoIPView all »
NotebooksView all »
TabletsView all »
Mobile PhonesView all »
Printers & ScannersView all »

rhs_login_lockSign up to PC World Today for the latest news, reviews and galleries from PC World Australia.