Course Outline
Module 1: Getting Started with Windows PowerShell for Government
This module provides an introduction to Windows PowerShell and offers an overview of its functionality. It demonstrates how to open and configure the shell for use, as well as how to execute commands within it. The module also introduces the built-in Help system in Windows PowerShell.
Lessons
- Overview and Background of Windows PowerShell
- Understanding Command Syntax
- Finding Commands
Lab: Configuring Windows PowerShell for Government Use
- Configuring the Windows PowerShell Console
- Configuring the Windows PowerShell ISE Application
Lab: Finding and Running Basic Commands
- Finding Commands
- Running Commands
- Using the About Files
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Open and configure Windows PowerShell for government use.
- Find and run Windows PowerShell commands.
- Execute commands using the correct command and parameter syntax.
Module 2: Cmdlets for Administration in Government
This module introduces cmdlets commonly used for administration. While it is possible to search for cmdlets each time a task needs to be accomplished, having a basic understanding of available cmdlets enhances efficiency in system administration.
Lessons
- Active Directory Administration Cmdlets
- Network Configuration Cmdlets
- Other Server Administration Cmdlets
Lab: Windows Administration for Government
- Creating and Managing Active Directory Objects
- Configuring Network Settings on Windows Server
- Creating a Web Site
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Identify and use cmdlets for Active Directory administration.
- Identify and use cmdlets for network configuration.
- Identify and use cmdlets for other server administration tasks.
Module 3: Working with the Windows PowerShell Pipeline for Government
This module introduces the pipeline feature of Windows PowerShell. While similar features exist in other command-line shells, the pipeline in Windows PowerShell is more complex, flexible, and capable. This module equips students with the skills to use the shell more effectively and efficiently.
Lessons
- Understanding the Pipeline
- Selecting, Sorting, and Measuring Objects
- Filtering Objects Out of the Pipeline
- Enumerating Objects in the Pipeline
- Sending Pipeline Data as Output
Lab: Using the Pipeline for Government Tasks
- Selecting, Sorting, and Displaying Data
Lab: Filtering Objects for Government Use
- Filtering Objects
Lab: Enumerating Objects for Government Operations
- Enumerating Objects
Lab: Sending Output to a File for Record-Keeping
- Exporting User Information to a File
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Describe the purpose of the Windows PowerShell pipeline.
- Select, sort, and measure objects in the pipeline.
- Filter objects out of the pipeline.
- Enumerate objects in the pipeline.
- Send output consisting of pipeline data.
Module 4: Understanding How the Pipeline Works for Government
This module explains how Windows PowerShell passes objects from one command to another in the pipeline. It covers two techniques and provides knowledge on when each technique is most appropriate, enabling the construction of more useful and complex command lines.
Lessons
- Passing the Pipeline Data
- Advanced Considerations for Pipeline Data
Lab: Working with Pipeline Parameter Binding for Government
- Predicting Pipeline Behavior
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Pass data using the ByValue technique.
- Describe advanced techniques for passing pipeline data.
Module 5: Using PSProviders and PSDrives for Government
This module introduces PSProviders and PSDrives, which are adapters that make various forms of storage resemble disk drives. These adapters facilitate working with different types of storage using the same commands and techniques as managing the file system.
Lessons
- Using PSProviders
- Using PSDrives
Lab: Using PSProviders and PSDrives for Government Operations
- Creating Files and Folders on a Remote Computer
- Creating a Registry Key for Future Scripts
- Creating a New Active Directory Group
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Use PSProviders.
- Use PSDrives.
Module 6: Querying System Information Using WMI and CIM for Government
This module introduces two technologies—Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) and Common Information Model (CIM)—that provide local and remote access to a repository of management information, including data from the operating system, computer hardware, and installed software.
Lessons
- Understanding WMI and CIM
- Querying Data Using WMI and CIM
- Making Changes with WMI/CIM
Lab: Working with WMI and CIM for Government
- Querying Information Using WMI
- Querying Information Using CIM
- Invoking Methods
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Explain the differences between Common Information Model (CIM) and Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI).
- Query management information using CIM and WMI.
- Invoke methods using CIM and WMI.
Module 7: Working with Variables, Arrays, and Hash Tables for Government
This module provides the skills and knowledge required to use variables, arrays, and hash tables in Windows PowerShell for government operations.
Lessons
- Using Variables
- Manipulating Variables
- Manipulating Arrays and Hash Tables
Lab: Working with Variables for Government Tasks
- Working with Variable Types
- Using Arrays
- Using Hash Tables
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Assign a value to variables.
- Manipulate variables.
- Manipulate arrays and hash tables.
Module 8: Basic Scripting for Government
This module demonstrates how to package Windows PowerShell commands into scripts, which allow the execution of repetitive and complex tasks that cannot be accomplished with a single command.
Lessons
- Introduction to Scripting
- Scripting Constructs
- Importing Data from Files
Lab: Basic Scripting for Government Operations
- Setting Up a Script
- Processing an Array with a ForEach Loop
- Processing Items Using If Statements
- Creating a Random Password
- Creating Users Based on a CSV File
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Run a Windows PowerShell script.
- Use Windows PowerShell scripting constructs.
- Import data from a file.
Module 9: Advanced Scripting for Government
This module introduces more advanced techniques in scripts, including gathering user input, reading input from files, documenting scripts with help information, and error handling.
Lessons
- Accepting User Input
- Overview of Script Documentation
- Troubleshooting and Error Handling
- Functions and Modules
Lab: Accepting Data from Users for Government Scripts
- Querying Disk Information from Remote Computers
- Updating the Script to Use Alternate Credentials
- Documenting a Script
Lab: Implementing Functions and Modules for Government
- Creating a Logging Function
- Adding Error Handling to a Script
- Converting a Function to a Module
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Accept user input for a script.
- Explain script documentation.
- Implement error handling for a script.
- Explain functions and modules.
Module 10: Administering Remote Computers for Government
This module introduces the Windows PowerShell remoting technology, which enables connections to one or more remote computers to instruct them to run commands on behalf of the user.
Lessons
- Using Basic Windows PowerShell Remoting
- Using Advanced Windows PowerShell Remoting Techniques
- Using PSSessions
Lab: Using Basic Remoting for Government
- Enabling Remoting on the Local Computer
- Performing One-to-One Remoting
- Performing One-to-Many Remoting
Lab: Using PSSessions for Government Operations
- Using Implicit Remoting
- Managing Multiple Computers
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Describe remoting architecture and security.
- Use advanced remoting techniques.
- Create and manage persistent remoting sessions.
Module 11: Using Background Jobs and Scheduled Jobs for Government
This module provides information about the job features of Windows PowerShell. Jobs are an extension point in Windows PowerShell, with various types offering different capabilities and functionalities.
Lessons
- Using Background Jobs
- Using Scheduled Jobs
Lab: Using Background Jobs and Scheduled Jobs for Government Operations
- Starting and Managing Jobs
- Creating a Scheduled Job
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Create and manage background jobs.
- Create and manage scheduled jobs.
Module 12: Using Advanced Windows PowerShell Techniques for Government
This module covers several advanced Windows PowerShell techniques and features. These techniques extend the functionality learned in previous modules and introduce new capabilities to enhance data management.
Lessons
- Creating Profile Scripts
- Using Advanced Techniques
Lab: Practicing Advanced Techniques for Government Operations
- Creating a Profile Script
- Verifying the Validity of an IP Address
- Reporting Disk Information
- Configuring NTFS Permissions
- Creating User Accounts with Passwords from a CSV File
Lab: Practicing Script Development (Optional)
- TBA
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Create and manage profile scripts.
- Use advanced techniques to work with data.
Requirements
- Experience with Windows networking technologies and their implementation for government systems.
- Experience in administering, maintaining, and troubleshooting Windows Server environments.
- Experience in administering, maintaining, and troubleshooting Windows Client systems.
- Participants who attend this training can meet the prerequisites by acquiring equivalent knowledge and skills through practical experience as a Windows system administrator. No prerequisite courses are required for government personnel.
