5 Minute PowerShell

My October Mr. Roboto column is now available online. The article contains my suggestions for how someone completely new to PowerShell might spend their first 5 minutes. Perhaps not literally, since I expect most people will want to spend more than 60 seconds on my suggested steps. But overall I thought my proposal was a reasonable approach. I wanted a 5 minute experience that would gently introduce Windows PowerShell. I know the thought of working from a command line or having to learn a new way of managing Windows is off-putting for many administrators. I wanted someone who had never seen PowerShell or a command prompt before to realize this isn't a scary or necessarily complicated tool and that you can accomplish a great deal with minimal effort. Sure, I want people to buy books, training videos, attend classes and conferences etc., but I also want them to realize how much they can learn on their own. In fact let me add a few more suggested "minutes".

Step 6 - Visit the Scripting with Windows PowerShell section of Microsoft Technet. Be sure to take a look at the Windows PowerShell Owner's Manual.

Step 7 - Visit and subscribe to the Windows PowerShell Team's blog. Besided finding valuable suggestions, you'll also keep on top of the latest news.

Step 8 - Depending on where you live and/or the hours you keep, consider joining the weekly PowerScripting podcast's live UStream broadcast. Or if you can't catch the show live, be sure to subscribe via your favorite podcatcher. Aslo check out the Get-Scripting podcast.

Step 9 - Find a PowerShell user group in your area and get involved. Can't find one? Then start one. If you aren' sure where to begin, let me know and I'll help get you started on the right foot.

Step 10 - Use PowerShell daily. Run simple commands to gather information. Don't try to write a monolithic PowerShell one-liner; work your way up.

What do you think about my first 5 minute suggestions?

Technorati : Mr. Roboto, Powershell
Del.icio.us : Mr. Roboto, Powershell