Guide to Powershell 6 and Automating Active Directory

Name: Guide to Powershell 6 and Automating Active Directory
Rating: 4.4 (32 reviews)

Use PowerShell for Active Directory to eliminate manual task with quick automation tasks and functions

Created byPackt Publishing

Last updated 5/2019

English

What you'll learn

Learn how to navigate and use PowerShell 6 fluently
Manage servers remotely using PowerShell 6
Discover scripts to automate administrative tasks
How to solve problems and perform Active Directory tasks using PowerShell
Work with Azure Load Balancers and Application Gateways with Windows PowerShell

Course content

2 sections • 68 lectures • 6h 26m total length

The Course Overview5:59
This video gives an overview of the entire course.
Setting Up a Lab7:39
In this video, we will learn what type of lab environment is recommended to begin learning PowerShell.
Determine physical or virtual lab
Obtain software and operating system ISOs
Setup machines, install OS, and install core applications
Accessing the PowerShell Console and PowerShell ISE3:32
In this video, we will begin learning PowerShell by first accessing the environment and learning the different ones available.
Open the standard console
Explore the alternate consoles such as administrator and X86
Open the ISE environment and discuss the basics
Accessing and Updating the Help System5:07
In this video, we will learn how to update the help system to populate the help files and then access them.
Use Update-Help to update help files
Explore Save-Help for offline systems
Use Get-Help and Help to access the help system
Finding and Running Cmdlets5:21
In this video, we will learn how to discover and use Cmdlets.
Understand the basic Verb-Noun pattern of Cmdlets
Learn to navigate with tab and the arrow keys
Use help and Get-Command to discover available Cmdlets
Using the Help System and Protecting with -WhatIf and -Confirm11:56
In this video, we will learn how to get full help on commands to learn what they do and how to use them.
Learn parameters of Get-Help and dissect the needed information
Analyze the syntax and understand how different Cmdlets can run
Protect yourself using -WhatIf and -Confirm
Working with PSProviders and PSDrives7:10
In this video, we will see how PSProviders provide the logic and how PSDrives provide entry points into data stores.
Look up available PSProviders
Look up available PSDrives
Create a new PSDrive
Exploring File System Navigation and Manipulation3:35
In this video, we will learn the difference in ChildItem and Item as well as aliases and functions that assist with the file system.
Define the difference in Item and ChildItem
Set up the working location
Examine the Mkdir function
Working with the Registry Keys4:21
In this video, we will learn how to access, navigate, and manipulate the Registry.
Use the registry provider to access one of the Registry PSDrives
Navigate through the directory structure
Edit a Registry key
Identifying Errors4:36
In this video, we will learn how to avoid errors and work through them.
Utilize tab complete for PowerShell to assist typing correctly
Locate the error and what information may be missing
Use terminology in error to match with help file information
Differentiating between Objects and Texts4:11
In this video, we will learn that PowerShell uses objects with properties and methods.
Isolate an object’s property
Change output of an object using a method
Use a method to stop a process
Working with WMI and CIM Objects3:31
In this video, we will use Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) and Common Information Model (CIM) to administer systems
How to find classes
Get information from WMI object classes
Get information from CIM object classes
Finding, Creating, and Using Variables4:28
In this video, we will learn how to find existing variables and create new ones.
Look up built-in variables
Navigate the environmental variables drive
Create and change values of variables
Passing Objects through the Pipeline3:40
In this video, we will learn how to send objects through the pipeline to change them or perform other functions on them.
Discuss differences in objects and text
Distinguish between by property name and by value
Use Get-Member to see the methods and properties of objects
Diving into Queries and Expressions5:42
In this video, we will learn how to select properties and sort them.
Select objects
Sort objects
Create custom expressions
Formatting for Efficiency6:32
In this video, we will learn how to be efficient by filtering first and then formatting.
Discuss filtering first, then formatting the output
User Where-Object to filter the results
Format the output into different layouts
Using the Pipeline to Create a Report5:16
In this video, we will learn how to output data to different file types, screens, or printers.
Output data to a text file
Output data to a GUI or a printer
Export data to a CSV file
Enhancing Your System Security5:25
In this video, we will learn how Microsoft enhances your security with the design and defaults of remoting.
Enable remoting
See how hopping fails
Discuss permissions
Running Cmdlets on a Remote Machine4:08
In this video, we will learn how to run a command using a remote machine as the target.
Get a service status on two remote servers
Run a command on a remote system
Get a variable’s value from a remote system
Creating a Session on a Remote Machine4:18
In this video, we will learn how to open a session on a remote system that allows multiple consecutive commands to be ran.
Use New-PSSession to create a session
Enter a session and use it
Exit the session
Connecting to Microsoft Online4:13
In this video, we will learn how to connect to online services to administrate them.
Discuss requirements
Import required module(s)
Connect to the service and test
Importing Cmdlets from a Remote System7:11
In this video, we will learn how to import a module from a remote system in order to use the specific Cmdlets.
Create a new session
Import the module
Use the Cmdlets and exit the session
Process of Script Development3:23
In this video, we will get the understanding of the basic outline and process of PowerShell script creation.
Understand that the best beginning is to define the need
Become familiar with some basic ISE tools
Comply with standard naming conventions
Create a Script to Gather Data and Create a Report4:58
In order to meet requirements for an asset audit, a script will save time by creating a report of asset information.
Use snippets to build a basic help section
Put output from commands into variables to build report
Output required data to a simple report on screen
Create a Script to Make a DHCP Reservation5:55
In order to quickly create DHCP reservations for devices, a script will be needed to conduct multiple commands for the desired results.
Build a basic help section and create a standardized name
Create a parameter block including help statements
Include the necessary commands and test
Turn a Script into a Function5:13
In this video, we will learn how to connect to online services to administrate them.
Convert the previous script into a function
Create or locate the PowerShell profile script
Insert the function into the profile script and test
Creating Modules4:12
In this video, we will learn how to import a module from a remote system in order to use the specific Cmdlets.
Determine the proper location and naming conventions for modules
Add another function to the new module
Test availability of both functions in module
Active Directory Administration with PowerShell5:20
In this video, we will see how PowerShell provides a fast way to enter the Active Directory structure to administrate it.
Access the AD module using a DC remote session
Create a new AD user account and enable it
Add user to groups and set user properties
Microsoft Online Office 365 Administration with PowerShell3:06
This video explains about the PowerShell which provides access to Microsoft online services for efficient administration of Office 365 accounts.
Store credentials using Get-Credentials into a variable
Connect to MS online service
Get some information to verify connection
IIS Web Server Administration with PowerShell2:32
In this video, we will easily create or change website content within the PowerShell console.
Create a file and set content in it for webpage
Copy the file to the IIS server
Verify changes to the web site
Introduction to Desired State Configuration6:07
In this video, we will validate configuration requirements and make changes as needed with the automated abilities of Desired State Configuration.
Examine the layout of a DSC configuration script
Run a configuration script and start DSC configuration
Verify desired state configuration occurred
Test your knowledge

