dwirch

Derek Wirch is a seasoned IT professional with an impressive career dating back to 1986. He brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience that is invaluable to those embarking on their journey in the tech industry.

Author Archives: dwirch

RWAD Ch. 2: Active Directory Deep Dive

Active Directory (AD) is a vast system that uses both logical and physical structures to manage and organize resources across networks. As a system administrator, it’s important to understand these structures so you can effectively manage users, computers, and other resources in your environment. In this post, we’ll explore the difference between the logical structure (which includes domains,… Read More »

RWAD Ch. 1: Demystifying Active Directory

Active Directory (AD) stands as a cornerstone in IT infrastructure, a critical component for managing and securing network resources in organizations of all sizes. Yet, for many IT professionals and newcomers alike, its complexities can seem daunting. This chapter aims to peel back the layers of Active Directory, transforming it from a seemingly enigmatic system into an accessible… Read More »

Real World Active Directory, the Book

As some of you may (or may not) know, I have been working on a book about Active Directory. Yeah, I know, yet another book about AD. The idea behind the book is to not just parrot out the usual stuff from the Microsoft documentation, though. Rather, it’s more about the why and how of things, with my… Read More »

10 Task Manager Tips Every Windows User Should Know

Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, Windows Task Manager is one of the most important tools at your disposal. Here are ten essential tips to help you make the most of this powerful utility. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager directly, or right-click the taskbar and select “Task Manager.” The classic… Read More »

How to Remove Notes from PowerPoint Slides

PowerPoint is a great tool for creating engaging presentations, but if you’ve ever shared your slides and forgotten to remove the notes, it can be a little embarrassing! Fortunately, removing notes from PowerPoint is simple and can be done in just a few clicks. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to delete notes from your PowerPoint… Read More »

9 Ways to Fix the “No Connection” Error in Steam

Steam is one of the most popular platforms for gamers, offering thousands of games and a massive community. But what happens when Steam won’t connect and you get the frustrating “No Connection” error? Don’t worry! In this guide, we’ll walk through common fixes to resolve the “No Connection” error in Steam, so you can get back to gaming.… Read More »

How To Password Protect a PDF

Whether you’re sharing sensitive information, business documents, or personal files, securing your PDFs with a password is a smart move. Password-protecting a PDF ensures that only authorized individuals can view or modify its contents. In this blog post, we’ll walk through several methods to password-protect your PDF, using popular tools like Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Word, and free online… Read More »

How to Pair Bluetooth Headphones and Earphones

Bluetooth headphones and earphones offer the freedom of wireless listening, whether you’re using them with your phone, laptop, or even a gaming console. If you’ve just bought a pair and aren’t sure how to pair them, don’t worry—it’s a simple process. In this guide, I’ll show you how to connect your Bluetooth headphones or earphones to various devices,… Read More »

How to Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10

Windows 11 brought a sleek new design with rounded corners and a centered Start Menu, but some users prefer the familiar look of Windows 10. If you’re one of them, don’t worry—there are ways to tweak Windows 11 to get that Windows 10 vibe back. This guide will show you how to make Windows 11 look more like… Read More »