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PowerShell for Sysadmins: Workflow Automation Made Easy
Learn to use PowerShell, Microsoft's scripting language, to automate real-world tasks that IT professionals and system administrators deal with every day.Save Time. Automate.PowerShell® is both a scripting language and an administrative shell that lets you control and automate nearly every aspect of IT. In PowerShell for Sysadmins, five-time Microsoft® MVP "Adam the Automator" Bertram shows you how to use PowerShell to manage and automate your desktop and server environments so that you can head out for an early lunch.You'll learn how commands, control flow, handle errors, write scripts, run scripts remotely, and test scripts with the PowerShell testing framework, PesterParse structured data like XML and JSON, work with common domains (like Active Directory, Azure, and Amazon Web Services), and create a real-world server inventory scriptDesign and build a PowerShell module to demonstrate PowerShell isn't just about ad-hoc scriptsUse PowerShell to create a hands-off, completely automated Windows deploymentBuild an entire Active Directory forest from nothing but a Hyper-V host and a few ISO filesCreate endless Web and SQL servers with just a few lines of code!Real-world examples throughout help bridge the gap between theory and actual system, and the author's anecdotes keep things lively.Stop with the expensive software and fancy consultants. Learn how to manage your own environment with PowerShell for Sysadmins and make everyone happy.Covers Windows PowerShell v5.1
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2020
252 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 19, 2020
I would call this one of the perfect books to pick up when you want to get a first glance at the wonders of Powershell. The book comes in 3 parts. Part 1 is the introduction to powershell and makes it feel more like a fully fleshed out software language than a command line tool. Part 2 dives into being a system administrator with server parsing and Cloud management with AWS and Azure. I won't go into part 3 here, but know that I find it very cool. I would recommend this book to any person developing in windows for almost any reason. While bash may be the standard for Git, you'll find that you can use powershell to replace it and this book will give a good dip to that environment. So if all of this sounds fun then come with me as we explore Powershell for Sysadmins.
Readability : How easy would it be for someone to sit down with this book and finish it quickly.
Accuracy : How accurate is the information being given? Could you write every single line of code in this book and have the books answers match the code you wrote. Normally this is a -1 out of 10 per major mistake and per 4 minor mistakes the book makes
Subject : Does this book do what it wants to do and is what it wants to do good?
Bonus points: for extra stuff that I liked. This will be the most subjective part of the review and might not go into much detail. It's just little things that I highly enjoyed and wanted to give a shoutout about
Readability 8/10:
This book took about 13 days to read with about 10-35 pages per day read.
The book is cut up into 3 section and each one is more readable than the last because of the way the Author choose to write it and because of the material that the author had to go through in the earlier sections of the book.
Part 1 of this book feels like a language introduction and will run a little slow. It has to go through a lot of the basics of powershell, but it doesn't do what most language books do and try to bog you down with all of the useful instances of what powershell can do as a scripting language. Instead the Author came to the decision to let each section teach you exactly what you'll need to help you through his book and then points you to other places to find more. This makes it a lot more quickly digestible, but it still has some of the problems you would normally have reading a language introduction section in any book.
Things really kick off when you reach part 2 where the fun projects begin. Here we start building out servers from local to cloud based in a quick 100 pages. The author follows a lot of the same structure as he did for the previous section and because of that a lot of the slog that comes with the initial introduction to cloud or server management is made easier. Here is the minimum you need to know and here is where you can learn more.
Part 3 is just cool to me so I got through it faster than some others might
Accuracy 10/10:
While this book operates on Powershell 5.0 I did the book in 7.0. I didn't find very many problems at all when recreating most of the code that was posted in this book and nothing that couldn't be chocked up to “I was using a different version”. Luckily for me almost everything in this book worked on 7.0. Also I tried a lot of this book out in Linux as well as Windows and, other than not having ISE automatically provided by my OS, I can say that it worked fine.