The Course Overview5:13
This video provides an overview of the entire course.
Physical Versus Virtual Labs and Their Importance for Active Directory5:01
A proper environment is needed for both testing and learning. A virtual lab provides a quick and versatile solution.
• Discuss physical labs and their limitations
• Discuss virtual labs and their benefits
• Learn that the importance of having a lab environment cannot be overstated
Hypervisors, Virtualization, and Active Directory2:48
What is a hypervisor, how does virtualization work, and what architecture does Active Directory need?
• Examine the types of hypervisors
• Examine the structure of a virtualized environment
• Discuss the architecture required for an Active Directory lab
Building an Active Directory Lab with VirtualBox6:34
Using completely free software we will build a lab environment that can run on Windows, Linux, or a Mac.
• Discover where to get the programs and ISO files required
• Basic setup and walkthrough of VirtualBox
• Build the virtual machines and power them on
Building an Active Directory Lab with Hyper-V7:09
Using built-in software with Windows 10 Pro, we will build a lab environment that can be built with and managed by PowerShell.
• Basic setup and walkthrough of Hyper-V
• Use PowerShell to set up our Hyper-V lab
• Power on the virtual machines and connect to them
Installing the Server Operating Systems5:16
Using the ISO files we downloaded, we will install the OS versions we need and discuss options.
• Installation options and requirements
• Install the OS versions we need
• Discuss future options
Configuring the Active Directory Lab Servers17:49
Within the virtual machine servers we have now, we will set up our corporate environment.
• Set up the corporate environment and Active Directory using PowerShell
• Why constant, consistent use of PowerShell is important
• Test our lab connectivity and setup
Accessing and Customizing the PowerShell Interface3:34
Access Active Directory with PowerShell.
• Access PowerShell and AD on a Domain Controller
• Access PowerShell and AD on a client computer
• Access PowerShell and AD by PowerShell Remoting to a DC
Accessing and Mastering the PowerShell Help System7:26
We will look at accessing and using the help system in PowerShell.
• How to update the help files
• How to access the help system
• Examine the different sections of a help file
Discovering Active Directory Commands3:32
How to discover commands.
• Use the help system to search for Active Directory commands
• Use Get-Command to discover Active Directory commands
• Access help to analyze an AD cmdlet we discovered
Analyzing Active Directory Command Usage5:47
Analyze how to use commands.
• Analyze a help file to determine proper command usage
• Run a cmdlet to retrieve data
• Put it together to change a user’s email address
Working with PowerShell Errors4:19
How to respond to errors and get familiar with error outputs.
• How to resolve ambiguous parameter names
• How to resolve positional parameter errors
• How to resolve Get-ADUser identity errors
PowerShell Security2:46
We discuss some of the basic built-in security for PowerShell.
• Built-in safety precautions
• Audit and/or tracking features
• Remote security
Built-In Protections for Active Directory with PowerShell5:43
We discuss some of the basic built in protections for PowerShell.
• How the default file associations for scripts protects us
• What is the Execution Policy and how does it work?
• How to use -WhatIf and -Confirm
Working with AD Users and Computers5:59
How to access and manage Active Directory Users and Computers.
• Discover commands for AD users and computers
• Create an AD user
• Search for and change properties for AD users
Working with AD Groups7:12
How to access and manage Active Directory Groups.
• Discover commands for AD groups
• Search and create AD groups
• Add and remove members to and from groups
Navigating the AD Architecture3:04
Discover the architecture of Active Directory within PowerShell.
• Examine PSProviders
• Examine PSDrives
• Traverse AD as a filesystem
Working with Properties3:41
How to access and modify object properties.
• Obtain and examine object properties
• Narrow the properties returned for an object
• Change an object’s properties
Selecting, Sorting, and Variables6:15
How to select, sort, and use variables.
• Use Select-Object to select specific properties
• Use Sort-Object to change the sorting method used
• Discover and create variables
Formatting for Efficiency5:51
Optimizing using proper formatting.
