PowerShell 6: From Basics to Mastering System Administration

Name: PowerShell 6: From Basics to Mastering System Administration
Rating: 4.4 (87 reviews)

Explore various features & automation tasks with PowerShell 6 by administrating Windows OS components & Server features

Created byPackt Publishing

Last updated 2/2019

English

What you'll learn

Design and Implement scalable automation solutions.
Eliminate duplicate code and consolidate script files.
Get a grip of Visual Studio Code with add-ons for PowerShell automation.
Delegate tasks to end users with Azure serverless computing - functions.
Reduce the time spent on doing routine tasks when they can be automated.
See how to configure the Windows Operating System (OS) with PowerShell Core 6.
Manage Windows features, including Active Directory, IIS, and more with PowerShell Core 6.
Master the most important aspects of PowerShell Core 6.

Course content

3 sections • 88 lectures • 7h 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 Overview1:45
This video aims to give an overview of this course
Know about the author
Introduction to all the sections of this course
Guide to the GitHub Repository
Azure Setting Up a Demo Account1:49
The aim of this video is to demonstrate how to set-up an Azure account
Setting up a Microsoft account
Registering on the Azure portal
Creating Virtual Machines for the Course2:42
The aim of this video is to demonstrate how virtual machines are created on Azure. Those machines would be used throughout the course.
Build one virtual machine
Build remaining virtual machines
Install VSCode on the first virtual machine
Installing VSCode1:34
The aim of this video is to demonstrate the steps to install VSCode.
Download the installation file
Install the software
Setting Up VSCode Add-ons1:23
The aim is to explain what VSCode add-ons are and what they are used for
Download add-ons required for this course
Install the add-ons
Load the add-ons on VSCode
VSCode and Some Common Features3:46
The aim is to explain how to use some of the common features of VSCode that will assist us throughout the course.
Explain each feature individually
Setting Up PowerShell1:48
The aim of this video is to demonstrate how to install PowerShell add-on for VSCode.
Download PowerShell add-on
Install PowerShell add-On
Load PowerShell add-on
PowerShell Objects5:46
The aim of this video is to give a brief introduction about PowerShell objects are and how to use them.
Understand what objects are.
Declare a new object in several ways.
Update the properties of an object
Arrays, Array Lists, and Hash Table6:57
The aim of this video is to demonstrate the use of arrays, array lists and hash tables in PowerShell.
Understanding arrays
Understanding array lists
Understanding hash tables
Design1:52
This video aims to describe a problem and find the design solution to solve it.
Understand the problem
Design a solution
Copying File to a Single Target4:55
This video aims to explain how to copy file to a single target using real world example
Learn to create remote folder structure and config file
Copy the config file to a single host
Output the creation date of the file
Reading a List of Targets3:45
This video aims to explain how to read a list of targets using real world example
Learn to create a text file with a list of servers
Read a file
Check the folder structure
Targeting Multiple Endpoints3:17
This video aims to explain how to target multiple endpoints using real world example
Copy file to multiple servers
Output the timestamp of the file
Check the folder structure
Error Handling8:37
This video aims to demonstrate how to do Error handling using real world example
Learn about error action
Understand Try/Catch statements and exceptions
Learn how to check dates
Logging and Output5:41
This video aims to explore Logging and output using real world example
Learn to write to a log file
Verbose output
Design Setup2:46
This video aims to describe a problem and find the design solution to solve it.
Understand the problem
Design a solution
Powering On/Off a Single Virtual Machine4:54
