Microsoft Releases Command Shell for Windows, PowerShell 1.0

Microsoft has unveiled the final 1.0 version of Windows PowerShell, the company's command shell for Windows that enables administrators to automate and control tasks on Windows desktops and servers.

PowerShell was initially slated to replace the command line in Windows with an object-oriented shell that rivals shells found on Unix systems. However, Microsoft scaled back its plans, saying it would take a few years to fully flesh out the technology.

PowerShell is a fairly complex endeavour for Microsoft, which has previously focused its attention on the graphical interface while competing server software remains primarily command line based. The idea was to build an Unix-like shell for administrators that offer advanced scripting capabilities while remaining easy to programme, the company said.

"Think of it as an integrated version of the Windows Command Prompt (cmd.exe) and VBScript that is easy to use and will allow you to automate and control system administration tasks," said PowerShell developer Alex Heaton.

Windows PowerShell 1.0 runs on Windows XP SP2, Windows Server 2003 and Windows Vista. For more information on what PowerShell can do on Microsoft's new operating system, visit Heaton's post on the Windows Vista Blog.