Windows PowerShell Desired State Configuration from Pluralsight

This course is designed for Windows IT Pros who are using Windows PowerShell and Desired State Configuration to manage on-premises deployments and configurations of Windows servers

Deploying Windows servers and managing their configurations can be a difficult task. One technique is to create scripts to set up new servers. Or you can separate the configuration from the implementation and create processes that guarantee a server will always be configured the way you expect with minimal manual effort. In this course, Windows PowerShell Desired State Configuration, you’ll learn to manage Windows server configurations with Windows PowerShell and Desired State Configuration (DSC). First, you’ll learn the DSC basics such as creating a simple configuration and deploying it to a server. Next, you’ll discover how to use advanced techniques such as configuration data. Finally, you’ll learn how to leverage DSC in an enterprise setting using a pull server and features such as named configurations. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of DSC needed to manage server configurations of any size organization.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Introduction to Desired State Configuration

DSC Fundamentals

Creating a DSC Configuration

Deploying a DSC Configuration

Advanced Configurations

Creating Custom Resources

Troubleshooting DSC

Using a Pull Server

Advanced DSC Techniques

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a strong foundation for intermediate learners

Intended for novices to Windows PowerShell & Desired State Configuration

Provides a systematic approach to managing Windows server configurations of any size organization

Taught by recognized instructors, Jeff Hicks

Develops a foundation for beginners in Windows Server deployment advanced techniques

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 Windows PowerShell Desired State Configuration with these activities:

Review Powershell fundamentals

Show steps

Get started off on the right foot by reviewing fundamentals of Powershell, how to use the command line and practice scripting to prepare for this course

Browse courses on Powershell

Show steps

Review Powershell syntax and commands
Practice using Powershell to perform basic operations
Learn how to use Powershell to manage files and directories

Review the DSC documentation

Show steps

Reviewing the DSC documentation will help you to refresh your knowledge of DSC and learn about new features and techniques.

Browse courses on Desired State Configuration

Show steps

Visit the Microsoft DSC documentation website.
Read the DSC documentation.
Take notes on the new features and techniques that you learn.

Practice DSC commands in PowerShell

Show steps

Performing drills will help to solidify your understanding of the syntax and usage of DSC commands.

Browse courses on Powershell

Show steps

Open a PowerShell console.
Run the Get-Command cmdlet to list all the available DSC cmdlets.
Experiment with different DSC cmdlets, such as Get-DSCConfiguration, Set-DSCConfiguration, and Invoke-DSCConfiguration.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Follow a tutorial on creating a DSC configuration for a web server

Show steps

Following a tutorial will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to create a DSC configuration for a specific scenario.

Browse courses on Web Server

Show steps

Find a tutorial on creating a DSC configuration for a web server.
Follow the steps in the tutorial to create your own DSC configuration.
Test your DSC configuration by applying it to a test server.

Practice creating DSC configurations

Show steps

Creating your own DSC configurations will help you to understand the structure and syntax of DSC configurations.

Show steps

Create a new DSC configuration file using the New-DSCConfiguration cmdlet.
Add resources to your DSC configuration using the Add-DSCResource cmdlet.
Configure the properties of your resources using the Set-DSCResourceProperty cmdlet.
Compile your DSC configuration using the Compile-DSCConfiguration cmdlet.

Create a DSC configuration to manage a group of servers

Show steps

Creating a DSC configuration to manage a group of servers will allow you to apply the same configuration to multiple servers at once.

Browse courses on Desired State Configuration

Show steps

Identify the servers that you want to manage with DSC.
Create a DSC configuration that defines the desired state of the servers.
Deploy the DSC configuration to the servers.
Monitor the servers to ensure that they are in the desired state.

Mentor a junior administrator on using DSC

Show steps

Mentoring a junior administrator on using DSC will help you to solidify your understanding of DSC and share your knowledge with others.

Browse courses on Desired State Configuration

Show steps

Identify a junior administrator who is interested in learning about DSC.
Develop a mentoring plan.
Meet with your mentee regularly to provide guidance and support.
Evaluate your mentee's progress and make adjustments to your mentoring plan as needed.

Write a blog post about your experience using DSC

Show steps

Writing a blog post about your experience using DSC will help you to solidify your understanding of DSC and share your knowledge with others.

Browse courses on Desired State Configuration

Show steps

Choose a topic for your blog post.
Write a draft of your blog post.
Edit and revise your blog post.
Publish your blog post.

Career center

Learners who complete Windows PowerShell Desired State Configuration will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Cloud Infrastructure Architect

A Cloud Infrastructure Architect designs, develops, and manages cloud computing architectures for organizations. This role uses knowledge of cloud platforms, such as Microsoft Azure, to create scalable and secure solutions. The Windows PowerShell Desired State Configuration course can be beneficial for this role because it teaches how to manage Windows server configurations with Windows PowerShell and Desired State Configuration (DSC). DSC is a powerful tool that can help Cloud Infrastructure Architects to automate the deployment and management of Windows servers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Infrastructure Architect

DevOps Engineer

A DevOps Engineer collaborates with software developers and operations teams to ensure that software is developed, tested, and deployed efficiently. This role uses tools and techniques to automate the software development process. The Windows PowerShell Desired State Configuration course can be a valuable asset to a DevOps Engineer because it provides skills and knowledge in using Windows PowerShell and DSC to manage server configurations. This automation tool can help DevOps Engineers to improve the efficiency and reliability of their software deployments.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

