The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open, standardized, client-server protocol (built on JSON-RPC 2.0) that enables AI models to access and invoke external tools and data sources. In this post, I explain how to install the MCP Database Server, an open-source local MCP server that supports SQLite, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, and MySQL databases, and connect it to Anthropic's Claude Desktop. This enables you to manage MySQL databases in natural language without knowing the actual SQL commands.

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Windows 365 Boot is a Microsoft feature that allows users to sign in directly to a virtualized Windows desktop (Cloud PC) from Windows 11 Enterprise, Pro, or IoT Enterprise devices (OS build 22621.3374 or later). Windows 365 Boot receives major updates with enhanced Connection Center access, cross-region disaster recovery capabilities, and improved troubleshooting tools. These features aim to streamline Cloud PC management and provide better business continuity for organizations using Windows 11 devices.

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VMware has released vCenter Converter Standalone 9.0, introducing support for VMware Cloud Foundation 9.0, virtual hardware version 22, and expanded Linux synchronization capabilities. The latest iteration brings technical enhancements and addresses several conversion limitations while maintaining the tool's core physical-to-virtual machine migration functionality.

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AI adoption has reached a critical inflection point globally. However, progress is highly uneven across regions, creating distinct divides that reflect cultural attitudes and regulatory frameworks. Europe, in particular, is showing worrying signs of stagnation. It is no secret that the Old Continent is far behind the US and China. However, did you know that AI adoption in businesses in the EU is even lower than in Africa? This technological surrender is accelerating Europe's decline in both economic competitiveness and political influence.

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The Print and Document Services role facilitates the deployment and configuration of print servers. This article explains how to migrate a Print Server role to Windows Server 2025, covering the transfer of queues, drivers, and configurations.

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Microsoft’s September 2025 security updates have broken connectivity to SMBv1 shares over NetBIOS over TCP/IP (NetBT), disrupting Windows client and server systems that still rely on this legacy protocol. This article explains what SMBv1 is, why it remains in use despite being deprecated, and the serious security risks that come with it. We’ll cover the details of the September updates, their impact on affected systems, and the available workarounds for organizations struggling to restore functionality. Finally, we’ll look at user feedback and long-term recommendations for migrating away from SMBv1 to more secure and modern protocols.

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Microsoft has introduced a new BlockNTLMv1SSO registry key in Windows 11 24H2 and Windows Server 2025 as part of its broader initiative to deprecate NTLM authentication. The new registry key allows administrators to control NTLMv1-derived credential usage. These changes address ongoing security vulnerabilities in NTLM while providing organizations time to transition to modern alternatives like Kerberos.

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OpenAI has finally rolled out Model Context Protocol (MCP) support for all ChatGPT subscription plans. However, the implementation is surprisingly basic and falls short of the MCP support offered by Anthropic's Claude Desktop. Currently, ChatGPT doesn't support local MCP servers (SDIO), and you can only add remote MCP servers (SSE, Streamable HTTP). There's also no MCP server catalog, and the worst part is that GPT-5 isn't fully MCP-ready.

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Citrix has announced a fundamental shift in managing product licensing by replacing traditional file-based licensing with a cloud-based License Activation Service (LAS). This mandatory transition affects all on-premises Citrix components, with file-based licensing reaching end of life on April 15, 2026. The change simplifies license management by eliminating manual license file downloads and uploads. The change simplifies license management by eliminating manual license file downloads and uploads. LAS requires registering with Citrix Cloud and periodic connectivity to maintain activations; limited offline operation is supported via a grace period.

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The days of purely signature-driven antivirus and malware protection are over because modern threats evolve too quickly, using advanced techniques that traditional signature databases can't keep up with. ManageEngine Malware Protection Plus (MPP) is a next-generation antivirus solution that leverages AI capabilities to detect malware and contemporary security threats.

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Microsoft is transforming its certification portfolio to align with the growing demand for artificial intelligence expertise, introducing new AI certifications while retiring several fundamental certifications. The company is launching updated certifications emphasizing practical skills in generative AI, multi-agent orchestration, and Microsoft's AI ecosystem, including Copilot and Azure AI services.

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Microsoft's August 2025 update caused a Windows UAC bug that triggers unplanned User Account Control (UAC) prompts throughout Windows environments. This problem originates from security improvements included in the August 12, 2025, cumulative patches for all supported Windows editions—specifically KB5063878 (Windows 11 24H2), KB5063875 (Windows 11 22H2/23H2), and KB5063709 (Windows 10 22H2 and Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021)—which resolved CVE-2025-50173 but inadvertently created compatibility problems with Windows Installer maintenance functions.

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Microsoft introduced a new granular policy-based approach in Windows 11 25H2 that allows administrators to selectively remove pre-installed Microsoft Store apps through Group Policy and mobile device management (MDM) solutions like Microsoft Intune, rather than only disabling the Store globally as earlier policies did. This feature addresses long-standing demands from IT professionals for a supported method to eliminate unwanted applications from Windows deployments.

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MPA Tools, created by Veles Software, is an endpoint management and troubleshooting solution for Windows environments that addresses gaps in Microsoft's existing system administration tools. The endpoint solution offers real-time visibility and workflow automation for Intune, Microsoft Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr), and Active Directory environments. A key feature is its ability to manage endpoints without agents.

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Microsoft's Intune August 2025 service release (2508) delivers major endpoint management enhancements, including granular app control targeting, Windows Autopilot OOBE patch integration, and Apple Declarative Device Management reporting capabilities. The update introduces multi-administrator approval workflows for critical operations and expands Linux support to Ubuntu 22.04/24.04 LTS while addressing enterprise security and governance requirements. However, administrators should be aware of reported performance issues with app control policies and several critical bugs affecting Win32 app filtering, iPad Air 2 management, and Linux device enrollment that may impact deployment strategies.

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Windows 11 25H2 has entered the Release Preview Channel as Microsoft's latest annual feature update. It marks a departure from traditional major releases by prioritizing stability over extensive new functionality. The update shares a servicing branch with Windows 11 24H2, meaning that no new features have been added. This approach represents Microsoft's focus on reliability following previous update challenges.

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Windows Backup for Organizations is Microsoft's new cloud-based solution that helps enterprises preserve user settings and Microsoft Store app lists, enabling rapid restoration during device transitions, resets, and migrations to new Windows environments. This article examines the technical requirements for backup and restore operations, including supported Windows versions and device configurations. The coverage includes three deployment methods through Group Policy, Microsoft Intune, and Configuration Service Provider (CSP) settings, along with their installation requirements. Operational aspects include the automated eight-day backup schedule, Out-of-Box Experience integration, and Conditional Access considerations that affect authentication during restore processes. The article also addresses limitations, regional availability restrictions, and critical user feedback.

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The Model Context Protocol (MCP) makes building intelligent integrations between large language models (LLMs) and cloud services easier. By combining MCP with Azure Functions, developers can expose serverless tools that LLMs can securely call in real time. This article describes how to set up Azure Functions as a custom MCP server, extend it with custom tools, and connect it to clients such as VS Code in Agent Mode.

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Microsoft has released Windows Terminal version 1.23 as a stable update, and version 1.24 as the latest preview, both bringing major improvements to the popular command-line tool. These versions introduce a completely new windowing architecture, expanded settings in the user interface, and other powerful enhancements for productivity and customization. In this article, we’ll explore what’s new in these updates and to how to install the latest stable and preview builds through Microsoft Store, winget, choco, and scoop.

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