Subject 10/10:
As a developer you can really choose powershell or bash to learn as a command line tool. This is something that every developer should learn within their lifetime. As a python developer I've mostly been told to stay within the Vim and Bash paths to success, but this book has given me a new understanding of what things I could do within the windows system. I would say that any developer that works in windows should pick up this book and that as long as you're working in windows this book will be useful. I did a lot of the pages inside of a linux system as well and didn't find any hicups that couldn't easily be overcome other than not having ISE to reach for inside my OS, but Vscode filled the void for me.
Bonus Points:
+1 to the information presentation:
Most introduction books have to be a little boring because they want you to have their book as the sole resource for a language or tool. This book doesn't do that and it makes the book a much easier read to recommend. The author encourages the reader to look outside the books to the documentation and really explore what Powershell has to offer. Because of this I was encouraged to find handy tasks of my own to automate like finding out how to hook my phone up to give me a TLDR of my emails. This isn't inside of the book, but without this encouragement I don't think I would have looked around enough to notice these things. Because of this I'm giving this book 1 bonus point
+1 to the Author Adam Bertram:
This is what Adam the Automator does. So I would highly recommend checking out his website for more information on doing this exact thing at https://adamtheautomator.com/ . There you'll find almost a complete expansion on this book and much more. A lot of what I found on his website seem to boil down to well written medium articles on the subject of powershell and automation. So if you enjoyed this book then definitely check out his site
Readability : How easy would it be for someone to sit down with this book and finish it quickly.
Accuracy : How accurate is the information being given? Could you write every single line of code in this book and have the books answers match the code you wrote. Normally this is a -1 out of 10 per major mistake and per 4 minor mistakes the book makes
Subject : Does this book do what it wants to do and is what it wants to do good?
Bonus points: for extra stuff that I liked. This will be the most subjective part of the review and might not go into much detail. It's just little things that I highly enjoyed and wanted to give a shoutout about
Readability 8/10:
This book took about 13 days to read with about 10-35 pages per day read.
The book is cut up into 3 section and each one is more readable than the last because of the way the Author choose to write it and because of the material that the author had to go through in the earlier sections of the book.
Part 1 of this book feels like a language introduction and will run a little slow. It has to go through a lot of the basics of powershell, but it doesn't do what most language books do and try to bog you down with all of the useful instances of what powershell can do as a scripting language. Instead the Author came to the decision to let each section teach you exactly what you'll need to help you through his book and then points you to other places to find more. This makes it a lot more quickly digestible, but it still has some of the problems you would normally have reading a language introduction section in any book.
Things really kick off when you reach part 2 where the fun projects begin. Here we start building out servers from local to cloud based in a quick 100 pages. The author follows a lot of the same structure as he did for the previous section and because of that a lot of the slog that comes with the initial introduction to cloud or server management is made easier. Here is the minimum you need to know and here is where you can learn more.
Part 3 is just cool to me so I got through it faster than some others might
Accuracy 10/10:
While this book operates on Powershell 5.0 I did the book in 7.0. I didn't find very many problems at all when recreating most of the code that was posted in this book and nothing that couldn't be chocked up to “I was using a different version”. Luckily for me almost everything in this book worked on 7.0. Also I tried a lot of this book out in Linux as well as Windows and, other than not having ISE automatically provided by my OS, I can say that it worked fine.
Subject 10/10:
As a developer you can really choose powershell or bash to learn as a command line tool. This is something that every developer should learn within their lifetime. As a python developer I've mostly been told to stay within the Vim and Bash paths to success, but this book has given me a new understanding of what things I could do within the windows system. I would say that any developer that works in windows should pick up this book and that as long as you're working in windows this book will be useful. I did a lot of the pages inside of a linux system as well and didn't find any hicups that couldn't easily be overcome other than not having ISE to reach for inside my OS, but Vscode filled the void for me.
