MS 55318: Advanced Automated Administration with Windows PowerShell

This course teaches students how to automate administrative tasks using PowerShell. Students will learn crucial scripting skills such as creating advanced functions, writing controller scripts, and handling script errors. Candidates will learn how to use PowerShell when working with Microsoft Azure, SQL Server, Active Directory, IIS, Windows PowerShell Workflow, .NET resources, the REST API and XML, CSV & JSON formatted data files.

About this training

This course is the updated version of the retired legacy MOC course MS 10962.

The primary focus of the exercises and labs in this course is Windows PowerShell but much of the material may also be used with PowerShell Core.
The examples and demonstrations cover a wide range of services that PowerShell can be used with. Students will be able to practice using PowerShell with Active Directory, IIS, .NET resources, SMTP, SQL Server, and various file formats used for input / output operations such as JSON, XML and CSV. The virtual machines used for the class are built with PowerShell and the scripts are made available to students so they can build their own lab environment in Microsoft Azure or Hyper-V using the skills they learn in class.

Audience 

This course is intended for IT professionals who are experienced in general Windows Server and Windows Client administration. Students should have a foundational knowledge of Windows PowerShell.

In addition, this course provides scripting guidance for Microsoft Azure administrators and developers who support development environments and deployment processes.

Prerequisites

• Experience as a Windows System Administor
• Prior scripting or programming experience

All the prerequisites can be met by successfully taking the AZ-040: Automating Administration with PowerShell

Course goals

After completing this course, students will be able to:

• Create advanced functions.
• Use Microsoft .NET Framework and REST API in Windows PowerShell.
• Handle script errors.
• Use XML, JSON, and custom formatted data.
• Manage Microsoft Azure resources
• Analyze and debug scripts
• Understand Windows PowerShell workflow.

Course content

Module 1: Creating advanced functions

• Converting a command into an advanced function
• Creating a script module
• Defining parameter attributes and input validation
• Writing functions that accept pipeline input
• Producing complex pipeline output
• Using comment-based Help
• Using Whatif and Confirm parameters

Module 2: Using Microsoft .NET Framework and REST API in Windows PowerShell

• Using .NET Framework in PowerShell
• Using REST API in PowerShell

Module 3: Writing controller scripts

• Understanding controller scripts
• Writing controller scripts with a user interface
• Writing controller scripts that create reports

Module 4: Handling script errors

• Understanding error handling
• Handling errors in a script

Module 5: Using XML, JSON, and custom-formatted data

• Working with XML formatted data
• Working with JSON formatted data
• Working with custom-formatted data

Module 6: Enhancing server management with Desired State Configuration and Just Enough Administration

• Implementing Desired State Configuration
• Implementing Just Enough Administration

Module 7: Analyzing and debugging scripts

• Debugging in Windows PowerShell
• Analyzing and debugging an existing script

Module 8: Understanding Windows PowerShell Workflow

• Understanding Windows PowerShell Workflows
• Running Windows PowerShell Workflows

Certification

There is no certification related to this course.