Max - Put It Together

PS Hosting in Windows Application session material (July 1st, 2008)...

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:32:42 GMT

First, Thanks to all who attend my last night presentation on How-to host your PowerShell script in a Windows Application. In this session I was using PowerShell Version 2 CTP2, Programmer's Notepad 2, and Visual Studio 2008 SP1. Also, I was running Virtual PC 2007 with two virtual machines: one a Domain Controller and an SQL Server 2008 RC0. I also mention that Windows Vista SP1 includes Windows PowerShell, look under "Control Panel | Add/Remove programs" and on the left-hand side menu click on "Turn Windows features on or off". Keep in mind, this is PowerShell RTM Version 1.

Please use Virtual PC 2007 and built a virtual machine if you want to experiment with PowerShell Version 2 CTP2.

Back to our PS Hosting materials and as I promised... Here's my presentation material, all working sample for you to try out. I'm including:

1. two PS functions: Out-Datagrid.txt and Start-Demo.ps1 (plus documentation)

2. A Sample Code file and documentation.

3. Powerpoint presentation.

4. A working (yes is working) Visual Studio 2008 solution - PSHosting Template.

<Click Here to download presentation material - PSHosting in Windows Application>

Florida PowerShell User Group built with Kentico CMS for ASP.NET - around the corner

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 18:11:52 GMT

We already registered the domain and we should have it functional by August 2008. Stay tuned to my Blog for more updates. The new website is http://www.flpsug.com/. This site is for both IT Pro and Developers who like to learn about PowerShell.

Keep in touch.

Orlando ]inBetween[ and first IT Pro Camp Event on June 2008 was a good start...

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:44:54 GMT

Its fast as a storm... it came and it took everyone by surprise. Meeting and sharing information with top-notch professionals. Blain Barton and myself we were glad to meet Santos Martinez, Elias Mereb, and many other who where sharing their knowledge. This event will come back next year.

Here's some photos of this event that took on the weekend (between) Microsoft TechEd 2008:

Blain Barton (right) and myself (left) on a session about Windows Servers 2008 Infrastructure.

Here's in a group discussion with Santos (left) and Elias (next to Santos).

Check out Elias Blog at:

http://geeks.ms/blogs/eliasmereb/archive/2008/06/09/teched-itpros-dia-1-it-pro-camp-dia-2.aspx

Also, here's my PowerShell Overview Session scripts: <Download:Orlando_ITcamp_PowerShell_Session >

Stay tuned for more IT Pro Events

The new Florida PowerShell User Group (FLPSUG) is coming soon:

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 21:54:37 GMT

If everything goes as planned, I'm in process of bring the new website hosted within the next two months (or sooner). Please stay tuned for more information:

Tampa 08 - Last Microsoft Heroes Happens Launch (PowerShell)...

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 13:25:41 GMT

Thanks to all who attend the morning IT track with speaker Blain Barton and myself. To see over 500 IT professional in this session was very exciting. Well, as I mention at the end of our session, here I'm posting my demo scripts. Click on the link to download the *.zip file. This contains 6 items:

1. scdemo.txt - has all the PowerShell CMDLETs just do a copy/paste of the line and make sure to change the computer name.

2. Servhtml.ps1 - this is a PowerShell script that will generate an HTML page.

3. ShutDemo.ps1 - this is a PowerShell script that will execute a shutdown (Caution with this one).

4. SQLlookup.ps1 - this will query for all your SQL Servers(2000/2005/2008) on your network.

5. Two PowerShell Links.

Plus a bonus "start-Demo.ps1" and how-to documentation. <Download me:HHH_Launch_Tampa_2008 >

Please, stay tuned for more news on Florida IT Pro Community being built soon. Also, "Florida PowerShell User Group" is in the horizon.

PowerShell starters link for beginners...

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:34:02 GMT

Here's some links (of many) that can get you PowerShell skills started.

