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Paul Hill and Robert Hill

This course is designed to provide you with a solid foundation of Windows PowerShell 5.1. We will start with the basics of PowerShell 5.1 and end with you writing your own powerful automation scripts.

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This course is designed to provide you with a solid foundation of Windows PowerShell 5.1. We will start with the basics of PowerShell 5.1 and end with you writing your own powerful automation scripts.

In this course we will cover the following major topics:

  • The basics of Windows PowerShell

  • Windows PowerShell system requirements

  • Installing and Updating Windows PowerShell

  • How to use the CLI (Command Line Interface)

  • How to use the ISE (Intelligent Scripting Environment)

  • How to get help and find commands within the CLI

  • Getting Started with Windows PowerShell

  • Getting Help and Finding Commands

  • The Language of PowerShell - Command Syntax, Objects and Properties, and the Pipeline

  • Setup your own PowerShell On Premises IT Lab

  • Basic Active Directory Domain Administration with Windows Powershell

  • An introduction to Desired State Configuration made simple.

  • And MUCH more.

Once we have covered this foundation, we will move on to writing PowerShell scripts. We will start with simple tasks before moving on to more advanced and complicated script writing.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Understand the powershell command line
  • How to write powershell scripts to automate redundant tasks
  • Install and update windows powershell
  • Learn the basics of windows powershell 5.1
  • Introduction to the text based console and intelligent scripting environment (ise)
  • Utilize the powershell help system
  • Finally understand powershell syntax
  • Understand objects, properties and methods
  • Understand the powershell pipeline
  • Create and manage active directory users with powershell
  • Create and delete organizational units with powershell
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

The student will be introduced to the "Power of Powershell", and will get an understanding of the System Requirements

Welcome to PowerShell for Beginners and Administrators Course. This course will improve how you manage your IT environment, and it will get your very familiar with PowerShell and how to find all the right commands  using the PowerShell built-in help system!  

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In this lecture we will discuss the Windows PowerShell requirements for a production and our lab environment

The student will be introduced to the following: Text based code. the shell, how to get a list of commands, aliases, quick edit mode, using various commands.
Section Overview

In this lecture we'll get you up and running with PowerShell no matter what your background.

Often I receive questions like why are we still using an older version of PowerShell? I answer that question and talk briefly about Microsoft VSC.

In this lecture, we will be installing and updating Windows Powershell. PowerShell is already installed on Windows 7, Server 2008, and every release since then.

In this lecture you will learn how to configure and customize the text based console. And learn some new commands as well.

In this lecture we complete our console configuration and then we demonstrate tab completion.

This is when the fun begins with an introduction to the awesome ISE (intelligent Scripting Environment)

In this lecture, we will be continuing from the previous lecture! 

In this lesson, you will learn how to show you how to install Visual Studio Code and the PowerShell extension for easier script development. You are free to use either the ISE or VS Code, but we at Server Academy strongly prefer VS Code.

Quiz for Section 2 - Getting Started with Windows PowerShell
In this section the student will learn about the awesome "Help Section"

In this lecture, we will be going over getting help and finding commands.

In this lecture, we will continue going over getting help and finding commands.

In this lecture, we will be finishing up with Getting Help and Finding Commands.

In this lecture, we will be going over Help System Lab Questions.

In this lecture, We will be going over the Help System Lab Answers! 

In this lecture, we will continue going over the Help System Lab answers! 

Common Commands
In this section students will learn and use command Syntax

In this lecture, we will be going over the Command Syntax Part 1!

In this lecture, we will be going over the Command Syntax Part 2.

In this lecture, we will be going over the Command Syntax Part 3.

In this lecture, we will be going over Command Syntax Lab Questions.

In this lecture we will be reviewing the Command Syntax Lab Answers.

In this section students will learn and use Objects-Properties and Methods

In this lecture we will be going over Objects, Properties, and Methods Part 1.

In this lecture, we will be going over Objects, Properties and Methods Part 2.

In this lecture we will be finishing up talking about Objects, Properties, and Methods.

Questions 1-9 - Objects-Properties and Methods -
Answers to Questions 1-7
Answers to Questions 8-9
In this section the student will learn to use the "Pipeline"
The Pipeline Part 1

In this lecture, we will be continuing on about the Pipeline.

In this section the student will learn how to use the Powershell Provider cmdlets

In this lecture you will learn about PowerShell Providers. There are a whole range of cmdlets that are used with PS providers. Throughout this section there are many hands-on exercises that will enjoy, with the intent to challenge you.

In this lecture you will learn how to use PSDrive. The PSDrive cmdlet allows you to view, create and remove PowerShell drives. These drives can represent file systems, a registry hive and a network share. You will create a persistent PSDrive on your computer that shows up in Windows Explorer.

In this lecture you will learn and use the Location, New Item and the Content cmdlets. You will add and remove items from a stack, explore the windows registry, create files and folders and add content to files that you create using these cmdlets.

In this lecture you will be creating registry keys and adding properties to the Windows registry. Then you will be using the Resolve-Path to find out if files exist and the Split-path cmdlets to list all the files and folders in a directory.

Student Assignments
In this section the Student will learn how to use Powershell Variables, and Arrays

In this lecture you are going to learn about PowerShell variables. You will learn how to declare the variables as well as how you might want to use them.

In this lecture, you are going to learn about PowerShell Arrays. Arrays are one of those things you MUST understand in order to be proficient with PowerShell.

In this lecture I am going to give you a challenge assignment. This challenge will re-enforce what you have learned so far about PowerShell Variables.

This lecture includes the solution to the previous Variable challenges. Make sure you watch this lecture AFTER you attempt to complete the challenge!

In this section the Student will learn how to use "For, While and Do Loops" and loop breaks

In this lecture, you are going to learn about PowerShell For Loops.

In this lecture, I will show you how to create PowerShell while loops!

In this lecture, you are going to learn about PowerShell Do-While and Do-Until loops. You will also learn the primary difference between a Do-While and a While Loop.

In this lecture you will learn about PowerShell ForEach Loops. We can use these loops to iterate over elements inside of an array and I will be demonstrating exactly how to do this!

Loop Breaks
In this section the Student will learn how to use Conditional Statements and Functions
PowerShell Conditional Statements (If Then Else, Switch)
Understanding PowerShell Functions and Function Scope
PowerShell Functions
PowerShell Conditional Statements and Functions Challenge
PowerShell Conditional Statements and Functions Solution
In this section the Student will learn how build a Powershell IT Lab
Section Preface

In this lecture, I will talk to you about if you should or shouldn't watch this section. This section is designed specifically for those of you that don't have access to a production network. This section will help you set up your own lab, so that you can get hands on experience.

In this lecture, I will be showing you how to download and install Oracle VM VirtualBox.

This lecture will provide you with a way to download Server 2019. Microsoft has temporarily removed the public download link and this is a replacement download only for lab use.

In this lecture, we will be downloading and installing Windows Server 2019.

In this lecture, we will be creating our Virtual Network with VirtualBox.

In this lecture, we will be creating our first Virtual Machine for our lab.

Installing Windows Server
Installing VirtualBox Guest Additions on Windows Server 2019 Desktop Experience
Installing the Active Directory Domain Services Server Role
Basic Tools for the Administrator

These command-line commands can be used to retrieve network-related information on a Windows system

This one-liner searches the Windows registry and gets all the installed applications.

Lists all running processes on the local machine

Checks to see if the Active Directory module is present on a system.

If you want to know what scheduled tasks are running on your server use this

In this lecture I will show you how to create a scheduled task using Powershell

In this lecture you will learn how to remove or disable media player on your Windows production server

This PowerShell script retrieves a list of installed KB patches (knowledgebase patches) on a Windows computer.

In this section the Student will learn how to configure Powershell execution policies, configuring server roles, scheduled tasks, Splatting and MSU updates

In this lecture you are going to learn how you can configure your domain PowerShell Execution Policy with Group Policy.

Installing and Configuring Server Roles with Windows PowerShell
Running PowerShell Scripts as Scheduled Tasks
PowerShell Splatting
Bulk Installing Windows MSU Update Files with PowerShell
In this section using Powershell, the Student will learn how to: Create and OU, Create and Manage Active Directory User Accounts, Move all AD Users in a Group to a Specific Organizational Unit.
Creating OUs (Organizational Units) with PowerShell
Creating and Managing Active Directory User Accounts with PowerShell
Move all AD Users in a Group to a Specific Organizational Unit
Learn how to use PowerShell to manipulate files, including CSV, XML, and JSON formats. We will cover common tasks such as reading, writing, and manipulating files.

This lecture will explain what you will learn in this section.

In this lesson, you will learn how to create a File Select dialog. This makes for a more user-friendly experience when you're running your file manipulation scripts that you will write later in this section.

In this lesson, we will cover the basics of working with CSV files in PowerShell. We will show you how to import and export CSV data, as well as how to manipulate CSV data using PowerShell cmdlets.

