Scott & Mark Learn To…

In this episode of Scott and Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich dive into the art of building reputations throughout the careers. Scott shares a story about directly messaging a distinguished engineer with a technical question, sparking a discussion about when it's appropriate to contact someone you don't know. Mark acknowledges that his title and reputation give him confidence to reach out to others but emphasizes not bothering people with "randomness." They explore when it's okay to say no, why thoughtful questions build influence, and how legendary computer scientist Donald Knuth turned bug reports into prized autographs. Mark shares his approach to unread messages, while Scott reveals his trick for turning good questions into content. Plus, a candid discussion on imposter syndrome—when even the most accomplished minds feel out of their depth. 

Takeaways:    

• The key is knowing when to ask questions versus when to do more self-research 
• Why titles serve as shorthand for expertise, but their importance depends on context. 
• How highly accomplished professionals deal with self-doubt and imposter syndrome

Who are they?     

View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn  

View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn   

Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube 

Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to  

Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   

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In this episode of Scott & Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich dive into the concept of systems thinking—what it means, why it matters, and how it applies beyond just coding. Scott recalls an insightful conversation with a colleague, who argues that while younger generations are taught to code, they aren’t taught to understand the larger systems in which code operates. They discussed how systems thinking approach contrasts with traditional code practices. They also explored the challenges of integrating AI into coding, the limitations of AI-generated code, the necessity of understanding the broader system in which code operates and debated the balance between deep analysis and decisive action. 

Takeaways:    

• Experience and mindset shape systems thinking 
• Understanding how one's work fits into a larger system can lead to better decision-making 
• With AI handling more coding tasks, the real value lies in the ability to think architecturally and systemically 

Who are they?     

View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn  

View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn   

Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube 

Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to  

Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   

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In this episode of Scott & Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich dive into the history and evolution of ZoomIt, a popular screen annotation and zooming tool Mark created over 25 years ago. Originally built to enhance technical demos, ZoomIt has become an essential utility for countless users, including Scott, who calls it second nature. Mark shares how the tool's intuitive, keystroke-driven design surpasses alternatives like Windows Magnifier, making it a favorite for presentations and daily use.  

You can download Zoomit for free here: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/downloads/zoomit  

And it is now part of PowerToys toolkit: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/zoomit  

Takeaways:    

• ZoomIt's key features, including live zoom, annotations, blurring, and color customization 
• Mark highlights new features showcasing ZoomIt's ongoing evolution to better serve users 
• ZoomIt is entirely keystroke-driven, eliminating the need for menus or toolbars 

Who are they?     

View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn  

View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn   

Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube 

Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to  

Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   

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In this episode of Scott & Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich dive into the art of giving technical talks. With Scott preparing for a keynote abroad and Mark gearing up for an internal presentation, the duo reflects on their journeys as speakers, from their very first presentations to commanding stages with thousands of attendees. They discuss how preparation evolves with experience, balancing off-the-cuff speaking with intensive demo prep. From brown bag sessions to high-stakes keynotes, and even Scott’s upcoming TEDx talk, they explore how stakes and familiarity shape their approach to crafting impactful presentations. 

Takeaways:    

• Scott manages nerves with monitoring heart rate and using breathing exercises to stay calm 
• Mark’s time management techniques, dividing content into sections and time limits for each 
• Structuring talks in three acts and evenly divided segments in between 

Useful Links: 

Scott’s the Art of Speaking Class on Pluralsight: https://www.pluralsight.com/courses/hanselman-speaking 

Public speaking episodes from on-Net:  

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/shows/on-dotnet/public-speaking-scott-hanselman-kendra-havens-maria-naggaga-nakanwagi-kasey-uhlenhuth-donov 

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/shows/on-dotnet/tips-on-public-speaking-from-andres-phil-scott-and-cecil  

Who are they?     

View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn  

View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn   

Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube 

Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to  

Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   

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In this episode of Scott & Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich explore the evolution of cloud computing, tracing its roots from the early days of Azure to its transformation into a powerful, flexible platform. Mark explains the shift from "pets" (individual servers) to "cattle" (easily replaceable servers) as cloud infrastructure became more scalable and cost-efficient. They discuss the challenges of scaling websites, from physical data centers to cloud-based solutions, and the economic and technical factors that led to the rise of multi-tenancy and on-demand services. The episode also highlights Azure’s adoption of Linux and the broader embrace of open-source technologies, marking a key shift in Microsoft’s cloud strategy. The conversation reflects on how modern cloud services abstract away complex infrastructure management, much like the simplification seen in programming languages with garbage collection. 

