NET 286 - Intr to Scripting & Automation

Credits: 3
Lecture Hours: 2
Lab Hours: 2
Practicum Hours: 0
Work Experience: 0
Course Type: Voc/Tech

This hands-on course is designed to equip students with essential scripting and automation skills, focusing on automating tasks on various systems. Students will gain practical experience using scripting languages, mastering techniques to streamline system administration and everyday tasks. From managing system files, user accounts, and network settings to automating repetitive processes, students will explore real-world scenarios to enhance productivity and efficiency. By the end of the course, participants will be able to design, implement, and troubleshoot scripts to improve workflows across diverse operating systems.
Join us to transform your scripting knowledge into practical automation skills for the modern IT landscape.
Competencies

Evaluate foundational PowerShell scripting skills to automate basic tasks
1. Identify key PowerShell cmdlets, syntax, and the pipeline structure
2. Explain PowerShell’s scripting structure, including variables, parameters, and basic functions
3. Construct basic scripts that automate simple tasks (e.g., file creation, directory management)
4. Break down script control structures (loops, conditions) to understand their flow and behavior in automating tasks
Automate essential system administration tasks on Windows and Linux
1. Recognize PowerShell cmdlets used for file management, process management, and service control
2. Applying: Use PowerShell to automate file, directory, and process tasks, as well as schedule and manage background jobs
3. Analyzing: Distinguish between different PowerShell cmdlets and strategies for managing services across Windows and Linux
4. Evaluating: Assess the effectiveness of automated solutions for recurring system tasks, optimizing for reliability and efficiency
Develop adaptable scripting skills for multi-OS environments and data integration
1. Describe the differences in cmdlet usage between Windows and Linux within PowerShell
2. Execute scripts on both Windows and Linux, adapting commands for cross-platform compatibility
3. Differentiate between platform-specific scripts and cross-platform automation approaches
4. Design robust, cross-platform PowerShell scripts that adapt to different environments, integrating remote management and API data parsing
Automate secure data handling and compliance reporting through PowerShell
1. Identify PowerShell security measures for credential handling and script encryption
2. Implement encryption and secure string handling in PowerShell scripts to manage sensitive information
3. Examine scripts for compliance with security and regulatory standards, implementing automated compliance checks
4. Build and customize automated scripts for compliance reporting and system auditing to maintain security best practices
Incorporate modular and advanced scripting for real-world applications
1. Explain the role of modularity in PowerShell scripting and the benefits of using functions and custom modules
2. Develop reusable PowerShell functions and modules that enhance script efficiency and reusability
3. Evaluate system monitoring needs and identify key metrics for automated performance tracking
4. Design and implement a comprehensive automation project that addresses real-world system monitoring, response, and performance optimization challenges
Categorize advanced automation and troubleshooting
1. Analyze script failures or inefficiencies to debug and troubleshoot automated tasks
2. Apply advanced techniques for error handling and logging in PowerShell scripts
3. Create automated solutions for performance optimization, system health checks, and proactive troubleshooting
4. Evaluate and improve the robustness of automation processes by designing more efficient error handling and notification systems

Competencies Revised Date: AY2026