Microsoft has revealed that Windows PowerShell Release Candidate 2 is available for download via the Microsoft Help and Support website. Designed as an update package for Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 (SP1) and for Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), the PowerShell 1.0 update package is scheduled for release by the end of 2006.
“Windows PowerShell RC2, is the command line shell and scripting language that helps IT Professionals achieve greater productivity and control of system administration. Using a new admin-focused scripting language and consistent syntax and utilities, Windows PowerShell accelerates automation. Windows PowerShell is easy to adopt, learn, and use, because it works with existing IT infrastructure and scripting tools,” revealed Microsoft.
Microsoft also added that the Release Candidate 2 comprises a number of changes introduced by the customer feedback related to Beta3 and RC1.
The alterations are as follows: Direct ADSI support to allow IT Pros to more easily administer Active Directory, Improved support for Windows Management Instrumentation through ability to change WMI properties via methods, Additional logical operators (XOR and binary XOR) that make it easier to write sophisticated scripts, Improved help content and help functionality, including new views that make it easier to find the right information, Windows PowerShell 1.0 will release-to-web in late 2006, Windows PowerShell will be leveraged by Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 and System Center Operations Manager 2007.