IT Administrator

An IT Administrator manages computer systems, networks, and data for an organization. This role ensures that the organization's IT infrastructure is running smoothly and efficiently. The Windows PowerShell Desired State Configuration course can provide valuable knowledge and skills to an IT Administrator. This course teaches how to manage Windows server configurations with Windows PowerShell and DSC. This knowledge can help IT Administrators to automate the deployment and management of Windows servers, freeing up time to focus on other tasks.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Administrator

Systems Administrator

A Systems Administrator manages the computer systems and networks for an organization. This role ensures that the organization's IT infrastructure is running smoothly and efficiently. The Windows PowerShell Desired State Configuration course can be valuable for a Systems Administrator because it teaches how to manage Windows server configurations with Windows PowerShell and DSC. This knowledge can help Systems Administrators to automate the deployment and management of Windows servers, freeing up time to focus on other tasks.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Administrator

Network Administrator

A Network Administrator manages computer networks for an organization. This role ensures that the organization's network is running smoothly and efficiently. The Windows PowerShell Desired State Configuration course may be useful for a Network Administrator because it teaches how to manage Windows server configurations with Windows PowerShell and DSC. This knowledge can help Network Administrators to automate the deployment and management of Windows servers that are part of the network infrastructure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Technical Support Engineer

A Technical Support Engineer provides technical support to users of computer systems and software. This role helps users to troubleshoot and resolve technical problems. The Windows PowerShell Desired State Configuration course may be useful for a Technical Support Engineer because it teaches how to manage Windows server configurations with Windows PowerShell and DSC. This knowledge can help Technical Support Engineers to troubleshoot and resolve technical problems with Windows servers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Support Engineer

IT Manager

An IT Manager plans, directs, and coordinates the activities of an organization's IT department. This role is responsible for the overall management of the organization's IT infrastructure and systems. The Windows PowerShell Desired State Configuration course may be useful for an IT Manager because it teaches how to manage Windows server configurations with Windows PowerShell and DSC. This knowledge can help IT Managers to make informed decisions about the deployment and management of Windows servers.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

IT Architect

An IT Architect designs, develops, and manages the IT infrastructure and systems for an organization. This role is responsible for the overall architecture of the organization's IT environment. The Windows PowerShell Desired State Configuration course may be useful for an IT Architect because it teaches how to manage Windows server configurations with Windows PowerShell and DSC. This knowledge can help IT Architects to design and develop IT architectures that are efficient, secure, and scalable.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Architect

IT Security Analyst

An IT Security Analyst identifies, analyzes, and responds to security threats to an organization's IT infrastructure and systems. This role helps to protect the organization from cyber attacks and other security breaches. The Windows PowerShell Desired State Configuration course may be useful for an IT Security Analyst because it teaches how to manage Windows server configurations with Windows PowerShell and DSC. This knowledge can help IT Security Analysts to identify and mitigate security risks in Windows server environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Security Analyst

Security Administrator

A Security Administrator manages the security of an organization's computer systems and networks. This role ensures that the organization's IT infrastructure is protected from security threats. The Windows PowerShell Desired State Configuration course may be useful for a Security Administrator because it teaches how to manage Windows server configurations with Windows PowerShell and DSC. This knowledge can help Security Administrators to automate the deployment and management of Windows servers that are part of the organization's security infrastructure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Administrator

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software systems. This role is responsible for the entire software development lifecycle, from requirements gathering to deployment and maintenance. The Windows PowerShell Desired State Configuration course may be useful for a Software Engineer who specializes in Windows server development because it teaches how to manage Windows server configurations with Windows PowerShell and DSC. This knowledge can help Software Engineers to develop and maintain Windows server software that is efficient, secure, and scalable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

IT Specialist

An IT Specialist provides specialized technical support to users of computer systems and software. This role helps users to troubleshoot and resolve technical problems in a specific area of expertise. The Windows PowerShell Desired State Configuration course may be useful for an IT Specialist who specializes in Windows server administration because it teaches how to manage Windows server configurations with Windows PowerShell and DSC. This knowledge can help IT Specialists to troubleshoot and resolve technical problems with Windows servers.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Specialist

IT Project Manager

An IT Project Manager plans, executes, and closes IT projects. This role is responsible for the overall management of the project, including the project budget, timeline, and resources. The Windows PowerShell Desired State Configuration course may be useful for an IT Project Manager because it teaches how to manage Windows server configurations with Windows PowerShell and DSC. This knowledge can help IT Project Managers to plan and execute IT projects that involve the deployment and management of Windows servers.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Project Manager

IT Consultant

An IT Consultant provides advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve their IT infrastructure and systems. This role helps organizations to identify and solve technical problems, and to develop and implement new IT solutions. The Windows PowerShell Desired State Configuration course may be useful for an IT Consultant because it teaches how to manage Windows server configurations with Windows PowerShell and DSC. This knowledge can help IT Consultants to provide advice and guidance to organizations on how to improve the efficiency and security of their Windows server environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Consultant

IT Auditor

An IT Auditor reviews and evaluates an organization's IT infrastructure and systems to ensure that they are compliant with laws and regulations. This role also helps to identify and mitigate security risks. The Windows PowerShell Desired State Configuration course may be useful for an IT Auditor because it teaches how to manage Windows server configurations with Windows PowerShell and DSC. This knowledge can help IT Auditors to assess the security and compliance of Windows servers.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor