Tutorials

Tutorials

• Avoid data overflows with PowerShell Remove-Item

  The cmdlet helps delete misplaced files and outdated documents, but you should tune the code to optimize execution and avoid errors when the work entails many files and folders.  Continue Reading

• Use PnP PowerShell commands to fortify SharePoint management

  A new PowerShell module pares down the work required to handle administrative tasks on several Office 365 services, such as SharePoint Online and Microsoft Teams.  Continue Reading

• How to auto scale Kubernetes pods for microservices

  In Kubernetes, autoscaling prevents over provisioning resources for microservices running in a cluster. Follow this tutorial to set up horizontal and vertical scaling.  Continue Reading

• Combine PowerShell and Docker to simplify testing across OSes

  Run PowerShell scripts in Docker containers to manage multiple environments from the same system. Follow this tutorial to see how to test Linux environments with a Windows host OS.  Continue Reading

• Be selective with Kubernetes RBAC permissions

  Kubernetes RBAC has some vital best practices that save IT teams frustration and consternation. This brief tutorial takes you through new role creation to permissions management.  Continue Reading

• Generate a Windows file server audit via PowerShell

  Learn how to generate a detailed report that uncovers unusual activity by users on a Windows file share without having to manually investigate every file and folder.  Continue Reading

• Kubernetes basics: A step-by-step implementation tutorial

  This Kubernetes implementation example demonstrates how to create a single-node cluster on Windows 10 to get a containerized application up and running.  Continue Reading

• Try out this GitOps tutorial with Flux and Kubernetes

  Learn how to implement GitOps with Kubernetes workloads. See the benefits of this approach and follow this Flux tutorial to get started.  Continue Reading

• Cut coding corners with return values in PowerShell functions

  In certain instances, a return keyword is a good option to exit the current scope of a function and to reduce the bloat from a PowerShell script.  Continue Reading

• Build a Windows Server 2019 file server cluster for stability

  Learn how to use the clustering tools provided by the Microsoft server OS to create a highly available file server to avoid downtime if disaster strikes.  Continue Reading

• A better way to query DynamoDB data with SQL

  Not everything is a one-click solution. Review two ways to query DynamoDB with SQL, as well as what these methods reveal about AWS' future as the top cloud provider.  Continue Reading

• Learn to use a PowerShell call function from another script

  Don't use the same lines of code in several places in your scripts. Learn how to use functions and reap the benefits of a more streamlined approach.  Continue Reading

• Build a custom VM image for Azure deployments

  Follow this step-by-step guide to create a custom virtual machine image for Microsoft Azure deployments.  Continue Reading

• SharePoint Online PowerShell commands for admin tasks

  You can avoid the admin portal when you pick up your PowerShell game and learn how to manage cloud-based resources in Office 365, including the SharePoint collaboration platform.  Continue Reading

• Use Docker and Alpine Linux to build lightweight containers

  Alpine Linux won't always be the right OS choice for IT teams, but it's an option worth consideration when lightweight container images are the goal.  Continue Reading

• Build a Power Automate flow using the Graph API

  Administrators of Office 365 or Azure platforms can benefit from using newer Microsoft software technologies to handle many jobs, such as automating tasks and generating reports.  Continue Reading

• Build and deploy a microservice with Kubernetes

  Ready to run microservices in production? Follow along to create a containerized microservice and deploy it on Kubernetes in this step-by-step tutorial.  Continue Reading

• Kubernetes performance testing tutorial: Load test a cluster

  Follow along step by step to run Kubernetes performance tests with Metrics Server and Horizontal Pod Autoscaler. This tutorial works for cloud-, data center- or locally hosted clusters.  Continue Reading

• Use Pulumi and Azure DevOps to deploy infrastructure as code

  Follow this tutorial for an overview of Pulumi, an IaC tool, within the Azure DevOps toolchain, and how to use them together to define, build, test and deploy infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• Implement simple server monitoring with PowerShell

  Administrators who build a server monitoring framework with PowerShell can develop their own customized checks for deeper insights into their environment.  Continue Reading

• Follow this Grafana Loki tutorial to query IT log data

  IT pros evaluating log data should try tools like Grafana Loki. Follow this tutorial to see how it works firsthand, exploring LogCLI and LogQL.  Continue Reading

• A Graylog tutorial to centrally manage IT logs

  Graylog enables IT admins to manage and analyze log data from multiple sources. Use this tutorial to set up the tool and learn its primary features, such as pipelines and extractors.  Continue Reading

• How to use Clair to scan Docker images

  Container vulnerabilities open the door to security issues and cascading failures across an IT environment. Use this Clair tutorial to scan for compromised Docker container images.  Continue Reading

• How to set up Prometheus for Kubernetes monitoring

  Prometheus enables IT teams to automate and quickly configure infrastructure monitoring with open source tools natively in Kubernetes. Follow this tutorial to get started.  Continue Reading

• How to configure a VM override in DRS and HA

  VM overrides to prevent unnecessary VM movement and availability issues. Review the configuration options that come with this feature in this tutorial.  Continue Reading

• A Terraform Registry tutorial to build and share modules

  Before IT teams share Terraform modules through the tool's public registry, they must familiarize themselves with these prerequisites and technical steps.  Continue Reading

• Lighten up and install Exchange 2019 on Windows Server Core

  Organizations looking to tighten up security in every aspect of their infrastructure now have the option to deploy their on-premises messaging system on Server Core 2019.  Continue Reading

• A Kubernetes namespaces tutorial to manage cluster resources

  Namespaces in Kubernetes serve several purposes -- from allowing teams to share a single cluster to enforcing resource quotas. Use this tutorial to get started with this important Kubernetes feature.  Continue Reading

• Create an AKS cluster with this Ansible and Kubernetes tutorial

  IT admins familiar with Ansible can use the configuration management tool, alongside Azure Cloud Shell, to spin up a Kubernetes cluster in AKS.  Continue Reading

• Find and lock down lax Windows share permissions

  With help from PowerShell, you can identify the shares that need adjustments across your infrastructure then use a script to fix them to protect sensitive data.  Continue Reading

• PowerShell ForEach-Object cmdlet picks up speed

  Administrators get extra incentive to switch to PowerShell 7 after an existing cmdlet acquires a performance enhancement to run multiple iterations in parallel.  Continue Reading

• Increase PowerShell security with help from AppLocker

  Learn how to curb the native abilities of the expansive scripting tool in the Windows OS to prevent your users from being unwitting participants in a cyberattack.  Continue Reading

• Use this Nagios monitoring tutorial for proactive IT monitoring

  Learn how to install and run Nagios to monitor your organization's IT assets. Follow these steps so you're prepared to catch problems before they get out of hand.  Continue Reading

• Visual Studio Code vs. the native console for PowerShell debugging

  Unsure whether to debug a PowerShell script in Visual Studio Code or the PowerShell console? Follow this tutorial to make the decision a little easier.  Continue Reading

• Best practices for Hyper-V template creation

  Admins can streamline template creation through Hyper-V SCVMM with a few best practices, such as evaluating whether a VM is the right fit for template creation.  Continue Reading

• Project management tools and strategies: Gantt charts, PERT charts and PM planning tools

  In project management, charts can visualize work in progress -- and there are many ways to do so. Learn how Agile teams use Gantt, PERT, burn down and other charts to stay on track.  Continue Reading

• Walk through common use cases for built-in Terraform functions

  Follow along with this Terraform tutorial to learn and apply various types of built-in functions -- including Numeric, String, and Date and Time -- within the IaC tool.  Continue Reading

• How to set up Windows Server 2019 virtual network encryption

  Microsoft tightens the security on its virtualization platform, even if a breach occurs, to prevent intruders from eavesdropping on traffic between VMs.  Continue Reading

• Using wsusscn2.cab to find missing Windows updates

  Avoid unnecessary security headaches by using the Windows Update offline scan file and PowerShell to ensure your systems have all their Microsoft patches.  Continue Reading

• Use this Kubernetes and Helm tutorial to simplify app deployments

  Helm charts are a helpful tool to deploy applications onto Kubernetes clusters. Follow this tutorial, which also features Windows and Chocolatey, to get started with the package manager.  Continue Reading