Takeaways:    

• Why cloud existed in the first place and how it evolved  
• Difference abstraction leads to different services, IaaS, PaaS, SaaS 
• Microsoft’s strategic decisions in the history of Azure, like embracing Linux and opensource technologies  

Resources: 

• The Mind Behind Windows: Dave Cutler 
• Microsoft Volume I: The Complete History and Strategy of founding through Windows 95 (Audio) 
• Microsoft Volume II: The Complete History and Strategy of the Ballmer Years (Audio) 

Who are they?     

View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn  

View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn   

Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube 

Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to  

Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   

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In this episode of Scott & Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich dive into the topic of hobbies and how they balance tech work with leisure activities. Mark opens up about his long-time love for the Battlefield video game series, where he’s spent countless hours playing multiplayer, while Scott shares his passion for retro gaming on his Steam Deck. The conversation explores their favorite games, including Half-Life: Alyx, and how gaming serves as a much-needed release. They also discuss their non-tech hobbies—Mark’s unexpected talent for drawing, which he picked up again during COVID, and Scott’s thoughts on how AI and nerd sniping influence their spare time. The episode offers a fun and candid look into how these tech giants unwind and keep their creativity flowing. 

Takeaways:    

• How people assume successful tech professionals only engage in computer-related hobbies 
• AI research as a hobby, focusing on gamifying challenges to fuel passion for problem-solving 
• Mark shares his Star Wars props, including a Darth Vader helmet and Stormtrooper rifle 

Who are they?     

View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn  

View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn   

Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube 

Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to  

Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   

Download the Transcript

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In this episode of Scott & Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich delve into the critical developer skill of debugging crash dump files, both kernel dumps and application dumps. They start sharing insights from their experiences with blue screens and system crashes. They discuss tools like WinDBG ("Windbag") for analyzing dump files and demonstrate "Not My Fault," a tool for simulating crashes. Mark also showcases Procdump, highlighting its advanced features for capturing dumps with conditional triggers, such as high CPU usage or memory leaks, and explains why it outshines manual methods like Task Manager. 

Takeaways:    

• How WinDbg and Visual Studio allow developers to analyze memory dumps as snapshots 
• The need for developers to get comfortable with debugging 
• Exciting possibilities for AI-assisted development in the near future 

Who are they?     

View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn  

View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn   

Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube 

Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to  

Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   

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In this episode of Scott & Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich delve into the intricate world of undocumented APIs, examining their associated risks and benefits. Mark shares his journey into reverse engineering, starting with the Apple II and evolving through his exploration of Windows internals. He elaborates on his PhD thesis on fault management, which sparked his interest in undocumented APIs. The conversation includes technical insights into disassembling and debugging, showcasing Mark’s development of his own disassembler and use of tools like SoftICE for kernel debugging. They also explore Microsoft’s rationale for keeping certain APIs undocumented, highlighting the importance of flexibility in system evolution without compromising application stability.

Takeaways:    

• Microsoft’s commitment to maintaining backward compatibility for older applications 
• How contemporary systems manage small crashes to maintain long-term stability 
• How Mark started his journey on Windows internal APIs 

Who are they?     

View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn  

View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn   

Watch Scott and Mark Learn To on YouTube 

Listen & Subscribe at scottandmarklearn.to  

Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts

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In this bonus episode of Scott & Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich take a detour into the fabulous world of skincare, proving that everyone deserves a little TLC! With Scott both amused and bewildered by Mark's radiant complexion, they launch into a lively debate about grooming habits. From the champagne of shampoos to moisturizing rituals and the must-have essentials for looking sharp in the tech world, Scott and Mark share their best beauty tips. Plus, discover the profound truth that “you can’t have too many moisturizers”—unless you're Mark, who insists that sometimes, less is more! 

Takeaways:    

• Mark's glowing skin leads Scott to question how old he really is 
• The importance of skincare routines as a form of self-care  
• A minimalistic routine vs a more extensive regimen and common misconceptions  

Who are they?     

