Course 10961A: Automating Administration with Windows PowerShell

Module 1: Getting Started with Windows PowerShellIn this module students will learn a bit about PowerShell’s purpose and history, and will learn the basics of using the shell, including the help system, command syntax, command discovery and more.Lessons

Overview and Background
Finding and Running Commands

Lab : Configuring Windows PowerShell

Configure the console application
Configure the ISE Application

Lab : Finding and Running Basic Commands

Finding and Running Basic commands

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Understand Windows PowerShell basic concepts
Find and Run basic Windows PowerShell commands

Module 2: Working with the PipelineIn this module students will learn to use PowerShell’s pipeline, along with a number of new commands, to start retrieving, manipulating, and displaying data. An emphasis is placed on proper syntax and form.Lessons

Working with the Pipeline
Exporting, Importing and Converting Data
Filtering Objects Out of the Pipeline
Enumerating Objects in the Pipeline

Lab : Working with the Pipeline

Retrieve data, manipulate objects and customise the final display

Lab : Exporting, Importing and Converting Data

Import, Export and convert data within Windows PowerShell

Lab : Filtering Objects Out of the Pipeline

Filter Objects Out of the Pipeline
Examine Several Commands and Predict Their Output

Lab : Enumerate Objects in the Pipeline

Enumerate Objects in the Pipeline and perform specific tasks>>>

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Work with the Pipeline
Export, Import and Convert data
Filter Objects out of the Pipeline
Enumerate Objects in the Pipeline

Module 3: Understanding How the Pipeline WorksIn this module students will learn the underlying details of how commands are passed from one command to another in the pipeline. Having seen it in action, they’ll now get to see some of the theory under the hood. The emphasis will be in the ByValue and ByPropertyName techniques, with demonstrations that illustrate effective uses of each. Students will also learn techniques that can be used in lieu of pipeline binding, for when such binding is unavailable or ineffective.Lessons

Passing Data in the Pipeline ByValue
Passing Data in the Pipeline ByPropertyName

Lab : Working with Pipeline Parameter Binding

Examine Several Commands and Predict Whether or Not They Will Work as Written
Construct new Commands that Utilize Pipeline Parameter Binding

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Pass Data in the Pipeline ByValue
Pass Data in the Pipeline ByPropertyName

Module 4: Using PSProviders and PSDrivesIn this module students will learn about PSProviders and PSDrives, and learn to use –Item* commands to manipulate items within a PSDrive.Lessons

Understanding PSProviders and PSDrives
Using PSDrives

Lab : PSProviders and PSDrives

Using PSProviders and PSDrives

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Use PSProviders and PSDrives

Module 5: Formatting OutputIn this module students will learn to manipulate command output to create customized on-screen, text file, and hardcopy resultsLessons

Using Basic Formatting
Using Advanced Formatting
Redirecting Formatted Output

Lab : Formatting Output

Use Formatting cmdlets to customize those cmdlets output

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Use Basic Formatting
Use Advanced Formatting
Redirect Formatted Output

Module 6: Using WMI and CIMIn this module students will learn to use Windows Management Instrumentation / Common Information Model (WMI/CIM) to retrieve, and in some cases, modify management information about local and remote computers.Lessons

Understanding WMI/CIM
Querying Data with WMI/CIM
Making Changes with WMI/CIM

Lab : Working with WMI and CIM

Locate and Query WMI Classes to retrieve Management Information

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Understand WMI/CIM
Query Data with WMI/CIM
Make Changes with WMI/CIM

Module 7: Prepare for ScriptingIn this module students will learn about pre-requisite features to writing PowerShell scripts, including variables and PowerShell’s scripting security features.Lessons

Using Variables
Scripting Security
Working with Alternate Credentials

Lab : Working with Security in PowerShell

Configure Execution Policy
Create and Use Alternate Credentials

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Use Variables
Script Security
Work with Alternate Credentials

Module 8: Moving From a Command to a Script to a ModuleIn this module students will learn to take a command that runs well in the console, and turn it into a reusable script. A number of important concepts, such as error handling, will be introduced – but not explored in extreme depth. Students will be taught enough to be “immediately effective” with these concepts, but not given an exhaustive education. The point is to get them started in an effective fashion using best practices, and to give them a basis for further independent exploration.Lessons

Moving From Command to Script
Moving From Script to Function to Module
Implementing Basic Error Handling
Using Basic Scripting Constructs
Further Exploration in Scripting

Lab : Moving From Command to Script

Convert a Functioning command into a parameterized Script

Lab : Moving From Script to Function to Module

Encapsulate a Script into a Function, Turn the script into a Module and add debugging

Lab : Implementing Basic Error Handling

Add Basic Error Handling capabilities to a Script

Lab : Adding Logic to a Script

Add a function to a Script

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Move From Command to Script
Move From Script to Function to Module
Implement Basic Error Handling
Use Basic Scripting Constructs
Understand Advanced functions and Scripting Constructs

Module 9: Administering Remote ComputersIn this module students will learn how to configure and use PowerShell RemotingLessons

Using Basic Remoting
Using Remote Sessions
Using Remoting for Delegated Administration

Lab : Working with Remoting

Enable Remoting
Remotely Manage Machines

Lab : Working with PSSessions

Import a Module from a Remote Machines
Establish and Use Connections with several computers

Lab : Remoting for Delegated Administration

Create and Register a Custom Session Configuration
Test the Custom Session Configuration

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Use Basic Remoting
Use Remote Sessions
Use Remoting for Delegated Administration

Module 10: Putting it All TogetherIn this module students will utilize much of what they’ve learned to this point in a practical, from-scratch-exercise to configure a newly-installed Server Core computer.Lessons

Planning the Script

Lab : Configuring a New Server Core Installation

Determine Server Cores IP Address
Add Server Core Computers IP Address to local TrustedHosts list
Add the Server Core Computer to a Domain and Configure a DHCP reservation
Add Specified Roles and features to the Server Core Computer

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Plan your Windows PowerShell Script
Configure Server Core computers using Windows PowerShell

Module 11: Using Background Jobs and Scheduled Jobs: In this module students will learn to create and manage background jobs and scheduled jobs.Lessons

Using Background Jobs
Using Scheduled Jobs

Lab : Working with Background Jobs

Start Background Job
Manage Existing Jobs

Lab : Working with Scheduled Jobs

Create, run and retrieve data using Scheduled Jobs

After completing this module, students will be able to:
Using

Module 12: Using Advanced PowerShell Techniques and ProfilesIn this module students will learn several additional techniques and feature of Windows PowerShell.Lessons

Using Advanced PowerShell Techniques
Creating Profile Scripts

Lab : Practicing Advanced Techniques

Practice Advanced Techniques
Create a Profile Script that defines several parameter defaults

After completing this module, students will be able to:

Use Advanced PowerShell Techniques
Create Profile Scripts