An Introduction to Microsoft PowerShell
(Page 1 of 4 )
The next evolution in Windows Scripting has arrived under the name Windows PowerShell. Formerly code-named Monad, PowerShell is a new command line shell and scripting language geared specifically toward helping IT professionals achieve greater productivity.
PowerShell ships standard with Windows Vista and later and is available as a download for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. Vista users should take the time to download the latest update to the framework. At the time of this writing, the latest release of PowerShell 1.0 is RC2 and can be downloaded at the link below.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/technologies/
management/powershell/download.mspx
You’re probably asking yourself “Okay, so what’s the big deal?” For years Linux fans have been bashing (no pun intended) Windows users over the extreme power available on the Linux command line. But that’s all about to change.
PowerShell adds a whole new dimension of command line capabilities to Windows. This new environment adds a perfect mix of simplicity and power. Its fully featured command base brings flexibility and power to the end user while providing ease of use. It’s like batch on steroids.
PowerShell also has the ability to work with WMI and all of your other favorite Windows scripting technologies while adding its own native features that are missing from other command line environments.
PowerShell is known by several different names. Let’s clear some of them up before going any further. The official name is Windows PowerShell. During development it was originally called Monad. It’s also sometimes referred to as MSH for Microsoft Command Shell.
Next: PowerShell Features >>
More Windows Scripting Articles
More By Nilpo/Developer Shed Staff Writer
/ 4 
