Writing

Switching away from Microsoft EdgeI explain how a frustrating synchronization bug with Microsoft Edge prompted me to switch to Mozilla Firefox and discover features that significantly improved my browsing experience. You will see how Firefox’s superior add-on support, unified account management, and Multi-Account Containers helped me regain productivity and separate work from leisure.

windowsFebruary 22, 2021

Upgrading my home office network to 10 Gigabit Ethernet speeds - one step at a timeCurious about upgrading from 1 GbE to a 10 GbE network backbone? I explore the costs and limitations of switching hardware before deciding to start small by installing a 10 Gigabit PCIe card in my Synology NAS. This approach allows me to test internal large file transfer speeds and features like Jumbo Frames without the high initial investment of a dedicated 10 GbE switch.

networkingFebruary 16, 2021

Building a modern file share using Azure Storage to replace an on-premises file share solutionRead on to discover how I helped a company migrate 100 GB of on-premises file share data to Azure while minimizing costs and preserving the existing user experience. I evaluated various Microsoft ecosystem options, ultimately recommending Azure Storage Fileshare to replace the legacy Windows Server setup and eliminate the need for VPN access. This approach allows users to retain their familiar mapped drive interface without the overhead of managing a virtual machine or restructuring thousands of archived files.

azureFebruary 11, 2021

Building a print-anywhere setup using Universal Printing and an old HP LaserJetDiscover how you can leverage Microsoft Universal Print to share legacy hardware like my old HP LaserJet over the cloud, eliminating the need for third-party management servers. I walk through the practical setup process using Azure connectors and Intune, demonstrating how to enable print-from-anywhere capabilities for your on-premises devices in just about an hour.

azureFebruary 2, 2021

Building a house: Planning and designingDrawing on my extensive experience building digital solutions, I am turning my attention to the complex reality of constructing a physical home in Helsinki’s competitive housing market. I will document my journey from deciding to build rather than buy to navigating the challenges of limited land and high costs, offering practical insights for others considering a similar undertaking.

homelabJanuary 29, 2021

Review: Synology DiskStation DS1821+If you are considering upgrading to the Synology DiskStation DS1821+, I share my experience transitioning from my 2012 model to this newer, AMD Ryzen-powered unit. I detail its hardware capabilities, such as user-serviceable fans and expandable storage, alongside my plans to leverage it for file serving, Docker, and local DNS services.

linuxJanuary 25, 2021

Discovering and blocking legacy authentication in your Azure and Microsoft 365 subscriptionsIf you are concerned about the security risks posed by outdated authentication methods, this post explains why disabling legacy auth is crucial for enforcing multi-factor authentication and protecting your cloud identities. I will guide you through identifying these vulnerable protocols in Azure Portal and outline the steps to effectively block them, helping you secure your organization against credential exposure.

cybersecurityJanuary 19, 2021

Altering my productivity with a new display setupIf you’re curious about how a hardware tweak can genuinely impact your daily workflow, I’ll share my experience replacing a three-monitor setup with a dual vertical configuration. I’ll walk you through the specific challenges of mounting heavy displays and how using PowerToys FancyZones helped me optimize this new, more peaceful arrangement.

productivityJanuary 14, 2021

The new adventure begins today - meet North Advisors!If you are interested in learning about our new venture, I am thrilled to announce the official launch of North Advisors, a Helsinki-based consulting firm specializing in Microsoft Azure and Power Platform solutions. Founded by six partners, we are a bootstrapped, remote-first company dedicated to delivering high-value advisory services while prioritizing a sustainable, employee-centric culture over rapid expansion.

azureJanuary 12, 2021

Review: Google Pixel 4a - a smaller phoneIn my review of the Google Pixel 4a, I share my experience transitioning from a larger Samsung device to this compact, lightweight phone that prioritizes essential features over premium materials. While I appreciate its excellent camera capabilities, particularly for night photography, I found the post-processing delays and the noticeably plastic build to be significant trade-offs in this mid-range device.

