The Top 10 Open Source Tools for Windows

April 27, 2017

There are several amazing tools from Microsoft available at your disposal if you’re interested in improving your server-side experience. But sometimes, it pays to go straight to the source, or the open source, in this case. You will find plenty of open source tools that exceed the capabilities of what Microsoft offers to support Windows […]

There are several amazing tools from Microsoft available at your disposal if you’re interested in improving your server-side experience. But sometimes, it pays to go straight to the source, or the open source, in this case. You will find plenty of open source tools that exceed the capabilities of what Microsoft offers to support Windows SharePoint, SQL, Server, and Exchange. The best part? They can all be accessed for free. So, without further ado, let’s check out the ten best open source tools for your Windows OS-based systems below:

MailArchiva

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The MailArchiva server is used for email archiving, compliance server, and email discovery. This open source tool lets you archive any mails passing through popular mail servers. This means auditors and employees will find it easy to scour through millions of emails. Available in ISP, cloud, and on premise options, MailArchiva’s updated interface is eye-catching.

AMANDA

This is the most popular Open Source Backup and Archiving software in the world. AMANDA (Advanced Maryland Automatic Network Disk Archiver) lets System Admins set up a single backup server to support Windows servers and desktops over the network to a wide range of media, such as disks, optical media, or tape drives. This tool makes use of native archival tools to back up a wide range of servers and workstations running different versions of Microsoft Windows OS.

WireShark

A Windows-based network protocol analyzer, WireShark presents interesting opportunities for developers and enthusiasts. WireShark allows you to control traffic flow and deal with irregular HTTP requests. The returned data set might appear complex at the start, but filters can be enabled to show you only what you require. You receive detailed data on the target port, the source port, and the source and target ports. You can even check the packet data and gain information about the physical network controller in charge of processing. WebShark allows you to understand how content used on different applications and websites is transmitted via open channels with no authentication. You can even use those channels to your advantage. WireShark allows you to ensure the correct applications gain access to the correct resources. The software does not occupy a lot of space, nor does it consume a lot of resources. It runs smoothly in the background alongside other processes.

Process Hacker

This feature-packed tool allows you to monitor and hack ongoing computer processes. The interface is clean and well-designed and offers a wealth of information on any process, including what memory it consumes. These details can be copied and edited. It exceeds regular Windows functions by allowing you to locate and kill hidden processes. Though available only on 32-bit systems, it helps uncover spyware, viruses, and undocumented Windows processes.

UltraDefrag

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This is a Windows open source tool that can defrag paging files, system files, and registry hives. This tool is updated regularly to make sure it performs at peak condition. This tool is supported by any operating system after Windows NT 4.0, including the newest Windows 10. UltraDefrag is a must-have tool for any Windows environment.
BlackBox
If you are on the lookout for a quick, lightweight X Window manager, without library dependencies, BlackBox is your answer. This tool, built using C++, contains original code. Lots of screen estate means you’re able to add many devices and tools from other environments. BlackBox has no flashy features – it manages Windows. It’s that simple! Still, the flexible nature of this tool allows you to expand the default functionality via numerous third-party tools. You will not find a taskbar in Blackbox; instead, you can clean up the desktop using multiple desktops and Windows shading.

Exchange Server RBAC Manager

The RBAC (Role Based Access Control) permissions model is used by Exchange Server to handle various permissions for Exchange administrative functions. You use RBAC not just for applying a least-privilege approach to Exchange administrative permissions, but also for granting permission to end users to do tasks like managing their personal distribution groups. This tool overcomes the lack of a GUI tool, so you can work with the new role-based administration in Exchange. Regardless of your knowledge on PowerShell, admins can use this open source tool to connect.

OCS Inventory

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Do you wish to locate all the devices connected to your network? Are you having a tough time keeping track of all the hardware and software you’ve got installed on your systems? Then OCS Inventory NG (Next Generation) is the perfect open source tool for you. To operate it, however, you must install the OCS Client Inventory agent in your computers. You can then compile all the data into a repository for easy visualization and search functions.

Core Configurator 2.0 for Server Core

Core Configurator 2.0 is a powerful tool for server administrators, who wish to configure the Windows Server installations quickly. This design of this tool allows for the configuring of important Windows parameters, like update policy, licensing, and networking features, in a single interface. The Core Configurator 2.0 may be used for changing the server roles and features or the firewall rules via the same interface. Advanced users also have the power to adjust the ISCSI settings, so they can easily add or remove system components, including drivers and programs. This tool proves most useful when you’re required to configure numerous servers within a limited period.

AutoSPInstaller for SharePoint

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If you’ve ever used SharePoint, you’re aware of how the naming of the SQL databases is in a total state of disarray after the installation. This results in large GUID database titles that do not remain consistent. This is where AutoSPInstaller comes into the picture. This open source tool uses a combination of scripts to install SharePoint, which ensures the database names stay clear. This tool can also be used for validating any service account and password, creating managed accounts, forming a new server farm or joining an existing farm’s server, applying latest updates, and creating specified web applications.
Open source software for Windows is more effective than you think. This group of tools continues to fuel a boom in the enterprise technology development industry.

 

Author Rahul Sharma

Source:

https://dzone.com/articles/why-tools-wireshark-are
http://www.pcworld.com/article/232472/process_hacker.html

https://wiki.zmanda.com/index.php/Main_Page
http://practical365.com/exchange-server/exchange-server-role-based-access-control-in-action/
https://www.c5insight.com/Resources/Blog/tabid/88/entryid/586/using-autospinstaller-to-build-a-three-tier-sharepoint-2013-farm-part-1.aspx

By Team FileCloud