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of 40What is PowerShell and how does it differ from traditional command-line interfaces?
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PowerShell is an object-oriented automation and configuration management framework from Microsoft. Unlike traditional command-line interfaces that work with text, PowerShell works with .NET objects, making it more powerful for system administration tasks.
Key differences:
- Object-based: Commands return .NET objects instead of text
- Cmdlet structure: Uses verb-noun syntax (Get-Process, Set-Location)
- Pipeline: Objects flow through the pipeline, not just text
- Integrated scripting: Built-in scripting language with full .NET access
- Cross-platform: PowerShell Core runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS
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Explain the PowerShell ISE and PowerShell Core. What are the main differences?
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PowerShell ISE (Integrated Scripting Environment): A graphical interface for writing, testing, and debugging PowerShell scripts. It's Windows-only and comes with Windows PowerShell.
PowerShell Core: The cross-platform version built on .NET Core, designed to run on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Key differences:
- Platform support: ISE is Windows-only; Core is cross-platform
- Base framework: ISE uses .NET Framework; Core uses .NET Core
- Performance: Core is generally faster and more lightweight
- Module compatibility: Some Windows PowerShell modules aren't compatible with Core
- Development: Core is actively developed; ISE development has stopped
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What is the PowerShell execution policy and why is it important?
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Execution policy is a security feature that controls which PowerShell scripts can run on a system. It helps prevent malicious scripts from executing accidentally.
Execution policy levels:
- Restricted: No scripts can run (default on client systems)
- RemoteSigned: Local scripts run freely; remote scripts must be signed
- AllSigned: All scripts must be digitally signed
- Unrestricted: All scripts run with warnings for remote scripts
- Bypass: Nothing is blocked; no warnings
- Undefined: No execution policy is set
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Explain the verb-noun naming convention in PowerShell cmdlets.
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PowerShell cmdlets follow a consistent verb-noun naming pattern that makes them intuitive and discoverable. The verb describes the action, and the noun describes what the action is performed on.
Common verbs:
- Get: Retrieves information
- Set: Changes or configures something
- New: Creates something new
- Remove: Deletes something
- Start/Stop: Controls services or processes
- Test: Validates or checks something
Examples: Get-Service, Set-Location, New-Item, Remove-File, Start-Process
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What are the different types of PowerShell commands?
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PowerShell recognizes four types of commands in this order of precedence:
- Aliases: Shortened names for cmdlets (
lsforGet-ChildItem) - Functions: User-defined commands written in PowerShell
- Cmdlets: Compiled .NET classes that follow verb-noun syntax
- External executables: Traditional command-line programs
You can use Get-Command to identify command types and find available commands.
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Explain the difference between Format-Table, Format-List, and Out-GridView.
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These are formatting cmdlets that control how output is displayed:
Format-Table: Displays output in tabular format with columns. Good for comparing multiple objects side by side.
Format-List: Displays output as a list with property names and values. Better for detailed view of single objects or when properties have long values.
Out-GridView: Opens output in a separate GUI window with sorting, filtering, and selection capabilities. Interactive and user-friendly for data exploration.
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How do you declare and use variables in PowerShell?
What are the main data types in PowerShell?
What is Get-Member and how is it useful?
What is the PowerShell Gallery and how do you use it?
How do you use Write-Error, Write-Warning, and Write-Verbose?
How do you work with files and folders in PowerShell?
How do you manage Windows services using PowerShell?
How do you manage processes in PowerShell?
How does the PowerShell pipeline work and what makes it powerful?
Explain PowerShell arrays and hashtables with examples.
How do you work with object properties and methods in PowerShell?
How do you create custom objects in PowerShell?
How do you create and use functions in PowerShell?
What is the difference between parameters, arguments, and variables in PowerShell functions?
Explain PowerShell script blocks and how they're used.
What are PowerShell modules and how do you manage them?
How do you create a simple PowerShell module?
How do you handle errors in PowerShell scripts?
What is the difference between terminating and non-terminating errors?
How does PowerShell remoting work and how do you enable it?
What are PowerShell sessions and when would you use them?
How do you manage credentials securely in PowerShell remoting?
What are the security considerations when running PowerShell scripts?
How do you work with the Windows Registry using PowerShell?
How do you search for files and filter results effectively?
How do you monitor system performance using PowerShell?
How do you work with JSON and XML data in PowerShell?
How do you create and manage PowerShell jobs?
How do you debug PowerShell scripts effectively?
What are some PowerShell best practices for system administrators?
How do you digitally sign PowerShell scripts?
What is Just Enough Administration (JEA) and how does it enhance security?
What is Desired State Configuration (DSC) and how does it work?
What are PowerShell workflows and when would you use them?
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PowerShell cheatsheet
PowerShell System Administration Interview Cheat Sheet
- Summary01
- PowerShell Basics02
- Essential Cmdlets03
- Working with Objects04
- File System Operations05
- Process Management06
- Service Management07
- User & Group Management08
- Network Administration09
- Registry Operations10
- Remote Management11
- Error Handling12
- + 6 more inside
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