Course Outline
Module 1: Introduction to Windows PowerShell
This module provides an overview of the Windows PowerShell environment and its core capabilities. Participants will learn how to launch and configure the shell, execute commands, and utilize the integrated Help system for reference.
Essential competencies for government IT operations include establishing baseline configurations and leveraging built-in documentation to support efficient system management.
Lessons
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Windows PowerShell overview
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Understand Windows PowerShell command syntax
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Locate commands and access help resources in Windows PowerShell
Lab : Configuring Windows PowerShell, and locating and executing commands
- Configuring the Windows PowerShell console application
- Configuring the Windows PowerShell ISE application
- Locating and executing Windows PowerShell commands
- Navigating About files for command documentation
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
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Outline key features of Windows PowerShell and configure the environment.
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Identify, understand, and execute Windows PowerShell commands.
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Locate appropriate commands for specific administrative tasks.
Module 2: Local System Administration with Windows PowerShell
This module covers essential cmdlets used in system administration. While on-demand discovery of cmdlets is possible, familiarity with common tools enhances operational efficiency. The module also addresses the management of Windows 10 environments using PowerShell, supporting standardized deployment and maintenance for government systems.
Lessons
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Active Directory Domain Services administration cmdlets
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Network configuration cmdlets
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Server administration cmdlets
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Windows PowerShell in Windows 10
Lab : Performing local system administration with PowerShell
- Creating and managing Active Directory objects
- Configuring network settings on Windows Server
- Configuring web services
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
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Identify and utilize cmdlets for AD DS administration.
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Identify and utilize cmdlets for network configuration.
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Identify and utilize cmdlets for server administration tasks.
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Manage Windows 10 endpoints using PowerShell.
Module 3: Utilizing the Windows PowerShell Pipeline
This module introduces the pipeline architecture of Windows PowerShell. While similar concepts exist in traditional shells, PowerShell’s implementation offers greater flexibility and processing power for complex data handling. Mastery of the pipeline is critical for efficient automation and reporting in government IT workflows.
Lessons
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Understand the pipeline architecture
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Select, sort, and measure objects
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Filter data within the pipeline
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Enumerate objects in the pipeline
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Pass and direct pipeline output
Lab : Utilizing the PowerShell pipeline
- Selecting, sorting, and displaying data
- Filtering objects
- Enumerating objects
- Converting object formats
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
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Explain the purpose and function of the Windows PowerShell pipeline.
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Select, sort, and measure objects within the pipeline.
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Filter objects from the pipeline stream.
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Enumerate objects in the pipeline.
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Direct pipeline data as output for further processing.
Module 4: Utilizing PSProviders and PSDrives
This module covers PSProviders and PSDrives, which allow storage types to be accessed via the same commands used for file systems. These adapters enable administrators to manage diverse data stores—such as registries or Active Directory—with consistent syntax.
Lessons
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Using PSProviders
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Using PSDrives
Lab : Using PSProviders and PSDrives with PowerShell
- Creating files and folders on a remote computer
- Creating a registry key for future scripts
- Create a new Active Directory group
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
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Utilize PSProviders to access different storage locations.
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Utilize PSDrives to map and access storage resources.
Module 5: Querying Management Information via CIM and WMI
This module introduces Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) and the Common Information Model (CIM). These technologies provide structured access to management data, including operating system details, hardware status, and software configurations, supporting comprehensive monitoring for government infrastructure.
Lessons
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Understand CIM and WMI architectures
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Query data using CIM and WMI
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Modify configurations using CIM and WMI
Lab : Querying information by using WMI and CIM
- Querying information by using WMI
- Querying information by using CIM
- Invoking methods
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
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Differentiate between CIM and WMI technologies.
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Query management information using CIM and WMI.
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Invoke methods via CIM and WMI for system control.
Module 6: Working with Variables, Arrays, and Hash Tables
Variables are fundamental to script development. This module explains how to use variables, arrays, and hash tables to handle complex logic that exceeds the capacity of single commands, enhancing automation capabilities for government agencies.
Lessons
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Use variables
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Manipulate variables
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Manipulate arrays and hash tables
Lab : Using variables, arrays, and hash tables in PowerShell
- Working with variable types
- Using arrays
- Using hash tables
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
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Assign values to variables.
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Describe variable manipulation techniques.
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Describe array and hash table manipulation methods.
Module 7: Windows PowerShell Scripting
This module details the process of packaging commands into scripts. Scripts enable the automation of repetitive processes and complex workflows that cannot be performed manually or via single-line commands.
Lessons
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Introduction to scripting with Windows PowerShell
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Script constructs
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Import data from files
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Accept user input
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Troubleshooting and error handling
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Functions and modules
Lab : Using scripts with PowerShell
- Signing a script for security compliance
- Processing an array with a ForEach loop
- Processing items by using If statements
- Creating users based on a CSV file
- Querying disk information from remote computers
- Updating the script to use alternate credentials
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
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Execute a Windows PowerShell script.
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Utilize Windows PowerShell scripting constructs.
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Import data from external files.
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Accept user input for dynamic script execution.
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Implement error handling to ensure script resilience.
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Explain the role of functions and modules in scripting.
Module 8: Administering Remote Computers with Windows PowerShell
This module covers Windows PowerShell remoting, which allows administrators to connect to and execute commands on remote machines. This capability is essential for distributed IT operations and centralized management of government networks.
Lessons
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Use basic Windows PowerShell remoting
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Use advanced Windows PowerShell remoting techniques
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Use PSSessions
Lab : Performing remote administration with PowerShell
- Enabling remoting on the local computer
- Performing one-to-one remoting
- Performing one-to-many remoting
- Using implicit remoting
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
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Describe remoting architecture and security implications.
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Apply advanced Windows PowerShell remoting techniques.
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Create and manage persistent remoting sessions for efficient administration.
Module 9: Managing Azure Resources with PowerShell
This module covers the installation of necessary modules for cloud service management. It demonstrates how to use PowerShell to administer Azure resources, including virtual machines (VMs), storage accounts, and subscriptions. The module also introduces Azure Cloud Shell for browser-based PowerShell or Bash administration.
Lessons
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Azure PowerShell
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Introduce Azure Cloud Shell
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Manage Azure VMs with PowerShell
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Manage storage and subscriptions
Lab : Azure resource management with PowerShell
- Activating the Azure subscription and installing the PowerShell Az module
- Using Azure Cloud Shell
- Managing Azure resources with Azure PowerShell
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
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Describe, install, and use the Azure PowerShell environment for government cloud operations.
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Describe and utilize Azure Cloud Shell.
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Manage Azure VMs with PowerShell.
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Manage Azure storage accounts and subscriptions with Azure PowerShell.
Module 10: Managing Microsoft 365 Services with PowerShell
This module demonstrates how to use PowerShell to administer Microsoft 365 resources, including user accounts, licenses, groups, Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and Microsoft Teams.
Lessons
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Manage Microsoft 365 user accounts, licenses, and groups with PowerShell
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Manage Exchange Online with PowerShell
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Manage SharePoint Online with PowerShell
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Manage Microsoft Teams with PowerShell
Lab : Managing Microsoft 365 with PowerShell
- Managing users and groups in Azure AD
- Managing Exchange Online
- Managing SharePoint
- Managing Microsoft Teams
Upon 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 with PowerShell.
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Manage SharePoint Online with PowerShell.
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Manage Microsoft Teams with PowerShell.
Module 11: Using Background Jobs and Scheduled Jobs
This module explains the use of background jobs for asynchronous processing and scheduled jobs for recurring tasks. It covers the creation of scheduled jobs and the retrieval of job results to support automated workflows.
Lessons
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Use background jobs
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Use scheduled jobs
Lab : Jobs management with PowerShell
- Starting and managing jobs
- Creating a scheduled job
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
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Create and manage background jobs for non-blocking operations.
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Create and manage scheduled jobs for automated task execution.
Requirements
To participate in this program, candidates are required to possess the following prerequisites:
- Demonstrated expertise in the deployment and management of Windows networking infrastructure.
- Proven proficiency in administering, maintaining, and troubleshooting Windows Server environments for government operations.
Testimonials (2)
Examples and their usage
Dariusz Frycz - WASKO SPOLKA AKCYJNA
Course - AZ-040T00: Automating Administration with PowerShell
Examples, relaxed atmosphere, ...