The Channel 9 “The DFO Show”: http://channel9.msdn.com/shows/The_DFO_Show/
MOWS Powershell Blog: http://thepowershellguy.com/blogs/posh/default.aspx
Microsoft TechNet PowerShell: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/scriptcenter/hubs/msh.mspx
Microsoft Windows Servers PowerShell: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/technologies/management/powershell/default.mspx

Keep in mind, PowerShell will be integrated in most upcoming new Windows Servers Applications.
You will find this is a very productive product and theirs lot of third-party tools to make your life easy.

To DOS or to PowerShell... What way should we go??

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:23:16 GMT

Well, I was rooting for PowerShell to, in a way, to substitute "DOS prompt". But, I will have to rethink this again. I've been using PowerShell for some time and have left the DOS shell thinking I don't need it. Of course, until I discover I can't use the COPY cmdlet to merge a series of text files to create one file. Yes, you create script to do this also but why adding more complexity to the problem when it can be accomplished with one line of code.

One thing for sure, PowerShell is here to stay and its evolution will not stop.

More Tools for PowerShell...

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 05:15:00 GMT

These tools meant for everyone at any level and will help you feel comfortable working with PowerShell. Go ahead and click on the links below. Be part of the growing movement working with PowerShell.

The automatic scripter tool: Scriptomatic PowerShell version 1 (05/15/2008)

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/scriptcenter/tools/psomatic.mspx

Your help at your finger: Windows PowerShell Graphical Help for Version 2 (11/27/2007)

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=FEFB2572-559A-46FE-978D-5A00490B20FA&displaylang=en

Another integration sample get it from CodePlex: PowerShell integration in Visual Studio 2005/2008 (11/27/2007)

http://www.codeplex.com/VSCmdShell

These tools will make your PowerShell experiences valuable.

Join us at "inBetween" weekend Event in Orlando, free Developers and IT Communities join together June 7th and 8th 2008.

Thu, 29 May 2008 22:48:30 GMT

This in-between the Microsoft TechEd Developers (June 3-6) and IT Professionals is full of free content for everyone. I'll be one of the speaker join nay other in this first ever IT Pro Camp for Florida. Come and stop by to say HELLO. Participate in my PowerShell session Sunday 11:10am-12:20pm.

See sample with COM objects, Windows Forms, and SQL connectivity just to name a few. This session is meant for everyone and not limited to IT administrators.

I hope to see you all.

Migrate Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 VM to Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V :: groovyPost.com

Tue, 27 May 2008 15:40:48 GMT

Check out this Post for all IT admin moving from Virtual Servers 2005 R2 to Hyper-V. This is great information. I'm also working in a project where I need to manage and moving virtual machines between these two different technologies. Stay tuned for more to come on Microsoft Virtualization 2008.

Migrate Microsoft Virtual Server 2005 R2 VM to Windows Server 2008 Hyper-V :: groovyPost.com

Expanding Dmitry's PowerShell in Server Core...

Sat, 17 May 2008 18:09:47 GMT

CAUTION: THIS IS NOT SUPPORTED BY MICROSOFT

I have to admit that Dmitry's Blog is an interesting one but I had to work a little bit more to make this work.

Loading the "Visual C++ Redistributable" on the Server Core ...easy.

Download the "full redistributable package for .NET 3.5" ... take some time and I saved it on my developer computer.

Unpacking the ".NET Framework 3.5 package" step, here's where I did some things differently:

1. I mapped a drive to my Server Core ("z:").
2. I created the "c:\deploy" folder on my computer.
3. On my computer, I ran the "dotnetfx35.exe /x c:\Deploy" on my PowerShell prompt.
4. Now, you can execute Dmitry's "Deploy.cmd" on the Server Core.

