Administrative PC with Windows Vista (or newer) installed

Remote Server Administration Tools installed on administrative PC

Server with Windows Server 2008 (or newer)

Active Directory Domain Services Role installed on server

Windows Management Framework 3.0 (or newer)

Switched network (required for most cmdlets to function properly)

Broadband internet access (optional, but recommended)

Domain Admin credentials

PowerShell is a robust scripting tool that lets you automate and customize your admin tasks—including controlling the devices and user accounts stored in AD. Here are some go-to cmdlets that will simplify your day-to-day work.Microsoft's PowerShell (PS) management framework, developed for systems management and automating administrative tasks, extends far beyond simply replacing the venerable command-line shell. No, PS offers much more by integrating with services and applications to provide holistic management of clients and servers alike.As the underlying framework is updated, new, more powerful functions will become available. PS is further enhanced by importing modules of support services, such as Active Directory (AD). This allows admins greater control over the devices and user accounts stored in AD, for example. This capability expands to all facets of maintaining the directory services, including controllers and domain services.Before diving into the cmdlets, there are a few requirements that must be met to ensure that AD cmdlets are available and fully supported: