Introduction

Welcome to Windows Admin Scripting Little Black Book, Second Edition . This book is specifically designed to teach you how to quickly turn routine, repetitive, time-consuming , or complex administrative tasks into simple scripts. If you're like me, you probably don't have the time to spend thumbing through books filled with general examples that you'll never use. Because of its compact size , this book is free of generic filler material (a common trait of the larger scripting books) and comes packed with information and examples that you can actually use. Whether you're a basic Windows user or a network administrator in charge of a corporate infrastructure, this book will teach you how to use scripting to become more productive and recoup some free time from your busy schedule.

This book is a concise reference detailing various scripting methods and techniques to automate all types of administrative tasks. At its core , this book explains and illustrates the three major scripting methods: shell scripting, KiXtart, and Windows Script Host. It will also teach you the inner workings of Active Directory Service Interfaces and Windows Management Instrumentation, and how to use the provided examples to manage an enterprise. Finally, this book will show you how to use alternative methods, such as ScriptIt or AutoIt, when conventional scripting just won't cut it. Beyond the extensive scripting examples and information, this book also provides in-depth coverage of scripting for Windows 2000, XP, and 2003.

Is This Book for You?

If you've read this far, chances are this is the book for you. Out of all the sites where I've worked, only a small percentage of employees have even thought about using scripting. Perhaps it's because there is a common misconception that you have to be a programmer or computer genius to write scripts. This couldn't be any further from the truth. Scripts are the simplest form of programming, and anyone who uses a computer can easily create them.

The examples and information in this book are specifically focused around the daily tasks of the IT professional. For the novice administrator or scripter, this book will guide you through the world of scripting and administration, while helping you quickly build your skill set. For the experienced administrator or scripter, this book provides a wealth of information and advanced techniques to help you manage and standardize your environment.