Kev | Art | Code | Writing
Having a variety of creative interests surrounding art, code and writing - the information presented here, reflects these interests with an artistic mindset. Additionally, as a hobbyist ukulele, guitar and keyboard player, I often explore with different chords and progressions. Therefore, the material presented here makes up this exploration via chords both common and unique which one can utilize.
Thursday, August 27, 2026
MS‑DOS Trivia Quiz
Monday, August 24, 2026
Publisher PowerShell - Converts .pub to .pdf to .rtf to .docx
As the Microsoft support for Publisher ends in October and as someone whose family utilizes and has hundreds of .pub files, the other night I reviewed the out of the box Microsoft provided .PUB to .PDF version as a base:
and created a new PowerShell script which converts the .pub → .pdf (Publisher) → .rtf → .docx (Word) either file by file or via batch format by providing the proper filter:
Full script is below for educational purposes just copy and paste and save to the location of your choosing:
<#
Convert-PubFileToRTFModal.ps1
.SYNOPSIS
Converts .pub → .pdf (Publisher) → .rtf + .docx (Word)
with automatic Publisher kill‑and‑restart when modal dialogs appear.
.DESCRIPTION
This version:
• Removes ALL UIAutomation dialog handling
• Detects modal dialog COM lock
• Kills Publisher immediately when locked
• Restarts Publisher for each retry
• Retries each file once
• Skips files that remain locked
.EXAMPLES
Run with the following filters from PowerShell Command Line:
If needed set proper execution policies:
Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser
.EXAMPLE
./Convert-PubFileToRTFModal.ps1 -Filter "C:\Documents\MyFile.pub"
Converts the specified Publisher file to PDF to RTF to WORD format.
.EXAMPLE
./Convert-PubFileToRTFModal.ps1 -Filter "*.pub"
Converts all Publisher files in the current directory to PDF to RTF to WORD format.
.EXAMPLE
./Convert-PubFileToRTFModal.ps1 -Filter "*.pub" -Recurse
Converts all Publisher files in the current directory and all subdirectories to PDF to RTF to WORD format.
KMO 8/20/2026 used Microsoft .PUB to .PDF version as base:
https://download.microsoft.com/download/3e67cd40-2334-4c46-a0c9-30bd43eebb3c/Convert-PubFileToPDF.ps1
Script was only utilized with Windows 11 Home Edition
#>
param(
[Parameter(Mandatory=$true)]
[string]$Filter,
[switch]$Recurse
)
function Kill-Publisher {
Write-Warning "Killing all Publisher processes..."
Get-Process -Name "MSPUB" -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue | Stop-Process -Force -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
Start-Sleep -Seconds 1
}
function Start-Publisher {
try { return (New-Object -ComObject Publisher.Application) }
catch {
Write-Warning "Publisher cannot start."
return $null
}
}
function Start-Word {
try { return (New-Object -ComObject Word.Application) }
catch {
Write-Warning "Word cannot start."
return $null
}
}
function Export-PubToPdf {
param(
[string]$PubPath,
[string]$PdfPath
)
$app = Start-Publisher
if (-not $app) { return $false }
try {
$doc = $app.Open($PubPath)
}
catch {
Write-Warning "Open() failed for: $PubPath -> $_"
Kill-Publisher
return $false
}
if (-not $doc) {
Write-Warning "Publisher returned null document: $PubPath"
Kill-Publisher
return $false
}
try {
$doc.ExportAsFixedFormat(
[Microsoft.Office.Interop.Publisher.PbFixedFormatType]::pbFixedFormatTypePDF,
$PdfPath
)
Write-Output "Saved PDF: $PdfPath"
}
catch {
Write-Warning "PDF export failed for: $PubPath -> $_"
Kill-Publisher
return $false
}
try { $doc.Close() } catch { Kill-Publisher }
try { $app.Quit() } catch { Kill-Publisher }
return $true
}
function Convert-PdfToRtfDocx {
param(
[string]$PdfPath,
[string]$RtfPath,
[string]$DocxPath
)
if (-not (Test-Path $PdfPath)) {
Write-Warning "PDF not found for Word conversion: $PdfPath"
return $false
}
$word = Start-Word
if (-not $word) { return $false }
$word.Visible = $false
try {
$doc = $word.Documents.Open($PdfPath)
}
catch {