This video aims to explain on how to power on or off a single virtual machine.
Identify the current power state
Change the power state to be the opposite
Security and Authentication4:44
This video aims to explain on how to implement security and authentication on Azure Function.
Pass credentials in a secure way
Authenticate on Azure subscription
Manage Any Virtual Machine3:17
This video aims to show how to parameterize the VM name.
Implement a parameter as a ‘ServerName’
Change power state on the parameterized VM
Error Handling and Logging1:41
This video aims to show what logs you have available to troubleshoot Azure Functions.
Enable loggings
Generate a problem
Check the logs
Design1:08
This video aims to describe a problem and find the design solution to solve it.
Understand the problem
Design a solution
Create Registry Key on a Local Machine4:27
This video aims to show how to create a registry key via PowerShell on a local machine.
Create a registry hive
Create a registry key
Create Registry Key on a Remote Machine6:29
This video aims to show how to create a registry key via PowerShell on a remote machine.
Connect to remote machine
Create a registry hive
Create a registry key
Generalize the Script6:42
This video aims to show how to use the script against any machine or a list of machines.
Generate a list of machine
Iterate through each machine
Make the changes
Error Handling4:50
This video aims to show how to capture potential exceptions in the code.
Set-up error actions
Capture exceptions
Generate catch statement actions.
Logging and Output4:45
This video aims to show how to generate log files in your code and how to properly output information on the screen.
Writing a function to generate log files
Formatting the output
Collect Data from a Single Machine7:22
The aim for this video is to demonstrate the use of WMI to collect the data from a single machine.
Decide on the data points to be collected
Query local machine
Collect the data
Read a List of Machines and Iterate5:19
The aim for this video is to demonstrate how to collect the same data, but from a list of remote machines this time.
Read a list of servers
Query each server for the data required
Collect the data
Format the Data1:27
The purpose of this video is to demonstrate how to format the data for on screen display.
Decide on the format
Implement the formatting
Export the Data3:10
The purpose of this video is to demonstrate how it can be exported to external files.
Export as CSV
Export as HTML
Email the Report2:51
The aim of this video is to demonstrate how to email your report
Generate email metadata
Send the email out
Error Handling and Logging3:33
The aim of this video is to demonstrate what typical exceptions are likely to occur during the lifecycle of the script and how to handle them.
Capture common exceptions
Handle the catch statements
Terminate the script where appropriate
Singing Your Script6:14
The aim of this video is to demonstrate how to sign your script
Understand why to sign a script
Generate a self-signed certificate
Demonstrate steps to sign a script
Design2:07
This video aims to describe a problem and find the design solution to solve it.
Understand the problem
Design a solution
Creating an Azure Database2:15
The aim of this video is to demonstrate how to provision a database on Azure.
Connect to Azure Management Portal
Create new database
Connecting to the Database5:13
The aim of this video is to demonstrate how to connect to an Azure based SQL database.
Set-up firewall rules
Connect to the database
Update/Insert/Delete Data12:14
The aim of this video is to demonstrate how to execute the main SQL operations via PowerShell.
Update data
Insert data
Delete data
Querying the Database2:29
The aim of this video is to demonstrate how to retrieve data by querying the SQL database.
Connect to database
Formulate a query
Retrieve the data
Automating Report Generation4:40
The aim of this video is to demonstrate how to automate the report provisioning tasks.
Insert report data into the database
Query data
Generate a report
Test Your Knowledge