• How to measure command speed
• How to most efficiently filter searches
• How to efficiently use the Filter parameter for Get-ADUser
Using the Pipeline to Create a Report7:12
Creating an Active Directory report of users’ emails in CSV format using the pipeline.
• Get all AD users that only have email addresses
• Format to retrieve and sort only the information we want
• Customize properties and output the report to CSV
Advanced Command Discovery6:30
We will look at discovering commands with advanced techniques.
• How to discover commands from the same source
• Discover what modules are available and load them
• Use Get-Random to get random results
Intro to Managing DNS with PowerShell4:26
Discover and introduce DNS management within PowerShell.
• Discover both DnsClient and DnsServer modules
• Load the modules by calling cmdlets
• List cmdlets, copy one, paste, and look up using help
Intro to Managing DHCP with PowerShell5:32
Discover and introduce DHCP management within PowerShell.
• Discover DHCP modules and cmdlets
• Get DHCP leases and choose a specific one
• Convert a DHCP lease to a reservation
Generate a PowerShell Tool to Find Obsolete AD Computers9:19
Create a reusable tool that discovers and reports on obsolete domain computers.
• Decide on a time frame and enter it in a variable
• Gather the computers with the proper filters
• Use the data to create a report and make it a reusable batch file
Generate a PowerShell Tool for AD User Password Resets6:31
Create a reusable tool that allows for quick resets of user passwords.
• Create the batch file
• Discover a command to reset passwords
• Fill out the batch file with the proper command string
The Process of Script Development7:23
What are the best ways to create a PowerShell script?
• Discover the PowerShell Integrated Scripting Environment
• Inserting help and comments
• Using full cmdlet and parameter names
Creating a Script to Gather Data and Create a Report10:04
Instead of typing out the report from Section 3, let’s make it a script we can run.
• Insert the help section and name the script
• Lay out the command section
• Use third-party tools for scripting
Generate a Script to Set Up a New User5:41
Developing a script to allow team members to properly set up a new user.
• Determine the usage
• Lay out the help section and name the script
• Test the commands in a lab to verify as written
Generate a Script to Set Up a New Computer4:56
Develop a script to set up a new computer within the domain.
• Determine the usage
• Lay out the help section and name the script
• Test the commands to verify as written
Turn a PowerShell Script into a Function for Repeat AD Management5:47
Turn a previous script into a function that can be called like a cmdlet.
• Discover the basics of functions
• Edit a previous script to create a function
• Test the function
Customizing Your PowerShell Profile for AD Management5:55
Take the function we created and insert it into our PowerShell profile to make it always available.
• Discover the PowerShell profile and create if needed
• Insert the previous function into our profile
• Test the availability of our new function
Discovering Invalid AD Property Entries8:05
When team members enter information in a non-uniform fashion, it can harm the integrity of the data. Discover the inaccuracies.
• Determine the properties to check
• Discover the inaccuracies
• Create a quick report to show the inaccuracies
Correcting Invalid AD Property Entries4:40
Take the previously discovered inaccuracies and create a workflow to correct them.
• Turn the output of the previous discoveries into a variable
• Create an if/then statement to target the inaccuracies
• Create steps to correct the errors
Creating a Living Company Directory6:24
Create a script that can be run on demand to create a company directory.
• Determine the information to display
• Build the script to achieve the desired output
• Drive the output to the medium desired
Mass Active Directory User Creation8:19
Create a script to create a large number of AD users based on a CSV file.
• Examine or create a CSV file to pull data from
• Develop the script to take the data and use a for each statement
• Finalize the script to create the users
Using AD Properties to Fill in Empty Properties6:06
Fill in empty AD user properties with another property that does exist.
• Determine the property that needs information filled in
• Load for that information existing in another property
• Put them together to fill in the empty property
Test your knowledge