Write-Warning "Word cannot open PDF: $PdfPath -> $_"
try { $word.Quit() } catch {}
return $false
}
if (-not $doc) {
Write-Warning "Word returned null document for: $PdfPath"
try { $word.Quit() } catch {}
return $false
}
$ok = $true
try {
$doc.SaveAs([ref]$RtfPath, [ref][int][Microsoft.Office.Interop.Word.WdSaveFormat]::wdFormatRTF)
Write-Output "Saved RTF: $RtfPath"
}
catch {
Write-Warning "RTF save failed for: $PdfPath -> $_"
$ok = $false
}
try {
$doc.SaveAs([ref]$DocxPath, [ref][int][Microsoft.Office.Interop.Word.WdSaveFormat]::wdFormatXMLDocument)
Write-Output "Saved DOCX: $DocxPath"
}
catch {
Write-Warning "DOCX save failed for: $PdfPath -> $_"
$ok = $false
}
try { $doc.Close() } catch {}
try { $word.Quit() } catch {}
return $ok
}
function Convert-OneFile {
param([string]$PubPath)
$base = [System.IO.Path]::Combine(
[System.IO.Path]::GetDirectoryName($PubPath),
[System.IO.Path]::GetFileNameWithoutExtension($PubPath)
)
$pdf = "$base.pdf"
$rtf = "$base.rtf"
$docx = "$base.docx"
Write-Output "Converting: $PubPath"
# --- FIRST ATTEMPT ---
if (Export-PubToPdf -PubPath $PubPath -PdfPath $pdf) {
if (Convert-PdfToRtfDocx -PdfPath $pdf -RtfPath $rtf -DocxPath $docx) {
return $true
}
}
Write-Warning "First attempt failed. Retrying with clean Publisher restart..."
Kill-Publisher
# --- SECOND ATTEMPT ---
if (Export-PubToPdf -PubPath $PubPath -PdfPath $pdf) {
if (Convert-PdfToRtfDocx -PdfPath $pdf -RtfPath $rtf -DocxPath $docx) {
return $true
}
}
Write-Warning "Skipping file (Publisher remained locked): $PubPath"
return $false
}
# Validate filter
if (-not ($Filter -like "*.pub")) {
Write-Warning "Filter must specify .pub files."
exit 1
}
$files = Get-ChildItem -File -Recurse:$Recurse -Filter $Filter
if (-not $files) {
Write-Warning "No .pub files found."
exit 1
}
$success = 0
$fail = 0
foreach ($file in $files) {
if (Convert-OneFile -PubPath $file.FullName) { $success++ }
else { $fail++ }
}
Write-Output "Completed: $success succeeded, $fail failed."
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Microsoft Copilot Trivia Quiz
The Microsoft Copilot trivia quiz is an enterprise‑focused quiz to support by providing a comprehensive way to benchmark Copilot readiness, reinforce responsible AI usage, and accelerate adoption to those interested in this topic.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HDSJNSM6/
Microsoft Copilot is Microsoft's AI‑powered assistant designed to boost productivity across the entire Microsoft 365 ecosystem be it Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, Loop, SharePoint, OneDrive, Windows, and more.
This comprehensive 250‑question Copilot Trivia Quiz is organized into themed sections, each containing multiple-choice questions and answers. It's built for learners, IT pros, admins, and Copilot enthusiasts who want to sharpen their knowledge of Microsoft's AI capabilities.
Use this quiz to test your understanding, train your team, or simply explore how Copilot works across the Microsoft Cloud.
This trivia collection is ideal for:
- Corporate training
- IT onboarding
- Classroom instruction
- Workshops
- Self‑study
- Copilot pilot education
The high-level sections include:
- Copilot Fundamentals
- Copilot in Word
- Copilot in Excel
- Copilot in PowerPoint
- Copilot in Outlook
- Copilot in Teams
- Copilot in Loop
- Copilot in SharePoint
- Copilot in OneDrive
- Copilot in Windows
- Copilot Studio
- Copilot Security, Compliance & Governance
- Expert‑Level Copilot
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Microsoft 365 Trivia Quiz
Microsoft 365 (M365) Trivia Quiz: 200 Questions Across Every Major Workload
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H8KK5X1Z/
Microsoft 365 is more than a subscription - it’s the modern productivity ecosystem that blends apps, cloud services, security, and AI into one unified platform. Whether you’re an IT pro, a power user, or someone preparing for certification, structured quizzes are one of the fastest ways to sharpen your knowledge.
