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PowerShell Playbook

Automating Active Directory

Anthony Howell

If you manage Active Directory, you need to know PowerShell. This course covers everything you need to get started building your own PowerShell toolkit.

Read more

If you manage Active Directory, you need to know PowerShell. This course covers everything you need to get started building your own PowerShell toolkit.

At the core of automated management of Active Directory is a thorough knowledge of PowerShell. In this course, PowerShell Playbook: Automating Active Directory, you’ll learn how to automate Active Directory management. First, you’ll learn how to manage the user lifecycle. Next, you’ll explore how to maintain and preemptively automate. Finally, you’ll discover how to share all that work with the rest of your team. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have a foundational knowledge of PowerShell and Active Directory that will help you as you move forward to automate Active Directory management.

This course is no longer available. Find something similar by browsing:
Powershell Active Directory Automation User Management System Administration Scripting

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview
Onboarding New Users
Processing Adds, Moves, and Changes
Generating Custom Reports
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Taught by Anthony Howell, a respected instructor with deep expertise in Active Directory and PowerShell
Develops a foundational knowledge of PowerShell and Active Directory, which are essential skills for managing Active Directory
Guides learners through onboarding new users, managing adds, moves, and changes, and performing maintenance tasks
Covers advanced topics such as extending into the cloud and preemptively automating tasks to prevent support calls
May require prior knowledge of Active Directory management and PowerShell scripting
Designed for IT professionals responsible for managing Active Directory environments

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Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Essential powershell for active directory automation

According to students, the "PowerShell Playbook: Automating Active Directory" course is a highly practical and essential resource for IT professionals managing Active Directory. Learners consistently praise the clear explanations and knowledgeable instructor, which make complex topics accessible. The course provides a strong foundation, with many finding the hands-on demos and actionable scripts immediately applicable to their work for tasks like user lifecycle management and generating custom reports. While some earlier feedback mentioned concerns about outdated examples, more recent reviews highlight its continued relevance and utility, suggesting the core concepts remain valuable.
Generally good pace, some desired more advanced content.
"My only minor gripe is that some parts felt a bit rushed, but nothing a quick rewatch couldn't fix."
"I was hoping for more advanced scripting techniques or deeper dives into complex scenarios."
"The pace was generally good, though sometimes I wished for more challenge exercises."
Recent feedback suggests current, older reviews noted some outdated aspects.
"Some of the examples seemed a bit outdated... I wish there were more up-to-date labs."
"Completely outdated. I tried to follow along but everything was different. Waste of time."
"Solid course overall. The content is very relevant for IT admins."
"I immediately started using what I learned at work."
Excellent for those new to PowerShell & AD automation.
"If you're a beginner with PowerShell and AD, this is probably excellent for getting started."
"It's a good introduction, but don't expect to become a PowerShell guru."
"I gained a strong foundational knowledge of PowerShell and Active Directory."
The instructor presents complex topics clearly.
"The instructor's explanations are incredibly clear..."
"The instructor is knowledgeable and presents the material very well."
"The instructor clearly knows his stuff."
Delivers highly applicable skills for daily AD tasks.
"I immediately started using what I learned at work. It covers the user lifecycle thoroughly..."
"The hands-on demos are practical and directly applicable. Absolutely fantastic! The practical examples made everything click."
"This course was exactly what I needed. It's concise, to the point, and full of actionable scripts."
"I learned how to automate user onboarding and offboarding, which has saved me tons of time."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in PowerShell Playbook: Automating Active Directory with these activities:
Review prerequisites
Review existing notes and materials to ensure a strong foundation for PowerShell knowledge and Active Directory management.
Browse courses on Active Directory
Show steps
  • Retrieve notes and materials from previous courses or experiences.
  • Review notes and materials, highlighting key concepts and terminology.
  • Identify any areas where knowledge is lacking or needs reinforcement.
Review Active Directory
Review the basics of Active Directory to ensure you have a solid foundation for this course.
Browse courses on Active Directory
Show steps
  • Read through Microsoft's documentation on Active Directory
  • Take practice quizzes or mock exams on Active Directory concepts
  • Set up a basic Active Directory environment for testing
Read 'Learn Windows PowerShell in a Month of Lunches'
Gain a deeper understanding of PowerShell fundamentals and Active Directory management by reading a recommended book, enhancing theoretical knowledge and providing practical insights.
View Learn PowerShell Scripting in a Month of... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Allocate time for daily reading, dedicating approximately 30 minutes each day.
  • Take notes and highlight important concepts.
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Automate user lifecycle management
Apply PowerShell skills by practicing user lifecycle automation, reinforcing concepts and enhancing proficiency in managing Active Directory.
Browse courses on User Lifecycle Management
Show steps
  • Review course materials on user lifecycle management with PowerShell.
  • Create PowerShell scripts to automate onboarding, processing changes, and offboarding users.
  • Test and refine scripts to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
  • Document the scripts and share them with the team.

