Name: Learning Path: Powershell: Getting Started with Powershell 6
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Created byPackt Publishing

Last updated 3/2018

English

What you'll learn

Learn to set up a lab environment to learn and test PowerShell processes
Navigate and use PowerShell 6 easily
Manage servers remotely using PowerShell 6
Use common parameters to produce verbose output and protect yourself from accidents
Identify object properties and methods and how to use them
Manage files and import and export them as CSV, HTML, JSON, and XML
Learn to use branching and logic in scripts
Use logging through writing log files and events to the Windows Event Log

Course content

2 sections • 55 lectures • 5h 54m 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 Overview4:25
This video gives an overview of the entire course.
Differences between PowerShell Core 6 and Windows PowerShell6:43
In this video, we will see how PowerShell Core 6 fits into the bigger picture of automation and administration in the data center.

Briefly describe the major releases of Windows PowerShell

Show the differences in Windows PowerShell and PowerShell Core

How PowerShell Core fits into the future development plans
Installing PowerShell Core 6 and Visual Studio Code7:41
In this video, we will set up the tools we need to work with PowerShell Core 6 on a workstation.

Download and install PowerShell Core 6

Download and install Visual Studio Code

Install PowerShell extension for VSCode
Using the Most Important cmdlets in PowerShell5:45
In this video, we will use the features of PowerShell to discover commands to run, find help on how to use them and explore objects.

Use Get-Command to list available cmdlets

Use Get-Help to find command syntax and examples

Use Get-Member to explore object properties and methods
Getting to Know Common Parameters6:18
PowerShell makes it possible to perform administrative tasks more quickly and easily than ever before. But there are also dangers with being so easy and powerful. In this video, we will see how to avoid costly mistakes with some built in parameters.

Use the - Whatif parameter to see what would happen hypothetically

Use the - Confirm parameter to prompt for user verification

Use the - Verbose parameter to display indepth cmdlet reporting
Reading and Writing to the Host5:27
Especially as you begin working with PowerShell and command-line administration, there are times that you’ll need to write output to the screen and prompt for user input and in this video, we will see how it can be achieved.

Use Write-Host to format output to the screen

Use Read-Host to get user input

Perform string formatting
Using the Pipeline and the $_ Variable6:58
In this video, we will see how the pipeline is the key distinguishing concept in PowerShell. Similar to the pipe command in Linux administration, but able to pass complex objects between commands.

Use one command’s output as the next command’s input

Describe how the pipeline handles one or more objects

Introduce the $_ variable that represents the current object
Looking at PowerShell Providers7:23
PowerShell providers are another concept that is important to understand. They are a complex data structure that can be mapped and navigated in a similar way as a folder structure.

Find the installed PowerShell providers with Get-PSProvider

List the PowerShell drives with Get-PSDrive

Navigate the Windows Registry like it’s a filesystem
Basics of Working with Objects8:37
In this video, we will learn the basics of working with objects, including identifying the type name of an object, the properties, and methods it has, and where to find more information about it.

Use the Get-Member cmdlet to show object properties and methods

Use the GetType() method to determine the object typename

Find official class information at the MSDN website
How to Work with Some Common and Useful Objects?14:22
Objects are everywhere in PowerShell, but some are so useful that they’re worth learning about before we go any further. In this video, we will learn to work with some common and useful objects.

Explore the text methods in the String object

Use a Credential object for usernames and passwords

Use Arrays to store multiple objects in a collection
Introduction to Comparison and Logical Operators7:15
In this video, we will learn about several operators in PowerShell. Some assign values, some perform math, but the comparison and logical operators enable us to perform testing, object comparisons and group those comparisons together.

Demonstrate comparison operators to find pattern matches in strings

Demonstrate comparison operators that compare numerical values

Group multiple comparison operators together using logical operators
Managing Objects in the Pipeline11:41
In this video, we will see how to manage objects as they progress through the pipeline is a key skill in PowerShell. This is where you can filter out objects or properties, group objects together, sort them or count them.

Learn object and property filtering with Where-Object and Select-Object

Organize output with Group-Object and Sort-Object

UseForeach-Object to perform operations against a collection
Creating Your Own PowerShell Object5:11
In this video, we will see how PowerShell offers flexibility and there are several different ways to create objects. By using a custom object instead of outputting text to the screen you can leverage the object-oriented features of PowerShell.

Create a custom object from a Hashtable

Add a property to an existing object
Getting Started with Writing Scripts11:21
In this video, we will discuss the different file types that PowerShell recognizes, and how scripts and modules are different from each other.

Define the PS1 and PSM1 file type extensions for script and module files

Explain the less frequently used PowerShell file types

Show the difference between script versusmodule –which is better
Setting Up a Local Git Repository5:03
In this video, we will savemultiple versions of a script and trying to keep track of the changes between versions is practically impossible without help. Use GIT and VSCode to simplify the version control process.

