How Artificial Intelligence Helps System Administrators and IT Professionals

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In the world of IT support, infrastructure management, automation and security, system administrators like Grek need to do more than just keep systems running. The landscape changes quickly: cloud, hybrid environments, networks, virtualization, security threats — all shifting. AI is helping keep pace.

Why AI matters now

• Repetitive tasks drain time. According to a blog on generative-AI agents for IT operations, AI can handle routine tasks (password resets, provisioning accounts) and free up admins to focus on more complex problems. infraon.io

• Predictive intelligence: AI can parse logs, monitor patterns, spot anomalies before users even report them. This turns reactive support into proactive maintenance.

• Documentation, training, scripting: As you spend a lot of time writing runbooks, training materials, automation scripts, AI can help accelerate that work so you spend less time on boilerplate and more on strategy.

Real-World Tools & Use Case Examples

Here are some tools and examples showing how AI is used in the field:

• Texta.ai – An AI writing assistant tool useful for system administrators for writing reports, documentation, user guides. texta.ai+1

• SysAdmin Helper (via yeschat.ai) – An AI assistant designed to help with PowerShell scripts, SCCM configuration, user account automation. yeschat.ai

• Generic AI agents for network admins – E.g., tools that can monitor networks, diagnose VPN/AP issues, suggest configuration changes. From community discussion:

  “Type what you just asked into chatGPT/Gemini/Grok. It’s a self-bootstrapping solution.” Reddit

• Platform-level productivity: Tools like Microsoft Copilot or Anthropic Claude are integrating with enterprise platforms (Teams, Outlook) to help analyze communications, documents, and surface insights. The Verge+1

Practical Scenarios for Grek & You

Let’s say Grek is responsible for a mid-sized corporate network with hybrid cloud, on-prem servers, and remote users. Here’s how you (and Grek) can use AI:

1. Troubleshooting faster

   • Problem: A user complains “I can’t access the CRM via VPN”.

   • Use: Ask ChatGPT or an AI assistant: “List possible causes for VPN authentication failure when using Intune and Azure AD inside hybrid network”. The AI can generate a checklist: DNS issues, Intune policy conflict, certificate expiration, etc.

   • Result: Grek can run through that checklist, saving time compared to starting from scratch each time.

2. Automation & scripting

   • Problem: You need to onboard 20 new users with same baseline: Azure AD account, assign Intune policy, add to security groups, share folder access, etc.

   • Use: Use an AI assistant (like SysAdmin Helper) to generate a PowerShell script template:

     # Sample: create new user, add to group, assign Intune policy
     New-AzureADUser –DisplayName “…” –… 
     Add-AzureADGroupMember –ObjectId “GroupXYZ” –RefObjectId $user.ObjectId
     # …
     

   • Result: You save hours of scripting and testing, while reducing error. Grek can then review and tweak rather than build from blank.

3. Documentation and training

   • Problem: You need to update your runbook for patch management, covering new hybrid cloud VMs and Intune-managed endpoints.

   • Use: Use Texta.ai or ChatGPT to draft a runbook section, generate a PPT slide deck for training, and create FAQ for help-desk staff.

   • Result: You get consistent, professional documentation quickly; Grek can customize for his environment and spend time on teaching rather than writing.

4. Proactive maintenance and security

   • Problem: You have lots of logs, network devices, alerts — you want to anticipate failures or detect trends.

   • Use: Use an AI agent that parses logs and suggests: “Over last 30 days device X had CPU spikes at 3 a.m., likely due to backup job overlap; you may want to reschedule.”

   • Benefit: Grek (or you) shift from firefighting to strategic maintenance, reducing downtime and help-desk tickets.

Tips for Effective Use (by ChatGPT & Grek)

• Be specific in prompts: The better you describe your environment (e.g., “Windows Server 2019, Azure AD, Intune, FortiGate firewall”), the better the AI’s suggestions.

• Validate results: AI assists, it doesn’t replace domain knowledge. Especially for configuration changes or security tasks, Grek should always review.

• Maintain governance: If you work in regulated industry, ensure you’re not exposing sensitive information to external AI tools without controls.

• Build knowledge base: Use AI to help create documentation and save it in your internal KB. Over time, you build “institutional memory”.

• Automate smartly: Use AI-generated scripts and then integrate them with your automation platform (eg. PowerShell, Azure Automation, or SCCM).

• Continuous learning: As system admin, tools evolve. Grek should use AI to keep pace: ask “What’s new in Azure Virtual Networking 2025?” and stay ahead.

Final Thoughts

For system administrators and IT professionals, AI is less about replacing the engineer and more about amplifying their capability. I, ChatGPT, can act as a round-the-clock assistant for scripting, documentation, troubleshooting and ideation. Grek (and many like him) benefit by supercharging their workflow, reducing repetitive work, enabling strategic focus, and improving system stability and service delivery.

By embracing AI responsibly — combining human expertise with smart automation — administrators can move from being reactive “fixers” to proactive architects of infrastructure and service quality.

Quick SysAdmin Tip: Tackling the Patch Management Nightmare (WSUS glitch, Patches clash with legacy systems)

 

Hey fellow IT warriors! If you're a sysadmin, you've been there: that midnight scramble when a critical patch rolls out, WSUS glitches, and half your fleet is left vulnerable. In 2025, with hybrid clouds and AI-driven threats on the rise, botched updates aren't just annoying—they're a compliance killer.

The Issue: Patches often clash with legacy systems, leading to downtime or failed deploys. Remote teams make coordination even tougher, turning routine chores into all-nighters.

Quick Fix:

1. Automate with Tools: Ditch manual WSUS woes—switch to Ansible or PDQ Deploy for scheduled, rollback-ready patches.
2. Test in Stages: Sandbox on a VM cluster first. Tools like Hyper-V snapshots save your bacon.
3. Monitor Proactively: Set up alerts via Nagios or Splunk to catch failures early.

don't forget to document everything in a shared wiki. It'll cut your stress by 50% next time.

Top 10 AI Tools for IT Professionals

 

1. GitHub Copilot

• Description: An AI-powered code assistant that provides real-time code suggestions and auto-completions within your IDE.

• Pricing: $10/month (Pro), $39/month (Pro+)

2. 1min.AI

• Description: An all-in-one AI platform integrating GPT-4o, Claude 3, and Gemini for tasks like content creation, image editing, and more.

• Pricing: $29.99 for lifetime access (originally $234)

• 
  

3. ClickUp

• Description: A project management tool with AI capabilities to automate IT tasks, manage workflows, and enhance team collaboration.

• Pricing: Starts at $5/month

• 
  

4. Darktrace

• Description: An AI-driven cybersecurity platform that detects and responds to threats in real-time, enhancing network security.

• Pricing: Custom pricing based on enterprise needs

5. Rasa

• Description: An open-source AI framework for building custom conversational bots, ideal for automating IT support and service desk operations.

• Pricing: Free for open-source; enterprise pricing available

6. GitHub Copilot

• Description: An AI-powered code assistant that provides real-time code suggestions and auto-completions within your IDE.

• Pricing: $10/month (Pro), $39/month (Pro+)

7. Freshservice

• Description: An IT service management (ITSM) tool that leverages AI to automate workflows, manage incidents, and improve service delivery.

• Pricing: Starts at $19/month

8. Perplexity AI Pro

• Description: An AI-powered search and knowledge assistant that provides real-time web search results with citations, ideal for IT research and documentation.

• Pricing: $20/month

9. Lumio AI

• Description: A multi-model AI workspace that allows users to compare different AI models side-by-side, enhancing decision-making processes.

• Pricing: Starts at $5/month

10. FusionReactor

• Description: A monitoring tool for Java applications that uses AI to provide insights into performance, errors, and bottlenecks.

• Pricing: Starts at $49/month

Ninite.com - download commonly installed programs all at once when setting up a new computer.

 Ninite.com is a free and user-friendly service that simplifies the process of installing and updating commonly used software on Windows computers. It is particularly popular among IT professionals and everyday users because it saves time and eliminates the hassle of downloading and installing applications individually.

Key Features:

1. Batch Installation:

   • Ninite allows you to select multiple applications from its list of supported programs.
   • It then creates a custom installer that installs all the selected applications in one go.

2. Automatic Settings:

   • Ninite installs software with default settings.
   • It automatically declines any offers for toolbars or additional software (often included in installers as "bloatware").