Career center

Learners who complete PowerShell Playbook: Automating Active Directory will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Active Directory Administrator
An Active Directory Administrator is an IT professional responsible for the management of an organization's Active Directory environment. This course is designed for Active Directory Administrators who want to learn how to automate Active Directory management. The course covers topics such as managing the user lifecycle, performing Active Directory maintenance, and preventing support calls with preemptive actions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Active Directory Administrator
Network Administrator
A Network Administrator is an IT professional responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer networks. This course may be useful for a Network Administrator who wants to learn how to automate Active Directory management. The course covers topics such as managing the user lifecycle, performing Active Directory maintenance, and preventing support calls with preemptive actions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator
IT Manager
An IT Manager is an IT professional responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of an organization's IT systems. This course may be useful for an IT Manager who wants to learn how to automate Active Directory management. The course covers topics such as managing the user lifecycle, performing Active Directory maintenance, and preventing support calls with preemptive actions.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager
Systems Engineer
A Systems Engineer is an IT professional responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer systems. This course may be useful for a Systems Engineer who wants to learn how to automate Active Directory management. The course covers topics such as managing the user lifecycle, performing Active Directory maintenance, and preventing support calls with preemptive actions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer
Cloud Architect
A Cloud Architect is an IT professional responsible for the design and implementation of cloud computing solutions. This course may be useful for a Cloud Architect who wants to learn how to automate Active Directory management. The course covers topics such as managing the user lifecycle, performing Active Directory maintenance, and preventing support calls with preemptive actions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect
DevOps Engineer
A DevOps Engineer is an IT professional responsible for the design and implementation of DevOps solutions. This course may be useful for a DevOps Engineer who wants to learn how to automate Active Directory management. The course covers topics such as managing the user lifecycle, performing Active Directory maintenance, and preventing support calls with preemptive actions.
See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer
Security Engineer
A Security Engineer is an IT professional responsible for the design and implementation of security solutions. This course may be useful for a Security Engineer who wants to learn how to automate Active Directory management. The course covers topics such as managing the user lifecycle, performing Active Directory maintenance, and preventing support calls with preemptive actions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Engineer
Database Administrator
A Database Administrator is an IT professional responsible for the design and implementation of database systems. This course may be useful for a Database Administrator who wants to learn how to automate Active Directory management. The course covers topics such as managing the user lifecycle, performing Active Directory maintenance, and preventing support calls with preemptive actions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator
IT Auditor
An IT Auditor is an IT professional responsible for the auditing of IT systems and networks. This course may be useful for an IT Auditor who wants to learn how to automate Active Directory management. The course covers topics such as managing the user lifecycle, performing Active Directory maintenance, and preventing support calls with preemptive actions.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor
IT Consultant
An IT Consultant is an IT professional who provides advice and guidance to organizations on IT matters. This course may be useful for an IT Consultant who wants to learn how to automate Active Directory management. The course covers topics such as managing the user lifecycle, performing Active Directory maintenance, and preventing support calls with preemptive actions.
See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant
Software Engineer
A Software Engineer is an IT professional responsible for the design and development of software applications. This course may be useful for a Software Engineer who wants to learn how to automate Active Directory management. The course covers topics such as managing the user lifecycle, performing Active Directory maintenance, and preventing support calls with preemptive actions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer
Web Developer
A Web Developer is an IT professional responsible for the design and development of websites. This course may be useful for a Web Developer who wants to learn how to automate Active Directory management. The course covers topics such as managing the user lifecycle, performing Active Directory maintenance, and preventing support calls with preemptive actions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst is an IT professional responsible for the analysis of data. This course may be useful for a Data Analyst who wants to learn how to automate Active Directory management. The course covers topics such as managing the user lifecycle, performing Active Directory maintenance, and preventing support calls with preemptive actions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst
Systems Administrator
A Systems Administrator is an IT professional responsible for the day-to-day operations of computer systems and networks. This course may be useful for a Systems Administrator who wants to learn how to automate Active Directory management. The course covers topics such as managing the user lifecycle, performing Active Directory maintenance, and preventing support calls with preemptive actions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst is an IT professional responsible for the analysis of business processes. This course may be useful for a Business Analyst who wants to learn how to automate Active Directory management. The course covers topics such as managing the user lifecycle, performing Active Directory maintenance, and preventing support calls with preemptive actions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in PowerShell Playbook: Automating Active Directory.
Cover image
Management, International Adaptation
Save
Provides a comprehensive set of recipes for performing common Active Directory administration tasks, including user management, group management, and permission management.
Management
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Learn PowerShell Scripting in a Month of Lunches,...
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to using PowerShell for scripting and toolmaking, including advanced topics such as object-oriented programming and remoting.
Learn PowerShell Scripting in a Month of Lunches,...
Paperback
$$
Learn PowerShell Scripting in a Month of Lunches,...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Exam 98-349 Windows Operating System Fundamentals 2E
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of Windows Server administration, including Active Directory, networking, and security.
Exam 98-349 Windows Operating System Fundamentals 2E
Paperback
Check
Exam 98-349 Windows Operating System Fundamentals 2E
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Learn PowerShell Scripting in a Month of Lunches,...
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to using PowerShell in depth, including advanced topics such as object-oriented programming, remoting, and scripting.
Learn PowerShell Scripting in a Month of Lunches,...
Paperback
$$
Learn PowerShell Scripting in a Month of Lunches,...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Windows PowerShell in Action
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to using PowerShell for sysadmins, including automating common tasks and scripting complex operations.
Windows PowerShell in Action
Paperback
$$$
Windows PowerShell in Action
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
PowerShell Cookbook
Save
Provides a comprehensive set of recipes for performing common sysadmin tasks with PowerShell, including user management, group management, and permission management.
PowerShell Cookbook: Your Complete Guide to...
Paperback
$$
Windows PowerShell Cookbook: The Complete Guide to...
Paperback
$$$
Windows PowerShell Cookbook: The Complete Guide to...
Paperback
$$
Windows PowerShell Cookbook: for Windows, Exchange...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Maternal-Child Nursing - E-Book
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of Active Directory for beginners, including its architecture, functionality, and administration.
Maternal-Child Nursing - E-Book
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Maternal-Child Nursing - E-Book
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Maternal-Child Nursing - Elsevier eBook on...
Printed Access Code
$$$$

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Course image
Time
182 hours
Level
Intermediate
Via
Pluralsight
Instructor
Anthony Howell
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Taught by Anthony Howell, a respected instructor with deep expertise in Active Directory and PowerShell
Develops a foundational knowledge of PowerShell and Active Directory, which are essential skills for managing Active Directory
Guides learners through onboarding new users, managing adds, moves, and changes, and performing maintenance tasks
Covers advanced topics such as extending into the cloud and preemptively automating tasks to prevent support calls
May require prior knowledge of Active Directory management and PowerShell scripting
Designed for IT professionals responsible for managing Active Directory environments
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