PowerShell is…uh…powerful. But, despite its powerful, able to leap tall buildings at a single bound, abilities, there are many IT Pros that haven't even run a single line of code. I've heard things like "PowerShell won't fly" or "it will be replaced by something else soon just like VB Script was" or "PowerShell doesn't work with everything." To be completely forthcoming, none of those statements are accurate in the least.
PowerShell is steadily growing in both IT Pro acceptance and also integration into the entire Microsoft software portfolio. The past 3-4 years we've seen PowerShell integrated into some of Microsoft's largest solutions like System Center and Windows Azure but also into things like Microsoft Office. So, if Microsoft is providing PowerShell capability for something like their Office suite, you have to bet they have a large investment in the scripting language and it's not going to be replaced anytime soon.
Microsoft provides many ways to manage endpoints and, in my opinion, maybe too many ways. Active Directory, System Center, SysInternals, MDOP, WSUS, Windows Intune, the list goes on and on. But, in providing many different ways to manage endpoints Microsoft gives customers a choice so they can tailor a solution that fits the organization. Many companies actually take several of the options together to complete a total management solution.
PowerShell joins the list of management options, but is the geeky, CB-radio in the basement, type of management route. If you're interested in learning more about PowerShell, or are a seasoned PS'er, check out our PowerShell coverage here at Windows IT Pro.
Windows 8.1 introduces some new CMDLets to Windows, giving administrators additional options for managing specific pieces of the operating system's functions. CMDLets are, basically, extensions to the Windows PowerShell environment that combine activities into automated scripts.
The new CMDLets coming in Windows 8.1 are for:
- VPN Configuration
- Windows Defender
- Start Screen management
- Deployment Image Servicing Management (DISM)
- Kiosk
- Near Field Communications (NFC) Printer functionality
- Network Address Translation (NAT) Management
- Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
- Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI)
- TCP/IP
- Systems Management
- Storage
- Volume management
- Systems Management Bus (SMB)
Of course, we're a short time off before Windows 8.1 officially releases, so this list could grow. I'll update the list as it changes.
This article is part of The IT Guide to Windows 8.1, a continuing series to make the case for Windows 8.1 in the organization.
