To PowerShell or Not to PowerShell....?
Ever wonder if it's worth the bother to invest time in learning Powershell?
-“It’s safe to say that the single most important skill a Windows administrator will need in the coming years is proficiency with Windows PowerShell.”-
(TechNet, October, 2009)
Windows Powershell makes task automation possible by allowing Windows Admins to to perform tasks on local as well as remote systems. "Ok, great, but do I need it?" you may ask. The answer is yes. Here's why:
1) It ain't going anywhere. Windows Server 2008 R2 and in Windows 7 have PowerShell version 2 enabled by default. Why? Because moving forward, many add-on products will be based on PowerShell. Additionally, almost all Microsoft products can be managed through Powershell. Imagine the Master-of-the-Universe possibilities here.
2) You can only do the basics from the GUI. Any fancy testing or customisation must be done through Powershell. In fact, many of the functions you already perform through the GUI are actually built on top of PowerShell and generates Powershell code to complete the task at hand.
3) PowerShell makes interactivity possible. Microsoft is establishing PowerShell as a common thread in its newer releases of server products. You need to stay ahead of the curve with this inevitable trend. The more innovative skill set you have on your bench, the more agile and responsive your IT team can be.
Convinced that it's time to get on the PowerShell bandwagon? Register for our upcoming PowerShell Essentials Workshop (Premier Support Customers only) on October 6-7 in Dublin. See the syllabus below:
Description:
PowerShell v2 Essentials
is designed to introduce IT Professionals to the world of PowerShell v2. PowerShell is an extremely powerful command shell and scripting language, which provides system administrators a consistent method of administering Microsoft products. The course introduces key PowerShell concepts and uses a mix of instructor-led delivery and interactive lab sessions. By the end of the course candidates will understand the essential features of PowerShell and have the foundation knowledge required to create their own scripts in order to dramatically reduce administrative overhead.
Topics include:
Module 1: Introduction
? Module 2: Fundamentals
? Module 3: Pipeline
? Module 4: Scripting
? Module 5: Security
? Module 6: Objects
? Module 7: Remoting
? Module 8: Errors and Debugging
? Module 9: Active Directory