Overview

In this instructor-led, online training course, students will learn to automate configuration with PowerShell (a shell developed by Microsoft for purposes of task automation and configuration management) and DSC, defining configuration logic and making changes programmatically in Windows, Exchange, and SharePoint Server 2016.

Course Instructor: Will Panek

Course Outline

01. Introduction to PowerShell

  • Why we use PowerShell
  • Installing PowerShell
  • Configuring the PowerShell Console Window
  • Understanding the version

02. Using Help

  • Command vs cmdlet
  • Updating Help
  • Using Help to find commands
  • Interpreting Help commands
  • Using the -full string
  • Understanding PowerShell variables

03. Understanding Commands

  • Command breakdown
  • Using Aliases
  • Using Shortcuts
  • Understanding parameter positions
  • Using the Show command
  • External commands

04. Using Providers

  • What are providers
  • Using the Filesystem
  • Using wildcards

05. Connecting Commands

  • Connecting One Command to another
  • Using CSV and XML files
  • Using PowerShell to compare files
  • Using the Pipe key

06. Adding Commands

  • Product specific commands
  • Snap-ins
  • Using Modules
  • Scripts
  • Using the Internet to find modules

07. Understanding Objects

  • What are objects
  • Discovering objects
  • Object properties

08. Using the Pipeline

  • Understanding the pipeline
  • Custom Properties

09. Learning to Format

  • Understanding formatting
  • Default formatting
  • Using tables and lists
  • Outputting results to file, printer, or host

10. Filtering Commands

  • Getting only what you need
  • Filtering left
  • Using the comparison switches
  • Filtering with the pipeline

11. Using Commands Remotely

  • Understanding WinRM
  • Remote vs Local commands

12. Understanding WIM

  • Using Windows Management Instrumentation
  • Win vs CIM
  • Using the Get-WmiObject

13. PowerShell Multitasking

  • Using multiple commands
  • Synchronous vs. asynchronous
  • Creating jobs
  • Scheduling jobs

14. Understanding Automation

  • Mass Management
  • Batch commands
  • Enumerating objects

15. Knowing Security

  • Keeping the shell secure
  • Windows PowerShell Security
  • Policies and Code Signing
  • Security holes

16. Introduction to Variables

  • Storing variables
  • Using variables
  • Multiple objects and variables
  • Declaring variables
  • Variable commands

17. Welcome to Scripting

  • Repeatable commands
  • Parameterizing Commands
  • Creating scripts
  • Documenting scripts

18. PowerShell Tricks

  • Profiles
  • Customization
  • Operators
  • String manipulation

Skills Learned

After completing this online training course, students will be able to:

  • Understand how to install PowerShell
  • Understand how to use the Help function to find commands
  • Know how to use Shortcuts
  • Understand how to use the Filesystem
  • Know how to use the Pipe key
  • Understand how to filter commands
  • Understand how to use Windows Management Instrumentation
  • Better understand Windows PowerShell Security
  • Understand how to utilize repeatable commands
  • Understand to create and document scripts
  • Understand string manipulation