G
guard
The latest (FREE) Advanced Command Library for Windows NT/2K/XP/K3
provides over 200 resources to assist with writing RELIABLE and
MAINTAINABLE shell scripts without adding any third-party software.
Using our Expert Compress script (now in beta), the new release is
22% smaller than the previous version while doubling the number of
resources available.
Many of the most requested items from the "Almost Free" Expert
Library are now in the FREE Advanced Library. These include
GetLogDate (returns the date as yyyymmdd, regardless of regional
settings), GetLogTime, GetFree, GetDirSize, ListFree and NetIPAddrs.
The new System_Info procedure returns the current Service Pack in
the Advanced Library and then adds HotFixes, IE Version and all
installed applications in the Expert Version.
See (http://ntlib.com) for details, or see the Master Catalog
at (http://TheSystemGuard.com/MasterCatalog.asp) for a more
complete list of everything available.
*******
One of the biggest challenges you will face when writing shell
scripts is learning the many inconsistencies and "special cases"
associated with each NT-based platform. While the NT/2K/XP/K3
shell scripting environment is MUCH more powerful than DOS or
Windows 95/98/ME, the lack of certain "basic" features can cause
much Fuming.
In addition, many environments prohibit third-party tools due to
security and/or stability concerns. Whether you agree or disagree
with this policy, it is a reality that Windows SysAdmins have to
deal with every day.
And finally, many tools (free or otherwise) provide the same
functionality that is ALREADY AVAILABLE in a default install.
The reason that they are widely used is because getting the
information that you want, packaged in a way you can use, using
only the builtin utilities, is SUCH A FUMING CHORE!
Here's what we recommend (some of these are FREE and some are
"Almost Free" - from $9 to as little as $1 per system).
*******
#1 - Write your scripts using Mount/\Commands
..Mount/\Commands are extensions to the "builtin"
commands and utilities that are present on
ALL INSTALLATIONS of all NT-based operating
systems including Windows NT4 SP6a+, 2000,
XP and Server 2003.
They are constructed entirely of builtin commands
common to all four platforms (NT/2K/XP/K3).
There is NO BINARY CODE, only scripting commands!
They can be run on any NT4 or later installation
RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX! A single file contains
the entire Mount/\Command Set and they can be
loaded or unloaded as a group in under 2 seconds
on a typically loaded system.
..Mount/\Commands are specifically designed for
use in shell scripts and are coded for
Compatibility, Clarity and Speed.
Compatibility means that ALL M/\Cs perform
CONSISTENTLY across NT/2K/XP/K3. When the
command is created, those aggravating special
cases (the source of much Fuming) are masked
within the M/\C code so that a
CONSISTENT RESULT IS ALWAYS OBTAINED.
Clarity means that scripting code written
using MountCommands can be easily understood
and maintained, even by those without
extensive shell scripting experience.
Speed means that all available methods are
employed to enhance the performance of each
command, including preloading the code so
NO DISK ACCESS is needed to invoke it!
(just like the internal commands such as
FOR, ECHO, DIR, etc.)
The Expert Command Library contains over 300
of these powerful commands. For more information,
see (http://NTCmdLib.com).
*******
#2 - Learn structured scripting techniques.
Our Free KnowledgeLetter, "BoomingOrFuming?" provides
valuable knowledge regarding the creation and maintenance
of reliable cross-platform shell scripts.
Subscribers also receive FREE versions of our
Pattern Scripts that help you to create your own
custom Mount/\Commands to add to the Standard Set.
You can find the sample issues at
(http://BoomingOrFuming.com)
*******
#3 - Get the FREE Advanced NT/2K/XP/K3 Command Library (ntlib.cmd)
ntlib.cmd provides over 150 sample Mount/\Commands
to assist with writing and documenting shell scripts.
To get your FREE copy, go to (http://ntlib.com).
*******
You will also want to take a look at TheGuardBook,
Online Reference for Cross-Platform Shell Scripting at
(http://TheSystemGuard.com/TheGuardBook/CCS-Int).
All the commands internal to cmd.exe are documented
here in "Mounted Help" pages. This includes a
color-keyed page highlighting the differences
among all internal commands in NT/2K/XP/K3. The
"Common Help" from each OS's help screen is also
available for comparison.
