Hi all, I have this ongoing project at work which involves configuration of SCCM and RODC for Windows Server 2k8 R2. So far, I have done so many manual configurations which can be repetitive in some steps. And then, i think its best for me to learn about scripting to reduce or automate some of the basic steps of configuration related to client push installations, site maintenance tasks, etc. I have been in talk with some external contractors about this and they recommend me to use C# in scripting instead of VBS. It was mentioned that C# would prove to be more efficient in handling errors (try & catch). So, does it mean I have to run Powershell script from C#? I am willing to dig more into this. Apparently I have more VBS experience than C#. So, can anyone recommend me a good source of information (forums, blogs, etc) for me to start? I have been googling around but most would refer to using VBS or Powershell from C#. Is this what referred to using C# for scripts? I'm sorry about the confusion but this is the reason I'm posting this. B-) Also, although I will be doing most of the development and testing at work, I would also like to continue working at home. So, what would be the best way of obtaining Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 + SCCM 2007 SP2? I have noticed that on Technet Subscription, the latest that you can get is SMS 2003. Is there any other channels for developers to evaluate and test their knowledge without paying the commercial license price? Thank you

The best place to learn scripting is to start here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/scriptcenter/default. With Powershell you should be able to achieve most things without having to go near C# As for the software you can get eval versions here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/trial-software.aspx http://www.microsoft.com/systemcenter/configurationmanager/en/us/trial-software.aspx But with those you will have to reinstall every 180 days. Alternatively as u have already mentioned purchase a technet subscription where the latest versions will be available.

You can use VBScript and/or PowerShell to manage Servers and DC's. C# is for coding compiled programs and not for scripting. PowerShell supports Try/Catch/Finally structures. Look into an MSDN subscription to obtain software you can use for testing and development. The best resource for VBScript to manage Windows networks is still "Microsoft Windows 2000 Scripting Guide - Automating System Administration". The text is available online here: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ee221103.aspx I refer to two books for using PowerShell to administer networks: "PowerShell In Practice", by Richard Siddaway, Copyright 2010 by Manning Publications Co. "Active Directory", Fourth Edition, by Brian Desmon, Joe Richards, Robbie Allen, and Alistair G. Lowe-Norris, Copyright 2009 O'Reilly Media. Other resources cover the PowerShell language, but don't deal with server/domain/RODC issues. A point to remember. PowerShell requires .NET Framework 2.0 or above. Some features of PowerShell V2 require .NET Framework 3.5. PowerShell comes with Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7, but must be installed on Windows XP SP2, Windows Server 2003, Vista, and Windows Server 2008. Richard MuellerMVP ADSI

Thanks for the help. That website is useful indeed! Now, in regards to the copy of SCCM 2007, what would be the best way of obtaining it if its not available through Technet subscription. Is there a trial version available? Or does it already come with the Technet's version of Windows Server 2k8?

Hi, You can download a trial version of SCCM here http://www.microsoft.com/systemcenter/configurationmanager/en/us/trial-software.aspx If you do purchase a technet subscripition it is also available on that aswell.