Following Dmitry's blog I found myself lost when trying to install the "Windows Server 2008 SDK and .NET Framework 3.5" because it leads you to believe you can run the setup on the server core. In my case, I couldn't run setup. So, I figured out a workaround:

1. On your computer, if its already installed, just remove it and a restart will be required.
2. Following Dmitry instructions, run the Install and selecting only the to install the "Win32 Development Tools". Again, a restart may be required.
3. Continuing on your computer, you may proceed to install the "Orca" component.
4. Now, you can continue with Dmitry instruction on how to modify the "NetFx20a_x..msi".
5. After complete modifying the "NetFx20a..", go back and modify your Windows SDK to include all other components. I didn't need to restart my computer.
6. Now your "NetFx20a_x86.msi" (or 64) ready. Just Drag/Drop your "c:\Deploy" folder to the Server Core.
7. Proceed to do the "2.5 Install .NET" step. Hint: you could create a cmd file to eliminate typo errors.

Now, download "PowerShell V2 CTP2". Save/Execute the file on you Server Core and it should install without any problems. But, you might get an error the first time you try.

The PowerShell installation file security property might come "block". So, you need to change it to "unblock". And, now your PowerShell installation will process:

On the Server Core, I create a "PS.cmd" using the most famous editor in the world: (Any Guess?):

Let's execute "PS.cmd" from the Core Command and .... Hurray!!!! I got PowerShell on Server Core:

But, wait, let make it more interest for testing purpose. Let go further with Dmitry's Blog, on the Server Core its a good idea to enable WinRM service:

So, from my computer, this will allow me to remotey query the Server Core using either powershell and/or DOS commands:

For sure, its going to be a limited PowerShell on Server Core but I will have more detail test on my blog later on.

Well, I hope you put it to work and do your own test.

Have a happy PowerShell day!! and once again THANKS to Dmitry for a great blog.

Microsoft IT/Developers Community Weekend (free)...

Fri, 16 May 2008 13:28:04 GMT

As community leaders we were recently presented with the opportunity to take over the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando for the weekend between the Dev and ITPro weeks of Teched. We came up with the "Tweener" weekend which will be a combination of Code Camp, SQL Saturday, DotNet University and many other activities. For a great free, educational and fun event, join us for the 1st Annual Teched Tweener Geek Weekend on June 7th and 8th 2008.

< Click here for more information: ]inbetween[ :: Welcome >

PowerShell on Server Core « Dmitry’s PowerBlog: PowerShell and beyond....

Fri, 16 May 2008 12:46:26 GMT

Check out this Blog on installing PowerShell on Windows 2008 Server Core. Dmitry has done an excellent job in documenting the steps to make this work. Just make sure to use PowerShell V2 CTP2 (the latest version) and to install the WinRM 2.0 in order to make this work properly.

PowerShell V2 CTP2 is out..

Thu, 15 May 2008 16:24:47 GMT

Check out the new features...

Selected New Features in Windows PowerShell V2 CTP2
(Please refer to Release Notes and Help topics for more details)

PowerShell Remoting

Graphical PowerShell

ScriptCmdlets

Modules

Transactions

Eventing

Restricted Runspaces

RunspacePools

Background Jobs

Data Language

Script Internationalization

Script Debugging

51 New Cmdlets

Parser Tokenizer API

New PowerShell Hosting APIs

Metadata APIs for Command and Parameters
After you install this product, you might have to restart your computer.

I will be re-testing my code looking for some bug fix I discovered along the prior CTP.

Visual Studio 2008, SQL Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 Mini-Launch, Tonight - 05/13/2008 (Tuesday) at DeVry University, Miramar, FL.

Tue, 13 May 2008 15:33:51 GMT

I will be presenting highlights on three topics:

1. Windows Server 2008 (Server Core setup)

2. ADO.NET Entity Framework w/SQL Server 2008

3. Visual Studio 2008 - With special guest speaker Jonas Stawski presenting "Reach End-Users with Next Generation Web Applications"

Lot's of demo code, give-aways and pizzas.

Check out the Florida .NET Community website at http://www.fladotnet.com

<Download presentation: Mini_Launch_2008 > Updated today 05/14/2008, 09:48am

Added the "ZoomIt.exe" and updated my powerpoint presentation. Also included some Microsoft Entity Framework video, and some ServerCore documentation with scripts. Jonas presentation is also included.

I hope you all like it and THANKS for coming.

You can email your comments:< maxt@putittogether.net >

Miami Microsoft Heroes Happens Launch (intro to PowerShell)...

Thu, 08 May 2008 12:31:32 GMT

First, thanks to all who attend the morning IT track with speaker Blain Barton and myself. To see over 300 IT professional in this session was very exciting. Well, as I mention at the end of our session, here I'm posting my demo scripts. Click on the link to download the *.zip file. This contains 5 items:

1. scdemo.txt - has all the PowerShell CMDLETs just do a copy/paste of the line and make sure to change the computer name.

2. Servhtml.ps1 - this is a PowerShell script that will generate an HTML page.

3. ShutDemo.ps1 - this is a PowerShell script that will execute a shutdown (Caution with this one).

4. Two PowerShell Links.

Plus a bonus "start-Demo.ps1" and how-to documentation. Also, I included how to use the *.Put() method use in my demo to update the computer "Description" field in the WMI database.

Next Microsoft Heroes Launch event -> Tampa, June 9th, 2008

You can email your comments: < maxt@putittogether.net >

Great Event at Orlando's Microsoft Heroes Happens Launch with Blain Barton (intro to PowerShell)...

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 02:40:16 GMT

1. scdemo.txt - has all the PowerShell CMDLETs just do a copy/paste of the line and make sure to change the computer name.

2. Servhtml.ps1 - this is a PowerShell script that will generate an HTML page.

3. ShutDemo.ps1 - this is a PowerShell script that will execute a shutdown (Caution with this one).

4. Two PowerShell Links.

Next Microsoft Heroes Launch event -> Ft. Lauderdale, May 6th, 2008

You can email your comments: < maxt@putittogether.net >

PowerShell versions difference (Version. 1.0 vs CTP Version. 2.0) one of many...

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 03:15:03 GMT

Its my personal opinion that this useful feature has been broken its functionality. I'm talking about the change in *.Put(). In PowerShell Version 1.0, when doing the following commands will help you change the 'Description' value of your computer:

##################################################################################
## Changing the Server Description - Version 1.0 only
##################################################################################

$ServerDescChg = get-wmiobject -Class "Win32_OperatingSystem" -ComputerName "TEST"
$ServerDescChg.description ## Description has no value

# Next line will set the value for "Description" to be "Test Server"

$ServerDescChg.Description = "Test Server"
$ServerDescChg.put

Script              : $this.PSBase.Put()
OverloadDefinitions : {System.Object Put();}
MemberType          : ScriptMethod
TypeNameOfValue     : System.Object
Value               : System.Object Put();
Name                : Put
IsInstance          : False

##------------------------------------------------------------
## Description is change put server isn't updated yet
##------------------------------------------------------------
PS C:\developer\PSscripts> $ServerDescChg.description
EAP Test Server

##--------------------------------------------------------
## Adding the $true will update the server description
##--------------------------------------------------------
$ServerDescChg.put($true)

############# PowerShell Version 1.0 only ##############################################

Now, in PowerShell CTP Version 2.0, we have lost this functionality and the *.PUT() script method has change to a be a System.Management object. So, the *.PUT(), along with the *.Delete() methods are gone.

#####################################################################################
## Changing the Server Description - Using PowerShell CTP Version 2.0
#####################################################################################

$ServerDescChg = get-wmiobject -Class "Win32_OperatingSystem" -ComputerName "TEST"

$ServerDescChg.description ## Description has no value

# Next line will set the value for "Description" to be "Test Server1"
$ServerDescChg.description = "TEST Server1"

## This line will not save the changes but will display the *.PUT() properties
$ServerDescChg.put

MemberType          : Method
OverloadDefinitions : {System.Management.ManagementPath Put(), System.Management.ManagementPath Put(PutOptions options)
                      , System.Void Put(ManagementOperationObserver watcher), System.Void Put(ManagementOperationObserv
                      er watcher, PutOptions options)}
TypeNameOfValue     : System.Management.Automation.PSMethod
Value               : System.Management.ManagementPath Put(), System.Management.ManagementPath Put(PutOptions options),
                       System.Void Put(ManagementOperationObserver watcher), System.Void Put(ManagementOperationObserve
                      r watcher, PutOptions options)
Name                : Put
IsInstance          : True

## The next line is supposed to save the value permanently into "Description" update the server
## but ends in an Error.
$ServerDescChg.put($True)
Cannot convert argument "0", with value: "True", for "Put" to type "System.Management.PutOptions": "Cannot convert valu
e "True" to type "System.Management.PutOptions". Error: "Invalid cast from 'System.Boolean' to 'System.Management.PutOp
tions'.""
At line:1 char:19
+ $ServerDescChg.put <<<< ($True)

####################### End of PowerShell CTP Version 2.0 ######################################

Please, use the Get-Member CMDLET in order to list all properties and methods that you can use to work with your collection of objects. This will make your version 1.0 script not compatible with version 2.0. And, you lost the ability to run a script that will remotely add/replace the "Description" value of any computer on the network.

Happy Coding!

Presenting PowerShell at Microsoft Heroes Happens Here: 2008 Launch Events

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:44:34 GMT

Date: April 24 (Thursday)

Location: Orlando, FL

Orange County Convention Center

9800 International Drive

(407) 685-9800

Date: May 6(Tuesday)

Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Broward County Convention Center

1950 Eisenhower Blvd

(954) 765-5900

Date: June 9 (Monday)

Location: Tampa, FL

700 South Florida Avenue

(813) 221-4900

I will be talking about PowerShell with Microsoft IT Evangelist Blain Barton in the upcoming events listed above. See how PowerShell can help you manage your Server Core .

See you there!

Sessions Documentation links corrected...

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 15:07:37 GMT

I finally caught up fixing the problem with my missing sessions documentation. The "embed" object code from SkyDrive doesn't work any more when adding it to my blog site. So, I was able to use the "plain vanilla" insert of the link that would point to my documentation and it should work now.

Sorry for any inconvenience.

Photo Album: Blog Images

Sat, 17 May 2008 18:09:46 GMT

Blog Images

More Photos...

Photo Album: SoFla CodeCamp February 02 2008

Sun, 03 Feb 2008 03:31:28 GMT

SoFla CodeCamp February 02 2008

codecamp08

Goodies Area

Carlos from Applied Innovation (Sponsor)

End if the day before give aways

Mike and Alex - Sherlock Staffing (Sponsor)

Time to get t-shirts!

Russ Fustino, always ready to do the Toolshed Stuffs

Russ and Stan... Anyone want's to learn C#... HUmm!!

Event success thanks to all the sponsors and the people can to our sessions

Congrat! to Dave for getting the first INETA Achievement Award.

Custom List: Microsoft Community Links

Thu, 29 May 2008 22:21:31 GMT

Microsoft Community Links

Russ Fustino
Microsoft Developer Champion for the Gulf Coast. Great Speaker.
Joe Healy website
Microsoft Developer Evangelist Gulf Coast. Awesome presenter.
South Florida .NET User Group
Providing .NET Community with great content in all area: West Palm, Ft. Lauderdale, and Miramar.

Custom List: Valuable Resource Links

Thu, 29 May 2008 22:12:14 GMT

Valuable Resource Links

MOW's PowerShell Blog
Good source for PowerShell scripts information. Check it out.
Dmitry's Blog
Looking for something interesting... check out this blog.
Microsoft PowerShell Team Blog
One of the best source of information.
Microsoft PowerShell
Good start for information about PowerShell.
PowerShell Maniac Zain
Microsoft has done it again. Zain will convert you to the PowerShell "DARK SIDE"... "resistance is Futile!".

Book List: Book List

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 01:55:30 GMT

by Bruce Payette: Windows PowerShell in Action