The Lonely Administrator

Upstate NY PowerShell Users Group

2009-07-23T12:48:00.000-04:00

Joel “Jaykul” Bennett, a new PowerShell MVP from Rochester and the mastermind behind HuddledMasses.org and PoshCode.com, and I have joined forces to start the Upstate NY PowerShell Users Group. We hope the group will serve anyone interested in Windows PowerShell from Syracuse to Buffalo, although points east and further south and certainly invited. The first meeting will be Wednesday, September 9 at the New Horizons office in Rochester NY. Links to directions and more information can be found here.

I hope you’ll come and help spread the word. Please RSVP by email to upnypug@gmail.com.

Technorati Tags: PowerShell,UPNYPUG,User Group

New Blog in development

2009-07-22T11:57:00.000-04:00

I know I haven’t posted much this month. I’m trying to get a new blog setup where I can offer more value and especially an easy way for you to download script and code samples. In the mean time you can find me on “InterTubes” at Mr. Roboto, Prof. PowerShell and The Lonely AD Administrator. Or you can follow me on Twitter.

Thanks for sticking around.

Microsoft MVP 3rd edition

2009-07-01T11:12:00.001-04:00

I'm happy to report that I am again a Microsoft MVP for PowerShell the 3rd year in a row. This is always a nerve wracking time of year where I wonder if I did enough for the community and think about what else I could have done. Now I have another year to continue to support the PowerShell and IT Pro community in as many ways possible.

Reboot and Reload

2009-07-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

After a terrific few years at SAPIEN Technologies, I'm back on my own. This site will be my new home. I've revamped the title, but I think it more accurately describes my subject matter. Even though I write extensively about scripting and PowerShell, which I'll continue to do, the topic is really a means to an end. I strongly believe that scripting and automation technologies are essential keys to success for Windows administrators with too much work on their plates and not nearly enough time or resources.

I hope to use this blog as a foundation for sharing tips, scripts, solutions, advice and anything else I can do to make your job easier. This will also be the place I'll announce new books, writing projects, training classes and anything else I'm up to professionally that I think you might like so I hope you'll subscribe. By the way, the SAPIEN Technologies blog is still active and I hope you stay subscribed as it is the best way to keep on top of new offerings.

In the mean time I hope you'll stay subscribed to this blog, follow me on Twitter and let me know what would make your life easier. Please feel free to post comments here or email me directly jhicks@jdhitsolutions.com

New stuff coming

2009-06-24T15:54:00.000-04:00

Watch this blog for new content..coming soon

PrimalForms now Available

2008-11-03T13:51:00.002-05:00

Even though PowerShell is by design a console based management tool, there are instances where you would like to use a GUI. PowerShell can use the Windows forms classes from the .NET Framework. However in the past creating anything other than the simplest of forms was very tedious and time consuming. Now SAPIEN Technologies has a free solution. Download the free PrimalForms tool and use a WYSIWYG form editor. Drag and drop controls, configure them and define events such as Click and SelectionChanged. PrimalForms will generate a PowerShell script to create the form. All you have to do is refine it, add your PowerShell code to react to the events, test and deploy!

Be sure to read the Getting Started guide which includes a walk-through of creating a new script. There are also several sample forms and scripts. Read the release announcement and a followup.

Technorati Tags: PrimalForms,PowerShell,WinForms,Scripting,SAPIEN

TurboChargeAD.Org

2008-10-10T09:33:00.002-04:00

I'll be adding yet another writing gig to my portfolio. This time I'll be contributing a bi-weekly blog column at TurboChargeAD.org. The site is run by Quest Software with contributions from many members of the IT Pro and PowerShell community that you are likely familiar with like Don Jones, Brandon Shell, and Darren Mar-Elia, to name a few.

The site's aim is to offer a wealth of information for enterprise management. You'll find white papers, blog posts, video demos and material that will hopefully make your job a little easier. My posts will be primarily Active Directory task based, such as creating a disabled users report or finding all empty groups. I'll be leaning heavily on topics from Managing Active Directory with Windows PowerShell: TFM.

Look for my posts on Wednesdays, starting Oct. 15 in the articles section.

