Preface

Monad is the code name for the new interactive command-line and task-based scripting technology in Windows. Also known as MSH, it is the next generation of the Windows command shell that provides a new way of thinking about a wide range of administrative tasks. At last, to the relief of administrators and power users everywhere, the command line is truly becoming a first-class citizen in the world of Windows system management.

I wrote Monad to give you a first look at the MSH command shell, and to get you to start using it as quickly as possible. You won't find this book to be the comprehensive tutorial or dry reference manual that typically accompanies a new product like MSH; rather, it's an exciting hands-on tour of the most useful new capabilities that MSH brings to the table.