View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn  

View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn   

Watch Scott and Mark Learn To on YouTube 

Listen & Subscribe at scottandmarklearn.to  

Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   

Download the Transcript

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In this episode of Scott & Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich dive into the quirks and philosophies of programming languages—debating the purpose of small languages, like Erlang, versus giants like JavaScript. Along the way, they discuss whether modern languages with hindsight (like Kotlin) are inherently better and reminisce about the good old days of writing code in C, Delphi, and even 6502 assembler. Mark reflects on transitioning to Rust for system-level code in Azure, marking a deliberate move away from C/C++. He highlights Rust’s ownership model, memory safety, and enforced concurrency as the game-changers. Meanwhile, Scott is poking fun at the oddities of language trends, including Python’s rise to dominance in machine learning.  

Takeaways:    

• Rust’s key advantage with enforced memory safety 
• Python’s dominance in AI due to its robust ecosystem not just its language features 
• Why programming language selection is driven by ecosystems, tools, and personal preference 

Who are they?     

View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn  

View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn   

Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube 

Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to  

Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   

Download the Transcript

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In this episode of Scott & Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich explore the evolving role of AI in tech, from leveraging tools like GitHub Copilot to boost productivity in coding, to the potential pitfalls of over-reliance on AI. They discuss how AI is reshaping both education and professional development and reflect on the challenges of large language models (LLMs), including issues like hallucinations, indirect prompt injection attacks, and jailbreaks. Mark highlights how models, shaped by Reinforcement Learning with Human Feedback (RLHF), can still produce unpredictable results, underscoring the need for transparency, safety, and ethical use in AI-driven systems. 

Takeaways:    

• Whether reliance on AI affects one's foundational coding skills and overall efficiency 
• How to balance continuous learning with maintaining expertise in technology fields 
• AI models sometimes produce hallucinations and the importance of understanding how to effectively use these tools   

Who are they?     

View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn  

View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn   

Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to  

Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube 

Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   

Download the Transcript

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In this episode of Scott & Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich discuss the concept of shipping the org chart, a term used to describe when different teams' outputs are inconsistently integrated, reflecting the organizational structure rather than a cohesive product. Scott recounts his experience test-driving an electric vehicle with a disjointed interface, which made him question the internal coordination within the automaker. Mark explains how Microsoft addresses this issue through standardization and tooling, emphasizing the need for consistent APIs and user experiences. They also debate the balance between maintaining consistency and fostering innovation, and how large tech companies like Microsoft and Apple manage these challenges. 

Takeaways:    

• Establishing UX design standards helps maintain a consistent user experience across features 
• Inconsistent design or functionality can impact user perception and trust in a product 
• Integrating quality checks early (shift left) helps prevent issues and reduces later fixes 

Who are they?     

View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn  

View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn   

Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to  

Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube

Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts   

Download the Transcript

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In this episode of Scott & Mark Learn To, Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich dive into the art of influencing without authority. Scott, who recently took on new responsibilities at Microsoft, shares his approach to leadership and advocacy, encouraging his team to push boundaries and advocate for the customer. Mark, Deputy CISO and CTO of Azure, discusses the importance of using influence over authority, drawing from his experiences both at Microsoft and his earlier days running his own software company. The conversation also touches on leadership dynamics, resource allocation, and the challenges of managing priorities in a large organization. Through their candid discussion, Scott and Mark offer insights and practical advice for leaders at all levels. 

Takeaways:   

• The importance of advocating for the customer, even if it means ruffling a few feathers 
• How to balance being assertive with being respectful in a leadership role 
• The significance of building trust and influence to effectively lead without direct authority 

Who are they?    

View Scott Hanselman on LinkedIn 

View Mark Russinovich on LinkedIn  

Listen to other episodes at scottandmarklearn.to 

Watch Scott and Mark Learn on YouTube

Discover and follow other Microsoft podcasts at microsoft.com/podcasts  

Download the Transcript

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Join tech industry veterans Scott Hanselman and Mark Russinovich as they dive into the challenges and innovations of today’s fast-paced world. Whether you’re an experienced developer or simply curious about technology, each episode offers a fresh perspective on emerging trends, familiar topics, and insights that go beyond the strictly technical. From the latest in AI to effective ways to influence without authority, Scott and Mark set out to 'learn' something new in every episode, and they’re bringing you along for the ride. Join Scott and Mark for engaging discussions, expert advice, and a shared journey of learning and discovery. There's always something new to learn! 

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