In this lesson, we will cover the basics of working with JSON files in PowerShell. We will show you how to read, write, and modify JSON files using PowerShell cmdlets. You will also learn how to work with JSON data structures such as objects and arrays.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops core PowerShell scripting skills which are in-demand in the IT industry
Strong foundation for beginners who want to learn PowerShell scripting
Covers essential PowerShell concepts such as syntax, objects, and the pipeline
Provides hands-on labs to reinforce learning and build practical skills
Introduces advanced topics such as Desired State Configuration and Active Directory administration
Requires prior knowledge of basic IT concepts and Windows operating systems

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Reviews summary

(re)discovering windows powershell

This course will teach you about Windows PowerShell 5.1, including how to: * Use the command line interface (CLI) and integrated script environment (ISE) * Get help and find commands within the CLI * Use the PowerShell language, including syntax, objects, and the pipeline * Create and manage Active Directory objects * Automate tasks using PowerShell scripts
PowerShell scripts can be used to automate complex tasks, such as deploying software, configuring servers, and managing data.
"PowerShell scripts can be used to automate complex tasks, such as deploying software, configuring servers, and managing data."
PowerShell can be used to automate a wide variety of Active Directory tasks, such as creating and managing users, groups, and computers.
"PowerShell can be used to automate a wide variety of tasks, such as creating and managing users, groups, and computers."
One of the most important things to learn when using PowerShell is how to use the help system. The help system can provide you with information on any command, function, or module in PowerShell.
"One of the most important things to learn when using PowerShell is how to use the help system."
"The help system can provide you with information on any command, function, or module in PowerShell."
PowerShell 5.1 is a powerful command language that can be used to automate a wide variety of tasks on a Windows computer. It is a great tool for system administrators, IT professionals, and anyone else who wants to automate tasks or create custom scripts.
"This course will teach you about Windows PowerShell 5.1, including how to: * Use the command line interface (CLI) and integrated script environment (ISE) * Get help and find commands within the CLI * Use the PowerShell language, including syntax, objects, and the pipeline * Create and manage Active Directory objects * Automate tasks using PowerShell scripts"
"PowerShell 5.1 is a powerful command language that can be used to automate a wide variety of tasks on a Windows computer."
"It is a great tool for system administrators, IT professionals, and anyone else who wants to automate tasks or create custom scripts."
The course has two instructors with different teaching styles, which can be confusing for students.
"The course has two instructors with different teaching styles, which can be confusing for students."
The course material can be overly technical and difficult to understand for beginners.
"The course material can be overly technical and difficult to understand for beginners."
PowerShell can be difficult to implement for beginners.
"PowerShell can be difficult to implement for beginners."