Microsoft 365 (M365) is Microsoft’s cloud-powered productivity suite that brings together familiar applications, enterprise-grade security, intelligent automation, and AI-driven experiences. This comprehensive trivia quiz features 200 questions and answers, organized into clear sections so learners can test their knowledge across every major M365 workload.
Each section includes multiple-choice questions, followed by an answer key to help you check your progress and reinforce learning.
Content include;
Microsoft 365 Fundamentals
Microsoft 365 Fundamentals – Section 1
Microsoft 365 Fundamentals – Section 2
Microsoft 365 Fundamentals – Section 3
Microsoft 365 Fundamentals – Section 4
Microsoft Teams
MS Teams – Section 1
MS Teams – Section 2
MS Teams – Section 3
MS Teams – Section 4
SharePoint Online
SharePoint Online – Section 1
SharePoint Online – Section 2
SharePoint Online – Section 3
SharePoint Online – Section 4
OneDrive for Business
OneDrive for Business – Section 1
OneDrive for Business – Section 2
OneDrive for Business – Section 3
OneDrive for Business – Section 4
Exchange Online
Exchange Online – Section 1
Exchange Online – Section 2
Exchange Online – Section 3
Exchange Online – Section 4
Security & Compliance
Security & Compliance – Section 1
Security & Compliance – Section 2
Security & Compliance – Section 3
Security & Compliance – Section 4
Licensing & Administration
Licensing & Administration – Section 1
Licensing & Administration – Section 2
Licensing & Administration – Section 3
Licensing & Administration – Section 4
Power Platform
Power Platform – Section 1
Power Platform – Section 2
Power Platform – Section 3
Power Platform – Section 4
Windows & Endpoint Management
Windows & Endpoint Management – Section 1
Windows & Endpoint Management – Section 2
Windows & Endpoint Management – Section 3
Windows & Endpoint Management – Section 4
Viva, Copilot, & Modern Work
Viva, Copilot, & Modern Work – Section 1
Viva, Copilot, & Modern Work – Section 2
Viva, Copilot, & Modern Work – Section 3
Viva, Copilot, & Modern Work – Section 4
How This Quiz Works
Each section presents a series of questions covering core concepts, best practices, and real-world scenarios. At the end of each section, you’ll find a complete answer key so you can verify your responses and track your progress.
This structure makes the quiz ideal for:
- IT professionals preparing for certification
- Administrators refreshing their knowledge
- Students learning cloud fundamentals
- Organizations training staff on Microsoft 365
- Anyone wanting to test their modern workplace skills
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
PowerShell + Commands for System Protection Instructor Guide
If you’re looking to strengthen system security, audit activity, or teach others how to safeguard Windows environments, PowerShell is one of the most powerful tools at your disposal. This PowerShell + System Protection Instructor Guide—inspired by the reference available on Amazon—dives deep into essential and lesser‑known commands that every security‑minded professional should master.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2B2DBD2/
Whether you’re an educator, IT administrator, cybersecurity student, or simply someone who wants tighter control over their system, this guide provides practical, real‑world commands you can demonstrate and apply immediately. Each section breaks down what the command does, key parameters, and why it matters for system protection.
Below is a structured overview of the topics included in the full instructor guide. Each category focuses on commands that enhance visibility, strengthen security posture, and support proactive system monitoring.
1. How to Use and Run PowerShell Commands
A beginner‑friendly walkthrough on launching PowerShell, running commands safely, and understanding execution policies.
2. System Protection Command Examples
Hands‑on examples that demonstrate how PowerShell can reveal system vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and security gaps.
Learn how to audit local accounts, privileges, and group memberships.
Key parameters and why it’s essential for identifying unused or suspicious accounts.
Understand group membership to detect privilege escalation risks.
Quickly view active privileges to assess security exposure.
Commands that help you investigate system activity, errors, and potential threats.
Check PowerShell version and security capabilities.
Review file and folder permissions for misconfigurations.
Retrieve detailed system information for auditing.
Comprehensive system overview for baseline assessments.
Quickly pull the latest system errors for troubleshooting.
Advanced event log filtering for security investigations.
Audit installed software and detect unauthorized applications.
List all event logs available on the system.
Monitor network activity, firewall rules, and potential intrusions.
Identify connected devices and detect anomalies.
Review network adapter status and configuration.
Audit firewall rules for security gaps.
View active network connections and potential threats.
Analyze routing tables for suspicious entries.
Diagnose connectivity and port availability.
Understand and manage PowerShell’s security boundaries.
Review execution policies to prevent unauthorized scripts.
Audit TLS cipher suites for compliance and security.
Commands that help verify system health, running processes, and driver integrity.
Identify suspicious or resource‑heavy processes.
Audit running and stopped services.
Review system drivers for potential vulnerabilities.
Verify digital signatures of system files.
Detailed process and module visibility for threat hunting.
Strengthen endpoint protection and verify security configurations.
Inspect file metadata and attributes.
Check Defender’s real‑time protection status.
Review Defender configuration and exclusions.
Audit installed updates and patch status.
Review exploit mitigation settings.
PowerShell is more than a scripting tool—it’s a security powerhouse. By mastering these commands, instructors and learners gain the ability to:
- Detect unauthorized changes
- Audit system configurations
- Strengthen endpoint security
- Investigate suspicious activity
- Build a proactive defense strategy
Friday, March 27, 2026
Agentic AI Instructor Guide
Artificial intelligence is evolving rapidly, and one of the most transformative shifts underway is the rise of agentic AI—AI systems that don’t simply respond to prompts, but actively take initiative, plan, and execute multi‑step tasks. The Agentic AI Instructor Guide offers a structured way for learners, educators, and professionals to explore this emerging paradigm through demonstrations, discussions, and hands‑on experimentation.
For those interested, the guide is available here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GTX69S8T/
What Is Agentic AI?
Agentic AI represents a new class of AI systems designed to operate with autonomy and purpose. Instead of waiting passively for instructions, these systems interpret goals, break them into actionable steps, and carry out tasks with minimal human intervention.
At its core, agentic AI is powered by AI agents—software entities capable of:
1. Understanding Goals, Not Just Questions
Traditional AI responds to queries. Agentic AI interprets objectives, desired outcomes, and constraints.
Agents decompose complex goals into manageable actions, forming a structured plan.
This includes interacting with tools, APIs, software environments, or physical systems.
Agentic systems evaluate their own progress, adjust strategies, and refine outputs as needed.
This shift from reactive to proactive AI marks a major milestone in the evolution of intelligent systems.
The Agentic AI Instructor Guide is designed to support structured learning, whether in a classroom, workshop, or self‑study environment. To get the most value from the material:
• Review Each High‑Level Topic Through Discussion
The guide uses clear bullet points and numbered sections to make complex ideas digestible. These serve as excellent prompts for group dialogue or instructor‑led exploration.
• Experiment With Generative Prompts
When applicable, users are encouraged to input generative AI prompts directly into their preferred AI system. Experimentation helps reinforce concepts and demonstrates agentic behavior in real time.
• Allocate 60–90 Minutes for an Instructor Overview
Depending on the depth of discussion and the number of examples explored, a full walkthrough typically takes between one and one and a half hours.
The guide provides a structured journey through the foundations and advanced concepts of agentic AI.
What is Agentic AI?
Using This Guide
Using Generative AI
Overview of Agentic AI
Evolution of Agentic AI
Agentic AI + Workflow Agents
Agentic AI + Autonomous Agents
Agentic AI + Hybrid Agents
Agentic AI + Service Options
Agentic AI + Agent Fundamentals
Agentic AI + Modular Architecture
Agentic AI + Goal‑Oriented Planning Loop
Agentic AI + Memory and Context Retention
Agentic AI + Tool Use and External Integration
Agentic AI + Self‑Evaluation and Reflection
Agentic AI + Observability Patterns
Agentic AI + Interoperability Patterns
Closing Notes
About the Author
Notes
Each section builds on the last, offering both conceptual clarity and practical insight into how agentic systems are designed, deployed, and optimized.
Agentic AI is poised to reshape industries by enabling systems that:
- Manage workflows end‑to‑end
- Automate complex decision‑making
- Integrate seamlessly with tools and data sources
- Learn from experience
- Operate with increasing autonomy
- From business operations to creative work, from research to robotics, agentic AI represents the next frontier in intelligent automation.
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
30 Useful Prompts Related to Learning
In an era where information moves faster than ever, the ability to learn efficiently has become a defining skill. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has opened new pathways for self‑directed learning, enabling anyone to build personalized study plans, explore complex topics, and develop new competencies with unprecedented ease.
A new e‑book, 30 Useful Prompts Related to Learning, available at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GCCCP4ZT/
offers a curated set of prompts designed to help learners harness AI as a powerful thinking partner. These prompts can be adapted, expanded, or combined to suit individual goals—whether you're mastering a new skill, analyzing a historical event, or designing a strategic business plan.
This article provides an overview of the guide and its structure, highlighting how these prompts can transform the way you learn.
Prompts are more than simple questions—they’re frameworks for thinking. A well‑crafted prompt helps you:
Clarify your goals
Provide context for the AI
Generate deeper, more actionable insights
Iterate toward better answers
Build a conversational learning loop
By refining prompts, learners can shape AI responses to match their needs, making the learning process more interactive and personalized.
The e‑book organizes its prompts into four major categories, each serving a different learning purpose. Below is an expanded look at what each section offers.
The opening section explains how to use the prompts effectively. It emphasizes:
The importance of context-rich inputs
How to iterate on prompts
How to adapt prompts for different AI tools
The value of conversational refinement
This foundation helps readers get the most out of the 30 prompts that follow.
These prompts help learners frame their goals and structure their learning journey.
Create a structured roadmap for mastering a skill or role over three time horizons.
Develop a month‑long curriculum tailored to your objectives.
Break down learning into percentage‑based milestones.
Analyze a topic through the lens of your profession or industry.
These prompts help you explore, analyze, and apply information more effectively.
Design a productivity schedule aligned with your learning goals.
Frame and solve business challenges using structured reasoning.
Extract essential takeaways from any topic or resource.
Translate theoretical knowledge into real‑world application.
This is the largest section, offering versatile prompts that can be applied to any subject matter.
Generate concise or detailed summaries of complex material.
Prompt 11 – Evaluate – Criteria Prompt
Assess ideas, products, or arguments systematically.
Prompt 12 – Product Attributes Prompt
Break down features and benefits of any product or tool.
Prompt 13 – Researcher of Technology Prompt
Investigate emerging technologies with a research‑oriented approach.
Prompt 14 – Industry Breakdown Prompt
Analyze industries, markets, and competitive landscapes.
Prompt 15 – Master the Skill Prompt
Create a step‑by‑step plan for skill acquisition.
Prompt 16 – Scientific Concept Prompt
Explain scientific ideas at varying levels of complexity.
Prompt 17 – Historical Event Prompt
Explore causes, effects, and significance of historical events.
Prompt 18 – Business Model Prompt
Dissect or design business models.
Prompt 19 – Structured Pathway Prompt
Build a guided learning pathway for any topic.
Prompt 20 – Case Study Prompt
Generate or analyze case studies for deeper understanding.
Prompt 21 – Innovations Prompt
Explore innovations within a field and their implications.
Prompt 22 – Ethical Debates Prompt
Examine ethical dilemmas from multiple perspectives.
Prompt 23 – Emerging Technologies Prompt
Investigate cutting‑edge tech trends.
Prompt 24 – Unconventional Tech‑Enabled Prompt
Imagine creative or unusual uses of technology.
Prompt 25 – Other Domains Prompt
Apply knowledge across disciplines for interdisciplinary learning.
These prompts help you adopt different professional or creative roles to deepen your understanding.
Prompt 26 – Community Knowledge Prompt
Gather insights from the perspective of a community leader or organizer.
Prompt 27 – Informational Aspects Prompt
Break down information as a subject‑matter expert.
Prompt 28 – Creating Workflows Prompt
Design workflows or processes for any task or system.
Prompt 29 – Strategic Report Prompt
Develop structured, strategic analyses or reports.
Prompt 30 – Innovative – Creative Prompt
Generate creative ideas, solutions, or innovations.
The guide concludes with background information on the author and additional notes, offering context on the expertise behind the prompts.
This e‑book is more than a list of prompts—it’s a toolkit for modern learners. Whether you're a student, professional, entrepreneur, or lifelong learner, these prompts help you:
Think more critically
Learn more efficiently
Explore topics more deeply
Build structured knowledge
Use AI as a collaborative partner
If you’re looking to elevate your learning practice, this guide provides a practical, adaptable starting point.