Microsoft Windows PowerShell command line shell and scripting language helps IT professionals achieve greater control and productivity. Using a new admin-focused scripting language, more than 130 standard command line tools, and consistent syntax and utilities, Windows PowerShell allows IT professionals to more easily control system administration and accelerate automation. Windows PowerShell is easy to adopt, learn, and use, because it works with your existing IT infrastructure and existing script investments, and because it runs on Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2003. Windows PowerShell is now included as part of Windows Server 2008 and can be evaluated in Windows Server 2008 Beta 3. Exchange Server 2007, System Center Operations Manager 2007, System Center Data Protection Manager V2, and System Center Virtual Machine Manager also leverage Windows PowerShell to improve administrator control, efficiency, and productivity.

Q. What is Windows PowerShell?
A. Windows PowerShell is a new command line shell and task-based scripting technology that provides information technology (IT) administrators comprehensive control and automation of system administration tasks, increasing administrator productivity. Windows PowerShell includes numerous system administration utilities, consistent syntax and naming conventions, and improved navigation of common management data such as the registry, certificate store, or Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI). Windows PowerShell also includes an intuitive scripting language specifically designed for IT administration.

Q. Is Windows PowerShell the same product known previously as Windows "Monad" Shell, Microsoft Command Shell, or MSH?
A. Yes, this product was previously known by these code names.

Q. When will Windows PowerShell be available to customers?
A. Windows PowerShell 1.0 is released and available on the Download Center as a free download.

Q. Which versions of the Windows operating system are supported by Windows PowerShell?
A. Windows PowerShell is supported on Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2008.

Q. Which processor architectures are supported by Windows PowerShell?
A. Windows PowerShell is supported on x86, x64, and IA64.

Q. Will Windows PowerShell be included in Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008?
A. No. However, Windows PowerShell will run on both. The plan is to include Windows PowerShell in a future version of the Windows operating system.

Q. What are the prerequisites to install and use Windows PowerShell?
A. Windows PowerShell requires the .NET Framework version 2.0. It is available on both the Microsoft Download Center as a redistributable package and through the Windows Update and Microsoft Update services.

Q. How come I cannot run scripts when I first install Windows PowerShell?
A. By default, a security feature in PowerShell, called the “Execution Policy,” prevents scripts from running. To understand the different execution policies available to you, type get-help about_signing in the Windows PowerShell prompt. After selecting an execution policy, use the Set-ExecutionPolicy cmdlet to set it. For instance, type Set-ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned in the Windows PowerShell prompt.

Q. Are there any Windows PowerShell scripts available?
A. Yes. The Windows PowerShell page on the TechNet Script Center has a number of sample scripts.

Q. Are there any Windows PowerShell training resources available?
A. Yes. Please refer to the Windows PowerShell blog for more information.

Please See this Windows Default Page for Power Shell 1.0 from Microsoft