[m365weekly] #134

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Issue #134

☁️What’s on my mind

For about 2 months now, I have had the “new Outlook” experience turned on on my test PC.

What can I say after this period of testing?

TLDR version: I’m just too old for this s#!t.

A brief exercise of introspection: Six months ago I couldn’t understand those who were fuming about the change in the current Outlook when the location of some shortcuts (calendar, contacts, etc.) changed to a more convenient place. Today I can bitterly say that I am one of those who will be bitching and moaning when the new Outlook is the only one available.

What is it that bothers me so much? The new Outlook is simply not as user-friendly as the current one. The list of folders on the left-hand side is, to put it mildly, ugly. Not to mention that they have nested the display of shared mailboxes.

This usually means more unnecessary clicks than needed. It reminds me very much of some of the clueless decisions made in the Windows 11 UI. More clicking does not imply a better user experience.

What about you? Do you like the new Outlook? Drop me a few lines with your thoughts on this matter. I read them all.

Have a really nice rest of the week,
Matic Z.



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☁️Productivity & Modern Workplace

 Introducing Python in Excel. This functionality is currently available for Microsoft 365 Insiders. Is Python in Excel a gamechanger?

OneDrive and SharePoint: Colored Folders. OneDrive and SharePoint now offer colored folders, allowing you to visually organize your files and improve navigation. With this feature, you can easily assign colors to folders and subfolders, making it simpler to locate specific content.

20 Tips for Successfully Delivering Your Virtual Event with Microsoft Teams. Ensure a smooth experience by choosing the right event type, utilizing Microsoft Teams features like live captions, and engaging your audience with interactive tools like polls and Q&A.


☁️Sysadmin Stuff

Microsoft 365 Admin Monthly Digest – Aug 2023. Stay up-to-date with the latest Microsoft 365 Admin features and improvements.

Deploying Windows 365 and Integrating with Azure Network Connection. Deploying Windows 365 and integrating it with Azure Network Connection is made simple with this step-by-step guide.

Microsoft Launches Microsoft 365 Multi-Tenant Organizations. By consolidating tenants, you can simplify administration, improve data governance, and reduce costs. However, it’s essential to carefully plan and execute the consolidation process to avoid potential pitfalls and ensure seamless integration.

Getting Your DNS Ducks in a Row. Optimizing your DNS configuration is crucial for improving email deliverability and reducing spam. By implementing SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records, you can enhance your organization’s email security and reputation.


☁️Security & Data Governance

How often should I backup my M365 environment? It’s crucial for data protection and business continuity. Daily, weekly, or monthly? How many copies?

Practical Protection: For Whom the Bell Tolls. Can your organization be brought to a standstill if a key person in the IT department ceases to exist? We don’t think about it very often, do we?

12 Microsoft Entra Security Features That You Must Enable! To safeguard your organization’s data and infrastructure, it’s crucial to enable key security features within Microsoft Entra. 


☁️Noteworthy (long)reads

Results of Major Technical Investigations for Storm-0558 Key Acquisition. The findings reveal critical information about the attack’s origin, methodology, and potential mitigation strategies. By understanding these insights, you can better protect your organization from similar cyber threats and enhance your overall security posture.

Essential Career Guidelines for Freshers in the IT Industry. Starting a career in the IT industry can be both exciting and challenging. Don’t forget to stay updated with the latest industry trends and technologies to remain competitive.

Azure Free Tier vs. AWS Free Tier: Which Provides More Value? As usual: it depends. 🙂


DATES TO KEEP IN MIND

October 10, 2023 – Office 2016 and Office 2019 will no longer be supported when connecting to Microsoft 365. While these versions may still be able to connect to Microsoft 365, their connections will not be supported and may experience performance or reliability issues in the future. Official documentation here.

November 15-16, 2023Microsoft Ignite 2023

January 2024, Wiki page in Teams retiring. More info here. (ThanksTeresa for providing the reminder!)

April 15, 2024 – Microsoft Stream (Classic) retirement. Final stage. You can use Stream on Sharepoint.


☁️Classifieds

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☁️On a Less Serious Note


☁️ Last but not least …

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