Scripts - A Very Helpful Resource Available via the Azure Portal

 

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Windows Azure enables you to script and automate functionality available via the GUI interface as well as enhanced features currently not  available via the GUI using Windows PowerShell or the cross platform command line tools, which can be used from Windows, Mac, or Linux.  For more information about the command-line tools available for Windows Azure, see Command-line tools

From the Windows Azure Portal you will find scripts available to help you with tasks as simple as Starting Windows Azure Virtual Machines on a Schedule to the more complex Deploying a SQL Server Always on Failover Cluster Running on Windows Azure VMs.  There are many scripts to choose from and you can  also submit scripts you find of value to share with the Azure community.  You can access complete documentation related to using Powershell as well as posted scripts at Windows Azure Scripts

You can download and install the Windows Azure PowerShell module by running the Microsoft Web Platform Installer. When prompted, click Run. The Microsoft Web Platform Installer loads, with the Windows Azure PowerShell module available for installation. The Web Platform Installer installs all dependencies for the Windows Azure PowerShell cmdlets. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Installing the module also installs a customized console for Windows Azure PowerShell. You can run the cmdlets from either the standard Windows PowerShell console or the Windows Azure PowerShell console.

The method you use to open either console depends on the version of Windows you're running:

  • On a computer running at least Windows 8 or Windows Server 2012, you can use the built-in Search. From the Start screen, begin typing power. This produces a scoped list of apps that includes Windows PowerShell and Windows Azure PowerShell. Click either app to open the console window. (To pin the app to the Start screen, right-click the icon.)

  • On a computer running a version earlier than Windows 8 or Windows Server 2012, you can use the Start menu. From the Start menu, click All Programs, click Windows Azure, and then click Windows Azure PowerShell

Kathleen Molosky 2013

Kathleen Molosky, PTS