PowerShell 5.0 and Desired State Configuration

Course Overview

This module explains how the class will be structured and introduces course materials and additional administrative information.

Topics:

• Introduction
• Course Materials
• Facilities
• Prerequisites
• What We'll Be Discussing

PowerShell 5.0 Desired State Configuration Introduction

In this module, we explain Desired State Configuration (DSC), the concepts needed to understand the basics of how it works and discuss the features added in the two latest versions.

Topics:

• Understanding Desired State Configuration
• Understanding DSC Metaphor
• PowerShell is Imperative, or Declarative, or Both?
• Exploring DSC from 30,000 Feet!
• Examining Why to Put Effort into DSC (Or Inspire Me Dude)?
• Understanding DSC Requirements
• Examining PowerShell Version 4: DSC Features Added
• Exploring PowerShell Version 5: DSC Improvements

DSC Architecture

DSC utilizes DSC resources to determine whether or not the current state of the node matches the expected state, and those resources know how to change the current state to the expected state. Before we start to write configuration files and utilize resources, we are going to explore the two models of management, review MOF file creation workflows, and look at different methods of configuring data.

Topics:

• Taking a Preliminary Look
• Updating the Help System
• Exploring Management Models
• Reviewing the MOF File Creation Workflow
• Examining Methodologies of Configuration Data
• Exploring Functions and Cmdlets Available for DSC with WMF 5.0
• Understanding DSC Pull Server

DSC Configuration Files

In this module, we will examine the process to create configuration files and utilize them.

Topics:

• Preparing the Environment
• Defining a DSC Configuration Script
• Configuration Keyword

DSC Resources

In this module, we will discuss and utilize DSC Resources.

Topics:

• Examining File Resource
• Exploring Archive Resource
• Examining Environment Resource
• Exploring Group Resource
• Examining Log Resource
• Understanding Package Resource
• Examining Registry Resource
• Exploring Script Resource
• Examining Service Resource
• Exploring User Resource
• Examining WindowsFeature Resource
• Understanding PsDscRunAsCredential

DSC Pull and Push Servers

In this module, we will discuss parameters, examine both push and pull models, and explore configurations and debugging.

Topics:

• Discussing Parameters
• Examining a Push Mode Example
• Exploring the Pull Mode
• Reviewing the Local Configuration Manager (LCM)
• Placing Configurations and Resources for Distribution by the Pull Server
• Discussing Configuration Drift
• Debugging DSC in Version 5

Appendix: 752552 PowerShell 5.0 Basics

This appendix is a subset of BlueBuffaloPress course 752552 with all of the labs removed. It is intended as a basic tutorial, or refresher for students attending the course it is attached to. You will find this appendix in many of our PowerShell courses.

Topics:

• Introduction to PowerShell
• Utilizing PowerShell
• The Pipeline
• Processing Data with Loops
• Scripting and Functions