The Course Overview2:49
This video gives an overview of the entire course.
Configuring Your Management Workstation8:11
In this video, we will install PowerShell Core 6 and Visual Studio Code on a Windows 10 workstation.
Install PowerShell Core 6 on Windows 10 via MSI
Install Visual Studio Code on Windows 10
Install PowerShell extension for Visual Studio Code
Setting Up Your Lab Environment7:43
In this video, we will install PowerShell Core 6 via alternate method.
Install PowerShell Core 6 via zip file
Configure Visual Studio Code and PowerShell extension
Configure editor and terminal preferences
Configuring a Windows System – Features, Services, and More13:34
In this video, we will use PowerShell to perform the installation of features, configure services, and explore some new and useful system.administration commands.
Install Windows features with PowerShell
Administer and configure Windows services with PowerShell
Use the Get-ComputerInfo, Get-Uptime, and Get-TimeZone cmdlets
Managing a Windows OS with WMI and PowerShell11:45
PowerShell provides a robust set of cmdlets to work with WMI. In this video, we will learn how to work with classes, instances, and methods of these powerful management objects.
Use cmdlets in the CimCmdlets module to gather information about WMI classes
Use cmdlets in the CimCmdlets module to work with WMI instances
Invoke a method of a WMI instance and a static method on a WMI class
Checking Diagnostic and Performance Information with PowerShell Core 66:39
There’s no need to leave PowerShell to get information out of performance monitor or event viewer. By using PowerShell you can even incorporate these tools into other parts of your scripts.
Find performance monitors stored in WMI data
View and save raw and formatted performance counter data
Find events in the event logs by using either built in filters or advanced xpath statements
Using Scheduled Tasks and PowerShell to Automate System Administration9:28
The Windows task scheduler provides many options for starting processes automatically.
In this video, we will learn some of the triggers and actions used to start a PowerShell session and run a script on a schedule.
Upload the recording using the media button in the HTML editor
Upload the recording in soundcloud.com and click on share where we can get the embedding code
Enter Moodle, paste the embedding code from soundcloud.com and embed the recording
Overview of PowerShell Remoting10:28
In this video, we cover basic terminology and discuss the different ways that commands can operate on remote systems.
Use the ComputerName parameter on supported cmdlets to get information from a remote system
Use Invoke-Command to perform complex tasks on one or more remote systems
Enter an interactive PowerShell session on a remote system
Remote Endpoint Configuration10:45
In this video, we will understand how to make sure that your environment is ready to support remote PowerShell administration by configuring firewall and enabling WSMan settings.
Configure firewall rules on workstation and server
Enable remote PowerShell by using built-in cmdlets
Explore the WSManPSDrive and configure WSMan settings from within PowerShell
Mastering Remote Administration10:33
Taking what we learned in the previous videos, we will explore some advanced features and abilities available through PowerShell remoting.
Create and save reusable PowerShell remote sessions
Use saved sessions to enter an interactive PowerShell session on a remote computer
Use advanced features of file copy cmdlets to move files to and from saved remote sessions
Overview of PowerShell Desired State Configuration5:56
In this video, we define terminology necessary to understand the topic of DSC, and discuss the concepts of and technical requirements for Desired State Configuration.
Explain the concepts of Desired State Configuration
Explain the technical requirements for using DSC
Define and discuss the terminology used in DSC
Creating and Applying Your First DSC Configuration8:55
In this video, we will get our hands dirty with DSC by creating a simple configuration that sets a file, a registry key and a service.
Create and compile a DSC configuration file
Apply the DSC configuration to the local computer
Start the DSC configuration and perform tests to report compliance
Finding and Using DSC Modules and Resources5:59
In this video, we expand the abilities of DSC by leveraging the PowerShell gallery to find and download additional DSC modules.
Find DSC resources and modules available in the PowerShell gallery
Install DSC modules and import then into our PowerShell session
Use the new DSC resources to add to our existing configuration
Using Azure Automation As a DSC Pull Server8:26
Pull Servers give nodes controlled by PowerShell DSC a central place to download modules and configuration updates. The aim of the video is to understand that though it can be complex to set up and securely configure a PowerShell DSC pull server, how Azure Automation Accounts do all the heavy lifting for you.
Upload and compile a configuration to an Azure Automation Account
Register a node with the Azure Automation Account and apply a node configuration
Use DSC commands on the remote node to look for updates from the pull server and test and apply DSC configurations
Managing Storage and a File Server with PowerShell7:26
In this video, we will look at how the PowerShell cmdlets make working with disks, partitions, and shares something which can be both automated and easily repeatable.
Turn RAW disks on a virtual machine into a storage pool
Create a mirrored volume on the storage pool
Create a SMB share on the newly created partition
Managing Azure Virtual Machines with PowerShell11:14
In this video, we will show you how to find and install the latest Azure PowerShell module for PowerShell Core 6, sign onto the Azure portal, then find and manage Azure Virtual Machines.
Download the latest PowerShell module for Azure RM and sign onto an Azure Account subscription
Explore the complex data objects that represent an Azure Virtual Machine
Find one or more Azure Virtual Machines, and perform start and stop operations on them
Administering Active Directory Users and Groups with PowerShell8:23
Creating users, resetting passwords, and assigning users to groups can be a time consuming and tedious process. In this video, we explore how to perform these tasks with PowerShell to make it easier and faster.
Create a new user and copy details from an existing user
Update a password or perform a password reset on an account
Assign users to a group and identify all users that are members of a group
Managing an IIS Web Server with PowerShell7:39
For each feature and role that a Windows server can serve as, there are PowerShell cmdlets that can make implementing and administering those roles and features that much easier.
Web servers are no exception. In this video we will learn the basics of using PowerShell to manage IIS.
Load the WebAdministration module and exploring the IIS: drive
Work with application pools in IIS
Work with websites in IIS

