Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction to Windows PowerShell
This module provides an introductory overview of Windows PowerShell, detailing its core capabilities. It outlines the procedures for launching and configuring the environment, as well as executing commands and utilizing the integrated help resources. These foundational skills are essential for establishing a standardized workflow for government IT operations.
Lessons
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Overview of Windows PowerShell capabilities
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Analyzing Windows PowerShell command syntax
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Locating commands and accessing documentation within Windows PowerShell
Practical Exercise: Configuration and Command Execution in Windows PowerShell
- Configuring the Windows PowerShell console interface
- Configuring the Windows PowerShell ISE environment
- Identifying and executing Windows PowerShell commands
- Utilizing About files for reference
Upon successful completion of this module, participants will be able to:
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Identify the primary features of Windows PowerShell and perform necessary configuration tasks.
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Discover, review, and execute relevant Windows PowerShell commands.
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Locate appropriate Windows PowerShell commands for designated operational tasks.
Module 2: Windows PowerShell for Local Systems Management
This module examines the specific cmdlets employed in local system administration. While ad hoc searches are possible, a foundational understanding of these administrative tools ensures greater efficiency in governance and resource management. Additionally, the module details the management of Windows 10 environments through PowerShell, supporting standardized operations for government endpoints.
Lessons
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Cmdlets for Active Directory Domain Services administration
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Cmdlets for network configuration
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Cmdlets for server administration
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Windows PowerShell integration within Windows 10
Practical Exercise: Local Systems Management using PowerShell
- Creating and maintaining Active Directory objects
- Configuring network parameters on Windows Server
- Establishing web site configurations
Upon successful completion of this module, participants will be able to:
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Identify and apply cmdlets for Active Directory Domain Services management.
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Identify and apply cmdlets for network configuration tasks.
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Identify and apply cmdlets for general server administration duties.
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Manage Windows 10 systems utilizing PowerShell.
Module 3: Utilizing the Windows PowerShell Pipeline
This module addresses the pipeline functionality intrinsic to Windows PowerShell. Although other command-line interfaces offer basic piping, the PowerShell pipeline provides enhanced flexibility and capability for complex data processing. Mastery of this feature is critical for efficient data manipulation and reporting within government IT systems.
Lessons
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Conceptual understanding of the pipeline architecture
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Selecting, sorting, and measuring data objects
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Excluding objects from the pipeline via filtering
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Processing individual objects within the pipeline
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Routing and transmitting pipeline data as output
Practical Exercise: Application of the PowerShell Pipeline
- Selecting, ordering, and presenting data
- Applying filters to objects
- Processing individual items in a sequence
- Transforming data objects
Upon successful completion of this module, participants will be able to:
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Explain the utility and function of the Windows PowerShell pipeline.
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Select, sort, and measure objects within the pipeline.
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Filter specific objects out of the pipeline stream.
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Enumerate objects within the pipeline.
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Generate output from pipeline data.
Module 4: Implementation of PSProviders and PSDrives
This module introduces the PSProvider and PSDrive frameworks. A PSProvider acts as an adapter that maps various storage types to a drive-like interface, while a PSDrive represents the active connection to that storage. These mechanisms enable administrators to manage diverse data stores using consistent command-line techniques, enhancing operational consistency for government agencies.
Lessons
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Application of PSProviders
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Application of PSDrives
Practical Exercise: Leveraging PSProviders and PSDrives
- Creating files and directories on remote hosts
- Establishing registry keys for future automation
- Provisioning new Active Directory groups
Upon successful completion of this module, participants will be able to:
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Implement PSProviders for storage access.
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Implement PSDrives for resource management.
Module 5: Retrieving Management Information via CIM and WMI
This module presents two complementary technologies: Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) and Common Information Model (CIM). Both frameworks facilitate local and remote access to comprehensive management data, including details on the operating system, hardware, and installed applications. This capability is vital for auditing and asset management in government IT environments.
Lessons
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Distinguishing between CIM and WMI
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Retrieving data via CIM and WMI
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Modifying system settings via CIM and WMI
Practical Exercise: Querying Systems with WMI and CIM
- Retrieving information using WMI
- Retrieving information using CIM
- Invoking system methods
Upon successful completion of this module, participants will be able to:
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Differentiate between the features of CIM and WMI.
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Query management data using CIM and WMI.
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Invoke methods using CIM and WMI.
Module 6: Management of Variables, Arrays, and Hash Tables
Variables are fundamental to scripting, enabling the execution of complex operations that exceed the capacity of single commands. This module details the handling of variables, arrays, and hash tables, providing the necessary groundwork for developing robust Windows PowerShell scripts suitable for government automation needs.
Lessons
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Application of variables
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Modifying variable values
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Managing arrays and hash tables
Practical Exercise: Working with Variables, Arrays, and Hash Tables
- Handling various variable types
- Implementing array operations
- Implementing hash table operations
Upon successful completion of this module, participants will be able to:
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Assign values to variables.
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Describe methods for manipulating variables.
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Describe methods for manipulating arrays and hash tables.
Module 7: Windows PowerShell Script Development
This module instructs on packaging PowerShell commands into scripts. Scripting facilitates the automation of repetitive processes and the execution of complex tasks that cannot be achieved through discrete commands. This skill is essential for streamlining operations and ensuring standardization in government IT services.
Lessons
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Fundamentals of Windows PowerShell scripting
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Scripting syntax and constructs
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Ingesting data from files
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Capturing user input
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Debugging and error management
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Development of functions and modules
Practical Exercise: Scripting with PowerShell
- Signing scripts for security compliance
- Processing arrays using ForEach loops
- Implementing conditional logic with If statements
- Provisioning users based on CSV data
- Querying disk information on remote systems
- Updating scripts to utilize alternative credentials
Upon successful completion of this module, participants will be able to:
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Execute Windows PowerShell scripts.
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Apply Windows PowerShell scripting constructs.
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Import data from file sources.
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Capture user input during script execution.
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Implement error handling mechanisms in scripts.
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Explain the structure of functions and modules.
Module 8: Remote Computer Administration via Windows PowerShell
This module introduces Windows PowerShell Remoting, a technology that permits administrators to connect to local and remote hosts to execute commands. Effective remote management is crucial for maintaining distributed government IT infrastructure securely and efficiently.
Lessons
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Foundations of Windows PowerShell Remoting
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Advanced remoting techniques
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Management of PSSessions
Practical Exercise: Remote Administration with PowerShell
- Enabling remoting on the local host
- Executing one-to-one remote commands
- Executing one-to-many remote commands
- Utilizing implicit remoting
Upon successful completion of this module, participants will be able to:
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Describe the architecture and security considerations of remoting.
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Apply advanced Windows PowerShell remoting techniques.
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Establish and manage persistent remoting sessions.
Module 9: Azure Resource Management with PowerShell
This module covers the installation of modules required for cloud service management. It details the use of PowerShell to perform administrative tasks on Azure resources, including virtual machines, storage accounts, and subscriptions. Furthermore, it explains the use of Azure Cloud Shell for direct administration via the Azure portal, supporting hybrid cloud strategies for government agencies.
Lessons
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Azure PowerShell environment
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Introduction to Azure Cloud Shell
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Managing Azure Virtual Machines with PowerShell
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Managing storage and subscriptions
Practical Exercise: Azure Resource Management using PowerShell
- Activating Azure subscriptions and installing the Az module
- Operating Azure Cloud Shell
- Managing Azure resources using Azure PowerShell
Upon successful completion of this module, participants will be able to:
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Describe, install, and utilize the Azure PowerShell environment.
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Describe and operate Azure Cloud Shell.
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Manage Azure Virtual Machines using PowerShell.
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Manage Azure storage accounts and subscriptions using Azure PowerShell.
Module 10: Microsoft 365 Service Management with PowerShell
This module outlines the use of PowerShell to manage Microsoft 365 user accounts, licensing, and groups, as well as Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and Microsoft Teams. Centralized management of these services is critical for maintaining productivity and compliance in government digital workflows.
Lessons
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Managing Microsoft 365 users, licenses, and groups with PowerShell
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Managing Exchange Online with PowerShell
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Managing SharePoint Online with PowerShell
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Managing Microsoft Teams with PowerShell
Practical Exercise: Managing Microsoft 365 Services
- Managing users and groups in Azure AD
- Managing Exchange Online services
- Managing SharePoint Online content
- Managing Microsoft Teams settings
Upon successful completion of this module, participants will be able to:
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Use PowerShell to manage users, groups, and licenses in Azure AD.
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Manage Exchange Online services with PowerShell.
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Manage SharePoint Online services with PowerShell.
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Manage Microsoft Teams with PowerShell.
Module 11: Implementation of Background and Scheduled Jobs
This module details the use of background and scheduled jobs to optimize system performance. It explains the creation of scheduled tasks and the retrieval of job results, ensuring that non-critical tasks do not impede real-time operations in government IT systems.
Lessons
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Application of background jobs
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Application of scheduled jobs
Practical Exercise: Job Management with PowerShell
- Initiating and monitoring jobs
- Creating scheduled job tasks
Upon successful completion of this module, participants will be able to:
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Create and manage background jobs.
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Create and manage scheduled jobs.
Requirements
Before participating in this course, individuals must possess the following qualifications:
- Proficiency in Windows networking technologies and their implementation.
- Experience in Windows Server administration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Testimonials (2)
Examples and their usage
Dariusz Frycz - WASKO SPOLKA AKCYJNA
Course - AZ-040T00: Automating Administration with PowerShell
Examples, relaxed atmosphere, ...
