SysAdmin

For years, Linux and macOS users have enjoyed the convenience of the sudo command to run commands with administrative privileges. Now, the sudo experience has finally come to Windows in two popular forms: Microsoft’s official sudo, built into Windows 11, and the feature-rich, open-source gsudo. But which one do I use? This guide puts them in a head-to-head showdown, comparing their features, security, and best use cases to help me choose the right tool for my workflow. ...

PowerShell Remoting is a cornerstone of Windows administration and automation. For years, it was synonymous with one protocol: WinRM. But with modern PowerShell and the ubiquity of SSH, we now have a powerful, cross-platform alternative. So, which protocol should you use? WinRM or SSH? This guide provides the definitive answer. We’ll explore the fundamental differences between the protocols, provide practical, step-by-step instructions for using both, and give clear recommendations for when to choose each one. ...

Managing servers in a secure or air-gapped environment presents a unique challenge: how do you install software, modules, and features without an internet connection? The answer is a simple but powerful workflow: use an online “staging” machine to download the necessary assets, transfer them via removable media, and then install them on the offline “target” machine. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of this “Download, Transfer, Install” method for two of the most common offline scenarios: installing PowerShell modules and installing Windows features like the OpenSSH Server. ...

For system administrators, creating a standardized desktop environment often involves customizing the Windows taskbar. While pinning items is easy for a user, automating the process of listing or unpinning applications can be surprisingly difficult. Windows intentionally does not provide a simple, built-in command to manage pinned items to prevent applications from pinning themselves without user consent. However, with a bit of PowerShell scripting, I can gain control over the taskbar. This guide will walk through the most effective methods I use to list, unpin, and manage taskbar items programmatically. ...