Bonus Points:
+1 to the information presentation:
Most introduction books have to be a little boring because they want you to have their book as the sole resource for a language or tool. This book doesn't do that and it makes the book a much easier read to recommend. The author encourages the reader to look outside the books to the documentation and really explore what Powershell has to offer. Because of this I was encouraged to find handy tasks of my own to automate like finding out how to hook my phone up to give me a TLDR of my emails. This isn't inside of the book, but without this encouragement I don't think I would have looked around enough to notice these things. Because of this I'm giving this book 1 bonus point
+1 to the Author Adam Bertram:
This is what Adam the Automator does. So I would highly recommend checking out his website for more information on doing this exact thing at https://adamtheautomator.com/ . There you'll find almost a complete expansion on this book and much more. A lot of what I found on his website seem to boil down to well written medium articles on the subject of powershell and automation. So if you enjoyed this book then definitely check out his site
November 3, 2023
Incredibly informative book on getting started with the syntax of Powershell and applying it to real world scenarios in the IT industry.
May 20, 2023
Power In A Half Shell
This book is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to harness the power of PowerShell and revolutionize their workflow automation.
If you're familiar with PowerShell or completely new to it, this book will take you on a journey of discovery and mastery. Bertram's writing style is clear, concise, and engaging, making even the most complex concepts accessible to readers of all skill levels.
Whether you're a seasoned sysadmin or a beginner, this book provides a wealth of knowledge and practical examples to enhance your PowerShell skills.
One of the book's standout features is its emphasis on real-world scenarios and practical applications. Bertram doesn't just teach PowerShell syntax and commands; he demonstrates how to leverage its capabilities to solve common sysadmin challenges. From automating repetitive tasks to managing system configurations, this book equips you with the tools and techniques needed to streamline your workflow and improve efficiency.
The inclusion of helpful scripts, step-by-step instructions, screenshots, and code responses further enhances the learning experience. Bertram's approach allows you to follow along and gain hands-on experience, reinforcing your understanding of PowerShell concepts and empowering you to implement them in your own environment.
This comprehensive coverage ensures that you not only grasp the fundamentals but also become proficient in utilizing PowerShell's full potential.
With PowerShell for Sysadmins, you'll unlock a world of possibilities for automating tasks, managing systems, and boosting productivity. The book's practical approach and real-world examples make it a valuable reference guide that you'll turn to time and time again.
So, whether you're a sysadmin looking to level up your PowerShell game or an aspiring IT professional eager to master this powerful tool, don't hesitate to grab a copy of PowerShell for Sysadmins. Let Adam Bertram be your guide as you embark on an exciting journey of workflow automation and discover the true potential of PowerShell.
4.5/5
This book is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to harness the power of PowerShell and revolutionize their workflow automation.
If you're familiar with PowerShell or completely new to it, this book will take you on a journey of discovery and mastery. Bertram's writing style is clear, concise, and engaging, making even the most complex concepts accessible to readers of all skill levels.
Whether you're a seasoned sysadmin or a beginner, this book provides a wealth of knowledge and practical examples to enhance your PowerShell skills.
One of the book's standout features is its emphasis on real-world scenarios and practical applications. Bertram doesn't just teach PowerShell syntax and commands; he demonstrates how to leverage its capabilities to solve common sysadmin challenges. From automating repetitive tasks to managing system configurations, this book equips you with the tools and techniques needed to streamline your workflow and improve efficiency.
The inclusion of helpful scripts, step-by-step instructions, screenshots, and code responses further enhances the learning experience. Bertram's approach allows you to follow along and gain hands-on experience, reinforcing your understanding of PowerShell concepts and empowering you to implement them in your own environment.
This comprehensive coverage ensures that you not only grasp the fundamentals but also become proficient in utilizing PowerShell's full potential.
With PowerShell for Sysadmins, you'll unlock a world of possibilities for automating tasks, managing systems, and boosting productivity. The book's practical approach and real-world examples make it a valuable reference guide that you'll turn to time and time again.
So, whether you're a sysadmin looking to level up your PowerShell game or an aspiring IT professional eager to master this powerful tool, don't hesitate to grab a copy of PowerShell for Sysadmins. Let Adam Bertram be your guide as you embark on an exciting journey of workflow automation and discover the true potential of PowerShell.
4.5/5
October 24, 2023
Whether you're new to PowerShell or looking to enhance your skills, this book is a valuable resource.
Bertram takes a pragmatic and hands-on approach to help you become a proficient PowerShell user. He demonstrates how you can use PowerShell to manage your systems more efficiently, simplifying complex tasks and reducing manual labor.
With this book, you'll learn how to create scripts, automate repetitive processes, and tackle a variety of sysadmin challenges. Bertram covers a range of topics, from basic PowerShell commands to more advanced scripting techniques.
What sets this book apart is its focus on practicality. Bertram provides real-world examples and scenarios that sysadmins commonly encounter, and he shows you how to address them with PowerShell. This means that you can immediately apply what you learn to your own work.
As you progress through the book, you'll gain a deep understanding of how to use PowerShell to its full potential. Whether you're a seasoned sysadmin or just starting out, "PowerShell for Sysadmins" offers a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to make your workflow automation easier and more efficient.
Bertram takes a pragmatic and hands-on approach to help you become a proficient PowerShell user. He demonstrates how you can use PowerShell to manage your systems more efficiently, simplifying complex tasks and reducing manual labor.
With this book, you'll learn how to create scripts, automate repetitive processes, and tackle a variety of sysadmin challenges. Bertram covers a range of topics, from basic PowerShell commands to more advanced scripting techniques.
What sets this book apart is its focus on practicality. Bertram provides real-world examples and scenarios that sysadmins commonly encounter, and he shows you how to address them with PowerShell. This means that you can immediately apply what you learn to your own work.
As you progress through the book, you'll gain a deep understanding of how to use PowerShell to its full potential. Whether you're a seasoned sysadmin or just starting out, "PowerShell for Sysadmins" offers a wealth of knowledge and practical insights to make your workflow automation easier and more efficient.
July 27, 2023
I like it when books have a precise description of their content. Even though I knew I was reading this as a non-IT staff member, I do get some use out of PowerShell in my role in FinTech and this covered a nice amount of its scripting. Especially as prior to reading this, I primarily edited existing PowerShell scripts when needed, as Python is my default language.
Since beginning this I have written several more complex scripts and would feel comfortable to take on projects with PowerShell that I previously would have just used a server agent job to kick off a PowerShell script which runs a Python script (convoluted, I know, but server agent jobs don't schedule Python, only SQL and PowerShell). Cutting out the middle man makes sense.
Since beginning this I have written several more complex scripts and would feel comfortable to take on projects with PowerShell that I previously would have just used a server agent job to kick off a PowerShell script which runs a Python script (convoluted, I know, but server agent jobs don't schedule Python, only SQL and PowerShell). Cutting out the middle man makes sense.
March 17, 2024
PowerShell For SysAdmins is a technical manual by Adam Bertram. The book describes the methods and techniques you can use through the PowerShell program to make your job easier.
I am not the book's intended audience unless I decide to change careers. I don't deal with servers or other IT technology. The book is still fascinating, though. Chapter eight, Running Scripts Remotely, described various issues I didn't know existed. They call it the Double Hop Problem.
Bertram offers advice, too. Don't use Excel if you don't have to.
I enjoyed the book. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.
I am not the book's intended audience unless I decide to change careers. I don't deal with servers or other IT technology. The book is still fascinating, though. Chapter eight, Running Scripts Remotely, described various issues I didn't know existed. They call it the Double Hop Problem.
Bertram offers advice, too. Don't use Excel if you don't have to.
I enjoyed the book. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.
October 24, 2022
The book is a great introduction to PowerShell, and has examples of using it for management of resources, consisting mostly of Microsoft products.
What it lacks are examples of the exceptional features of PowerShell compared to other scripting/shell languages, like Workflows and parallelism.
What it lacks are examples of the exceptional features of PowerShell compared to other scripting/shell languages, like Workflows and parallelism.
September 11, 2023
Tu jest prawie wszystko co chcesz wiedzieć. Multum przykładów, kodu. Polecam
May 21, 2025
Used as a reference book
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews