4.8 - Scripting Use Cases

Question 1

Basic automation

Answer 1

• Automate tasks
  – You don’t have to be there
  – Solve problems in your sleep
  – Monitor and resolve problems before they happen
• The need for speed
  – The script is as fast as the computer
  – No typing or delays
  – No human error
• Automate mundane tasks
  – You can do something more creative

Question 2

Restarting machines

Answer 2

• Turning it off and back on again
  – An important task
• Application updates
  – Some apps require a system restart
• Security patches
  – Deploy overnight and reboot the system
• Troubleshooting
  – The once-a-day restart
  – You may not have physical access

Question 3

Remapping network drives

Answer 3

• Shared network drives
  – The link between the user and their data
• A common task during startup
  – Login scripts provide the connection
• Automate software changes
  – Map a drive to the repository
• Add or move user data
  – Automate the process

Question 4

Application installations

Answer 4

• Install applications automatically
  – Don’t walk a flash drive to every computer
  – Many applications have an automated
  installation process
  – Scripting can turn this into a hands-off process
• On-demand or automatic installation scripts
  – Map the application installation drive
  – Install the application without user prompts
  – Disconnect the drive
  – Restart the system

Question 5

Automated backups

Answer 5

• Usually performed at night or during off-hours
  – Get a copy of all important data
• Time consuming
  – File systems, network connections
• Script an automated backup process
  – Works while you sleep
  – Don’t have to think about it

Question 6

Information gathering

Answer 6

• Get specific information from a remote device
  – Monitoring and reporting
• Performance monitoring
  – Confirm proper operation of a device
• Inventory management
  – Check the hardware or software configuration
• Security and vulnerability checks
  – Check for certain application or library versions
  – Plan for the latest patches

Question 7

Initiating updates

Answer 7

• Nothing ever stays the same
  – Constant changes and updates
• Operating systems
  – New features
  – Security patches
• Device drivers
  – Bug fixes
  – New hardware or OS support
• Applications
  – New version rollouts

Question 8

Other scripting considerations

Answer 8

• Unintentionally introducing malware
  – Make sure you know what you’re installing
• Inadvertently changing system settings
  – Test all updates
  – Track the file and registry changes
• Browser or system crashes
  – Mishandling of resources
  – A single character in a script can have
  unintended consequences
  – Always have a backup
  – Always test before deployment