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 Introduction to Windows PowerShell 5.1 with these activities:
Organize Course Materials
Stay organized by compiling and reviewing the course materials.
Show steps
  • Create a folder for the course
  • Arrange notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams in the folder
  • Review the materials regularly to reinforce understanding
Explore the Windows PowerShell Help System
Become familiar with PowerShell's help system to quickly find commands and information.
Show steps
  • Open the PowerShell console
  • Type 'Get-Help' followed by a command or keyword
  • Navigate the help output to find the desired information
Create a PowerShell Automation Project
Apply your PowerShell skills to solve a real-world problem.
Show steps
  • Identify a problem or task that can be automated
  • Design and develop a PowerShell solution
  • Implement and test the solution
Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Windows PowerShell 5.1 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
IT Administrator
An IT Administrator is responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting computer systems and networks. They ensure that all systems are running smoothly and that users have access to the resources they need. This course can be useful for aspiring IT Administrators as it provides a solid foundation in Windows PowerShell, which is a powerful scripting language that can be used to automate tasks and manage complex systems. By learning how to use PowerShell effectively, IT Administrators can improve their efficiency and productivity, and help their organizations to maintain a reliable and efficient IT infrastructure.
Network Administrator
A Network Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks. They ensure that all networks are running smoothly and that users have access to the resources they need. This course can be useful for aspiring Network Administrators as it provides a solid foundation in Windows PowerShell, which is a powerful scripting language that can be used to automate tasks and manage complex systems. By learning how to use PowerShell effectively, Network Administrators can improve their efficiency and productivity, and help their organizations to maintain a reliable and efficient IT infrastructure.
Systems Administrator
A Systems Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining computer systems and networks. They ensure that all systems are running smoothly and that users have access to the resources they need. This course can be useful for aspiring Systems Administrators as it provides a solid foundation in Windows PowerShell, which is a powerful scripting language that can be used to automate tasks and manage complex systems. By learning how to use PowerShell effectively, Systems Administrators can improve their efficiency and productivity, and help their organizations to maintain a reliable and efficient IT infrastructure.
Cloud Engineer
A Cloud Engineer is responsible for designing, deploying, and managing cloud-based systems. They work to ensure that cloud-based applications and services are running smoothly and efficiently. This course can be useful for aspiring Cloud Engineers as it provides a solid foundation in Windows PowerShell, which is a powerful scripting language that can be used to automate tasks and manage complex systems. By learning how to use PowerShell effectively, Cloud Engineers can improve their efficiency and productivity, and help their organizations to build and maintain reliable and efficient cloud-based systems.
DevOps Engineer
A DevOps Engineer is responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations teams. They help to automate and streamline the software development lifecycle, ensuring that new features and updates are released quickly and efficiently. This course can be helpful for aspiring DevOps Engineers as it provides a solid foundation in Windows PowerShell, which is a powerful scripting language that can be used to automate tasks and manage complex systems. By learning how to use PowerShell effectively, DevOps Engineers can improve their efficiency and productivity, and help their teams to deliver high-quality software products.
Security Analyst
A Security Analyst is responsible for identifying and mitigating security risks. They work to protect organizations from cyber attacks and data breaches. This course can be useful for aspiring Security Analysts as it provides a solid foundation in Windows PowerShell, which is a powerful scripting language that can be used to automate tasks and manage complex systems. By learning how to use PowerShell effectively, Security Analysts can improve their efficiency and productivity, and help their organizations to maintain a secure IT environment.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst is responsible for analyzing business needs and developing solutions to meet those needs. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, and to design and implement solutions that improve business processes. This course can be useful for aspiring Business Analysts as it provides a solid foundation in Windows PowerShell, which is a powerful scripting language that can be used to automate tasks and manage complex systems. By learning how to use PowerShell effectively, Business Analysts can improve their efficiency and productivity, and help their organizations to achieve their business goals.
Data Analyst
A Data Analyst is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. They work to identify trends and patterns, and to provide insights that can help organizations make better decisions. This course can be useful for aspiring Data Analysts as it provides a solid foundation in Windows PowerShell, which is a powerful scripting language that can be used to automate tasks and manage complex systems. By learning how to use PowerShell effectively, Data Analysts can improve their efficiency and productivity, and help their organizations to make better use of their data.
Project Manager
A Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects. They work with stakeholders to define project scope, develop project plans, and track project progress. This course may be useful for aspiring Project Managers as it provides a solid foundation in Windows PowerShell, which is a powerful scripting language that can be used to automate tasks and manage complex systems. By learning how to use PowerShell effectively, Project Managers can improve their efficiency and productivity, and help their organizations to deliver projects on time and within budget.
Database Administrator
A Database Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining databases. They ensure that databases are running smoothly and that data is secure. This course may be useful for aspiring Database Administrators as it provides a solid foundation in Windows PowerShell, which is a powerful scripting language that can be used to automate tasks and manage complex systems. By learning how to use PowerShell effectively, Database Administrators can improve their efficiency and productivity, and help their organizations to maintain reliable and secure databases.
Software Developer
A Software Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing software applications. They work with users to gather requirements, and to design and implement solutions that meet those requirements. This course may be useful for aspiring Software Developers as it provides a solid foundation in Windows PowerShell, which is a powerful scripting language that can be used to automate tasks and manage complex systems. By learning how to use PowerShell effectively, Software Developers can improve their efficiency and productivity, and help their organizations to deliver high-quality software products.
Cybersecurity Analyst
A Cybersecurity Analyst is responsible for identifying and mitigating security risks. They work to protect organizations from cyber attacks and data breaches. This course may be useful for aspiring Cybersecurity Analysts as it provides a solid foundation in Windows PowerShell, which is a powerful scripting language that can be used to automate tasks and manage complex systems. By learning how to use PowerShell effectively, Cybersecurity Analysts can improve their efficiency and productivity, and help their organizations to maintain a secure IT environment.
Quality Assurance Analyst
A Quality Assurance Analyst is responsible for testing software applications and identifying defects. They work with developers to fix defects and to ensure that software applications meet quality standards. This course may be useful for aspiring Quality Assurance Analysts as it provides a solid foundation in Windows PowerShell, which is a powerful scripting language that can be used to automate tasks and manage complex systems. By learning how to use PowerShell effectively, Quality Assurance Analysts can improve their efficiency and productivity, and help their organizations to deliver high-quality software products.
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer is responsible for creating and maintaining technical documentation. They work with engineers and other technical experts to gather information and to write documentation that is clear, concise, and accurate. This course may be useful for aspiring Technical Writers as it provides a solid foundation in Windows PowerShell, which is a powerful scripting language that can be used to automate tasks and manage complex systems. By learning how to use PowerShell effectively, Technical Writers can improve their efficiency and productivity, and help their organizations to create high-quality technical documentation.
Systems Engineer
A Systems Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining computer systems. They work with users to gather requirements, and to design and implement solutions that meet those requirements. This course may be useful for aspiring Systems Engineers as it provides a solid foundation in Windows PowerShell, which is a powerful scripting language that can be used to automate tasks and manage complex systems. By learning how to use PowerShell effectively, Systems Engineers can improve their efficiency and productivity, and help their organizations to maintain reliable and efficient computer systems.

Reading list

We've selected six 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 Introduction to Windows PowerShell 5.1.

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