Quick Tip: WMI vs. CIM Syntax

# List all classes in a namespace Get-CimClass -Namespace root\CIMv2 Get-WmiObject -Namespace root\CIMv2 -List # list all classes containing “service” in their name Get-CimClass -Namespace root\CIMv2 | Where CimClassName -like ‘*service*’ | Sort CimClassName (or) Get-CimClass -Namespace root\CIMv2 -Classname *service* Get-WmiObject -Namespace root\CIMv2 -List | Where Name -like ‘*service*’ | Sort Name # get all class instances Get-CimInstance -Namespace root\CIMv2 -ClassName Win32_OperatingSystem Get-WmiObject -Namespace root\CIMv2 -Class Win32_OperatingSystem # filter class instances

PowerShell.org Annual Operating Budget

As we approach our annual shareholder meeting for PowerShell.org, Inc., I wanted to take a moment and share some details about our 2014-2015 operating budget. First, you can always review the budget spreadsheet in our OneDrive account. This is updated as our plans change, prices rise, and so on; you’re welcome to check back whenever you like. Now, let’s talk about some of our organizational goals, and what some of the items in the spreadsheet mean.

Analyzing the "Black Magic" PowerShell "Exploit" and Appropriate Actions

Trend Micro released a report on a new PowerShell-vectored exploit named Black Magic. I had a lovely Twitter conversation about what this means in terms of PowerShell’s vulnerability to attack, and what admins should do. Unfortunately Twitter sucks for carrying on that kind of conversation, so I wanted to post this to clarify a few things. First, I’m going to write this article as if “you” were hit by this exploit.

[UPDATED] Verified Effective Exams will Begin Soon

Check it out… Wave 1 We’ll be going live with the PowerShell Toolmaker program very soon. Wave 1 will permit our PowerShell Summit N.A. 2014 alumni who registered early and were given a free exam. If you’re one of those folks, and if you would like to be an early registrant, please contact exams at PowerShell.org. You will need to have your Summit confirmation code (it was e-mailed to you when you registered, and was printed on your badge; we cannot provide it to you if you’ve lost it).

Installing PowerShell v5? Be a Little Careful, OK?

I’m getting a lot of questions from folks, via Twitter and other venues, regarding Windows Management Framework 5.0 - which is where PowerShell v5 comes from. It’s awesome that people are installing v5 and kicking the tires - however, please help spread the word: v5 is a preview. It isn’t done, and it isn’t guaranteed bug-free. It shouldn’t be installed on production computers until it’s officially released. v5 doesn’t install ‘side by side’ with v3 or v4.

Attend a Beta "Advanced PowerShell" Class Live or Remote

As you may know, I helped developing the forthcoming Microsoft Official Courseware 10962A class, “Advanced Windows PowerShell.” It’s a 3-day class that includes an overview of DSC, a full day of scripting and toolmaking, a Workflow overview, error handling and debugging, and more. It’s meant as a direct follow-on to the 5-day 10961 course. We’re scheduling a beta teach through a Microsoft training center in mid-August 2014. It’ll be taught by MCT Jason Yoder, who’s an excellent trainer (and who attended PowerShell Summit North America 2014 a few weeks ago, so you know he’s jiggy with PowerShell).

BETA PowerShell Lab Guide for Classes

I’ve been working on a new lab guide for my classes, and thought I’d share an early version. Note that this may become unavailable at any point; the final version will go on MoreLunches.com, as the lab guide corresponds largely with Learn Windows PowerShell in a Month of Lunches and Learn PowerShell Toolmaking in a Month of Lunches, as well as with several of the free ebooks here on PowerShell.org.

PowerShell Summit N.A. 2014 Session Videos!

Aaron Hoover was kind enough to webcam the Summit sessions he attended, and he’s posted the videos on YouTube. URLs, from Aaron’s channel, are below. Just Enough Admin - Security in a Post-Snowden World - Jeffrey Snover - PowerShell Summit 2014 Windows System Internals with PowerShell - Adam Driscoll - PowerShell Summit 2014 PowerCLI: How to Automate Your VMWare Environment Reports - Matt Griffin - PowerShell Summit 2014 Parallel Execution with PowerShell - Tome Tanasovski - PowerShell Summit 2014

TechEd N.A. 2014 Session Recordings

There’s some great PowerShell content now online for your viewing pleasure. Jeffrey Snover and I had a blast doing “Windows PowerShell Unplugged,” and I reviewed some best PowerShell practices (and hopefully provided a little inspiration for your career) in “Windows PowerShell Best Patterns and Practices: Time to Get Serious.” And the #2 overall session of TechEd? “DSC: A Practical Overview,” including a surprise demo (and announcement) from Snover showing DSC running on Linux.

After all the DSC-related excitement this week, there have been a few online and Twitter-based discussions including Chef, Puppet, and similar solutions. Many of these discussions start off with a tone I suppose I should be used to: fanboy dissing. “Puppet already does this and is cross-platform! Why should I bother with DSC?” Those people, sadly, miss the point about as entirely as it’s possible to do. Point 1: Coolness First, what Microsoft has accomplished with DSC is cool.