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PowerShell from Beginner To Sheller And Scripter

4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 2,094 ratings
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David Fitzpatrick

Have you always found PowerShell and scripting intimidating, but you have always wanted to learn how to automate using PowerShell?

This course is meant for the complete non-programming beginner who wants to know about PowerShell and some cool scripting with PowerShell. We will start at the beginning, using PowerShell Cmdlets and then moving on to scripting in which those same Cmdlets can and will be used.

Read more

Have you always found PowerShell and scripting intimidating, but you have always wanted to learn how to automate using PowerShell?

This course is meant for the complete non-programming beginner who wants to know about PowerShell and some cool scripting with PowerShell. We will start at the beginning, using PowerShell Cmdlets and then moving on to scripting in which those same Cmdlets can and will be used.

This course is intended for people who don’t know how to program or script and want to learn how to not only use PowerShell one-liners in the shell, but also have always wanted to learn how to script but never thought they could.

We will go through the material step by step, starting at Cmdlets and parameters, filtering properties and moving on to scripting, using if/elsif/else statements, using arrays with foreach loops and combining it all plus much more. Everything is done step by step. No knowledge is assumed and no steps omitted and it is going to be fun, which is important to keep learning.

At the end you should know how to use PowerShell, using its Cmdlets and knowing how to do very effective PowerShell scripting .

Welcome to PowerShell from Beginner to Sheller and Scripter.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • You will be able to use powershell cmdlets and use nice 'one-liners' and create your own!
  • You will be able to automate tasks
  • You will understand what variables are
  • You will understand how to create a powershell script from the ground up
  • You will understand if statements
  • You will understand what arrays are
  • You will understand loops like while and foreach

Syllabus

Getting to know about the prerequisites, PowerShell and what we can use PowerShell for

Introduction. Also don't forget to check out the bonus video!

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  • Starting the PowerShell shell

  • Using the PowerShell shell

  • Why we already know PowerShell

  • What are Cmdlets ?

  • Using Cmdlets and parameters 

  • What are properties ? Do not belong to Cmdlets

  • EXAMPLES:

  • Get-Service 

  • Stop-Service 

  • Start-Service 

  • Looking online

  • Get-LocalUser

  • Set-LocalUser

  • To quote or not to quote

  • Using Help with Cmdlets using the Cmdlet Get-Help to get the parameters and values it needs.

  • Using the internet to find out about Cmdlets

  • Updating help with Update-Help

  • How do you find the right Cmdlet for the job to do ?

  • Is it Set-LocalUser or Disable-LocalUser for disabling a local user ?

  • What are modules ?

  • Using Get-Command

  • What is the PowerShell pipeline ?

  • EXAMPLES:

  • Get-Service –Name ‘spooler’ | Stop-Service 

  • Get-Service –Name ‘spooler’ | Start-Service 

  • Get-LocalUser –Name ‘Dave’ | Set-LocalUser –Description ‘My Lovely Account’

  • What is the PowerShell pipeline ?

  • EXAMPLES:

  • Get-Item -Path ’C:\Source\1.txt' (Retrieve one item) 

  • Copy-Item -Path 'C:\Source\1.txt' -Destination 'C:\Target'

  • Get-Item -Path ’C:\Source\1.txt'  | Copy-Item -Destination 'C:\Target'

  • What is the PowerShell pipeline ?

  • EXAMPLES:

  • Get-ChildItem -Path ’C:\Source' (Retrieve all items in a directory) 

  • Get-ChildItem -Path ’C:\Source'  | Copy-Item -Destination 'C:\Target'

  • How do we output to a text file ?

  • EXAMPLES:

  • Get-Service | Out-File –FilePath ‘c:\test\services.txt’ 

  • Look at properties again and why parameters are not properties.

  • Drop a word called ‘object’ on you and see how you respond

  • How do we format data in PowerShell ?

  • EXAMPLES:

  • Get-Service | Format-List –Property

  • Get-Service | Format-Table –Property

  • Get-Service | Format-Table –Autosize | Out-File –FilePath ‘C:\test\test.txt’

  • PowerShell Objects a deeper look what they are and where they come from !

  • How can we find out the properties and methods of an object?

  • EXAMPLES:

  • Get-Service | Get-Member

  • Get-LocalUser | Get-Member

  • How can we find out the kind of properties of an object?

  • EXAMPLES:

  • Get-Service | Get-Member

  • How can we find out the kind of parameters we need ?

  • EXAMPLES:

  • Get-Service

  • How can we find out the kind of parameters we need ?

  • EXAMPLES:

  • Get-Service

How can we get only the stuff we need based on a property of an object ?

EXAMPLES:

Get-Service | Where-Object {$PSItem.status –eq ‘running’} | Out-File –FilePath  ‘C:\reports\report.txt’

How can we get only the stuff we need based on a property of an object ?

EXAMPLES:

Get-LocalUser | Where-Object {$PSItem.enabled –eq $false} | Set-LocalUser `  –Description ‘Disabled Account’

  • How do we select specific information ?

  • EXAMPLES:

  • Get-Service | Select-Object –First 5

  • Get-Service | Select-Object –Last 5

  • Get-Service | Select-Object –Property name,status –First 5 | Out-File –FilePath ‘C:\test\services.txt’

  • How can we group in alphabetical order or from high to low and vice versa?

  • EXAMPLES:

  • Get-Service | Sort-Object –Property ‘Status’

  • How can we output to CSV in a simple way ?

  • Getting it all together + some gotchas

  • A nice Mini Challenge to think about!

  • A nice Mini Challenge to think about...again!

  • Moving on to a script

  • What is a PowerShell script ?

  • Using and exploring the PowerShell ISE (Integrated Scripting Environment)

  • Running a small script

  • Set-ExecutionPolicy

  • Writing our first PowerShell Script “Hello Wonderful People!”

  • Variables in PowerShell

  • What is a variable ?

  • Defining a variable in PowerShell

  • Different types of variables in PowerShell (DataTypes) and why important ?

  • Example string,int,datetime and many many more.

  • Integer (int)

  • String (str or text)

  • Boolean (bool)

  • DateTime (Store Date)

  • Using [string]$DogType or [int]$Number to tell PowerShell what datatype you want.

  • Using $MyVariable.GetType() to see what kind of variable you have.

  • Getting data from the user using Read-Host.

  • Using this data in a PowerShell Script.

  • What are Arythmic Operators ?

  • + Add, - Subtract, * Multiply, / Divide, % Mod(Remainder)

  • Objects 2 the return of the killer object…

  • Putting an object into a variable and using its properties and methods, more specifically it is an instance from a command.

  • EXAMPLES:

  • $Service = Get-Service –Name ‘spooler’

  • $Service | Get-Member

  • How to use If Statement to make decisions in your script

  • Creating multiple decisions in your script with If/ElseIf/Else Statement

  • And some gotchas

  • If/Elseif/Else statement.

  • Scripting Example : if a local user is enabled, disable it and if a local user is disabled enable it.

  • STEPS:

  • Which Cmdlets do I need ? Look at the  internet to find out.

  • Which Parameters of Cmdlets am I going to use ?

  • What variables am I going to use.

  • Which properties of the object which is in the variable do I need and what are the possible values of the properties.

  • If/Elseif/Else statement. And some extra tips and tricks added continuing part 3!

  • Scripting Example : if a local user is enabled, disable it and if a local user is disabled enable it.

  • STEPS:

  • Which Cmdlets do I need ? Look at the  internet to find out.

  • Which Parameters of Cmdlets am I going to use ?

  • What variables am I going to use.

  • Which properties of the object which is in the variable do I need and what are the possible values of the properties.

  • If/Elseif/Else statement. And let's make a sentence continuing part 4!

  • Scripting Example : if a local user is enabled, disable it and if a local user is disabled enable it.

  • STEPS:

  • Which Cmdlets do I need ? Look at the  internet to find out.

  • Which Parameters of Cmdlets am I going to use ?

  • What variables am I going to use.

  • Which properties of the object which is in the variable do I need and what are the possible values of the properties.

  • Nested If/ElseIf/Else statement.

  • Continuing Nesting If/ElseIf/Else statement. (That bird doesn't have it easy)

  • What are comparison operators ?

  • What are logical operators ?

  • Are you ready to program the next gaming sensation ?

  • Explanation of what a loop is and what a While loop does

  • PowerShell Arrays

  • Indexing in an Array

  • Using the Foreach to loop through a PowerShell array

  • PowerShell Arrays with LocalUsers

  • Indexing in an Array with LocalUsers

  • Using the Foreach to loop through a PowerShell array of Local User Objects

  • Using a combination Foreach and If

  • Mmmm nothing more descriptive to add here

  • Creating Local Users from a simple text file

  • Creating Directories or files from a simple text file

  • Well...just in case you didn't know how

  • Using and exploring the Import-Csv Cmdlet

  • Using the Import-Csv Cmdlet to create Local Users

  • You will need to finish the set up lab environment to follow along, or use your own setup

  • Moving to Active Directory

  • Creating an Active Directory User with PowerShell

  • Since the Active Directory Cmdlets are tricky, I have added them here in the scripting part

  • Moving to Active Directory

  • Retrieving a user in Active Directory

  • Since the Active Directory Cmdlets are tricky, I have added them here in the scripting part

  • Moving to Active Directory

  • Set AD user properties

  • Since the Active Directory Cmdlets are tricky, I have added them here in the scripting part

  • Moving to Active Directory

  • Creating an Organizational Unit

  • Move Active Directory users from one OU to another OU

  • Selecting more Active Directory Users with Where-Object

  • Nothing more to add here, except that maybe you can do this yourself and then watch the video!

