Don Jones

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Don Jones

372 articles published

1 min read

WMI Explorer

This is a PowerShell-based WMI Explorer tool created by Marc van Orsouw (aka //\O//). His Web site has been down for ages, but Thomas Lee was helpful enough to post a copy of this, and we’re hosting it here as a backup against further unavailability. Download WMI Explorer

6 min read

PowerShell Summit 2014 Planning Continues

In an effort to keep folks as fully informed as possible, I’ll periodically share information about the Summit for next year. In this update, I want to explain how we’re hoping to address some of the issues (all good ones, actually) that we’ve experienced with the 2013 event. First, the 2013 event sold out fast. We have a fire code limit of about 100 people and we hit it quickly - and our wait list ballooned to almost as many people.

2 min read

PowerShell.org Forums Etiquette

Folks often ask for some advice on what to do, and what not to do, in the forums. Here are some suggestions. Don’t apologize for being a “noob” or “newbie” or “n00b.” There’s just no need - nobody will think you’re stupid, and the forums are all about asking questions. Just ask. Try to avoid using obscure or punctuation aliases (like ? and %) - use command names instead. It makes your post easier for everyone, including n00bs, to follow.

1 min read

VERIFIED EFFECTIVE for PowerShell 3.0 Toolmaking now live

It’s now available globally. I suggest downloading the Program Guide, which includes the agreement and directions for enrolling. There’s also a specific guide for the PowerShell 3.0 Toolmaking examination, which you should read prior to paying. Once you’ve paid, and sent in the necessary signed paperwork, you’ll get your exam info via e-mail. You can log in at any time to download your exam scenario and begin working. From the time of your first login, the clock starts ticking and you have 24 hours to upload your results.

1 min read

"Verified Effective" About Ready to Go Live

Before the verification exam becomes available to the public, I need ONE OR TWO people to be the first through the complete program. This is not a “beta;” the exam is finalized and you will have to pay for your verification. The first one or two people will be semi-automated as I nail down the final payment integration bits, and then we’ll throw it open to the public. If you’re interested, contact me at don at Concentrated Tech.

6 min read

Winter Scripting Camp: The Post Mortem

Ok, aftermath time. In Winter Scripting Camp I saw some very cool stuff, but I know folks want to learn from this event too, so I want to call out some stuff that I didn’t like so much, and explain why. I’m keeping these brief - if you’d like a longer explanation, hit me up in the PowerShell Q&A forum. BTW, none of the discussion below implies anything about the grade I awarded the entry.

6 min read

Want to be VERIFIED EFFECTIVE for PowerShell? Here's what to expect.

We’re well into our beta for the VERIFIED EFFECTIVEâ„¢ Windows PowerShell 3.0 Toolmaker exam, and expect the program to go live in March or April of 2013. There’s a good bit of information on the program home page that you should review if you’re interested in getting verified. [As a note, once the program goes live, it’ll be available to anyone worldwide - although the exam will only be available in English for the foreseeable future; we don’t have the resources at this time to offer localized versions] I should point out first that we’re doing this program through my company, rather than directly through PowerShell.

2 min read

VERIFIED EFFECTIVE PowerShell "certification" program now ready for beta

NOTE: As of 4th February, we’re full up for the beta. Check back later this year for the program launch. I’m ready to begin a formal beta test of the new VERIFIED EFFECTIVEâ„¢ examination program, which we’d previously referred to as “PowerShell Verified.” Participation in the beta will be free, and if you pass it “counts.” If you’re interested, please download the Program Guide before February 10th, 2013. You must agree to perform you examination on February 11th or 12th .

2 min read

Winter Scripting Camp Opened to the Public

Everything’s been going pretty smoothly, so we’ve decided to open Winter Scripting Camp to everyone! Read everything below carefully for the best camping experience! Scripting Camp is a precursor to the Scripting Games, which will kick off in late April. During Camp, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in two events. We aren’t offering any prizes, but we will announce winners in the PowerShell.org blog, on Twitter, and so on. Camp is really a way for us to kick the tires on our new software platform.

1 min read

The 2013 Winter Scripting Camp

We’ll be announcing Winter Scripting Camp the first week of February. This is a special invite-only event that will be open to subscribers of the PowerShell.org TechLetter. It will work just like the Scripting Games, but will feature only a couple of events and will not include any prizes. We will, however, announce the top scorers. Scripting Camp is primarily an opportunity for us to audition our new platform, to kick the tires, and make sure everything’s ready for the official Games, which will kick off in April at the PowerShell Summit 2013 North America.