I'll admit that I haven't spent the time yet to really dig deep into Windows PowerShell. I've been a VBScript fan since 2000, and so making the switch to this new language is a jump I just haven't made the time to prepare for.

So last weekend I decided to finally sit down and start looking through the training available. Having written my last book through SAPIENPress, I was able to get my hands on a copy of their PowerShell University three-CD set. I was amazed at the level of quality production I saw in these disks.

First, and most different than many CBTs available on the market today was the full motion video of the trainer, Don Jones, shown during about a third of the video. The Fundamentals video comes just shy of about three hours in length and includes in-person lecture, demo, and lab sections. The lecture components include videos of Don presenting the topic and some excellent transitions, which adds a nice touch. The demo sections run you through each of the commands and their use, and are great for pausing so that you can do it yourself on your own computer. Also included are a number of lab sections where you attempt to solve problems based on what you've just learned. Lab manuals explaining the problems are provided. These manuals give hints towards the solution as well as the solution itself, which iteratively helps you when you get stuck.

All-in-all the package is well designed. There's definitely an air of professional-ness to it, and you leave the presentation feeling like you've gotten your money's worth.

I can think of only two relatively small negatives that kept running through my mind as I spent time watching the presentation. First, when using Real Player (my default media player) the video section was lumped into a single three hour file. I found myself wishing that the individual sections were broken into individual files, which would have modularized the training a bit better as I found myself dashing off to another task in the middle of a presentation. From what I understand, if you view the presentation in QuickTime, those separations are available in the interface.

Second, PowerShell is such a big topic that you may find yourself needing to purchase the Fundamentals, the Intermediate, and the Advanced videos if you want to maximize your learning. Thankfully, SAPIEN bundles all three into a single package that comes at a discount, so its worth your while to pick up the three-disk set.

All-in-all, for the multiple hours of interactive training that you can take at your own pace, the content is worth the price. This is a high-quality production that uses multiple paths to maximize your learning experience. I give it high marks for accelerating my own PowerShell experience.

Get your copy at: https://www.scriptingoutpost.com/c-8-scriptinganswerscom-university-class-on-disc.aspx