PowerShell Poll

2008-09-25T10:18:00.000-04:00

Are you using Windows PowerShell v1.0 in production today? Are you thinking about it? If you aren't, why? Inquiring minds at SAPIEN want to know. Take a moment to answer a simple yes/no poll at http://blog.sapien.com/index.php/2008/09/23/powershell-production-poll/. If you aren't using PowerShell, kindly leave a comment explaining why. Nobody's passing judgment and there are many reasons why PowerShell may not have gained traction in your organization.

Updated Domain Password Script

2008-09-23T21:23:00.001-04:00

This month's Mr. Roboto column offers a script you can use with PowerShell to build a domain password report. There were few issues that came up which have since been resolved. You can download the latest version, currently 1.2 at www.jdhitsolutions.com/scripts in the Mr. Roboto section.

Waynes World of Tips

2008-09-22T10:30:00.001-04:00

I've blogged in the past about Wayne Martin and his outstanding list of command line tips. These are one line commands, some complex some simple, that you can use to accomplish a wide range of task. The overall number of tips is to 425 and Wayne recently reorganized them into 7 categories to make it easier for people to digest. There's very little scripting with any of these commands. Most use native or freely available command line tools. But because they are executed from a command line you could incorporate them into a script. I encourage you to check them out.

The single list:

http://waynes-world-it.blogspot.com/2008/09/useful-command-lines.html

The same commands split into categories:

http://waynes-world-it.blogspot.com/2008/09/useful-active-directory-command-line.html

http://waynes-world-it.blogspot.com/2008/09/useful-dns-dhcp-and-wins-command-line.html

http://waynes-world-it.blogspot.com/2008/09/useful-general-command-line-operations.html

http://waynes-world-it.blogspot.com/2008/09/useful-vmware-esx-and-vc-command-line.html

http://waynes-world-it.blogspot.com/2008/09/useful-windows-mscs-cluster-command.html

http://waynes-world-it.blogspot.com/2008/09/useful-windows-printer-command-line.html

http://waynes-world-it.blogspot.com/2008/09/useful-ntfs-and-security-command-line.html

Order Managing Active Directory with Windows PowerShell: TFM - Finally!

2008-09-22T09:00:00.001-04:00

Yes, its finally true. You can finally get your hands on Managing Active Directory with Windows PowerShell: TFM. The book is being printed so you can get your copy today. You can order it today at ScriptingOutpost.com in both print and ebook format. Or if you prefer the best of both worlds get both as a bundle.

PowerShell Crash Course
PowerShell Extras
Managing Local Computer Accounts
Managing Local Groups
Managing Active Directory with PowerShell Fundamentals
Managing Active Directory Users
Active Directory Password Management
Managing Active Directory Contacts
Managing Active Directory Groups
Managing Active Directory Computer Accounts
Managing Organizational Units and Containers
Managing Group Policy
Active Directory Security and Permissions
Managing Active Directory with WMI and PowerShell
Using the Active Directory PSDrive Provider
Managing Active Directory Infrastructure
(Appendix A) Managing Active Directory with PowerGUI

You can also download a sample chapter. This title is also available at Amazon.com.

You don't have to wait for Microsoft before you can begin managing Active Directory with PowerShell. You can start today.

Updated Domain Password Report

2008-09-12T11:39:00.002-04:00

My September Mr. Roboto column covers a PowerShell script you can use to create a domain password report. I also demo'd the script at the NYC Techmentor conference this past week. Since then I realized a mistake in the way that I laid out the script. I had nested a function within another function which worked fine for most of the script when I called the outer function. However, I was also calling the nested function directly which was causing the error. The solution was to move the nested function and make it the first function in the script. This way it can be used by the other function and the rest of the script.

I've posted an updated version of the script at http://www.jdhitsolutions.com/scripts in the Mr. Roboto section. It will have a 1.1 version number.

Please be aware this isn't the speediest of scripts and as with all scripts, make sure you test in a non-production environment first.

What can we learn from the airlines?

2008-07-03T11:11:00.002-04:00

Don Jones has written an excellent business analysis article: What can we learn from the airlines? Having done my share of frequent flying I can attest to the veracity of his article. If more companies were anti-airline in their business practices I think they could be more profitable, their employees more productive and happy and customers highly satisfied. Why should it be so hard?

Technorati Tags: Airlines, business, business model

$cript Fanatic: Generating TinyURLs from PowerShell

2008-07-01T15:24:00.000-04:00

Shay has a nifty little function for generating tiny URLs in PowerShell.
$cript Fanatic: Generating TinyURLs from PowerShell

You could use it in play of the Get-Snurl function from my Out-Twitter function.

Out-Twitter

2008-06-23T10:06:00.001-04:00

My Out-Twitter function is available at http://blog.sapien.com/index.php/2008/06/23/out-twitter/. If you want, you can follow me @JeffHicks

I'm sure you can come with an enhancement or two, and if so, I'd love to hear about them.

Technorati Tags: PowerShell, Twitter, Scripting, JeffHicks

Scripting/SysAdmin Meme

2008-06-18T10:00:00.001-04:00

[cross-posted from blog.sapien.com]

I saw that Kirk Munro called me out on on Steven Muraski's Scripting/SysAdmin meme . Here's my contribution to the meme.

How old were you when you started using computers?

I probably didn't start using computers until late in college (which was a very long time ago in computer time.

What was your first machine?

My first computer experiences were with a DEC PDP-11. The first computer I truly owned myself was a Dell Inspiron P200 laptop.

What was the first real script you wrote?

I think it was a DOS 3.3 batch file to backup some files.

What scripting languages have you used?

Batch, KixTart, VBScript, Perl, PowerShell. Do WordPerfect 5.1 macros count?

What was your first professional sysadmin gig?

I worked briefly as a legal assistant which included managing the few office computers and automating a ton of paperwork.

If you knew then what you know now, would have started in IT?

IT was a later career choice that I don't regret. I've met some pretty cool people, traveled and helped people. I like being behind the scenes making things happen.

If there is one thing you learned along the way that you would tell new sysadmins, what would it be?

Never stop reading and learning. You must stay on top of the IT world if you want to keep your job and get ahead. When I had to do tech interviews, I always asked what technical magazines, journals or books they liked to read. It was very clear that the candidate who read nothing was the least likely to be deficient in other areas as well.

What’s the most fun you’ve ever had scripting?

That's a hard one. I'd have to say I get the biggest bang when I can write something that gets the most amount of work done with the least amount of code. That's why I love PowerShell.

Who am I calling out?

Technorati Tags: Meme, SysAdmin, Scripting, PowerShell, VBScript

Online PowerShell Training

2008-06-10T09:14:00.002-04:00

Time is running out to register for SAPIEN Technologies' online PowerShell Fundamentals training. The first class starts June 17. The class is essentially self-study with materials supplied by SAPIEN including an e-book version of Windows PowerShell: TFM 2nd ed. I'll meet online twice a week via Webex with students to review the material. Students will also have access to a private class discussion forum at ScriptingAnswers.com

Registration closes June 13th so hurry now and check out http://www.scriptingoutpost.com/c-25-scriptinganswerscom-online-classes.aspx

The course material has some pretty specific requirements to ensure a high quality experience so please verify system compatibility before registering.

Win a Kindle

2008-06-03T01:25:00.002-04:00

Fellow PowerShell MPV (and former SAPIEN colleague) Don Jones is off to a new venture with Redmond Magazines' Greg Shields. Their offering up a tasty incentive to get people involved with their new site. If you post a relevant comment to one of their blog entries you'll be entered into a drawing for a free Amazon Kindle.

Don showed my his Kindle the last time we were together and I have to admit it is intriguing. Personally, if Amazon could add a sexy form factor ala Apple, I'd buy one in a heartbeat. Although honestly, I can barely get through books I check out of the library between work, kids, wife and everything else. But who's going to pass up a free Kindle? Anyway, check out Don's site and get involved.

Check out http://concentratedtech.com/content/index.php/2008/06/02/amazon-kindle-review-win-one/ for all the details.

Technorati Tags: ConcentratedTech, Don Jones, Greg Shields, Kindle, Amazon

More CLI One-Liners

2008-05-06T12:00:00.001-04:00

In the past I've posted a collection of command one-liners that get a ton of work done with (relatively) minimal effort. Many of these have come from Wayne Martin. I've been behind in my blogging while book writing, but I wanted to make sure you checked out his latest list at:

http://waynes-world-it.blogspot.com/2008/04/useful-command-lines.html

Technorati Tags: Automation, CLI, FSMO, batch, DSquery, netsh, DHCP, DNS, Active Directory

I'm All a Twitter

2008-05-06T07:37:00.002-04:00

I'd have to be living in a bubble in Antarctica to not be aware of Web 2.0 and all the related platforms. I've resisted most of them, telling myself I'm either too "old" or that they don't add value to my professional life. But after hearing John Dvorak poo-poo Twitter for the longest time, only to take the plunge, I figured I could give it a try as well.

Nobody cares what I just had for breakfast, at least I hope not, otherwise you need to get out more. But I thought I might be able to use it as a micro-blog, which is essentially Twitter's core functionality. I've been trying to Twitter about things I'm working on or interesting links, stories, or other Internet flotsam that you might be interested in. Right now, a lot of that is PowerShell. Anyway, if you'd like to take part in the great Twitter experiment, you can find me at http://twitter.com/jeffhicks

Technorati Tags: Twitter

Practical PowerShell Scripts and Code

2008-03-11T10:49:00.002-04:00

If you've been reading the Windows Administration in RealTime ejournal, I hope you've enjoyed my Practical PowerShell column. If not, you're missing out. Each column solves a real-world and practical problem with PowerShell. I explain how the PowerShell code works and why. It's not only a great way to learn PowerShell but you also get function code you can use immediately. The eJournal is still pretty new and we're working out the publication kinks. For example, you may have been wondering where to get your hands on the code in my column. Future columns will have a link to a download file. But for the first couple of columns you can get the code samples here:

Volume 1 No. 1

Volume 1 No. 2

All downloads will be in zip files. Any script will be renamed as a text file so be sure to rename accordingly. If you need help with any of the code or other PowerShell problems, post them in the PowerShell forum at ScriptingAnswers.com.

Technorati Tags: Powershell, Scripting, Administration, Practical PowerShell, Realtime, Automation

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My Published Works

2008-03-10T17:46:00.002-04:00

I'm trying out a new Live Write plugin for Amazon. Here is a list of books I have currently authored or co-authored. This list will continue to grow as I'm working on a new book now about managing Active Directory with PowerShell.

WSH and VBScript Core: TFM
by Jeffery Hicks

Read more about this book...

Windows PowerShell v1.0: TFM, 2nd Edition
by Don Jones, Jeffery Hicks

Read more about this book...

Advanced VBScript for Microsoft Windows Administrators (Pro Other)
by Don Jones, Jeffery Hicks

Read more about this book...

I hope you'll check them out.

Technorati Tags: Powershell, VBScript, Scripting, ADSI, WMI

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PowerShell Training Poll

2008-03-07T08:56:00.001-05:00

I've put up a quickie poll on the blog about PowerShell training. As you know I'm very involved in promoting PowerShell and helping people learn it any way I can. I'm very curious about how you will learn PowerShell. Please stop by and vote. It should take you less than 10 seconds and it's pretty much anonymous. You'll find the poll on the right side of the page. I don't think you can miss it.

The poll will be open for about 90 days. Thanks.

Wayne's World of IT

2008-03-07T06:39:00.002-05:00

One of my more popular blog entries is the one I did about CMD one-liners. These are little tidbits of commands that can get a lot done. The list came from a reader and I was happy to share. Wayne has now started a blog Wayne's World of IT which will carry on this theme of command line automation. It's just getting started but I hope you'll check it out. Wayne assures me he has a growing list of one-liners to publish.

Technorati Tags: CLI, Batch, Netsh, DSquery, DHCP, Active Directory, Automation

Prof. PowerShell is taking roll

2008-03-06T10:00:00.001-05:00

My weekly column that I've been writing for MCPMag.com is now officially Prof. PowerShell. The column's goal is to introduce you to PowerShell and help you get up to speed. I obviously can't teach you everything in a weekly 300 word column, but hopefully it will be enough to get you going and if nothing else, keep PowerShell on your radar. You're going to have to eventually learn PowerShell so avoid the rush and start now. This week's column introduces you to the Get-Member cmdlet.

You can also find PowerShell tips in some of last Windows Tip Sheet columns.

I hope you'll let me know what you think. You can read Prof. PowerShell at http://mcpmag.com/columns/columnist.asp?columnistsid=81 or add the site's RSS feed. I believe you can also get the column via weekly newsletter as well if you prefer.

If you want even more PowerShell goodness, I'd also suggest getting the Windows Administration in RealTime ejournal from RealTimePublishers.com. I write the Practical PowerShell column which solves a real-world problem with PowerShell. I think you'll like it.

Technorati Tags: Powershell, Scripting, Windows, MCPMag, Prof. PowerShell