PowerShell

PowerShell was designed to automate system tasks, such as batch processing, and create systems management tools for commonly implemented processes. The PowerShell language is similar to Perl. PowerShell includes more than 130 standard command line tools for functions that formerly required users to create scripts in VB, VBScript or C#.

PowerShell offers a variety of ways to automate tasks, including:

• Cmdlets, which are very small .NET classes that appear as system commands.
• Scripts, which are combinations of cmdlets and associated logic.
• Executables, which are standalone tools.
• Instantiation of standard .NET classes.

PowerShell integrates with the .NET environment and can also be embedded within other applications. Over a hundred cmdlets are included that can be used separately or combined with others to automate more complex tasks. Users can also create and share cmdlets.

PowerShell is available as a free download for Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 and Windows Vista. Support for PowerShell is built into Windows Server 2008 and Windows 7, where it is included as an optionally installed feature.

Getting started with PowerShell

To explore how the PowerShell is used in the enterprise, here is an additional resource:

Learning Center: Windows PowerShell for beginners: Ready to get started with Windows PowerShell? This collection of screencasts, book excerpts and tutorials lays the groundwork for anyone that wants to get the most out of Microsoft's scripting language.

Learn more about Windows PowerShell Scripting

Top 25 Windows PowerShell commands for administrators: Getting started with PowerShell or just need a quick refresher? This tip lists the most common PowerShell commands, with details on when to use them.
Introducing Active Directory to Windows PowerShell: In this month's Scripting School column, Christa Anderson breaks down the process of using PowerShell to create or manipulate data in Active Directory.
	A look at Windows PowerShell's security features: This screencast explains how new security features in PowerShell can help keep admins from accidentally executing scripts obtained from outside sources.
PowerShell automation for Windows Server 2008: Windows PowerShell allows for great productivity and efficiency by automating certain administrator tasks across a system. Get this platform up and running in three easy steps.
Getting started with Windows PowerShell and Microsoft Hyper-V: Check out this intro tutorial for using Windows PowerShell scripts to create a new virtual machine for Microsoft Hyper-V in Windows Server 2008.
Scripting secrets for reviewing Windows event log data: Find the event logs you need with this script that improves the effectiveness of custom views in the Microsoft Event Viewer.
Windows scripting tutorials for systems administrators: Need to bone up on your scripting know-how? It's time to go to school. Check out Christa Anderson's monthly scripting column.
Windows PowerShell for beginners: Ready to get started with PowerShell? This collection of screencasts, book excerpts and tutorials lays the groundwork for those using PowerShell with Windows Server 2008.

Do you have something to add to this definition? Let us know. Send your comments to techterms@whatis.com

More resources from around the web: - You can download PowerShell V 1.0 here, though you will need to install the .NET Framework first. - You can find the PowerShell home page at Microsoft here. - For more information, see Windows scripting tutorials for system administrators. - The official PowerShell blog offers a handy cheat sheet. - WindowsDevCenter.com features "Top 10 Tips for using PowerShell."

FILE EXTENSION AND FILE FORMAT LIST File Extension and File Format List: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

RELATED CONTENT Has PowerShell's time come for Windows admins? While some have been reluctant to accept Windows PowerShell as a vital management tool, new releases prove that Microsoft's command-line shell... Microsoft brings PowerShell 2.0 to the masses The latest Windows Management Framework was made available this week, with functionality to allow the remote administration of legacy operating... Top 25 Windows PowerShell commands for administrators Getting started with PowerShell or just need a quick refresher? This tip lists the most common PowerShell commands, with details on when to use them.