The hottest Technology Substack posts right now

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Using Logic App Parameters with Microsoft Sentinel Playbooks

Rod’s Blog • 19 implied HN points • 09 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Tools Microsoft Automation
  1. You can use Logic App Parameters with Microsoft Sentinel Playbooks to create fill-in blanks like in ARM templates.
  2. Parameters in Logic App Designer can be used throughout the Logic App for customization.
  3. Utilizing custom, reserved variables like tenant ID and subscription ID ensures safety and allows deploying environments to input their values.

How to Query HaveIBeenPwned Using a Microsoft Sentinel Playbook

Rod’s Blog • 19 implied HN points • 09 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity APIs Guides Microsoft
  1. You can query HaveIBeenPwned using a Microsoft Sentinel Playbook. This enables you to check if email addresses associated with an Incident have been compromised in data breaches.
  2. There is a fee of $3.50 per month to use the HaveIBeenPwned API, but you can pay for a single month to test its value.
  3. Ensure you obtain the API key before deploying the Playbook and make sure to properly connect accounts and input the API key in the designated field.

Viewing Microsoft Sentinel Rules with MITRE Tactics Directly in Excel

Rod’s Blog • 19 implied HN points • 09 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Security Data Management Software Microsoft
  1. Known options for viewing Microsoft Sentinel rules with MITRE tactics include the MITRE ATT&CK Workbook, the MITRE ATT&CK Blade, Threat Analysis & Response Solution, and the Sentinel REST API.
  2. A lesser-known trick is to view the list directly in Excel by accessing a .csv file on the Microsoft Sentinel GitHub repository and importing it into Excel.
  3. By following simple steps, you can leverage Microsoft Excel to analyze and manipulate the Microsoft Sentinel rules and MITRE tactics data.

Building Microsoft Sentinel Incident Tasks Recipes

Rod’s Blog • 19 implied HN points • 09 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Security Cloud Computing
  1. Microsoft Sentinel Incident Tasks allow organizations to create a documented set of methods to handle different security events, enhancing team efficiency and ensuring critical steps are not missed.
  2. While tools like SOC Process Framework or Incident Response Playbooks provide guidance, security teams need to customize the approach based on specific scenarios and individual environments.
  3. GitHub repository for Microsoft Sentinel Incident Tasks Recipes is available for collaboration and sharing additional guidance on investigating and developing tasks.

Building Your Own Potential Malicious Events Heatmap for Microsoft Sentinel

Rod’s Blog • 19 implied HN points • 09 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Security Software
  1. Some organizations miss the heatmap feature in Microsoft Sentinel, and you can create your own version
  2. To create your heatmap, you need to create a new Workbook in Microsoft Sentinel, add a query module, input the code, and adjust map settings
  3. While the new heatmap may not be exact, it serves as a starting point and can be further customized to match your needs
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Hunting for a Flywheel | Refactoring’s Luca Rossi

Dev Interrupted • 18 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Engineering Software Leadership Research
  1. Developer success depends on feeling happy and respected. When developers are motivated, they can work faster and better.
  2. AI is becoming important for all industries, not just tech. Companies like Goldman Sachs are hiring AI experts to improve efficiency.
  3. Automating tasks like code reviews can help teams focus on important work. Tools that make this easy can boost a team's productivity.

41 Years in UX: A Career Retrospective

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 60 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🕹 Technology User Experience Academia Inventions Startups Web Design
  1. Jakob Nielsen has had a long career in UX since 1983, with a consistent mission of making computers user-friendly.
  2. He transitioned from academia to real-world UX work, influenced by his experiences with different computers and usability.
  3. Key achievements include pioneering discount usability, writing a popular book on web usability, and raising public awareness about UX.

Report on NixOS Governance Discussions

Chris' Blog • 3 HN points • 12 May 24
🕹 Technology Open Source Community Management Software Development Governance Moderation
  1. The NixOS governance discussion process was poorly organized, with the Nix Foundation board failing to provide clear direction and wasting participants' time.
  2. There was a lack of transparency, inconsistent enforcement of moderation, and potential manipulation of the process, leading to a censure of participants and a seemingly pre-ordained outcome.
  3. Participants with differing views felt unwelcome, demonstrating a reluctance to include those with centrist social and fiscally conservative values, potentially affecting future contributions and interactions with the Nix community.

The Daily Scrum

Rethinking Software • 29 HN points • 25 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Project management Agile methodologies Team Dynamics Workplace culture
  1. Daily Scrum meetings can feel like micromanagement and add stress to developers. It often makes people feel pressured to justify their productivity.
  2. Development work is not always linear, and sometimes progress takes time. It’s okay if some days don’t yield immediate results.
  3. Scrum's requirement for daily check-ins suggests a lack of trust in developers. It would be better if teams could choose when and how to meet, respecting their autonomy.

NVIDIA and the battle for the future of Generative AI

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 39 implied HN points • 07 Nov 22
🕹 Technology AI Deep Learning Software Computing Innovation
  1. NVIDIA released a new AI model called eDiffi that creates better images than existing tools like DALL.E 2 and Stable Diffusion. This shows they are making strides in generative AI technology.
  2. In 2022, there was a prediction about NVIDIA launching text-to-image models, and eDiffi is finally their answer to that anticipation. It signifies a new chapter for creative AI tools.
  3. NVIDIA's previous tool, GauGAN, allowed sketches to become realistic landscapes, and now they are advancing to text-based inputs with eDiffi. This represents a move toward more versatile and user-friendly AI innovations.

Most Interesting Machine

DruGroup • 2 HN points • 11 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Gadgets Innovation Computers Communication Nostalgia
  1. Using a portable email machine in the 90s was a unique experience. It allowed people to send and receive emails in a time when email wasn't very common yet.
  2. The process involved dialing a pay phone and using a device to send emails, making it feel high-tech for its time. It was a fun and eye-catching gadget that amazed people around.
  3. The email machine became outdated quickly with the rise of other technologies like BlackBerrys and smartphones. This shows how fast technology evolves and how we adapt to new tools.

Newsletter #13: StructGPT

Decoding Coding • 19 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🕹 Technology AI Data science Machine Learning Natural Language Processing Software Development
  1. StructGPT helps large language models (LLMs) work better with structured data like graphs and databases. It converts this complex data into a simpler format that LLMs can understand.
  2. There are three key tasks that StructGPT can do: answer questions based on knowledge graphs, process data tables, and perform text-to-SQL queries. Each task has its own specific steps.
  3. The method focuses on linearizing raw data so that LLMs can process it more effectively. This allows LLMs to handle a wider variety of tasks more efficiently.

Cooling Servers Through Code

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 19 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🕹 Technology AI Environment Computing Data Sustainability
  1. Generative AI can have a big environmental impact. For example, GPT-3 used a lot of energy, like driving 123 cars for a year.
  2. There is concern that generative AI may not just affect the environment but could also pose other risks in the future.
  3. Researchers are exploring ways to cool servers more efficiently through coding techniques to reduce their environmental footprint.

Transforming biomanufacturing using software with Martin Permin

Axial • 52 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Software Data Analytics AI Synthetic Biology
  1. Software and data analytics are being used to transform biomanufacturing, making it easier to control the complex variables involved in producing biological products.
  2. Invert, founded by Martin Permin, integrates with bioreactors and databases to help biomanufacturers manage and optimize their data using AI and analytics.
  3. Invert's platform streamlines bioprocessing by providing tools to plan experiments, monitor processes, analyze results, model scale-up, and collaborate with partners.

Zenful Estimates: Ditching Task Estimates to Build a Faster Team

Dev Interrupted • 51 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Project management Agile methodologies Engineering Culture
  1. Engineering task estimates are often costly in time and resources, leading to inaccuracies and increased stress within the team.
  2. Distinguishing between task estimation and project estimation can help teams prioritize better and allocate resources more effectively.
  3. By adopting a 'Zenful' approach that focuses on project estimates rather than granular task estimates, teams can save time, reduce stress, and improve overall efficiency.

The Cholocalate Milk Rule: Knowing when to sort your input [Technique Tuesdays]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 05 Jul 22
🕹 Technology Coding Algorithm Sorting Problem Solving Interviews
  1. Knowing when to sort your input is crucial in certain coding problems. The Chocolate Milk Rule helps in identifying when sorting can lead to the solution.
  2. The Chocolate Milk Rule works when the solutions can be filtered based on ordering and when solutions are generated from input subsets. It can be applied in various scenarios like 3 Sum, 2 Sum Sorted, and even Search.
  3. Sorting the input makes it easier to filter solutions based on their magnitude. This simplifies the process of finding solutions to coding problems.

Understanding Isn't Enough

Sarah's Newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 08 Feb 22
🕹 Technology Data Analytics Product Development Data Quality Process Optimization
  1. Value in data products comes from taking action, not just providing information.
  2. Vendors and data tools add significant value by influencing processes and saving time for users.
  3. Analytics products should aim to change behaviors by answering critical questions, prioritizing effectively, and continuously refining to ensure effectiveness.

Irreplaceable Senior Devs & Manual Coding in the AI Era

HackerPulse Dispatch • 8 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Software Development AI Tools Coding Practices Performance optimization
  1. Even with advanced AI tools, human coding skills are still very important. Developers need to understand how to edit and refine AI-generated code for better productivity.
  2. Code should be easy to skim, helping developers quickly understand and navigate through it. A focus on visual clarity makes coding and debugging faster.
  3. Senior developers bring valuable experience to the table by creating shared understanding behind the code. Their insights help ensure that even AI-generated code makes sense and serves its purpose.

Battery chemistry is key to EV performance

TP’s Substack • 25 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Electric Vehicles Battery technology Energy Systems
  1. Battery chemistry is really important for how well electric vehicles (EVs) perform. The kind of battery used affects how quickly and efficiently the car can use its power.
  2. High-performance EVs need batteries that can discharge power very quickly, often at high rates. This allows them to reach top speeds and perform well on race tracks.
  3. Some battery types, like LMFP, are better for maintaining power and temperature, which makes them more suitable for high-performance vehicles. They can charge and discharge efficiently without overheating.

How to make history with LLMs & other generative models

Leigh Marie’s Newsletter • 74 HN points • 21 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Machine Learning Infrastructure Applications Observability Privacy
  1. LLMs like Github Copilot can augment developer productivity and provide new opportunities for AI-enabled developer tools startups
  2. Generative models can significantly enhance efficiency for knowledge workers in fields like consulting, legal, medical, and finance, offering potential for startups in these areas
  3. New infrastructure opportunities exist around running large models locally, providing compute resources for model training, and challenging incumbents in ML frameworks and chips

Santa's Souped-Up MEGA65

Dan’s MEGA65 Digest • 22 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Computers Software Gaming Development Community
  1. The MEGA65 community is thriving with exciting new projects and downloads, showcasing the talent and enthusiasm of its members.
  2. New tools like SidPlay65 and COPA65 enhance the music and text editing experience on the MEGA65, making it more fun and user-friendly.
  3. Projects such as full-color video demos and powerful file browsers show that innovation continues to grow in the MEGA65 ecosystem.

Card sorting: how many participants do you really need?

UX Psychology • 39 implied HN points • 07 Jun 22
🕹 Technology UX Research User Testing Information Architecture
  1. Card sorting is a popular UX research method where participants group labels according to their own criteria, revealing their knowledge structure and helping create user-friendly information architectures.
  2. There are three main types of card sorting: open, closed, and hybrid, each serving different research goals.
  3. Studies suggest that 15-30 participants are usually enough for card sorting studies to provide reliable results, with 15 participants being sufficient for most projects but 20-30 recommended for larger projects.

Copilot Designer Poses Public Safety Risk, According To Microsoft Employee

Teaching computers how to talk • 52 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Microsoft Public Safety Tech Ethics
  1. A Microsoft employee raised concerns about the AI image generator Copilot Designer posing public safety risks, but management did not take action.
  2. Despite known risks with Copilot Designer, Microsoft continues to market it without appropriate disclosures.
  3. Jones's revelations highlight the need for transparency in disclosing AI risks, especially when products are marketed to children.

