Portable and precise, this pocket-sized guide delivers ready answers for automating everyday system-administration tasks with Windows PowerShell. Zero in on core commands and techniques using quick-reference tables, instructions, and lists. You will get the focused information you need to save time and get the job done whether at your desk or in the field. Get fast facts to: Run core cmdlets singly or in sequence to streamline daily tasks Execute remote commands and background jobs Inventory computers; tweak configurations; manage domains Configure server roles, role services, and features Manage and troubleshoot TCP/IP networking Administer file systems, directories, and print services Implement security settings, event logs, and auditing Read and write registry values Automate system monitoring and performance tuning Extend Windows PowerShell with snap-ins and module extensions.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 4 Ratings

Excellent resource, clear discussion and concise - 2009-07-04
Reviewer Rating:
I am a huge fan of the Pocket consultant series. William Stanek never ceases to amaze me with how much useful information he can pack into his pocket consultants and all while providing clear discussion and excellent examples. Windows Powershell Pocket consultant provides in depth, authoritative advice and answers for everyone who wants to learn how Powershell works and can be put to use. This is a book I wish I had a few years back and I've learned more from reading the text in the past few weeks than I had in the past 2 years of trying to learn PS without it. I don't care how many powershell books you've already purchased, make room on your shelf for this one. This is one you will use and refer to often.

Good balance of material - 2009-10-11
Reviewer Rating:
This book has a good balance of foundational information and practical applications of Powershell 2.0. If there was a version of this for Powershell 1.0 I wish I had known about it. :-) The author assumes that you have some background in scripting so it doesn't come across as a pure beginner's book. The book provides practical examples for Powershell in the Windows environment and some background information on each subject. It has an appropriate balance between detail and maintaining a "big picture" view of teaching you about how to use Powershell.

The only request I make of the author in a future edition is to provide a little more coverage on loading assemblies through the Reflection.Assembly class. This is a minor issue though because he does discuss when to use it and of course one can always consult the online Microsoft documentation for additional methods.

Some of the big pluses in the book include a "real world" view and I particularly liked the quick overview of SQL Server support and how to add the supporting snapins to the basic Powershell environment - that saved me a lot of time!

Overall, one of the better books out there on the subject for those interested in a hands-on approach.

Stanek Fan - Book was better than I thought it would be - 2009-07-17
Reviewer Rating:
I assumed the book would focus on a bunch on PS One-Liners for basic administration tasks. Stanek proved me wrong, he jumped into key points that I assumed would have been left out because of the nature of the book e.g. "quick and dirty guide to just get it done". He proved me wrong. He touched on the skills required to actually write PS scripts, manage profiles and moved beyond just the quick PS One-Liners that you find in other books.

Another job well done by Stanek. I own every pocket consultant he has ever written. I even own second editions and almost own all of his non pocket consultant titles.

His books are a must have for any seasoned Windows IT administrator. Owning one of his books separates the men from the boys.

Great book! - 2009-12-26
Reviewer Rating:
Stanek is my favorite computer book author. His books always are my first choice and I always check to see if he's written one on something I'm trying to learn. Lately I've been living at the command line and wanting to learn PowerShell. This is clear and concise and easy to follow and understand. Solid explanations and so much more than the pocket title implies.