The importance of PowerShell is growing

Recently I read an article from Redmond Magazine about the importance for IT professionals to learn Windows PowerShell. (You can read the article here) In the article, there is a good quote that I would like to post here.

Right now, you've got a choice if you want to remain relevant as an IT professional: Learn Windows PowerShell, or learn ‘Do you want fries with that?'"

Greg Shields (RedmondMag.com)

This morning I am building a new Windows 8 test environment using the Windows 8 Datacenter Beta. I usually just go right through the installation but this morning I stopped and read some changes. I’m looking at the screen where you choose between Server Core and the Full installation (now called Server with a GUI).

Read the differences in the description between Server 2008 and Server 8 for the both the Server Core and Full installation. take note of when command prompter and PowerShell is used as well as which is the “Recommended” installation.

Server Core 2008

This option installs the minimal installation of Windows Server without the standard Windows user interface, and with a subset of server roles that can be managed from a command prompt, reducing management requirements and attack surface.

Server Core Windows Server 8

This option (recommended) reduces management and servicing by installing only what is needed to run most server roles and applications. It does not include a GUI, but you can fully manage the server locally or remotely with Windows PowerShell or other tools. You can switch to a different instillation option later. See “Windows Server installation Options.’

Windows 2008 (Full installation)

This option installs the complete installation of Windows Server. The installation includes the entire user interface, and it supports all of the server roles.

Windows 8 (Server with a GUI)

This option is useful when a GUI is required – for example, to provide backward compatibility for an application that cannot run ion a Server Core installation. All server roles and features are supported. You can switch to a different option later. See “Windows Server installation Options.

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Jason Yoder, MCT

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