Requirements

You need to have some basic scripting knowledge and good administration experience.
Passing familiarity with PowerShell will be useful (Not mandatory).

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. From an administrative standpoint, this means that if you become proficient in PowerShell, you’ll have the skill set needed to manage most of Microsoft's newer products. If you’re looking to explore the advanced functions and features of PowerShell 6 then is the perfect Course for you!

This comprehensive 2-in-1 course is a practical step-by-step guide uses real commands to solve real problems, building immediate experience with PowerShell 6. To begin with, you’ll set 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. Moving further, you’ll get a grip of Visual Studio Code with add-ons for PowerShell automation. Administer remote systems with PowerShell Core 6. Finally, you’ll master the most important aspects of PowerShell Core 6 to manage Windows features, including Active Directory, IIS, and more!

Towards the end of this course, you'll explore various features and automation tasks in the awesome PowerShell 6 by configuring and administrating the Windows Operating System components and server features.

Contents and Overview

This training program includes 3 complete courses, carefully chosen to give you the most comprehensive training possible.

The first course, Learning PowerShell 6, covers system management with PowerShell 6. This video 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. 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. 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, PowerShell Toolmaking, covers building PowerShell automation tools. This course will show you how to build tools that will allow you to automate various aspects of your daily routines. It takes actions that you could easily delegate to the end user that will take up hours of your time daily. By the end of the course, gain strong knowledge on how automation and tool building works, so that you can create your own solutions. Automation is the future of IT, you can’t manage large-scale environments these days without substantial automated.

The third course, Mastering System Administration with PowerShell 6.x, covers exploring the advanced functions and features of PowerShell Core 6. We’ll start with Windows System Administration and explore different features, services, shares, and permissions. Then you’ll move forward with Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), which is an essential aspect of PowerShell 6. After that, you’ll work on managing remote systems, learn to create and connect reusable remote sessions to multiple systems, invoke commands on remote machines, and close connections and delete remote sessions. Finally, you’ll see how PowerShell has expanded its influence across the data center, as you use PowerShell to manage Active Directory, Azure, IIS, and more. By the end of this course, you’ll be able to perform complex automation tasks using PowerShell 6 and will have mastered the new features and changes that it brings.

Final para, wrap up with the key outcome. As always, keep it simple and powerful.

By the end of this course, you'll explore various features and automation tasks in the awesome PowerShell 6 by configuring and administrating the Windows Operating System components and server features.

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.
Edgar Dockus is a technology consultant specializing in virtualization and cloud deployments with 12+ years of experience and He has been a PowerShell enthusiast since its early days. Most of his career he has spent working on various cloud solutions that require extensive automation and various deployments and general tasks with PowerShell, Chef, and ARM.
Michael Simmons is an author, trainer, and IT Professional with over 20 years of experience managing and administering technology and helping the people that use it. He has developed multiple popular and successful video courses on the topic of Windows System Administration and PowerShell. He started using PowerShell and became involved in the community in 2007 and started iLovePowerShell 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’s driven to teach IT, professionals, to write great code, empowering them to take control of their job and lead an inspiring career. His technical and industry coverage has been featured on leading technology industry news and how-to sites, including TomsItPro and Petri.

Who this course is for:

System Administrators, Developers, Solution Architects who want to master Windows PowerShell 6.0 as a scripting language, automate repeated daily tasks, and perform complex administration in a timely manner and with less effort.
PowerShell scripters who want to build applications.

PowerShell 6: From Basics to Mastering System Administration

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Learning PowerShell 631 lectures • 2hr 39min

PowerShell Toolmaking39 lectures • 2hr 40min

Mastering System Administration with PowerShell 6.x18 lectures • 2hr 36min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: