My podcasts – 2021

desk-music-headphones-earphones

You can find the previous year’s selection here:

My podcasts 2020

I do spend a lot of time listening to podcasts, generally in between things, like travelling. However, there is a limit to how many you can consume in a week and that’s why I need to be very discerning about what I listen to.

Regulars

These podcasts are ones that I generally won’t miss an episode of.

Windows Weekly

The latest Microsoft news with some fun and entertainment along the way. Paul Thurrott’s musing make this podcast alone something worth listening to.

The Tim Ferriss Show

Some really great advice, business insights and strategy. Also lots of life lessons that I have found work really well for me. A weekly must listen for me.

Hardcore History

These tend to be quite long, like reading a book, but a very good and very interesting. Luckily, they are not that frequent, so it can make a nice change from all the tech stuff

The Intrazone

All the latest news and information about SharePoint, OneDrive for Business, Teams and more directly from Microsoft.

Sync Up

A podcast focused on the Microsoft files experience around OneDrive from Microsoft.

MJF Chat

Mary Joe Foley interviewing someone in the technology field. What I really like about these are they are short and to the point. Makes it much easier to listen to on a regular basis.

Darknet Diaries

Really well produced cybersecurity focused podcast. Has a nice variety of topics and the content is good and well researched. If you enjoy the security side of IT you’ll love these episodes.

Currently evaluating

These podcasts I listen to frequently, but maybe not every episode. Some of these may eventually get cut from the roster. Anything here has to provide real business value for it to remain long term.

Security Unlocked

Still findings its feet but with the growing need focus on security I think this will provide some valuable information from Microsoft.

Windows Insider podcast

Always interesting to hear what’s the latest and greatest with Windows from Microsoft.

Microsoft Cloud Show

Tends to be somewhat developer focused but there is handy information here, once you get past some of the other stuff, although I must admit this is becoming less and less the case. In short, podcast is starting to become a little off topic and may need to make room for something else.

Cyber

A podcast focused on cybersecurity. Fairly broad and somewhat more laid back and less technical (from what I’ve listened to so far) when it comes to content. Will need to listen to more episodes before deciding if this podcast makes the cut.

#Shifthappens

A podcast focused on digital transformation, typically in the enterprise and government space. Not too long which is good.

If I have time

There are simply not enough hours in a day to get through everything. These are great podcasts but I simply don’t have the time to listen to them regularly unfortunately.

Jocko Podcast

Probably too hard core for most. For me it is a great mix of military history and business mindset training. If you have a ‘fanatical’ tendency then give this one a listen.

The Kevin Rose Show

A bit like the Tim Ferriss podcast. Plenty of interesting and different stuff that always makes you think. Somewhat irregular episodes but I am still enjoying what I’m hearing.

Business wars

Interesting to get the story behind major business rivalries. More a ‘stage production’ than a podcast. Very enjoyable if you have the time.

Behind the Tech

Hosted by Microsoft’s Chief Technology Officer, Kevin Scott, it has lots of interesting guests and topics.

Once off podcasts

Think of these more of a book you’d read or a TV show you’d watch.

13 minutes to the moon

If you love space, you’ll love this ‘podumentary’ on the moon land. The production quality is simply first class, which you would expect from the BBC. Make sure you listen to both seasons so far!

The Bomb

Another amazing BBC production focused on the Atom bombs. If you are a history buff, I’ll bet you’ll love this one as well.

I churn through these mostly at 2x speed to allow me to get through as much content as possible. I do have a few other podcasts on my current podcasting app. I am always on the lookout for good podcasts business, technology, history, whatever. So if you can recommend something you like, I’m all ears.

Finally, of course, there is my own podcasting effort:

Need to Know podcast

which covers the Microsoft Cloud (typically Microsoft 365 and Azure) as well as business topics. I encourage you to have a listen and me know what you think. 2021 will be the eleventh year that it has been available.

Hopefully, there is something of interest to you in what I listen to. Feel free to let me know as well as any recommendations you may have, as I said, I’m all ears!