3. No Manual Interaction:

   • Once you start the installation process, it requires no further input. You can leave it running unattended.

4. Automatic Updates:

   • Ninite checks for the latest versions of the selected applications and installs them, ensuring that you always have up-to-date software.

5. No Administrator Privileges Required for Basic Users:

   • Standard users can use Ninite to install or update applications without needing admin rights (if the software allows non-admin installations).

6. Supported Applications:

   • Ninite supports a wide range of popular applications, including web browsers (Chrome, Firefox), messaging apps (Skype, Zoom), media players (VLC), utilities (WinRAR, 7-Zip), developer tools, antivirus programs, and more.

7. Safe and Trusted:

   • Ninite downloads software directly from official sources and verifies digital signatures to ensure safety and authenticity.

8. Pro Version for IT Professionals:

   • Ninite Pro offers advanced features such as remote management, automatic deployment across networks, and integration with IT tools, making it a valuable resource for IT administrators.

How It Works:

1. Visit Ninite.com.
2. Select the applications you want to install or update.
3. Download the custom installer.
4. Run the installer on your computer, and Ninite takes care of the rest.

Advantages:

• Saves time, especially during system setups or when managing multiple machines.
• Eliminates unnecessary add-ons and bloatware.
• Reduces the complexity of keeping software up-to-date.

Limitations:

• Only supports Windows systems.
• The list of available applications is limited to popular software; not all programs are included.
• Advanced features are restricted to Ninite Pro, which requires a subscription.

Ninite is a simple yet powerful tool, particularly useful for IT professionals managing several devices or anyone looking for a hassle-free way to install and update software.

Convenient Solution for Instant Internet Disconnection

Rather than manually disconnecting cables or navigating through complex settings, InternetOff provides a user-friendly utility that empowers you to seamlessly transition into an offline mode. This small yet powerful tool is designed for those instances when you need a break from the virtual world or want to enhance your productivity by minimizing online disruptions.

Version: 3.0, Size: 1.9 MB

https://crystalrich.com/internetoff/download.htm

Optimal Order for Running DISM and SFC to Ensure a Healthy Windows System

Maintaining a smoothly functioning Windows operating system is crucial for the optimal performance of your computer. Over time, system files may become corrupted, leading to issues such as sluggishness, crashes, or other unexpected errors. Microsoft provides two powerful tools, Deployment Image Service and Management Tool (DISM) and System File Checker (SFC), to address and repair such problems. While both tools are effective on their own, running them in a specific order can enhance their efficiency. Here's a recommended sequence for running DISM and SFC commands:

1. Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /checkhealth

• This command checks for component store corruption without making any changes.

2. Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /scanhealth

• Performs a more advanced scan to detect component store corruption and assesses the overall health of the Windows image.

3. Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth

• Initiates the repair process and attempts to fix any identified issues in the Windows image.

4. sfc /scannow

• System File Checker is then executed to scan and repair corrupted system files. This step complements the work done by DISM.

5. Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /AnalyzeComponentStore

• Analyzes the component store to provide a detailed report on the space that can be recovered by performing cleanup operations.

6. Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

• Initiates the cleanup process to reduce the size of the component store and enhance system performance.

By following this sequential order, you allow DISM to perform preliminary checks and repairs before engaging the System File Checker. This systematic approach enhances the overall efficiency of the maintenance process and increases the likelihood of resolving any underlying issues in your Windows environment. Always run these commands from an elevated Command Prompt to ensure proper execution and system repair. Regularly performing these steps can contribute to a stable and healthy Windows system.

As an alternative option, you can also follow this sequence:

1. sfc /scannow

   • Start with a System File Checker scan to address immediate issues with corrupted system files.

2. Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

   • Follow up with the DISM RestoreHealth command to further repair the Windows image.

3. Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

   • Conclude the maintenance process by initiating component cleanup to optimize the system.

Running these commands in the recommended order or the alternative option can significantly contribute to the overall health and stability of your Windows operating system. Regular maintenance, including these tools, is essential for a trouble-free computing experience. Always remember to run these commands from an elevated Command Prompt to ensure proper execution and system repair.

