In this concise professional reference, expert author Stanek introduces readers to Scripting Host, the new automation feature, and shows how to put it to work with the VBScript or JScript scripting languages. In addition, Stanek thoroughly explains how to use the older Windows NT shell command language to automate tasks not yet possible with Windows Scripting Host.

THE ONLY HANDS-ON, UP-TO-DATE GUIDE TO VBSCRIPT, THE WINDOWS COMMAND LINE, AND WINDOWS POWERSHELL Windows 7 and Vista contain state-of-the-art tools for streamlining or automating virtually any system management task. If you’re a power user, administrator, or developer, these tools can help you eliminate repetitive work and manage your systems far more reliably and effectively. Renowned Windows expert Brian Knittel brings together the practical knowledge you need to use all these tools, including VBScript and Windows Scripting Host (WSH), traditional batch files, the advanced PowerShell command console, and more. Using plenty of examples, Knittel explains how each tool works, and how to solve real-world problems with them. You’ll master techniques ranging from accessing files to manipulating the Registry, sending automated emails to configuring new users. Knittel also provides concise, handy references to Windows 7/Vista’s command line, GUI scripting, and object-based management tools. The only single-source guide to all leading methods of Windows scripting and automation, this book will help you get far more done–in far less time! Understand Windows Scripting Host (WSH) and the modern Windows scripting environment Script objects with VBScript, JScript, ActivePerl, and ActivePython Read and write files, including XML and HTML files Manipulate programs and shortcuts Manage network, printer, and fax connections Make the most of PowerShell under Windows 7 and Vista Monitor and administer Windows systems with Windows Management Interface (WMI) Use ADSI to control Active Directory and Microsoft Exchange, and manage users more efficiently Avoid mistakes that can compromise script security Use Windows’ debugging tools to test and troubleshoot scripts Develop batch files that take full advantage of the command line Send faxes and email messages from scripts with Windows Fax and Collaboration Data Objects (CDO) Deploy your scripts throughout your organization Brian Knittel has been a software developer for more than 30 years. He has coauthored five titles in Que’s Special Edition Using series, covering Microsoft Windows Vista, XP, and 2000. He is also author of Windows XP Under the Hood, and coauthor of Upgrading and Repairing Windows (with Scott Mueller).

"The complete guide to scripting Microsoft's command shell"--Cover.

With more than 250 ready-to-use recipes, this solutions-oriented introduction to the Windows PowerShell scripting environment and language provides administrators with the tools to be productive immediately.

Prepare for the future of Microsoft automation with this no-nonsense guide Windows PowerShell 2 is the scripting language that enables automation within the Windows operating system. Packed with powerful new features, this latest version is complex, and Windows PowerShell 2 For Dummies is the perfect guide to help system administrators get up to speed. Written by a Microsoft MVP with direct access to the program managers and developers, this book covers every new feature of Windows PowerShell 2 in a friendly, easy-to-follow format. Windows PowerShell 2 is the updated scripting language that enables system administrators to automate Windows operating systems System administrators with limited scripting experience will find this book helps them learn the fundamentals of Windows PowerShell 2 quickly and easily Translates the jargon and complex syntax of Windows PowerShell 2 Covers script debugging improvements, the ability to invoke commands remotely, and the new user interface Uses real-world applications to clarify the theory, fundamentals, and techniques of the scripting language Written by a Microsoft MVP with direct access to the developers of Windows PowerShell 2 Windows PowerShell 2 For Dummies makes this tool easily accessible to administrators of every experience level.