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Databases are the primary containers for your SQL Server relational database objects. Some of the main relational database objects that are contained in SQL Server databases include: tables, schema, indexes, views, logins, security and roles. You can create a SQL database plus there are a number of built-in SQL system databases including the master, model, msdb and tempdb databases. Technically, SQL Server supports a…

Microsoft 365 Copilot, the new AI-powered assistant that launched in public preview earlier this year, is now generally available. Microsoft 365 commercial customers will now need to pay an additional $30 per user per month to access the Copilot feature. In March, Microsoft announced Microsoft 365 Copilot to improve productivity by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI)…

Microsoft is gearing up to begin automatic updates for classic Teams users, transitioning them to the new Teams desktop client for Windows and macOS. This change was announced via the Microsoft 365 admin center yesterday, and it’s slated to take effect after March 31, 2024. Last month, Microsoft announced the general availability of its new…

Microsoft has just announced the release of Windows 11 version 23H2 (also known as the Windows 11 2023 Update). The new version of the operating system is available as a small enablement package for PCs already running Windows 11 version 22H2. Starting today, Windows 11 users with eligible devices will be able to see Windows…

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has recently released a new Logging Made Easy (LME) solution. The free tool is strategically tailored to address the unique needs of small businesses that may not have access to a dedicated security operations center or a comprehensive security information and event management (SIEM) solution. The LME tool…

This short guide will provide a top-level overview of the crucial Azure cloud security controls and best practices to be aware of. The highlighted suggestions will provide you with options worth considering for deployment across your estate to strengthen your security posture and mitigate the evolving number and severity of cloud-based threats and risks that…

Microsoft announced yesterday that the new channels experience is now generally available for the classic and new Teams desktop apps. The new channels experience is designed to help users focus on important information, connect with the audience, and effortlessly locate relevant content. “Channels make it possible for teams and workgroups of all sizes to collaborate…

Microsoft has recently published details about a hacking group dubbed Octo Tempest that uses advanced social engineering techniques, SIM swapping, and occasional physical threats to target organizations. Their activities have raised alarms and prompted Microsoft to release recommendations for organizations to strengthen their defenses against this emerging threat. According to the Microsoft Incident Response and…

Nudge Security provides a simple and easy to implement solution to a challenging problem for organizations managing compliance, security, and governance of third-party cloud apps and services. Its simplicity encourages governed use of SaaS apps and the ability to monitor new apps and user signups. Nudge Security is a powerful alternative to complex products like…

Microsoft has introduced a new policy that allows IT admins to disable roaming signatures for Outlook on the web and the new Outlook for Windows. The company has started rolling out the update, and it’s expected to become generally available for commercial customers in mid-November. Roaming signatures is a convenient feature that lets users save…

In this episode of First Ring Daily, Brad Sams and Paul Thurrott look at Microsoft’s first quarter earnings for its fiscal year 2024, as well as a long interview of Satya Nadella looking back at his biggest regrets as the CEO of Microsoft.

Microsoft has released a slew of new capabilities and improvements for Microsoft Intune. The first new feature that the company highlighted today enables IT admins to install and remove line-of-business (LOB) applications on devices running Android Open Source Project (AOSP). Up until now, IT admins had to use third-party applications to manage AOSP line-of-business required…