Microsoft® Windows Server 2003: Administrator’s Companion

Summary

If you need to perform an administrative task once or twice, use a graphical tool such as an MMC snap-in. If you need to perform a task more than twice, it pays to automate the task in some manner. Windows Server 2003 provides a number of methods you can use to automate tasks, including a powerful command prompt, batch files, and WSH scripts that can optionally make use of WMI and ADSI. Besides these built-in capabilities, UNIX administrators will enjoy the ability to install and use Perl to write WSH scripts, or full-fledged Perl programs that administer computers directly using the Win32 API, WMI, or ADSI.