Requirements

No prior knowledge of PowerShell is required.

Description

Built on the .NET Framework, Windows PowerShell helps IT professionals and power users control and automate the administration of the Windows operating system and applications that run on Windows. PowerShell combines command-line speed, the flexibility of scripting, and the power of a GUI-based admin tool. If you’re looking to explore the advanced functions and features of PowerShell 6 then is the perfect Course for you!

With this hands-on guide, you'll begin with, setting up a lab environment to learn and test PowerShell processes. You’ll discover scripts to automate administrative tasks and solve problems to perform tasks using PowerShell 6. Along the way, you’ll perform data manipulation and solve common problems using basic file input/output functions. Then you will learn to customize your preferences, run custom reports, author scripts, and automate tasks.

Contents and Overview

This training program includes 2 complete courses, carefully chosen to give you the most comprehensive training possible.

The first course, Learning PowerShell 6 is designed to help you get up and running with PowerShell, taking you from the basics of installation to writing scripts and web server automation. This will act as an introduction to the central topics of PowerShell, from finding and understanding PowerShell commands and packaging code for reusability right through to a practical example of automating IIS. It also includes topics such as installation and setup, creating scripts, automating tasks, and using PowerShell to access data stores, registry, and file systems. You will explore the PowerShell environment and discover how to use cmdlets, functions, and scripts to automate Windows systems. Along the way, you’ll perform data manipulation and solve common problems using basic file input/output functions. The potential topics could be will be Commands, Scripts, Providers, Files and folders, Objects, Variables, Classes and Enumerations, Expressions, DSC and so on. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to leverage your skills to effectively manage and administrate the system using PowerShell 6.

The second course, Hands-On PowerShell for Active Directory will train you in using PowerShell to manage Active Directory. You will customize your preferences, run custom reports, author scripts, and automate tasks. You will discover how to create scripts, access and change data stores, and automate tasks. By the end of the course, you will have the skills to automate Active Directory jobs with PowerShell components such as cmdlets, functions, modules, providers, objects, variables, expressions, and profiles.

About the Authors:

Joshua B. Jones is an IT Administrator with Superior Industries International and leads the global company in PowerShell administration, scripts, and tool creation. In the past two years, he has eliminated over 1,000 labor hours by automating previously manual tasks using PowerShell. Not only is he an expert, but demonstrates his passion for PowerShell by teaching others the tool at every opportunity presented.

Who this course is for:

This course targets Java developers who are comfortable in working with Scala, budding data scientists, and web developers, who want to learn how to overcome various obstacles in their quest to build robust applications in Scala.

Guide to Powershell 6 and Automating Active Directory

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Learning PowerShell 631 lectures • 2hr 39min

Hands-On PowerShell for Active Directory37 lectures • 3hr 48min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: