Powershell Basics

Overview:

The following goes over Powershell and the basics

What is PowerShell?

PowerShell is a powerful task automation and configuration management framework from Microsoft. It includes a command-line shell and scripting language, designed to help professionals control and automate the administration of Windows and applications.

Key Features:

• Cmdlets: Lightweight commands within PowerShell.

• Pipelines: Pass outputs from one cmdlet as inputs to another.

• Scripting Language: Create scripts to automate tasks.

• Automation: Simplify complex and repetitive tasks.

• Object-Oriented: Operates with objects, not just text.

Installing and Updating PowerShell

For Windows Users:

1. Check for Pre-Installed PowerShell:

   • Most Windows versions come with Windows PowerShell pre-installed.

   • Open PowerShell: Search for "PowerShell" in the Start menu and launch it.

2. Install PowerShell Core:

   • Download the latest version from the PowerShell GitHub releases page.

   • Follow the installation prompts.

For macOS and Linux Users:

1. Download and Install:

   • Visit the PowerShell GitHub page.

   • Follow platform-specific installation instructions provided.

Updating PowerShell:

• Download and run the latest installer from the PowerShell GitHub releases page to update.

Basic Command Syntax and Structure

PowerShell commands, or cmdlets, use a Verb-Noun naming convention:

Verb-Noun -Parameter <Value>

Examples:

Get-Process -Name "notepad"

Common Verbs:

• Get: Retrieve data

• Set: Change data

• New: Create a new resource

• Remove: Delete a resource

• Start: Begin an operation

Practical Examples to Get Started

Exercise 1: Open PowerShell

• Windows: Search for "PowerShell" in the Start menu and open it.

• macOS/Linux: Open your terminal and type pwsh to start PowerShell Core.

Exercise 2: Run Basic Commands

• List all running processes:

  Get-Process

• Get help for a cmdlet:

  Get-Help Get-Process

• Retrieve the current date and time:

  Get-Date

Exercise 3: Explore PowerShell Help

• Update the help system:

  Update-Help

• Get detailed help for a cmdlet:

  Get-Help Get-Process -Detailed

Exercise 4: Check Parameters of a Given Command

Get-Help Get-Process -Parameter *