Windows Azure DevCamps @ Singapore

To Register : drop a email to msmarketing@swap.com.sg with following information

Name:

Title:

Organization:

Email:

Phone:

Mobile:

Remarks:

https://www.swap.com.sg/ms/edm2/windows_azure_camp/index.html

Windows Azure Training Kit June 2012 Update

Windows Azure Training Kit June 2012 Update shipped today. The June 2012 update of the Windows Azure Training Kit includes over 42 hands-on labs and 18 presentations inside. Which covering the new Windows Azure features such as Windows Azure Web Sites and Windows Azure Virtual Machines. Beside this the Windows 8 Metro-style applications, and a series of new hands-on labs for Node.js and PHP using Mac OS X also included.

Incase any community leader or individual need to run for full 3-day-training workshops the latest version of the training kit included presentations slides and HOLs.

The Hands-on labs are designed for use with either Visual Studio 2010 or the Visual Studio 2012 Release Candidate,”

Download @ http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=8396

Install Windows 8 Release Preview on dual–boot (Experiences)

Windows 8 Release Preview desktop looks awesome… Installed Visual Studio 2012 RC and Office 2010.

How to Install Windows 8 Release preview as dual boot

Use USB drive and make that drive bootable using Microsoft's own Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool (from here ) which works perfectly fine for Windows 8

Once you completed your windows 8 installation (how to install dual boot windows 7 and windows 8) Windows 8 presented a new graphical boot menu which allow you choose between your Windows 7 and Windows 8 OS.

By default set to Windows 8, you can choose Windows 7 manually from the menu.

Windows Start menu with metro UI (to find out more about The True Story Behind the Missing Start Button)

When I try to install Visual Studio 2012 RC just thought how am I going to mount images, which ISO mounting software supported for Windows 8. Notice that Windows 8 allow you mount ISO images lot easier.

When I try to installed Microsoft security essentials to protect against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software. Windows 8 prompt that “Your version of Windows includes an updated version of Windows defender that provides the same level of protection as Microsoft security essentials “

As of today Microsoft Security Essentials has not been renamed as Windows Defender. Not sure this going combined with it in Windows 8, but its feels that way. Let’s wait and see. J

Cloud Storage: Access your personal files anywhere, anytime using (Windows Azure Storage / SkyDrive / Google Drive and Drop Box)

 

This article explore various cloud storage and client applications features (as of April 2012).

In order to sync / store file with Cloud Storage I used to work with tool called Gladinet cloud desktop free edition, which help to map (as a Z drive) with various Cloud drives (covers almost all provider). The limitation with Gladinet free edition only 1000 items allow to sync with Cloud drives. If you buy commercial edition there is no limitation.

Gladinet cloud desktop application

Alternatively, to store file with Windows Azure Storage, I used tool called CloudXplorer, Azure Storage Explore and Cloud Storage Studio (paid version)

Cloud Explore and Azure Storage Explore

Cloud Storage Studio

Advantage :

• Share files online with friends and co-workers
• Share files with limited time frame using Shared Access Signature.
• 1 GB $0.12 cents per month. (keep 3 replica copy as a backup)
• Each Blob storage size can go up to 1 TB.
• Allow to take snapshot your blog storage

Disadvantage

• No Online Collaboration / Create / Edit document via web browser
• Free Storage is NIL each 1 GB $0.12 cents per month.

Windows 7 PC Client

Windows Phone, IPhone and Android Phone Application

• SkyDrive for Windows (preview)
• SkyDrive for Windows Phone
• SkyDrive for iPhone and iPad
• SkyDrive for OS X Lion (preview)

Advantage :

• Create and Edit a different document types directly in a web browser
• Easy to share files online with friends and co-workers
• Sharing / Print / Download / Re Arrange / digital photos
• Default is 7 GB (25 GB free for loyalty reward)
• Client application for Windows, Mac, Windows Phone, iPhone, iPad and Android (Brower for Skydrive)

Disadvantage

• Drag and drop via browser requires a Silverlight enabled browser such as Internet Explorer

Windows 7 PC and Android Phone Application

• Google Drive (Android)
• Google Drive (Windows / Mac)

Advantage :

• Create and Edit a different document types directly in a web browser
• Easy to share files online with friends and co-workers
• Default Storage 5 GB
• Client application for Windows, Mac and Android

Disadvantage

• Sharing / Print / Download / Re Arrange / digital photos feature is limited

• Dropbox for iPhone, iPad
• Dropbox for Android
• Dropbox for Windows

Advantage :

• Easy to share files online with friends and co-workers
• Sharing / Download / digital photos
• Sync with Samsung Galaxy Note photo gallery
• Client application for Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android and BlackBerry
• Continues to synchronise

Disadvantage

• Allow to view only different document types directly in a web browser (create / edit not allowed)
• 2GB Space Additional space required 50 GB 99$ per year

Conclusion

To conclude, there are many different storage solutions out there I personally use all above storage for following needs.

• Window Azure Storage with Shared Access Signature to share files for corporate usage.
• SkyDrive to storage my presentations and photos
• Working documents to Google Drive (Backup)
• Dropbox my Samsung Galaxy Note to sync photos and iPad to sync shopping list.

Windows 8 Events in Singapore

Come join us in one of these Windows 8 hands-on sessions that will allow you to the opportunity to go through the app development process with our Windows 8 experts.

Topics to be covered, with focus on html and Javascript:

1. List Views and Data Binding
2. Orientation, Snapping and Semantic Zoom
3. Searching and Sharing
4. Appbars and Media Capture
5. Lifetime Management
6. Settings and Preferences
7. Tiles and Notifications
8. Windows Store

More information visit : http://spiffy.sg/general/windows-8-hands-on-lab-and-application-consultation-session/ 

Windows 8 Developer Camp – HTML5 on Metro will be the biggest technical event Microsoft Singapore is organizing on Windows 8.

HTML5 is here, and with it, web applications take on power, ease, scalability, and responsiveness like never before. HTML5 on Metro lets developers learn how to use the latest cutting-edge HTML5 web technology to build  Windows 8 applications with unparalleled functionality, speed, and responsiveness.

More Information visit : http://spiffy.sg/students/experience-html5-on-metro-10-may/

MVP Award Kit

My boys enjoyed and had fun with crystal trophy

FAQ on MVP Award

Recently I posted about Microsoft MVP Award, few of them ask me about how to obtain this award.

The Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Program was started in the mid 1990s. Its not a certification something you can study for and sit a test or take an exam. The Microsoft MVP program is an award given to community leaders around the world, for their contributions to the community.

MVPs voluntarily share their passion and real-world knowledge of Microsoft products, helping others make the most of their technology. They are recognized each quarter for this annual award, and each year around 4,000 MVPs are honored worldwide.

MVPs are nominated by Microsoft, other community individuals. Candidates are rigorously evaluated for their technical expertise, community leadership, and voluntary community contributions for the previous year. They come from more than 90 countries, speak over 40 different languages, and are awarded in more than 90 Microsoft technologies. Together, they answer more than 10 million questions a year!

To find out more please visit : http://mvp.support.microsoft.com