Category: Fun

Mar082020March 8, 2020March 15, 20200Commentby Thomas Maurer
Home Office Setup 2020

My Home Office Setup 2020 – How does yours look like?

Posted in Fun, Hardware, Hardware, Microsoft, Office, OneNote, Surface, Thomas Maurer, Windows, Windows 10, Work

A couple of days ago, Microsoft and other companies recommended that people work from home (if they can) due to the Corona disease (COVID-19). Since I am part of a remote team, I work mostly from home when I am not traveling, and so let me share my home office setup 2020 with you. I did share my home office setup already in 2018 after we just moved. Since then, I have upgraded my home office with a couple of new things, which I believe make working from home even more productive and enjoyable.

This is it, this is my Home Office Setup in 2020

Here is a quick view at my desk setup:

Read More

May312018May 31, 2018August 27, 20185Commentsby Thomas Maurer
Windows 10 Audio Devices with Emojis

Rename Windows 10 Audio Devices with Emojis

Posted in Fun, Windows, Windows 10

I know, I am usually not blogging about emojis, but this time I can it is pretty cool and helpful. A couple of days ago I saw a tweet from one of the Microsoft Windows Program Managers and how she renamed her audio devices with emojis. I think this is pretty cool and visualization makes it also easier to find the right devices. In this quick blog I will show you how you quickly can rename your audio devices in Windows 10 with emojis (or even without ;).

First you might have seen the new audio devices selection in Windows 10

Windows 10 Audio Devices

Now to rename these devices, simply right click on the audio symbol in the taskbar and click on Sounds.

This will open up the Windows Sounds options. Here select Playback Devices. Right click the device you want you rename, for example your headphones and click on Properties.

Windows Audio Devices Properties

In the properties you can now change the name and add for example emojis. To use emojis you can open up a document or mail simply use press “Windows + .” and the emoji panel shows up. Select the emoji you want to use und copy past it in the name field. Save the changes and now your Windows 10 Audio devices will show up with a different name and even emojis.

Windows 10 Audio Devices with Emojis


Feb252018February 25, 2018January 8, 20193Commentsby Thomas Maurer

My Favorite Visual Studio Code Themes

Posted in Fun, Microsoft, PowerShell, Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, Windows, Windows 10

While I am doing presentations, I often do demos, and since a lot of my demos are PowerShell based, I use a lot of Visual Studio Code. With that I often get the question which is the Visual Studio Code Theme I use. Even I change my Visual Studio Code Themes pretty often, I have a couple of favorites I want to share.

Azure Contrast (rainglow)

VS Code Theme Azure Contrast rainglow

Rainglow has a huge amount for different themes, my favorite one is their Azure, Azure Contrast theme.

Cobalt2

Visual Studio Code Theme Cobalt2

My current favorite Visual Studio Code Theme is Cobalt2. Cobalt2 is a dark but colorful theme for Visual Studio. I like it because it is a dark theme, but it not uses the classic dark grey background, instead I like the mix of dark blue and yellow.

Atom One Dark

Visual Studio Code Theme Atom One Dark

Atom One Dark is another Dark theme I started to like very much. I like the popping colors on the dark background.

Ayu Mirage – Visual Studio Code Theme

Visual Studio Code Theme Ayu Mirage

The Ayu Themes for Visual Studio are simple, bright and elegant themes. I prefer the Ayu Mirage theme which as I said looks very elegant. The Ayu themes also have other options like the Ayu light which is also one of my favorites.

Dracula

Visual Studio Code Theme Dracula

Dracula is one of the famous Visual Studio Code themes, which is also available on other platforms. When I am not using the Cobalt2 theme, I most often switch to Dracula.

Ayu Light

Visual Studio Code Theme Ayu Light

I mentioned the Ayu Themes before, and this is the light version of it. I am mostly using dark themes, but when I switch to a light theme, I mostly use Ayu Light.

PowerShell ISE

Visual Studio Code Theme PowerShell ISE

If you are coming form PowerShell scripting, you are already familiar with the PowerShell ISE. The PowerShell ISE theme bring you back in to the old school world and even gives you the PowerShell blue background terminal.

There are a lot of other great Visual Studio Code Themes out there. What is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!


Sep212017September 21, 2017August 22, 20180Commentby Thomas Maurer
What is in my Bag for Microsoft Ignite 2017

What’s in my bag for Microsoft Ignite 2017

Posted in Cloud, Events, Fun, Hardware, Hardware, Microsoft, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Azure Stack, Microsoft MVP, Office, Pictures, PowerShell, Speaking, Surface, Virtualization, Web, Windows, Windows 10, Windows Server, Work

In a couple of hours I will catch my flight to Orlando FL to the Microsoft Ignite 2017 conference. I am happy to join the itnetX team and be able to speak at the largest Microsoft Conference this year. I am really looking forward to it and meet other enthusiast around Microsoft Cloud solutions and of course meeting with members of the Microsoft Product Group.

I am already preparing and packing stuff for my two weeks trip to the United States. After Microsoft Ignite I will spend another week on the Microsoft Campus in Redmond (Okay, actually it is in Bellevue at the Azure Cloud Architect Bootcamp) so I have to pack enough stuff so I can pre productive for these two weeks and especially Microsoft Ignite.

What is in my Bag for Microsoft Ignite 2017

  • My main devices is of course my new Microsoft Surface Pro which I use as my 3-in-1 device, replacing my notebook, tablet and desktop using the Surface Docking Station. Of course it is running the latest Microsoft Windows 10 Insider Preview. Battery life I get is around 8 hours depending on what I am doing I get even some more. I will leave my Surface Book, which I was using for over a year and was my daily driver for a long time, back home. The Surface Pro is lighter much more portable, and especially at a huge conference like Microsoft Ignite, it helps to have a light devices to carry around.
  • The Surface Pen, well especially for conferences, workshops and trainings, I like to take handwritten notes or draw things to discuss ideas and solutions with people. The Surface Pen and OneNote are a must have for such events! (Quick Tip: Check out my blog post about Why OneNote is Awesome to learn some new OneNote skills)
  • As my day to day phone I use the Microsoft Lumia 950 XL (Yes sometimes I still use a Windows Phone) and the Samsung Galaxy S8+, which are the perfect devices for me with great cameras to take picture from the place I travel to and listen to music.
  • Even I like the track pad of the new Surface Pro Signature Type Cover I think I am more productive using a mouse. For that I got the new Microsoft Arc Mouse, Microsoft delivered together with the new 2017 Surface Pro. It follows the same line of design as the Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse and others, which are perfect for traveling. If you don’t need them, you can just click them, to turn the off.
  • The Bose Quiet Comfort 35 Audio Headphones and their Noise Cancelling feature are some real life savers. I like them especially when I travel and have some long flights. But I also like that they now support bluetooth, so I can connect wirelessly. I also use them for Skype and Skype for Business calls.
  • To get some extra power if needed, I also carry a Microsoft DC-34 portable power charger with a 9000 mAh battery
  • I am also carrying the Garmin Forerunner 325 which helps me tracks the steps I walk during Microsoft Ignite and the limited sleep I get during this event. Trust me, you will definitely walk a lot during that conference.
  • For presentations I got a Microsoft Mini-DisplayPort to HDMI and VGA adapter as well as the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter which acts as a Miracast Receiver and is great for presentations.
  • I also carry a USB 3.0 drive, since you never know when you need to share some files, which might be to larger to share over the conference WiFi.
  •  I just use power adapter of the Microsoft Surface Pro which also has a USB port for charging the phone, speaker and other stuff.
  • Next to that, I will bring some cables, sunglasses and a bunch of other stuff you need during a conference.

Some other tips for the conference:

You are going to talk a lot, and the days will be back with a lot of information and discussions, so make sure you pack something light to carry your devices around or a comfortable backpack. Also make sure you stay hydrated during the day, not just during the evening events ;-)

By the way, check out my video interview with Marcel Zehner about my sessions at Microsoft Ignite during one of the itnetX X-Talk videos:

With that, hopefully see you at Microsoft Ignite 2017 in Orlando, and if you are there, contact me if you want to grab a coke, coffee or beer.


Sep112017September 11, 2017August 27, 20180Commentby Thomas Maurer
Microsoft Ignite Speaker

Speaking at Microsoft Ignite 2017

Posted in Cloud, Containers, Events, Fun, Hyper-V, Microsoft, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft MVP, Nano Server, PowerShell, Server Core, Speaking, System Center, Virtualization, Windows Server, Windows Server 2016

I just came back from Experts Live Europe 2017 in Berlin where I was speaking about Container, Azure Stack and Windows Server. Now I already started preparing for the largest Microsoft Conference in September. I am happy to announce that I will be speaking at the Microsoft Ignite 2017 Conference in Orlando Florida.

Thomas Maurer Speaking

This is a huge honor and I am happy to speak in several sessions. The first one I want to announce is my Theater Session about Windows Server 2016:

Ignite Session

Lessons learned from deploying Windows Server 2016

Join this session to learn about how to deploy Windows Server 2016 in your datacenter. Learn about real-world experience for Storage Spaces Direct, Nano Server, Hyper-V, and a lot more.

I will announce other sessions soon as they are public available. I hope you join Microsoft Ignite and see you in my sessions.


Aug042017August 4, 2017November 1, 20188Commentsby Thomas Maurer
Experts Live and Thomas Maurer

Win an Experts Live Europe 2017 Conference Pass

Posted in Cloud, Events, Fun, Hardware, Microsoft, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Azure Stack, Office365, Operations Management Suite, System Center, Web, Windows, Windows Server, Work

UPDATE: Thanks for all the people who joined the raffle, the raffle is closed now and the lucky winner will have a mail in the inbox

As mentioned, I am proud to speak at this year’s Experts Live Europe 2017 in Berlin, Germany. Today is your lucky day. If you want to join me at this amazing conference and you do not yet have a Conference Pass, you have the chance to win one today. The full 3-day conference pass is worth €761.60 and gives you access to all sessions, the expo hall, the attendee networking party and the closing party.

About Experts Live Europe 2017

ExpertsLive Europe

The Experts Live Europe 2017 conference takes place August 23-25 in the Berlin Congress Center

Experts Live Europe is one of Europe’s largest community conferences with a focus on Microsoft cloud, datacenter and workplace management. Top experts from around the world present discussion panels, ask-the-experts sessions and breakout sessions and cover the latest products, technologies and solutions. It’s the time of the year to learn, network, share and make valuable connections.

  • 3 conference days
  • 100 sessions
  • 6 parallel tracks
  • Private side meetings
  • Top experts from around the world
  • More than 20 MVPs on site
  • Exhibition area with 3rd party vendors
  • Networking party
  • Ask the experts area
  • Quality food & beverages
  • Conference closing party
  • Good connected city in Europe
  • Modern location with easy-to-reach rooms

How to win a free Conference Pass

If this is reason enough for you to join, you can win a conference pass here by doing the following steps:

  1. Share this post on Twitter or/and Facebook or/and Linkedin using the hashtag #ExpertsLive
  2. Leave a comment on this post with a great reason why you want to attend until August 9 23.59 (UTC +1).

Under all comments I will raffle one regular conference pass. The winner will be contacted by email.

 

Good Luck! And for those who didn’t win, you still have the chance to buy a ticket!

  • Only included is the regular conference pass (travel cost and hotel is not included)
  • No refund of existing tickets
  • The ticket cannot be paid out
  • The ticket is not for resale
  • and the usual ;)

 


Jun262017June 26, 2017September 1, 20180Commentby Thomas Maurer
Thomas Maurer Speaking

Speaking at Experts Live Europe 2017 in Berlin

Posted in Cloud, Containers, Events, Fun, Hyper-V, Microsoft, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Azure Stack, Microsoft MVP, Nano Server, Operations Management Suite, PowerShell, Server Core, Speaking, System Center, Virtualization, Web, Windows, Windows 10, Windows Server, Work

I am proud to announce that I will speak at Experts Live Europe 2017 Conference at August 23-25 in Berlin. Experts Live, formerly known System Center Universe, is one of Europe’s largest community conferences with a focus on Microsoft cloud, datacenter and workplace management. Top experts from around the world present discussion panels, ask-the-experts sessions and breakout sessions and cover the latest products, technologies and solutions. It’s the time of the year to learn, network, share and make valuable connections. Experts Live presents top content with top presenters around Microsoft Windows Server, System Center, Microsoft Azure, Office 365, Intune and much more.

ExpertsLive Europe

After speaking at different System Center Universe and different Experts Live events in the past years around the world, such as Bern, Basel, Kuala Lumpur, Ede, Melbourne and many more, I am really happy to speak this year again at one of the greatest community conferences in Europe.

If you want to know more about the events from the past check out my blog posts:

This year I have the chance to speak in a couple of different sessions, about some really cool stuff focusing on Azure Stack, Windows Server vNext and Azure, Docker and Containers.

Experts Live Europe

Azure Stack - Everything you need to know!

Microsoft released Azure Stack as a Azure appliance for your datacenter. Learn how you deploy, manage and operate a Azure Stack in your datacenter. Learn about the features and options you will get by offering Azure Stack to your customers.

Experts Live Europe

Getting started with Windows Containers, Docker and Azure

In Windows Server 2016 you Microsoft released their first version of Windows and Hyper-V Containers. In this session you will get an overview about how containers work and how you can use them for your deployments and you will learn how you can get started with Containers and Docker on Windows 10, Windows Server or on Microsoft Azure.

Experts Live Europe

Windows Server - What is next in Redstone 3

A little less than one year ago Microsoft released Windows Server 2016. This Fall Microsoft will update Windows Server to the next Current Branch for Business release with new features and improvements together with the Windows 10 Client release. Windows Server will also join the Windows Insider Program and we will see the first innovation coming this summer. Join this session for the best of Windows Server. You will get an overview about the new, exciting improvements that are in Windows Server and how they will improve your day-to-day job.

In this presentation Thomas Maurer (Microsoft MVP) will guide you through the highly anticipated innovations including:

Windows Server Containers, Hyper-V features, Nano Server, Storage, Networking, Security, Windows Server Containers and more!

enjoy summer and hopefully see you in Berlin!

 



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    Thomas Maurer

    My name is Thomas Maurer. I am a Senior Cloud Advocate at Microsoft. I am part of the Azure engineering team (Cloud + AI) and engage with the community and customers around the world. I am located in Switzerland. I am focusing on Microsoft technologies, especially cloud and datacenter solutions based on Microsoft Azure, Azure Stack and Windows Server. Opinions are my own.

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