From Heuristics to Precision

Sunday Letters • 19 implied HN points • 02 Jul 23
🕹 Technology AI Networking Data Hiring
  1. Networking is really important because personal connections help match jobs with the right people. Good networks can filter out the best candidates easier than sifting through tons of data.
  2. Large language models (LLMs) can help improve hiring by analyzing resumes with more depth and precision. This could lead to better and fairer hiring processes.
  3. We are seeing a new kind of precision in handling data that will change how we think and work. While it can improve job fits, it might also raise concerns about privacy and control in other areas.

Standardized usability questionnaires: post-task measures

UX Psychology • 59 implied HN points • 23 Dec 21
🕹 Technology Usability Psychometrics User Experience Testing
  1. Post-task questionnaires capture user impressions immediately after a task, offering insights into user experience.
  2. Popular post-task questionnaires include the After-Scenario Questionnaire (ASQ), Subjective Mental Effort Question (SMEQ), and Expectation ratings (ER), each providing valuable usability feedback.
  3. When conducting usability studies, using multiple post-task questionnaires, like ASQ and SEQ, is recommended for a better understanding of user perceptions.

Open-source LLMs' harmlessness gap

Democratizing Automation • 90 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🕹 Technology AI Open Source Ethics Community Research
  1. Closing the gap between helpfulness and harmlessness in open-source LLMs is crucial for the sustainability of products and businesses.
  2. Community interest in red-teaming can help assess harmfulness in models and prevent negative impacts.
  3. Sequential engineering workflows and strong community norms are needed to create harmless AI chatbots in the open-source landscape.

Run, Don’t Walk

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 19 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Future Tech Career development Digital Trends
  1. It's important to stay curious and willing to take risks while chasing your dreams. Being open to learning and trying new things can lead to great opportunities.
  2. Embracing AI is crucial for anyone looking to succeed in today's job market. If you avoid using AI, you might fall behind those who use it well.
  3. Failures are a natural part of the journey, so it's important to keep pushing forward. Running towards your goals, rather than walking, can help you seize valuable opportunities.

Understanding, explaining and simplicity

Sunday Letters • 79 implied HN points • 31 Jan 22
🕹 Technology Design User Interface Code Understanding
  1. Explaining something to someone else helps you see how well you really understand it. If you can break it down clearly, then you know it well.
  2. Simplicity is important in design and communication. To simplify, you need to break things down to their basic parts and only keep what is essential.
  3. Before adding more to a design or an idea, try taking things away first. This helps in understanding the core of the problem and making things simpler.

Low-Code Won’t Replace You | Camunda’s Bernd Ruecker

Dev Interrupted • 18 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Development Automation Low-code Software
  1. Low-code tools help developers focus on more complex tasks instead of repetitive ones. They make it easier for non-tech users to build applications too.
  2. Understanding when to use low-code solutions versus custom coding is important. Each has its strengths, and using the right one can save time and effort.
  3. Despite the rise of low-code, experienced developers are still needed. The role of developers is evolving, but they won't be replaced anytime soon.

Data For AI

Gradient Flow • 59 implied HN points • 31 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Data Engineering AI Machine Learning Healthcare AI Causal Inference
  1. Data engineering and data infrastructure are foundational for AI and machine learning success. Businesses need to focus on data integration to scale their use of AI and machine learning.
  2. New tools and frameworks like DoWhy for causal inference and the AI Risk Management Framework from NIST are shaping how we manage AI risks and explore causal learning.
  3. State-of-the-art AI systems require additional training data to achieve top-notch results across various benchmarks. Additional data is crucial for enhancing AI performance.

Would We Really Shut Down A Misbehaving AI?

Am I Stronger Yet? • 62 implied HN points • 15 Dec 23
🕹 Technology AI Governance Data Centers Machine Learning
  1. People are usually hesitant to shut down a rogue AI due to various reasons like financial interests and fear of backlash.
  2. Delaying the decision to shut down a misbehaving AI can lead to complications and potentially missing the window of opportunity.
  3. Shutting down a dangerous AI is not as simple as pressing a button; it can be complex, time-consuming, and error-prone.