My tech videos – 2021

My list for last year:

My tech videos – 2020

Documentaries

The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin

Movies

My Tech Books – 2021

Tech is as much a lifestyle choice these days as it is a career. The geeks and nerds have risen to rule the world. Don’t believe me? Ask Bill Gates! Sometimes it is good to step back and take a wide look at how technology has changed the world we live in – for better and worse. My selection below I have found to be enjoyable and thought provoking in many different ways and I recommend them to everyone who is interested in tech.

There hasn’t been an change to this since last year. Good tech books are hard to come by it seems!

You can follow all the books, tech, business, non-fiction I read and want to read over at Goodreads where I have an account. You can also view my activity via:

https://www.goodreads.com/director_cia

1. Daemon – Daniel Suarez [Fiction]

A glimpse into the future of where drones and augmented reality may take us. That may not necessarily be a good place either.

2. Freedom TM – Daniel Suarez [Fiction]

A follow up to Daemon. What happens when technology dominates the world? Who benefits?

3. Ready Player One – Ernest Cline [Fiction]

Much like the Matrix. What is life like if you live inside the machine? You can be just about anyone you choose. I also love this book for all the retro technology that was part of my life. TRS-80 anyone? This book has become so popular that there is now a movie. Believe me, the book is better.

4. Sandworm: A New Era of Cyberwar and the Hunt for the Kremlin’s Most Dangerous Hackers – Andy Greenberg [Non-Fiction]

This is a great book if you are interested in IT security. It is also a very current book which makes it even more engrossing. It is easy to read and quite comprehensive in its approach, not only dealing with the technology of security attack but also the geopolitical reasons and consequences.

It reveals that shadow world of nation state cyber attacks and illustrates how they are happening today and likely to increase in the future. The connected world of the Internet has brought us many benefits but it is now increasing risks as our dependencies increase to the point that there are few manual backups that don’t depend on technology.

I think this book is a real glimpse into the future and what we may be in store for in the even of rising global conflicts. If you like tech, you’ll love this!

5. Future Crimes: Inside the Digital Underground and the Battle for our Connected World – Marc Goodman [Non-fiction]

Technology will ultimately doom us all I believe because we are building our world on stuff that unfortunately places a low regard for security and privacy. This book will show you why that is a road to ruination.

6. Countdown to Zero Day: Stuxnet and the Launch of the World’s First Digital Weapon – Kim Zetter [Non-Fiction]

If you don’t believe cyber warfare is real then read this book to understand how software is now a weapon as potentially devastating as any nuclear device.

7. Beyond Fear: Thinking Sensibly about Security in an Uncertain World – Bruce Schneier [Non-Fiction]

Security is important but it is important in context. We need to be rational when we consider our security not emotional. A great level headed approach to how we need to be secure.

8. American Kingpin: The Epic Hunt or the Criminal Mastermind Behind the Silk Road – Nick Bilton [Non-Fiction]

An amazingly detailed book on the rise and fall of Ross Ulbricht, the creator of the Silk Road web site. In here are asked to think about whether technology plays something more than a neutral role in today’s world.

9. The Cuckoos Egg – Clifford Stoll [Non-Fiction]

Before the Internet was in the public sphere it existed in the world of academia. This is the story of how one man’s search for the source of an accounting error uncovered something are more sinister.

10. Takedown – John Markoff and Tsutomu Shimomura [Non-Fiction]

The pursuit and eventual capture of notorious hacker Kevin Mitnick makes for great reading. Is somewhat dated now but still a great read.

New Intune connection PowerShell script

I’ve uploaded a new connection to Intune script that is freely available on my Github repository. You’ll find it here:

https://github.com/directorcia/Office365/blob/master/Intune-connect.ps1

Once it has been run you can run commands like:

get-autopilotprofile

as shown above.

To allow this script to operate correctly you’ll need the following two modules installed:

WindowsAutoPilotIntune

and

Microsoft.Graph.Intune

Both of these will be installed as part of my o365-setup.ps1 and o365-update.ps1 scripts, which are also freely available.

I’ve also added this Intune connection script to the connection selector script (c.ps1) in the same repository.

When intune-connect.ps1 runs you’ll be prompted for your credentials as normal.

Then you password and MFA if required.