Download and install Git

Create a local script repository

Check files into version control and committing updates
Adding Branching to Your Scripts8:04
A script takes branches, twists, and turns depending on multiple factors. In this video, we will solve questions such as, is a file version correct,is somebody logged onto the system and how to use branches to run code in your script based on conditions you set.

Use If/Then/Else statements to run scriptblocks conditionally

Use Switch statements to run scriptblocks based on specified values

Use functions to perform scriptblocks when called
Adding Loops to Your Scripts9:30
Scripting gets much more scalable when they iterate over a collection of objects. In this video, we will learn the basic looping constructs available to your PowerShell scripts.

How “Do” loops work with conditionals

See the differences between “While” and “Do” loops

Use For and For-Each loops
Adding Logging to Your Scripts6:05
If you need to set up logging to track what a script is doing because it’s going to run as a scheduled task, or you need to trace script activity in a stored variable.In this video, we will see some ways to integrate tracing and logging into your scripts.

Write activity to an array variable

Write activity to a logfile

Save events to the Windows Event log
Debugging Your Scripts11:15
No script is complete without considering how to handle unexpected errors. In this video, we will learn how to perform error handling and perform script debugging with VSCode.

Use Trap and Try/Catch to handle errors

Use Throw and $Error variable to create and view errors

Look at the debugging tools available in Visual Studio Code
Advanced Scripting Topics8:58
There are just a few additional scripting topics that are worth mentioning, even if they are a little ahead of where you’re at today. In this video, we will take a look at some trends in PowerShell and get some guidance on creating a good module.

How to plan your PowerShell module

Take a look at the Pester test framework

Learn PowerShell, classes, and class definitions
Basics of Working with Files9:04
In this video, we will be able to create files, add content to files, and read content from files.

Create files with PowerShell in multiple ways

Copy and move files

Read from and write to files
Working with Access Control Lists to Set Permissions8:52
Working with XML Files11:41
ExtensibleMarkup Language (XML) files are a common file format for storing complex data. In this video, we will search, modify, and manage XML content which can be a burdensome task, and learn how PowerShell offers some tools to help.

Convert XML content into a PowerShell variable

Search XML data with Select-XML

Clone, modify, and append XML node data
Importing and Exporting with Some Common File Types8:25
PowerShell administration and scripting allow robust solutions for management and automation. In this video, we will learn how to store complex PowerShell objects in multiple file formats, perfect for recording object data and preparing reports.

Import and export PowerShell data as a JSON file

Import and export PowerShell data as a CSV

Convert PowerShell data into an HTML formatted file
Test Your Knowledge

Requirements

Prior knowledge of system administration is needed

Description

PowerShell has become the most efficient tool for managing Windows systems. It combines command-line speed, the flexibility of scripting, and the power of a GUI-based admin tool. Its ability to solve problems efficiently and then to turn that solution into a new tool or automated task allows the system administrators to eliminate future manual labor hours. So, if you are a sysadmin and want to perform complex administration in a timely manner with less effort, then go for this Learning Path. This Learning Path is a comprehensive tutorial with a set of scenarios, real-world examples, and scripts to easily get you started with Windows PowerShell 6.0 and its capabilities

Packt’s Video Learning Paths are a series of individual video products put together in a logical and stepwise manner such that each video builds on the skills learned in the video before it. The highlights of this Learning Path are:

Discover scripts to automate administrative tasks
Solve problems and perform tasks using PowerShell 6
Build a command expression using the pipeline to perform complex tasks with ease

Let’s take a quick look at your learning journey. This Learning Path begins with an introduction to PowerShell 6. You will then set up a lab and access PowerShell console and IISE. You will then find and run cmdlets. You will learn to distinguish between objects and texts, work on WIM and CIM objects, and use the pipeline to create a report. You will also work on queries, expressions, and variables. You will develop and create your script to gather data and create a report. You will learn more on turning a script into a function and create modules. You will be learn how to use PowerShell 6 with Active Directory, Microsoft Online, Office 365, IIS, and Desired State Configuration. Finally, you will discover the core features of PowerShell and build consistent patterns to work with software and infrastructure through scripts and command-line administration.

After completing this Learning Path, you will be able to perform complex administration and automation tasks using PowerShell 6 with ease.

Meet Your Experts:

We have the best works of the following esteemed authors to ensure that your learning journey is smooth:

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.
Michael Simmons is an IT professional with over 20 years of experience in managing and administering technology and helping the people that use it. He started using PowerShell and became involved in the community in 2007 and started iLovePowerShell. com in 2010 as a blog and resource for the community, where he discusses PowerShell and how to use it to improve your career. As a PowerShell expert and evangelist, he continues to spread knowledge from an admin/tech support perspective. He is driven to teach IT professionals to write great code, empowering them to take control of their job and lead an inspiring career.

Who this course is for:

This Learning Path is aimed at system administrators who want to administer and automate their systems with ease using PowerShell 6.

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Learning PowerShell 631 lectures • 2hr 39min

Automating Your Systems with PowerShell 6.x24 lectures • 3hr 16min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: