Datasheet

CHAPTER 1
I
T professionals have been looking for ways to automate and perform tasks in a
consistent manner for years.  ere have been many techniques and technologies —
from simple batch  les to third-party tools — to accomplish the tasks. Some IT
professionals have gone the extra step and learned developer languages, such as
Visual Basic or JavaScript, to give their scripts more power.
A majority of these tools were not integrated into the Microso environment. More
importantly, the documentation for these tools to accomplish common administra-
tive tasks was not readily available. As part of its e ort over the years to improve the
scripting environment, Microso developed PowerShell to overcome the challenges
of previous scripting languages.
PowerShell provides a common language you can use throughout your Microso
infrastructure. You will spend less time on manual repetitive tasks by scripting
these tasks with PowerShell. PowerShell is used in a number of scenarios, including
system administration and so ware development. PowerShell is ideal for remote
management, reporting, automation, and administration.
 is book focuses on learning this powerful scripting language with real-world
examples and ways to perform common, everyday tasks. Tasks such as backing up
servers, maintaining web servers, analyzing your environment, and many more can
bene t from PowerShell. Step-by-step instructions in the chapters that follow show
you how you can make PowerShell work for you.
 e book is divided into two sections. In the  rst few chapters, you will build the
foundation of your PowerShell knowledge. You will learn the basics of a building
block known as a cmdlet (pronounced “command-let”) and how to read script.  e
second section of the book focuses on administrative tasks you can perform in
Windows Server 2008 R2. Although the book is geared to working on a Windows
Server 2008 R2 setup, the foundational knowledge provided in the book allows you
to leverage PowerShell regardless of the target Windows operating system.  e goal
is to demystify PowerShell for you so you can use it in your day-to-day tasks.
 is chapter gives an overview of PowerShell and why it is important.
Why PowerShell?
If you have been working in a Microso environment for the past few years, you
may have seen or heard about PowerShell. You may even remember its original code
name, Monad. It may have been discounted as “yet another scripting language” and
put aside to look at later. You may have even thought, why reinvent the wheel?
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