Because connection to Intune via PowerShell now uses the Microsoft Graph, you’ll need to allow the above permissions as shown once.

You’ll find those permissions, when you accepted them, in Azure AD, User, Applications as shown above inside the Azure portal. In there will be an application called Microsoft Intune PowerShell as shown above.

If you select that Microsoft Intune PowerShell and scroll down to the bottom of the screen that is displayed, you can select a link View granted permissions as shown above.

You will then see all the permission granted to that user for accessing the Graph. You can also remove these if you ever want to as well here.

Having access to Intune and Autopilot via PowerShell will make automating device management much easier.

My Business Books – 2021

Check out my recommendations from last year:

My Business Books – 2020

Honourable mentions that I read last year:

– Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life – Nir Eyal, Julie Li

– Mastery – Robert Greene

– Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones – James Clear

– Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don’t Have All the Facts – Annie Duke

You can follow all the books I read and want to read over at Goodreads where I have an account. You can also view my activity via:

https://www.goodreads.com/director_cia

Here’s my current top business books in order:

1. The Art of War – Sun Tzu

The all time classic on strategy. As relevant today as it ever was. A very short read but very deep.

2. The Millionaire Fastlane – M.J. DeMarco

I love the brutal honesty of this book. It doesn’t mince words about what it takes to shift from a pay check to actually living the life you want.

3. The Tipping Point – Malcolm Gladwell

The world is all about not what you know but who you know. This book explains exactly how this works and how to use it to your advantage.

4. The Four Hour Work Week – Tim Ferriss

Many people believe this book is about shirking responsibility. It is in fact a blueprint for how to free up your time to do things you want and enjoy. It will challenge the way you look at your career.

5. Secrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth – T. Harv Eker

The successful are defined by a different mindset. This mindset can be learned. It can be trained. This is a great book to show you how to do just that.

6. Talent is over rated: What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everyone Else – Geoff Colvin

Demonstrates that the best comes from implementing a system. Having a system allows you to focus on the right thing and do that work that is required. If you want to take yourself to an elite level, beyond just good, then read this book.

7. Book Yourself Solid: The Fastest, Easiest, and Most Reliable System for Getting More Clients Than You Can Handle Even If You Hate Marketing and Selling – Michael Port, Tim Sanders

You can’t survive in business without a steady flow of customers. Selling to people is the wrong approach, you instead need to attract them to your business. This book helps you achieve exactly that.

8. Profit First: A Simple System To Transform Any Business From A Cash-Eating Monster To A Money-Making Machine – Mike Michalowicz

Business is about making a profit. This then gives you the freedom to do what you want with that profit. This book helps you focus on profit and setting up systems to make the most of the profit you generate.

9. Barking Up the Wrong Tree – Eric Barker

Conventional wisdom does not always apply and in some case can actually be detrimental. Challenging what is taken for granted should be in the play book of everyone who wants to achieve at the highest level. Important lessons can be learned in the strangest places and form the strangest people. Have an open mind and you might be surprised at what you have believed to be bad in fact turns out to get just what you need.

10. Unbeatable Mind: Forge Resiliency and Mental Toughness to Succeed at an Elite Level – Mark Divine

Another mindset book. Business is not always going to be easy or take the intended route. This is when you need to have the determination to see your plans through to success. This book shows you how to develop the mental toughness to make this happen.

11. Mastery – Robert Green

Excellent read with lots of great strategies to take away. Excellence is not a talent it is a skill. That means that it takes hard work to achieve, but hard work is available to everyone, yet few choose the path. There is no secret to Excellence, it is something only time and effort will reward you with and iof you choose that path you’ll be one of the few.

12. Tools of Titans – Tim Ferriss

There are few books that take the learnings for so many exceptional people and puts them at your fingertips. This is one such book that packs a lot of business and life learnings between the covers.

13. Predictably irrational: The Hidden Forces that Shape our Decisions – Dan Ariley

Although we like to think logic and rationality rule our world emotion is by far the more powerful influence. Understand this in the context of business and you are well on your way to understanding why people make the decisions they do and how to best profit from them.