• Get back on the mend with Active Directory recovery methods

  Administrators should have a few of these data protection techniques up their sleeves to keep Active Directory from a total breakdown.  Continue Reading

• Learn PowerShell scripting using the PSKoans module

  Want to get started with PowerShell automation to manage your Windows systems? Try the PSKoans module to learn as you go through its exercises to build your scripting skills.  Continue Reading

• Build a Graphite dashboard for data analysis, visualization

  Data visualization is a powerful capability for IT admins and business managers alike. In this tutorial, learn how to create charts and dashboards in Graphite, an open source monitoring tool.  Continue Reading

• Azure Bastion brings convenience, security to VM management

  This cloud service gets around the problem associated with jump servers and cloaks the identity of your VMs to avoid potential security issues.  Continue Reading

• How to manage Server Core with PowerShell

  New PowerShell users will need to overcome a learning curve to work with Server Core, but the tool has some built-in aids to help you progress.  Continue Reading

• How to monitor NetApp quotas for disks with PowerShell

  NetApp's PowerShell module provides a fast and easy way to automate and monitor NetApp quotas for disks. Learn how with this step-by-step tutorial.  Continue Reading

• How to create PowerShell modules with a Plaster template

  Follow along this tutorial to create templates in Plaster, an open source tool, and accelerate the development of PowerShell modules.  Continue Reading

• How to work with the WSUS PowerShell module

  The PoshWSUS module automates the process to synchronize and approve Windows updates. You can also use it to perform essential maintenance on the WSUS server.  Continue Reading

• Implement automated employee onboarding with PowerShell

  Your time is precious and you shouldn't waste it by clicking through menus to set up a new user. Look at these code examples to put together your own provisioning script.  Continue Reading

• Learn to set up and use PowerShell SSH remoting

  Remoting over SSH in PowerShell Core has some advantages over the traditional Windows PowerShell remoting method, but it will require a fair amount of manual configuration work.  Continue Reading

• How to automate patch management in Windows

  Automating Windows updates with PowerShell will ease some of the labor associated with the routine patch deployment process.  Continue Reading

• Using the Sysinternals Sysmon tool to check DNS queries

  A recent update to the Sysinternals Sysmon utility adds DNS query logging to give deeper insights into the connections made by your Windows machines.  Continue Reading

• Follow this Terraform and AWS tutorial to create a VPC

  As an infrastructure-as-code tool, Terraform simplifies and streamlines resource deployments. Follow along with this example, which features Amazon VPCs, to get started.  Continue Reading

• Pester tests help pinpoint infrastructure issues

  The Pester testing framework gives IT pros a way to develop sophisticated and consistent testing routines that monitoring tools just can't duplicate.  Continue Reading

• 83 useful Linux commands

  Enterprise administrators and managers who use this guide of essential Linux commands, utilities and tools will find ways to manage files, get process status updates and more.  Continue Reading

• Use this Mesos and Marathon tutorial to try resource abstraction

  Marathon, the Mesos-based tool, eases large-scale container orchestration. Before you begin deployments, set up Zookeeper and Mesos with Marathon, and try a simple task.  Continue Reading

• Use PowerShell printer management for quicker setups

  Don't fiddle with printer configurations and tiresome upkeep work from the GUI when you can automate a lot of the tediousness with PowerShell.  Continue Reading

• Pick up basic Git commands with a hands-on tutorial

  To get things done in Git, know your commands. Open up the version control system and replicate this quick tutorial to learn how to run crucial inputs.  Continue Reading

• Try these PowerShell networking commands to stay connected

  Ping has its place, but PowerShell gives you a way to dive deeper into a networking issue when a server drops its connection or starts to drop packets.  Continue Reading

• Learn how to deploy a Flask app to AWS Elastic Beanstalk

  Explore Elastic Beanstalk, the cloud service that automates web application provisioning on AWS infrastructure. Use this tutorial to model your own deployment with Python and Flask.  Continue Reading

