Writing

Building a ChatGPT solution with custom data using Azure OpenAII explain how to leverage Azure OpenAI’s PaaS service to train GPT models on your own custom data by creating simple JSONL dataset files. This approach allows you to move beyond generic responses and tailor the AI’s behavior for specific, high-value use cases.

azure openaiMarch 17, 2023

A practical look at using and building on Azure OpenAI, specifically the "ChatGPT-style" featureI share my mixed experiences with ChatGPT, noting that while it excels at specific technical tasks like data conversion, it often provides unhelpful advice for broader questions. To help you build more robust solutions, I also introduce Azure OpenAI as a powerful commercial alternative with enterprise capabilities and guide you through the initial steps of provisioning it in the Azure Portal.

azure openaiMarch 8, 2023

Peak metaverse hustle: the virtual mettwurstI investigate the recent claim by Finnish food brand HK to have entered the metaverse with a virtual mettwurst, only to discover it is merely an NFT collection and an Instagram AR filter. This analysis reveals how companies are leveraging buzzwords to hype up simple digital assets while failing to create any actual immersive virtual experience.

artificial intelligenceMarch 2, 2023

A few tips for using MacOS, when you have a strong Windows backgroundComing from a Windows background, I share my three-week experience with the new MacBook Pro, highlighting how MacOS respects my preferences by staying out of the way compared to the bloatware found in Windows 11. I also discuss the challenge of limited screen resolution settings on the 14-inch display and how I solved it using a third-party tool to reclaim the workspace I was accustomed to.

macosFebruary 22, 2023

Building a little notification engine for Tailscale eventsIf you want to stay informed about critical events in your Tailscale network, this guide shows you how I built a custom notification engine using Azure Logic Apps and webhooks. During my winter holiday, I set up a simple solution that triggers HTTP requests to Azure whenever specific Tailnet management or device misconfiguration events occur, ensuring I never miss important alerts.

azureFebruary 21, 2023

A journey into using a MacBook Pro 14" M2 Max (2023) after a lifetime on Windows and PCsAs a long-time Windows and Microsoft ecosystem enthusiast, I’m sharing my initial experience transitioning to a MacBook Pro 14″ M2 Max. I’ll walk you through my complex multi-device home office setup and explain how I manage daily tasks like Teams, Azure, and coding across these platforms. This article offers my honest verdict on what it’s like to switch from Windows to macOS while remaining deeply immersed in Microsoft services.

macosFebruary 6, 2023

I'm presenting at the European Collaboration Summit 2023!If you are curious about my upcoming appearance at the European Collaboration Summit 2023 in Düsseldorf, I am thrilled to share that I will be presenting a session there. I will be delivering an updated deep dive into achieving a perfect secure score in Microsoft 365 and Azure, building on work I first introduced in late 2022.

microsoft 365January 17, 2023

Building a quick uptime monitor for the home office Internet connectionAfter a recent ISP outage disrupted my home network, I realized I needed a reliable way to monitor my internet connectivity from outside my local environment. I demonstrate how to leverage Azure Application Insights to ping my existing Plex Media Server API every five minutes, creating a simple and effective uptime monitor that alerts me only when the connection fails.

azureJanuary 4, 2023

It's been four years since I left Facebook - now what?Curious about life after leaving Facebook? I share how quitting the platform four years ago has freed me from doom-scrolling, allowing me to focus on private messaging groups and redirect my attention toward writing, reading, and genuine connections.

productivityDecember 30, 2022

Review: Microsoft Defender for Cloud Cookbook by Sasha Kranjac (Packt Publishing)If you are looking for a concise, hands-on guide to mastering Microsoft Defender for Cloud without wading through excessive theory, this review of Sasha Kranjac’s cookbook is for you. I found the direct, results-oriented approach particularly valuable for quickly configuring specific features like multi-cloud connectivity and secure scores, making it an efficient resource for busy practitioners.

azureDecember 29, 2022

Hello, 2023! And thanks, 2022 - you were (mostly) awesome!In this reflection on 2022, I share how I navigated a hectic year filled with building a new home, launching another company, and maintaining a rigorous gym routine. Discover my personal insights on balancing major life milestones with health and travel as I look forward to 2023.

December 28, 2022

An early look at the EU Data BoundaryIf you conduct business in the EU or EFTA area, you need to understand how Microsoft’s newly announced EU Data Boundary affects your data residency and compliance. I explore what this commitment means for Azure, Dynamics 365, and other services, clarifying that it is a documented process rather than a new tool, and highlighting why your data may still leave the region despite specific configurations.

cloud computingDecember 21, 2022

I guess we are never returning to the officeIf you are wondering whether a return to the office is still viable for modern consulting work, my recent experience suggests that digital flexibility is now essential. By analyzing how I structure my hybrid meetings and balance parental responsibilities, I argue that the time and energy required to commute make returning to a physical office unnecessary for our transformed workflow.

microsoft teamsDecember 18, 2022

A look back: Three years of working out at the gymIf you are curious about how to maintain long-term fitness consistency, read on as I share my experience three years into my gym journey. I discuss shifting my focus from one-off heavy lifts to increased volume, the benefits of going digital with my trainer, and the convenience of building a fully equipped home gym during the pandemic.

microsoft 365December 8, 2022

Building and securing a Signal Proxy service in AzureDiscover how I deployed and secured a Signal Proxy service on Azure to help users bypass government censorship while learning new cloud infrastructure skills. I share my experience setting up the lightweight Docker containers on a cost-effective Ubuntu VM and explain why I ultimately shut down the service after a month due to unexpectedly high personal costs.

azureDecember 7, 2022

Transforming your organization to cloud-only: Migrating Active Directory identities to cloud identitiesIf you are struggling to transition from on-premises Active Directory to a fully cloud-only identity model, this post explores the challenges of migrating those identities without a massive, disruptive overhaul. I revisit my previous advice on retiring local AD by addressing the complexity of breaking the synchronization tie with Azure AD Connect, offering a gradual approach to moving users out of on-premises management and into native cloud identities.

azureNovember 1, 2022

I'm trying to understand what the value of Metaverse is, and I'm not sure I'm succeedingDrawing on my thirty years in IT, I recount my recent struggle to find real value in the Metaverse after experiencing the hype and technical frustrations of Mixed Reality in 2018. I share why the current promise of immersive 3D environments feels like a regression rather than an advancement, given the disappointing reality of current conference platforms and hardware.

ai and machine learningOctober 25, 2022

Lessons learned: Testing new Azure featuresIf you are considering testing Azure features in a Pay-As-You-Go environment, this story serves as a crucial warning about the potential financial risks of preview services. I recount how a billing bug in the Azure DNS Private Resolver caused my monthly expenses to skyrocket to nearly €30,000 in a single day, highlighting the importance of monitoring costs when experimenting with new cloud capabilities.

azureOctober 18, 2022

The infuriating reality of living in multiple Microsoft Teams tenantsIf you struggle with the cognitive load of juggling multiple work identities, this post details my personal experience managing eight separate Microsoft Teams tenants across various companies and legal entities. I break down why this fragmented setup exists despite my efforts to consolidate communication, and share the practical, albeit frustrating, workflows I’ve developed to stay connected across these isolated environments.

microsoft teamsOctober 7, 2022

Fun with Raspberry Pi: Building a Flightradar24 ADS-B receiverDiscover my step-by-step journey into building a DIY ADS-B receiver with a Raspberry Pi to contribute to the Flightradar24 community. I detail the essential hardware components, such as the 1090 MHz antenna and USB dongle, along with the approximate costs and initial setup process for tracking aircraft in your area.

linuxOctober 6, 2022