14. Extreme Ownership – Jocko Willink and Lief Babin

Moving beyond blame is tough. This book illustrates the ownership of the problem and the environment is a key to success in the military or in business. It is a path few will elect to take voluntarily, however more may do so after reading this.

15. Peak Performance: Elevate your game, avoid burnout and thrive with the science of success – Brad Stulberg

Success is largely about developing a winning system. This book show you how to approach that pragmatically. If you want to see results use this book to help you build the system.

16. Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking – Malcolm Gladwell

The older you get the more experience you get. This experience is aggregated in your ‘gut feel’. Trusting your ‘gut’ may not appear rational but this book will help you understand why it is in fact your best option in many cases.

17. The Now Habit: A Strategic Program for Overcoming Procrastination and Enjoying Guilt-Free Play – Neil A. Fiore

Plenty of great productivity learnings in here that help you take action. It shows you how to focus on the right stuff in the right priority. Even if you are not a major procrastinator there is plenty in this book that you can take away.

18. The One Thing – Gary Keller

Multi-tasking is a myth. Focus is the key to success to bringing all your resources to bear in unison makes a hell of a lot of difference. Most people can’t do it, so those that can stand a much greater chance of success.

19. Deep Work – Cal Newport

Distractions are wasted energy and time that you’ll never get back. You’d be amazed at how distracting the modern world is. If you can minimise these distractions you can focus more and be far more productive.

20. The E-Myth – Michael Gerber

The classic on ‘procedurising’ your business and creating a structure that doesn’t need you to survive. The simple secrets inside this book can transform any business from hardship to joy.

Let me know what you think. Do these work for you? What’s your top business reads? I’d love to hear.

CIAOPS Need to Know Microsoft 365 Webinar–January

laptop-eyes-technology-computer

We’re back for 2021 and for January we are going to cover a topic which remains a mystery to many – PowerShell. I’ll show you how to quickly set up PowerShell to use with Microsoft 365 and some handy things that you can do with it to make your life easy through automation. I’ll also have the latest news from Microsoft and as always there will be time for your questions.

You can register for the regular monthly webinar here:

January Webinar Registrations

The details are:

CIAOPS Need to Know Webinar – January 2021
Friday 29th of January 2021
11.00am – 12.00am Sydney Time

All sessions are recorded and posted to the CIAOPS Academy.

The CIAOPS Need to Know Webinars are free to attend but if you want to receive the recording of the session you need to sign up as a CIAOPS patron which you can do here:

http://www.ciaopspatron.com

or purchase them individually at:

http://www.ciaopsacademy.com/

Also feel free at any stage to email me directly via director@ciaops.com with your webinar topic suggestions.

I’d also appreciate you sharing information about this webinar with anyone you feel may benefit from the session and I look forward to seeing you there.

Enabling Play my emails on iOS

Play your emails on iOS has been with us for a while now. My experience is however that most documentation doesn’t tell you how to actually enable this if it is not already on.

To do so, ensure you have a Bluetooth connection to your iOS device. That could be a wireless headset or in your car.

Click the icon in the very top right of you Outlook app once it is open as shown above.

That should display the ‘back stage’ as shown above. Select the Play button on the left hand side towards the bottom as shown.

If the setting is Off then switch it On.

You can now make any adjustments to your configuration.

If you return to ‘back stage’ of the app and press the same Play button Cortana will appear and you’ll be able to have your emails read to you.

You can get back to the Play My Email configuration at anytime now via the app settings as shown above.

For more details on Play My Email in Outlook see:

Recovering a Deleted Stand Alone SharePoint site

Recovering a deleted stand alone SharePoint using the admin center is quick and easy. You’ll be able to do for up to 93 days after you delete the site. If you do delete a SharePoint site using the admin center be careful that it isn’t connected to other shared resources like Microsoft Teams. if it is, then use the recommended process for removing the whole Microsoft Team not just the SharePoint.

The above will will show the process of identifying a stand alone SharePoint site, the various ways that you can delete it using the web interface and the how to restore it. Remember, you have up to 93 days to do this if you need to but you can also immediately purge the site if you need to reclaim storage space as well. It is all pretty simple and the video will run you through that process.