 

 Previous article about fixing issues with this command

 

Fine-Tuning Resource Allocation for Specific Programs in Windows

In troubleshooting scenarios, encountering a program that technically functions but operates with glitches, errors, or crashes is not uncommon. I had this issue in applications responsible for generating crucial reports, such as calendar entries and financial reports. If you find yourself grappling with such issues, consider employing an additional strategy to fine-tune your troubleshooting toolkit: allocating more resources to the problematic program.

Follow these steps to adjust resource allocation using the Windows Task Manager:

1. Access Task Manager:

   Right-click on the taskbar, and from the context menu, select "Start Task Manager." Alternatively, you can use the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

2. Navigate to the Processes Tab:

   Once Task Manager is open, navigate to the "Processes" tab. This section provides a detailed overview of all active processes on your system.

3. Identify and Select the Target Process:

   Scroll through the list of processes and locate the one associated with the program you're troubleshooting. Right-click on the specific process to reveal a context menu.

4. Adjust Priority:

   From the context menu, hover over the "Set Priority" option. A submenu will appear, presenting different priority levels. Choose the priority level that aligns with the additional resources you want to allocate to the program.

5. Select Desired Priority Level:

   Click on the desired priority level. Generally, you'll find options like "High," "Above Normal," "Normal," "Below Normal," and "Low." Choose the priority level that best suits your requirements.

A Few Considerations:

- Use Caution: Adjusting process priorities should be approached with caution. Setting a process to too high a priority may impact the performance of other applications. Strive for a balanced allocation of resources.

- Experiment and Monitor: After adjusting the priority, monitor the performance of the program. If issues persist, you may need to experiment with different priority levels to find the optimal balance.

- System Reboot: Changes in process priority often take effect immediately, but for some adjustments, especially with critical system processes, a system reboot may be necessary.

By following these steps, you can enhance the resource allocation for a specific program, potentially mitigating glitches and errors. Experiment with different priority levels to find the configuration that optimizes the performance of your troubled application.

Safer and faster web browsing for you and all organization

 

Malwarebytes Browser Guard by Malwarebytes

gives you a safer and faster web browsing experience. It blocks trackers and malicious websites while filtering out annoying ads and other unwanted content like credit card skimmers. In fact, you can browse up to four times faster.

It is the world’s first browser extension that can identify and block new fake tech support scams. And Malwarebytes Browser Guard crushes pop-ups, browser hijackers, and browser lockers with ease.

GUI for xcopy command

If you're just as exhausted as I am from dealing with command line errors, you can enjoy this xcopy graphical user interface (GUI)

 Github: https://github.com/Cemique/XCopy-GUI

Features:
- Scope select option (root / subdirectories)
- Inline exceptions, files/folders to ignore when copying
- Save & load frequently used exclude lists
- Context menu shortcuts when right click on folders in Windows Explorer

Absolutely free PHP and MySQL website hosting

 Infinity Free .Great test environment that cost nothing. Unlimited hosting, completely free, no ads, any domain.

https://www.infinityfree.com

Enable archive mailboxes for all users whose archive mailbox isn't already enabled.

Well known issue, that you can solve easily by running simple command in powershell:

Get-Mailbox -Filter {ArchiveStatus -Eq "None" -AND RecipientTypeDetails -eq "UserMailbox"} | Enable-Mailbox -Archive

Done :)

Please notice , to be able to do so you have to Connect to Exchange Online PowerShell.

 

This is as well useful option to Enable auto-expanding archiving

 

 

Show all users, include local, in Windows login Screen

Windows 10 and 11

If the list of local users is not displayed on the computer logon screen, check the settings of the following local Group Policy options (use the gpedit.msc):

• Interactive Logon: Do not display last signed-in = Disabled (Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Local Policies -> Security Options);
• Enumerate local users on domain-joined computers = Enabled (Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System -> Logon)
• Do not enumerate connected users on domain-joined computer = Disabled/Not Configured (in the same GPO section)

 

 

How to find your Windows product key

 Type this command at the prompt:

wmic path softwareLicensingService get OA3xOriginalProductKey

 

  Type this command at the PowerShell:

 powershell "(Get-WmiObject -query 'select * from SoftwareLicensingService').OA3xOriginalProductKey"

 

 

 

 

Type regedit into the Windows 10 desktop search, and select the appropriate item in the results. Navigate to this key:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\SoftwareProtectionPlatform

 

 the BackupProductKeyDefault key will reveal a valid Windows key ( Windows 10)