Everything Cloud

Visual Studio 2017 Install Screenshots

Al_Mata — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 19:15:50 GMT

Welcome to Microsoft’s Visual Studio 2017 RTM release. Microsoft has released Visual Studio 2017 and below are the install screenshots along with what to expect from GUI. Step 1. Download Visual Studio 2017 from https://www.visualstudio.com (Fig. 1) and run the installer (Fig. 2). You will need to sign into the site to have access to the download. Note: You have an option to get access to Xamarin University for 60 days if you download Visual Studio 2017 before March 14, 2017.

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Step 2. Select the version you are installing, in this example I will use Professional, so you can see all the GUI options available during install. Step 3. Check the options (Fig. 3) you want to install, verify installation location and click “Install” to start installation. Note: Make sure you have enough space on drive to install components.

Fig. 3

(Components by Category)

(Verify Summary of Components to be installed)

4. Installation will start upon selecting "Install. Step 4. Installation will complete, read the release notes in link below. https://www.visualstudio.com/en-us/news/releasenotes/vs2017-relnotes Other: 1. Python support will be delivered via an update versus the installer. https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/pythonengineering/2017/02/22/python-in-vs2017/ 2. Visual Studio 2017 Preview 4 for Apple Mac's also released.

Insides to the Evolve 2016 Xamarin Conference

Al_Mata — Tue, 03 May 2016 16:33:07 GMT

Question: What is the Evolve Xamarin Conference? Answer: Xamarin Evolve conference is the largest cross-platform mobile event in the world, where over 1,500 developers, industry leaders, and Xamarin experts converge to advance the state of the art, discuss mobile strategy, and define the future of apps. Most recently is the 2016 conference in Orlando, FL. April 24 through 28th. Link: https://evolve.xamarin.com/ Content & Videos: Videos of the session are available on the Xamarin website here. The mini-hacks are here. Some of them require hardware that was available at the Conference.

Want to Estimate your Azure VM Cost from VMware or Hyper-V

Al_Mata — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 13:38:03 GMT

Question: How do I estimate a VM Azure cost for a VMware of Hyper-V workload? Answer: Use a free tool called Azure Cost Estimator from the link below that will analyze a Hyper-V, VMware, specific machine or IP subnet for machines and report back the size VM you need to run in Azure to achieve similar performance. The tool will also report back storage I/O costs if you let the tool run for a week or so against an existing workload. Link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=43376

Xamarin Sample Source Code - Xamarin Evolve 2016 App

Al_Mata — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 09:07:15 GMT

Question: Where can I get Code samples for a great Xamarin app? Answer: Take a look and Download the Xamarin Evolve 2016 Conference App Source Code in the link below for such a Code sample. Features: Built entirely with Xamarin.Forms, the Xamarin Evolve 2016 app leverages over 93% shared code across iOS, Android, and Windows 10 and includes some astonishing features including:

Latest Xamarin.Forms Features:
- URL Navigation, Effects, and more
Azure App Service:
- .NET backend
- Online/offline data sync
- Custom OAuth authentication
- Push notifications with Notification Hub
Background Synchronization
Barcode Scanning
Calendar Integration
WiFi Configuration
iOS 9 Quick Actions
So much more!

Link: https://blog.xamarin.com/browse-through-the-evolve-2016-mobile-app-source-code/

Older Windows Server Support on Azure

Al_Mata — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 15:15:05 GMT

Question: Are older Windows Server (i.e. pre Windows Server 2008 R1) available on Azure? Answer: Windows Server 2003 and later versions are supported for deployment in Microsoft Azure. For versions that are earlier than Windows Server 2008 R2, there is no Azure Marketplace support, and customers must provide their own images. The ability to deploy an operating system on Microsoft Azure is independent of the support status of the operating system. Microsoft does not support operating systems that are past their end of support date without a Custom Support Agreement (CSA). For example, Windows Server 2003/2003 R2 is no longer supported without a CSA. https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2721672

What is the latest Build number for Windows 10?

Al_Mata — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 09:57:44 GMT

Question: What is the latest Build number for Windows 10 released publicly (General Availability - GA)? Answer: Look at this link on right for latest Windows 10 releases. Link: https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2016/04/22/announcing-windows-10-insider-preview-build-14328-for-pc-and-mobile/

How do I learn Xamarin?

Al_Mata — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 15:51:06 GMT

Question: How do I learn Xamarin? Answer: Take a look at the below link for Introductory tutorial on Xamarin. Let me know if there are other good resources. Link: https://mva.microsoft.com/en-US/training-courses/xamarin-for-absolute-beginners-16182?l=fPHWqptJC_5705846048 [caption id="attachment_65" align="alignnone" width="727"] XamarinIntro[/caption]

How to Debug Android Apps on Windows

Al_Mata — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 15:46:24 GMT

Question: How do I debug Android Apps in Windows? Answer: Take a look at link below for video on how to debug Android Apps with Visual Studio. Link: https://blogs.msdn.microsoft.com/microsoft_student_developer_blog/2016/03/23/debug-your-xamarin-apps-with-the-visual-studio-android-emulator/

How to get your Kids interested in Coding and 3D Printing

Al_Mata — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 20:48:09 GMT

Question: How do I get my kids interested in Technology and Coding? Answer: Kids love to learn when they want to learn. I have found that when kids satisfy their want versus need with Coding along characters like Steve from Minecraft, keeps them not just interested but retaining what they learn more. From personal experience I continuously get my kids interested in Technology and Coding by introducing them to free Coding classed like ones offered by Code.org and 3D Printing tutorials from MakerBot. Below are my recommendations on how to start your kids on this journey. (My Recommended Kid Path) Ages 14 to 15 - Raspberry Pi anyone? This is the start to teach kids how to build devices that can be controlled from a Phone or Tablet using Cloud technologies like Azure. Will serve as foundation in High School for Robotics and Electronics. Cost - Around $60 to $100 (Raspberry Pi Device) and your time. Ages 13 to 14 - Introduce your child to 3D printing. I personally bought the MakerBot Mini Replicator and using curriculum by MakerBot for teaching kids 3D printing. Take a look at the MakerBot in The Classroom Book (Registration required to download) sent to me by MakerBot as a starter. This class will be the foundation to teach kids how to create products and start learning about the popular Internet of Things new trend. Cost - Around $500 to $1500 (MakerBot 3D Printer) and your time. Ages 11-12 - Introduce kids to Autodesk 123D to start creating 3D Cad drawings and files which can be used for 3D printing. Cost - Software is free and your time. Class may have cost for instructor led curriculum. Ages 10 to 11 - Java for Minecraft Coding Courses. Look for kid Coding courses at a local city libraries, schools, or third parties like ID Tech. Cost - $500 to $1000 (Java for Minecraft Class) and your time. Ages 7 to 10 - Have your child learn Minecraft. It is not only a great game but also a tool used in many schools to teach creativity and will be foundation for Microsoft's Minecraft in the Classroom offered by Minecraft Edu. Cost - Around $50 (Minecraft Game for Xbox and PC download) and your time. Ages 5 to 10 - Hour of Code Free Courses. Look at Hour of Code.org for free courses to teach your kids how to Code using popular tools and fun characters. Cost - Free Classes and your time. Note: More recommendations to come, feel free to email me and ask me questions.