• Perform this infrastructure as code tutorial with Pulumi and AWS

  Learn the basics of an infrastructure as code deployment with this tutorial, which features the open source tool Pulumi, along with Python and AWS.  Continue Reading

• Build a successful Apache Mesos installation on Linux servers

  As Apache Mesos gains traction for container orchestration, admins should try it out and evaluate its capabilities. Use this tutorial to set up the necessary software and avoid the pitfalls that plague the process.  Continue Reading

• Filter for AWS objects with these PowerShell commands for S3

  Because of S3's flat structure, it can be difficult to find your way around the service. Learn how to use PowerShell S3 commands to find the right AWS objects.  Continue Reading

• Follow this step-by-step guide to use AWS Lambda with PowerShell

  Explore the process needed to prepare, package and publish Lambda functions with PowerShell modules. Use the examples in each step to model your own functions.  Continue Reading

• Managing NetApp CIFS shares with PowerShell

  NetApp provides a feature-rich PowerShell module to manage CIFS shares. Find out how it works, as well as how to set up a new share and establish permissions.  Continue Reading

• Painlessly deploy Azure File Sync with PowerShell

  Have you ever run low on file server capacity or struggled to access files? Setting up Azure File Sync can give your organization centralized file shares with local accessibility.  Continue Reading

• Use Elasticsearch shard allocation to distribute workload demand

  Learn how to use Elasticsearch shards to distribute data storage and retrieval across physical resources, as workload demands grow.  Continue Reading

• Manage Elasticsearch documents with indices and shards

  Before they can put the search capabilities of Elasticsearch to use for their organization, admins need to properly organize and manage documents via indices, shards, replicas and mapping.  Continue Reading

• Automate Windows configurations with Boxstarter and Chocolatey

  Follow this Boxstarter tutorial to install the open source tool, and use it alongside PowerShell, Chocolatey and GitHub gists for streamlined and repeatable Windows configurations.  Continue Reading

• How to uninstall Exchange 2013 after a cutover migration

  Don't throw a retirement party for that Exchange 2013 server and pull the plug prematurely without going through this checklist to avoid any issues.  Continue Reading

• Set up users with key PowerShell Active Directory commands

  User management in Active Directory doesn't have to fill you with click-induced anxiety. Try these PowerShell tips for a more efficient way to get this work done.  Continue Reading

• How to configure SSL on IIS with PowerShell

  SSL encryption is a necessary component when building an IIS website that communicates with the outside world. Use this PowerShell tutorial to streamline the deployment process.  Continue Reading

• Pick up CI/CD, version control in this Azure DevOps tutorial

  Microsoft's rebranded Azure DevOps helps teams take a software project from start to finish. Walk through the service's components, from project planning to pipelines and testing.  Continue Reading

• Create Vagrant boxes with Packer for rapid IT environment builds

  Vagrant boxes enable IT admins to test infrastructure updates in production-identical QA environments. Follow this Vagrant tutorial to build a machine and export it to a Vagrant box.  Continue Reading

• How to update configurations via the Salt state file

  Salt users must grasp the concepts around state files for configuration changes and updates. Follow along with this tutorial, which also features Cassandra, to get started.  Continue Reading

• Control Docker containers with the Nginx load balancer

  Docker is an efficient container platform, but it isn't perfect. Follow this Nginx load balancer tutorial to provide your container environment with high availability across multiple nodes.  Continue Reading

• Working with PowerShell module downloads from the gallery

  Learn how to get the most out of the PowerShell Gallery with some distinctions for administrators who use Windows PowerShell or PowerShell Core.  Continue Reading

• Manage Salt minions in large environments in symphony

  IT organizations must create, enforce and update configurations in a standardized manner. Learn how to direct Salt minions to install software without repetitive manual work.  Continue Reading

• Try this Chocolatey tutorial to pick up Vagrant provisioning for Windows

  To install a Linux-based tool on a non-Linux machine, at least one intermediary tool is necessary. On Windows, use the Chocolatey package manager for a smooth process.  Continue Reading

• Boost DevOps cred with script management in Git version control

  DevOps teams use configuration management to automate patches and provisioning. They use version control to increase collaboration and change control. Learn how to combine the two.  Continue Reading

• Get started with your first Docker container build

  Many admins have a purely theoretical understanding of containers -- despite the technology's seeming ubiquity. This tutorial offers container newbies the opportunity to get hands-on.  Continue Reading

• How PowerShell Direct helps polish off those VMs

  PowerShell Direct offers administrators a remoting option that does not rely on a network connection to manage Hyper-V VMs, but be sure you meet the requirements for its use.  Continue Reading

• How to use PowerShell JEA for task delegation

  System administrators don't have to do every mundane task themselves anymore with help from Just Enough Administration. Get started with these instructions using PowerShell.  Continue Reading

• Tips to track down and neutralize PowerShell malware

  The benefit of PowerShell is its wide-ranging access to Windows systems, but industrious hackers can exploit its abilities to launch attacks from inside your data center.  Continue Reading

• How to manage Active Directory groups with 7 PowerShell commands

  Managing users, devices and other resources with Active Directory doesn't always require a GUI tool. Try PowerShell to streamline some of your administrative workload.  Continue Reading

• Getting started with AWS Tools for PowerShell

  Want to make a move from on-premises systems? The AWS Tools for PowerShell module builds on your knowledge of handling Windows machines and carries it into the Amazon cloud.  Continue Reading

• Compare Go vs. Python for infrastructure programming

  Both code languages get the infrastructure-as-code job done, but each from a different angle. This comparison tutorial puts their similarities and differences center stage.  Continue Reading

• Adopt the Git version control system for configuration as code

  Configuration files define infrastructure as code, which enables IT admins to control updates and enforce standardization. Start using a version control system to codify configurations with just a handful of commands.  Continue Reading

• Create and configure a shielded VM in Hyper-V

  In just a few easy steps, including installing a Host Guardian Service server and creating certificates, you can shield a Hyper-V VM to protect it against access or tampering.  Continue Reading

• PowerShell logging boosts security in the enterprise

  Want to track any suspicious PowerShell activity across your network? Use these PowerShell logging techniques to curb potential threats that originate from scripts.  Continue Reading

• Write cloud-config automation scripts into the configuration file

  Bypass the need for excess infrastructure, and put off the automation languages seminar -- you need to configure the cloud now. Fortunately, you can still do that.  Continue Reading

• Create a shielded VM template in SCVMM in four easy steps

  SCVMM templates simplify the process of deploying shielded VMs. Prepare the disk to use shielded VM technology before creating the template.  Continue Reading

• Follow a Kubernetes and Go tutorial in your home lab

  Learn how to use the Kubernetes Go client, dep for dependency management and other capabilities for Kubernetes and Go in this home lab exercise on Minikube.  Continue Reading

• Perform this Octopus Deploy tutorial in under 60 minutes

  Octopus Deploy extends a variety of agents called Tentacles that manage a wide swath of tasks. In just one hour, create an Octopus Deploy instance in a simple home lab.  Continue Reading

• These Go code examples showcase its main features

  Google's golang uses many of the same functions as older code languages, such as key-value pairs and compiling, but is better fitted to modern systems development requirements.  Continue Reading

• Set up BSD jails as a form of virtualization

  Using the ezjail tool, you can easily create and install a BSD jail. Execute these simple commands to get started and take advantage of key ezjail features.  Continue Reading

• Use iSCSI storage for VMware to create a data store

  Administrators can create a data store in vSphere with iSCSI storage. It's a relatively cheap, fully supported option, but it doesn't perform as well as direct-attached storage.  Continue Reading

• Resolve issues between Python and Linux with virtualenv

  While Linux OSes favor Python 2, Python 3 is the widely preferred version. Install virtualenv to isolate Python 2 and 3 and prevent IT issues.  Continue Reading

• Get started with this Nutanix Community Edition installation guide

  Install Nutanix Community Edition to test its features in your infrastructure for free. Learn about the download, installation, configuration and VM creation processes.  Continue Reading

• Try these Salt commands to master the config management tool

  The command line is an IT administrator's best friend. Salt users should try these commands to understand how the configuration management tool works.  Continue Reading