productivityJanuary 3, 2021

Hello, 2021! And so long, 2020!As I look back on a challenging yet surprisingly productive 2020, I share my personal highlights, from completing an Executive MBA and writing over 100 blog posts to maintaining a consistent gym routine. This reflection offers a perspective on how I navigated the year’s uncertainties by letting go of digital distractions and focusing on what truly mattered to me.

productivityDecember 30, 2020

Checking and removing public access on Azure Storage accounts using Azure Cloud ShellAfter receiving a warning about publicly accessible Azure Storage accounts, I demonstrate how to quickly identify and secure them using Azure Cloud Shell commands. I walk through querying for exposed accounts and provide a simple Bash loop to disable public blob access across all storage accounts in a subscription. This practical guide helps ensure your data remains private while highlighting the importance of proactive security configurations.

azureDecember 24, 2020

Another update on renewing Microsoft certifications in 2021If you are worried about your Microsoft certifications expiring in early 2021, this post explains how Microsoft shifted from paid renewal exams to free assessments. I share my personal experience navigating these changes, including the timeline updates and how Microsoft extended the validity period for those of us facing immediate expiration.

certificationsDecember 16, 2020

Synology DS412+ NAS device not supported for the new DSM 7.0If you are wondering whether your aging Synology NAS will receive the upcoming DSM 7.0 update, this post shares my experience with the unsupported DS412+ model. After confirming that my device is excluded from the new release, I discuss the limitations of staying on the older OS and weigh the high cost of upgrading to a modern alternative like the DS1621xs+.

homelabDecember 16, 2020

Review: Elgato Stream Deck at the home officeIf you are frustrated by the laggy and unreliable Elgato Control Center software for managing your office lights, this post details my search for a more reliable solution. I decided to purchase an Elgato Stream Deck to replace the software interface, and I walk you through my experience with the hardware options, pricing, and the initial setup process.

windowsDecember 7, 2020

Leaving MicrosoftRead along as I reflect on my recent departure from Microsoft, sharing the context of my second stint with the company and the realization that my next professional challenge lies elsewhere. I look back on the achievements of my time in the Western Europe organization while explaining why I am choosing to let go in order to find something new, with more details about my future plans coming in January.

December 3, 2020

My experience using a high-performance workstation PC (that I built) for 120 daysAfter using my custom-built AMD Ryzen 9 3900X workstation for 120 days, I share my positive experience with its zero-glitch stability and snappy performance. I also discuss a quick upgrade to 64 GB of RAM to better handle my heavy multitasking workload and reflect on whether I would have chosen different components today.

windowsNovember 30, 2020

An update on renewing Microsoft certificationsIf you are navigating the shifting landscape of Microsoft certifications, this update clarifies the recent extension of expiration dates for role-based exams due to the pandemic. I share my personal experience with expiring Azure and Microsoft 365 credentials and outline the ambiguous renewal process, advising readers to prepare for at least one exam before the extended deadline in July 2021.

azureNovember 26, 2020

Insights on passing the Kellogg: Modern Marketing programDiscover how I balanced the Kellogg Modern Marketing program with my full-time job and Executive MBA by adopting a strategic, time-optimized study routine. I share my experience of earning 2311 points out of 2356, highlighting effective time-management tactics like early morning study sessions and 1.5x speed watching that helped me meet all deadlines. This post offers practical insights into navigating a rigorous six-week online course while maintaining a demanding professional and academic schedule.

productivityNovember 23, 2020

Reflecting on my decision to deactivate Facebook two years agoI share why I deactivated Facebook two years ago to reclaim my mental clarity and focus, discovering that the platform no longer served my need to stay connected with friends. While I kept Messenger for specific contacts and resisted the urge to check back, I’ve found that letting go of these digital distractions has allowed me to prioritize reading, studies, and other meaningful commitments.

productivityNovember 19, 2020