PowerShell is built on top of the .NET Framework and replaces the old process of using text to pass data like the current CMD shell. PS is a scriptable language that provides an alternative to the manual changes you make through a GUI. It is more powerful than Perl or WSH, although those two technologies can help with automating a lot of tasks. Let’s look at what PS is and is not and hopefully it will help clear things up a bit.

Powershell

is NOT a programming languge like C## et al.
is a scripting language like VBS, WSH, Perl
is NOT a replacement for CMD.EXE - is an administrative tool
is NOT going to replace all your system administration tools
is going to change the way you administrate your network
(Source)

You can download powershell from here: http://www.microsoft.com/technet/scriptcenter/topics/msh/download.mspx

After installing it, go to start–> run –> powershell.

It even has same commands and looks of a linux shell:

List of some of it’s commands, you can seem by typing help on the shell prompt.

Using Unix shell like terminology:

Powershell is making it’s debut as part of an operating system in Windows Server 2008, Is this another step for MS towards server dominance? Even though they are happily copying Linux features in it’s commercial products.

http://www.iaps.com/2007-server-hardware-and-os-survey.html

Cheers,
Pavs

Dive Into Python is a Python book for experienced programmers. You can buy a printed copy, read it online, or download it in a variety of formats. It is also available in multiple languages.

http://diveintopython.org/toc/index.htm

What is Python?
Python is an interpreted, interactive, object-oriented programming language. It is often compared to Tcl, Perl, Scheme or Java.

Python combines remarkable power with very clear syntax. It has modules, classes, exceptions, very high level dynamic data types, and dynamic typing. There are interfaces to many system calls and libraries, as well as to various windowing systems (X11, Motif, Tk, Mac, MFC, wxWidgets). New built-in modules are easily written in C or C++. Python is also usable as an extension language for applications that need a programmable interface.

The Python implementation is portable: it runs on many brands of UNIX, on Windows, OS/2, Mac, Amiga, and many other platforms. If your favorite system isn’t listed here, it may still be supported, if there’s a C compiler for it. Ask around on news:comp.lang.python — or just try compiling Python yourself.

The Python implementation is copyrighted but freely usable and distributable, even for commercial use.

Cheers,
pavs

SANS Top-20 Internet Security Attack Targets (2006 Annual Update)

Operating Systems

W1. Internet Explorer

W2. Windows Libraries

W3. Microsoft Office

W4. Windows Services

W5. Windows Configuration Weaknesses

M1. Mac OS X

U1. UNIX Configuration Weaknesses

Cross-Platform Applications

C1 Web Applications

C2. Database Software

C3. P2P File Sharing Applications

C4 Instant Messaging

C5. Media Players

C6. DNS Servers

C7. Backup Software

C8. Security, Enterprise, and Directory Management Servers

Network Devices

N1. VoIP Servers and Phones

N2. Network and Other Devices Common Configuration Weaknesses

Security Policy and Personnel

H1. Excessive User Rights and Unauthorized Devices

H2. Users (Phishing/Spear Phishing)

Special Section

Z1. Zero Day Attacks and Prevention Strategies

Source: http://www.sans.org/top20/?portal=332da72c1873a532d07027eabe2db5cc

Cheers,
pavs