*******
-tsg
____________________________________________________________
TheSystemGuard.com | BoomingOrFuming.com | MountCommands.com
Free and "Almost Free" Knowledge for Windows System Admins!
provides over 200 resources to assist with writing RELIABLE and
MAINTAINABLE shell scripts without adding any third-party software.
Using our Expert Compress script (now in beta), the new release is
22% smaller than the previous version while doubling the number of
resources available.
Many of the most requested items from the "Almost Free" Expert
Library are now in the FREE Advanced Library. These include
GetLogDate (returns the date as yyyymmdd, regardless of regional
settings), GetLogTime, GetFree, GetDirSize, ListFree and NetIPAddrs.
The new System_Info procedure returns the current Service Pack in
the Advanced Library and then adds HotFixes, IE Version and all
installed applications in the Expert Version.
See (http://ntlib.com) for details, or see the Master Catalog
at (http://TheSystemGuard.com/MasterCatalog.asp) for a more
complete list of everything available.
*******
One of the biggest challenges you will face when writing shell
scripts is learning the many inconsistencies and "special cases"
associated with each NT-based platform. While the NT/2K/XP/K3
shell scripting environment is MUCH more powerful than DOS or
Windows 95/98/ME, the lack of certain "basic" features can cause
much Fuming.
In addition, many environments prohibit third-party tools due to
security and/or stability concerns. Whether you agree or disagree
with this policy, it is a reality that Windows SysAdmins have to
deal with every day.
And finally, many tools (free or otherwise) provide the same
functionality that is ALREADY AVAILABLE in a default install.
The reason that they are widely used is because getting the
information that you want, packaged in a way you can use, using
only the builtin utilities, is SUCH A FUMING CHORE!
Here's what we recommend (some of these are FREE and some are
"Almost Free" - from $9 to as little as $1 per system).
*******
#1 - Write your scripts using Mount/\Commands
..Mount/\Commands are extensions to the "builtin"
commands and utilities that are present on
ALL INSTALLATIONS of all NT-based operating
systems including Windows NT4 SP6a+, 2000,
XP and Server 2003.
They are constructed entirely of builtin commands
common to all four platforms (NT/2K/XP/K3).
There is NO BINARY CODE, only scripting commands!
They can be run on any NT4 or later installation
RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX! A single file contains
the entire Mount/\Command Set and they can be
loaded or unloaded as a group in under 2 seconds
on a typically loaded system.
..Mount/\Commands are specifically designed for
use in shell scripts and are coded for
Compatibility, Clarity and Speed.
Compatibility means that ALL M/\Cs perform
CONSISTENTLY across NT/2K/XP/K3. When the
command is created, those aggravating special
cases (the source of much Fuming) are masked
within the M/\C code so that a
CONSISTENT RESULT IS ALWAYS OBTAINED.
Clarity means that scripting code written
using MountCommands can be easily understood
and maintained, even by those without
extensive shell scripting experience.
Speed means that all available methods are
employed to enhance the performance of each
command, including preloading the code so
NO DISK ACCESS is needed to invoke it!
(just like the internal commands such as
FOR, ECHO, DIR, etc.)
The Expert Command Library contains over 300
of these powerful commands. For more information,
see (http://NTCmdLib.com).
*******
#2 - Learn structured scripting techniques.
Our Free KnowledgeLetter, "BoomingOrFuming?" provides
valuable knowledge regarding the creation and maintenance
of reliable cross-platform shell scripts.
Subscribers also receive FREE versions of our
Pattern Scripts that help you to create your own
custom Mount/\Commands to add to the Standard Set.
You can find the sample issues at
(http://BoomingOrFuming.com)
*******
#3 - Get the FREE Advanced NT/2K/XP/K3 Command Library (ntlib.cmd)
ntlib.cmd provides over 150 sample Mount/\Commands
to assist with writing and documenting shell scripts.
To get your FREE copy, go to (http://ntlib.com).
*******
You will also want to take a look at TheGuardBook,
Online Reference for Cross-Platform Shell Scripting at
(http://TheSystemGuard.com/TheGuardBook/CCS-Int).
All the commands internal to cmd.exe are documented
here in "Mounted Help" pages. This includes a
color-keyed page highlighting the differences
among all internal commands in NT/2K/XP/K3. The
"Common Help" from each OS's help screen is also
available for comparison.
*******
-tsg
____________________________________________________________
TheSystemGuard.com | BoomingOrFuming.com | MountCommands.com
Free and "Almost Free" Knowledge for Windows System Admins!