  • Just create a file with some names and add them to Active Directory in any OU you want !

  • Again, nothing more to add here, except that maybe you can do this yourself and then watch the video!

  • Just import a CSV file we created earlier for the Local Users!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches foundational PowerShell from the ground up
Suitable for beginners to PowerShell and scripting
Provides lessons in a step-by-step manner
Course materials are comprehensive, covering topics from Cmdlets and parameters to scripting
Covers essential concepts such as variables, arrays, and loops
May require additional resources for advanced learners seeking more in-depth knowledge

Save this course

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

Powershell: beginner to scripting

According to the course design, learners can expect a step-by-step introduction to PowerShell, specifically crafted for complete non-programming beginners. The curriculum is structured to provide a solid foundation, moving from basic Cmdlet usage and the PowerShell pipeline to essential scripting concepts like variables, conditionals, and loops. It aims to equip students with the ability to automate tasks effectively and includes practical applications, even touching on Active Directory management. The approach emphasizes hands-on learning and practical examples to ensure a smooth progression from novice to proficient 'Sheller and Scripter'.
Introduces basic Active Directory management using PowerShell.
"It's a nice bonus that the course includes an introduction to managing Active Directory users and OUs."
"The AD Cmdlets section provided useful insights for common IT administration tasks."
"I gained an understanding of how to automate user creation in Active Directory using scripts."
Focuses on hands-on examples and challenges for real-world use.
"The numerous examples and labs truly helped solidify my understanding and application of PowerShell."
"I appreciate the focus on practical one-liners and how to automate various tasks immediately."
"The challenges encouraged me to apply concepts, making the learning process engaging and effective."
Covers essential Cmdlets, pipeline, objects, and scripting fundamentals.
"I learned a wide array of PowerShell Cmdlets and how to use the pipeline effectively."
"The explanations of variables, data types, if/else statements, and loops were very clear and fundamental."
"The course helped me understand how to create a PowerShell script from scratch to automate tasks."
Designed for learners with no prior programming experience.
"I found the course truly starts at the beginning, assuming no prior coding knowledge."
"Every step is explained, which made it easy for me, a complete non-programming beginner, to follow."
"The instructor doesn't skip steps, ensuring that even complex topics become understandable."
Lack of direct student feedback impacts course assessment.
"As a prospective learner, I was unable to find actual student reviews to guide my decision."
"It's challenging to gauge the practical experience or instructor responsiveness without past student comments."
"I cannot determine if the course content has been updated based on student feedback over 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 from Beginner To Sheller And Scripter with these activities:
Seek Guidance from Experienced PowerShell Users
Connect with PowerShell experts who can provide you with valuable advice and support.
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors in your professional network or online communities.
  • Reach out to them and request guidance.
  • Attend their webinars or workshops.
Join a PowerShell Study Group
Connect with other learners, share knowledge, and get support in your PowerShell journey.
Show steps
  • Find a PowerShell study group online or in your local area.
  • Attend the group meetings regularly.
  • Participate in discussions and ask questions.
Follow the Microsoft Learn PowerShell Tutorial
Gain a solid understanding of PowerShell basics and its practical applications.
Show steps
  • Visit the Microsoft Learn website for PowerShell tutorial.
  • Follow the step-by-step instructions and complete all the modules.
  • Experiment with the provided code examples.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Solve PowerShell Challenges on HackerRank
Test your PowerShell skills and improve your problem-solving abilities.
Show steps
  • Create an account on HackerRank.
  • Browse the PowerShell challenges.
  • Attempt to solve the challenges using PowerShell.
Read 'Powershell in Action'
Learn about the fundamentals of PowerShell and how to use it for automation and scripting tasks.
View Windows PowerShell in Action on Amazon
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow the book.
  • Read the first three chapters.
  • Try out the examples in the book.
Automate a Task with PowerShell
Apply your PowerShell knowledge to a real-world scenario by automating a task.
Show steps
  • Identify a task that you want to automate.
  • Write a PowerShell script to automate the task.
  • Test and refine your script.
Contribute to Open Source PowerShell Projects
Gain practical experience and learn from others by contributing to open source PowerShell projects.
Show steps
  • Find open source PowerShell projects on GitHub or other platforms.
  • Identify an area where you can contribute.
  • Fork the project and make your changes.
  • Create a pull request and contribute your changes.

Career center

Learners who complete PowerShell from Beginner To Sheller And Scripter will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.

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Course image
Rating
4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
11.5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
David Fitzpatrick
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Teaches foundational PowerShell from the ground up
Suitable for beginners to PowerShell and scripting
Provides lessons in a step-by-step manner
Course materials are comprehensive, covering topics from Cmdlets and parameters to scripting
Covers essential concepts such as variables, arrays, and loops
May require additional resources for advanced learners seeking more in-depth knowledge
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