Windows 2000 ADSI Scripting for System Administration [Paperback]

Microsoft Windows' scripting support has taken off recently, and Thomas Eck has done a lot of useful work at the cutting edge of Windows scripting technologies. In Windows NT/2000 ADSI Scripting For System Administration, he documents the Active Directory Service Interfaces (ADSI) as they apply to systems administrators interested in using Component Object Model (COM) objects written in Visual Basic to automate administrative tasks. Because this book is backed by such a considerable development effort, administrators of large Windows NT and Windows 2000 networks will be able to put its ADSI solutions to profitable use immediately.

Though he does provide a conceptual introduction to ADSI and the services implemented in Active Directory, Eck's book is all about code. Code listings appear in quantity. It is one recipe after another, collectively covering hundreds of administration tasks, with minimal commentary on each solution. After all, this is a book for system administrators, and the idea is that they are not so much reading in order to become programmers as to see the assortment of tools that they can use to solve problems.

Though more explanation of the code wouldn't hurt, administrators will be very pleased with the work Eck has done on their behalf. Typical solutions include scripts that add a user to a group, that retrieve a computer's processor type, that enumerate the groups to which a user belongs, that resets all locked-out user accounts in a domain, and a pair that start and stop an Internet Information Services (IIS) site. Many more populate this book's pages and its supporting Web site. --David Wall, amazon.com

Topics covered: Active Directory and the Active Directory Service Interfaces version 2.5 (ADSI 2.5), with emphasis on programs that manipulate users, groups, computers, services and various resources automatically. Other programs perform administrative work on the Internet Information Services (IIS) metabase, Internet sites and Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) services. ADSI and VBScript references appear as appendices.

Scripting provides system administrators an optimal means of automating tedious and time-consuming application, configuration, and management tasks. In addition you can take advantage of new capabilities offered by VBScript, ADSI and Windows Scripting Host. ADSI is particularly important in light of the upcoming release of Windows 2000, as it provides a means of accessing functionality in the Active Directory Microsoft's highly-publicized directory service. ADSI allows for cross-functionality with directory services in other computing platforms, which is critical since 90% of all enterprise networks comprise multiple platforms. This book will provide system administrators with solutions to automate and simplify the configuration and management of their networks. The author will present expert tips, code development and proven in real-world enterprise environments.

Scripting provides system administrators an optimal means of automating tedious and time-consuming application, configuration, and management tasks. In addition you can take advantage of new capabilities offered by VBScript, ADSI and Windows Scripting Host. ADSI is particularly important in light of the upcoming release of Windows 2000, as it provides a means of accessing functionality in the Active Directory Microsoft's highly-publicized directory service. ADSI allows for cross-functionality with directory services in other computing platforms, which is critical since 90% of all enterprise networks comprise multiple platforms. This book will provide system administrators with solutions to automate and simplify the configuration and management of their networks. The author will present expert tips, code development and proven in real-world enterprise environments.

Thomas Eck (ASE, CCA, CNA, GCA, MCDBA, MCSD, MCSE+I) is a specialist with Perot Systems Corporation in the Global Financial Services industry division. Currently, he is working as a Systems Architect and project manager on contract with a major European investment bank. His unique role at the bank allows him to define the global implementation standards employed for the bank's intranet and extranet Web infrastructure. As part of this role, he leads a group charged with the research and development of new and innovative ways to solve workflow and interoperability issues using Web and thin-client technology. Additionally, Thomas provides support and consultation to the various global development, engineering, and deployment teams within the bank environment.

Outside the office, Thomas has served as a contributing author and editor of several titles for Osborne McGraw-Hill and Charles River Media, and also contributes regularly to MCP Magazine.

When he is not engulfed in writing, work, or studying for an industry certification exam, Thomas and his wife can usually be found spending time with family, traveling, going to the theater, or creating fabulous culinary creations at their home near Chicago.

Thomas always welcomes questions and feedback regarding his work¿ if you want to reach him directly, feel free to drop him a note at thomas.eck@ps.net.