Power-up with PowerShell

Join us! Subscribe here. If you’re managing servers or desktops, deploying infrastructure into Azure, or looking after Exchange, Lync or any other Microsoft product then you have probably heard of PowerShell. You probably fall into one of two camps: those who use PowerShell for everything and absolutely love it; or those who execute the odd command when instructed to by a manual, forum post, or blog, but are otherwise hesitant to use it. Why PowerShell? There are a few key reasons why you should consider embracing PowerShell: Most new or updated Microsoft products and services use PowerShell for administrative tasks. Most Microsoft GUI management tools are now front-ends which issue PowerShell commands. Many new features are now accessible via PowerShell before they are available in the GUI. Many products from other vendors incorporate PowerShell libraries too – NetApp, for example, has a PowerShell toolkit with hundreds of commands that you can use to manage and provision storage It’s much easier to perform bulk operations using PowerShell. For example, you could run the same command against every user in your Active Directory with a single line of script If you’re configuring servers, clients, or products, then you can use PowerShell to script installations to save you time and ensure that your installations are consistent PowerShell 4.0 This is the current shipping version of PowerShell that is included in Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2. You can also download and install this version on Windows 7 SP1, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Windows Server 2012. Instructions here. Sample Scripts Whether you’re new to PowerShell, or a seasoned pro, you will probably find this collection of sample scripts useful. Grab the Script Browser and browse from 9000+ scripts covering all of the Microsoft Products. Learning PowerShell There are a bunch of resources to help you learn more about PowerShell. Here are just some of them: Head in for one of my free hands-on ‘Infrastructure Modernisation’ IT Camps in AKL/WLG/CHC Check out some of these Microsoft Virtual Academy courses Advanced Tools & Scripting with PowerShell 3.0 Jump Start Using PowerShell for Active Directory Getting Started with PowerShell Desired State Configuration (DSC) Tune in to the hugely popular TechEd NZ session from Orin Thomas “30 common tasks you perform using the GUI that you can do faster in PowerShell” which you can watch anytime from Channel 9. Regan Murphy Infrastructure Technical Evangelist Microsoft NZ Whether you're looking for iOS and Android MDM support or are preparing for Windows 10, we have the training for you. Start being successful on purpose here. Start one of these recommended courses from Microsoft Virtual Academy today. Having trouble fitting your learning into your schedule? Download the MVA app. Desktop and Device Management BYOD and the proliferation of mobile devices is no longer a trend, but a reality resulting in the need for IT to implement mobility solutions. Explore, try, and learn how to begin enabling mobility today. Get started here. March Recap from The Endpoint Zone The March recap takes a look at some big developments in the EMM marketplace, the launch of Mobile Device Management in Office 365, and some of the details in the EMS roadmap. Office 365 and CRM Online across The Ditch Office 365 and Dynamics CRM Online services are now available for hosting through Microsoft’s Australian datacentres, joining Microsoft Azure to create Australasia’s most complete cloud. Are you a technical leader in your community? The Microsoft Technical Communities (MSTC) program provides a variety of resources for a successful community event. Visit the site for tips on running an event, help with sponsorship, content and speakers. IT Camp: Modernizing your Infrastructure with Microsoft's Cloud OS 14, 16 April & 12, 14 May Attend this IT Camp to learn about the benefits of modernizing your infrastructure with Windows Server 2012 R2. You will explore identity in the modern world with virtualised Domain Controllers and Azure Active Directory sync. We’ll take a look at the storage, networking, and management enhancements, plus plenty of hands on experience with PowerShell! Road to the Cloud 16 April Business leaders of independent software vendor organisations (ISVs) face increasing challenges in today's software market. Join this event to learn from your peers in the industry that have leveraged the benefits of the cloud to build a successful business. This event is focused on business strategy, and is not a technical learning event. Project15 16 -17 April Great minds think...differently. Project15 will focus on scaling New Zealand innovation globally. Over 1½ days more than a dozen international and local presenters will come together to share their knowledge and expertise around how New Zealand Inc can continue to develop and export diverse and unique products and services to global markets. IT Camp: Extend your Datacenter with Microsoft Azure 21, 23 & 30 April When you extend your datacenter to meet the public cloud, you are working in a hybrid cloud model that provides your business a flexible IT infrastructure that can scale on demand. Attend this IT Camp to learn how the Microsoft hybrid cloud combines Microsoft Azure with your own datacenter, or a hosting service providers datacenter. Have a Windows app project on the side? Show it off! Share it with the rest of the community in the Kiwi Windows Apps Facebook group or send an email to technetnz\@microsoft.com to have your app featured here! © 2015 Microsoft Corporation Terms of Use :: Trademarks Microsoft respects your privacy. To learn more, please read our online Privacy Statement. If you would prefer not to receive this newsletter any longer, click here to unsubscribe. To set your contact preferences for other Microsoft communications click here. The Privacy Officer // Microsoft New Zealand Ltd, PO Box 8070 Symonds St, Auckland 1150, New Zealand