I’m onsite (with many of the other SAPIEN team members) at Microsoft Tech Ed 2007 in hot, humid Orlando, Florida! Yesterday was my first session, covering, of course, Windows PowerShell. But, one point that’s come across very clearly here is that many VBScript-using administrators are happy to keep using VBScript – which is great! The problem is, many of them think it’s an either-or thing – in other words, they’re asking, “should I use VBScript or Windows PowerShell?” Well… if you know VBScript, use it! Why not? It’ll still be with us for at least another ten years or so, I’m thinking, and I’m betting someone (hint, hint) may even pick up VBScript after Microsoft’s “done” with it, and start adding new features and stuff.
Yes, I think you should learn PowerShell, too. But why are the two exclusive? Many Unix/Linux admins know several shells – Bash, K, Csh, and others – and many of them also know a scripting language or two – Perl and Python are favorites. So are those *nix guys smarter than my Windows admin peeps? I’d like to think not – they work with a different set of tools, perhaps, but we perform essentially the same job – and I, for one, enjoy having more than one tool to fall back on.
Speaking of which, the official launch of VBScript, WMI, and ADSI Unleashed went great! I signed several copies in the conference bookstore, along with copies of Windows PowerShell: TFM – in some cases, both books were purchased by the same person, proving that folks are perfectly happy having lots of tools handy for scripting and automation!
I’m doing a repeat of that session today at 5:30pm Eastern time; if you’re at TechEd and reading this – please, drop by and say “hi!”
Don’s session was great! I can’t wait for the new PrimalScript to be released. I also attended the BOF session on admin scripting Tuesday evening. Folks discussed and argued at one point over what editor they use for scripting. Most of the discussions were about people not wanting to ‘switch’ to PowerShell. As Don mentioned, I’m not sure why folks have that perception that they need to switch.
Don,
Great job at TechEd! Your sessions were great, and the Advanced "Interactive Learning Theater" was awesome! Thanks for the sessions!
K^2
I was at the what’s up with scripting for Admins at TechEd, and I think VBScript’s usefulness became a rather hot debate. Personally I think PowerShell is a step in the right direction, and as Don indicated with 3rd party cmdlets and future versions it’s a good idea to learn now.
It was also discussed how alternative non-Microsoft Windows specific scripting tools are vastly superior to VBScript. I would STRONGLY encourage admins to drop VBScript and start becoming productive. With a combination of PowerShell and either FreeWare apps like AutoIT, or the commericial Champion of windows scripting Winbatch should be considered. These applications definitely were strongly defended and generated some interest in the session I aforementioned.