2024

Deploy your code and pipelines to your internal customers - Jelle de Graaf - PSConfEU 2024

In this detailed lecture, Jelle de Graaf discusses the implementation of Aquaduct, a tool designed to synchronize files and register pipelines in Azure DevOps. The origin story of Aquaduct traces ...back five years when manual steps were required to distribute code to customer teams, leading to the development of a PowerShell script to automate the process. The lecture delves into the challenges faced during deployment, including manual steps and the need for updates.

Aquaduct, also known as Connecting Pipelines, was developed to address these challenges by synchronizing files in Azure DevOps and specifically targeting pipelines. The security risks associated with syncing files between repositories are highlighted, leading to the implementation of restrictions on sources and destinations to mitigate unauthorized access.

The lecture provides insights into how Aquaduct operates, utilizing PowerShell scripts, Azure Functions, and Azure DevOps API endpoints to synchronize files and register pipelines. The process involves scanning repositories, creating synchronization messages, and executing the synchronization tasks. The lecture includes a detailed code demonstration showcasing the functionality and steps involved in utilizing Aquaduct for seamless software deployment.

Key considerations regarding security, version control, commit messages, and the use of personal access tokens are discussed to ensure robust deployment practices and maintain data integrity. The functionality of Aquaduct in simplifying software deployment for internal customers is emphasized, highlighting its flexibility and scalability for various projects.

The lecture offers a comprehensive overview of how Aquaduct streamlines the deployment process and provides a hands-on demonstration of its functionality, showcasing its effectiveness in automating deployment tasks in Azure DevOps.

Chapters:
00:00:00 Deploy your code and pipelines to your internal customers - Jelle de Graaf - PSConfEU 2024
00:00:10 Introduction
00:02:49 Meet Aqueduct
00:08:18 Security Measures
00:11:42 AcroDict Functionality
00:12:38 Synchronization Process
00:19:35 Successful Pipeline Run
00:25:19 Conclusion and Thank You
00:26:25 Availability of the Tool
00:27:49 Development Roadmap
00:28:44 API Utilization
00:31:15 File Overwrite Concerns
00:32:18 Pitfalls and Security Risks
00:32:53 Code Demonstration
00:38:13 Queue Trigger Execution
00:40:10 Filtering Implementation
00:41:04 Pipeline Registration
00:42:39 End of PresentationShow More

Deploy your code and pipelines to your internal customers - Jelle de Graaf - PSConfEU 2024

In this detailed lecture, Jelle de Graaf discusses the implementation ...

Writing your own Ansible PowerShell Module - Jordan Borean - PSConfEU 2024

In this lecture, Jordan Borean, a software engineer at Red Hat, ...

In this lecture, Jordan Borean, a software engineer at Red Hat, provided valuable insights into the process of writing Ansible modules in PowerShell, focusing on enhancing interactions between PowerShell and ...Ansible on Windows systems. Despite personal preferences for scripting languages, I highlighted the importance of community interactions for skill development. Participants were given access to a Windows host for practical sessions, where we explored the capabilities of Ansible in managing infrastructure, deploying applications, and handling network devices efficiently across various platforms.

We began by diving into the setup process of Ansible, covering the installation of necessary packages through pip and the creation of a requirements.txt file listing essential packages like Ansible core, PyPSRP for WinRM connections, and additional modules from the Ansible.Windows collection for Windows-specific operations. The configuration of Windows hosts to accept Ansible connections via WinRM was elaborated, including setting up local users, enabling PS remoting, and testing connectivity with Ansible ad hoc tasks.

Moving on to module creation, we discussed writing a basic PowerShell module with JSON inputs and outputs, emphasizing dynamic responses through global variables, handling input data effectively, and ensuring proper validation and behavior based on input values. We also explored advanced module options, such as providing aliases for enhanced flexibility while maintaining clarity for users.

We then delved into creating explicit choices for module behaviors, managing invocation data securely, setting options for repositories, and defining states like absent, present, and non-existent. Testing the modules with various scenarios to ensure functionality and idempotence was demonstrated to guarantee accurate performance.

To ensure module effectiveness, we discussed debugging techniques like check mode and diff output to preview changes and analyze specific alterations. Documentation's critical role in guiding users on module options, usage scenarios, and return information was emphasized alongside the significance of testing to align documentation with module functionalities effectively.

Furthermore, the creation of a module for documentation within Ansible, testing procedures, exploring action plugins, and leveraging module utils for code sharing were important topics covered in the lecture. The possibilities of running PowerShell modules on Linux and managing Windows and Linux hosts using the same module were also discussed, underlining the importance of thorough testing and audience engagement throughout the development process. Thank you for being a part of this insightful lecture.

Chapters:
00:00:00 Writing your own Ansible PowerShell Module - Jordan Borean - PSConfEU 2024
00:00:10 Introduction and Thanks to Sponsors
00:07:23 Writing Ansible Modules in PowerShell
00:14:20 Enhancing Skills and Learning New Technologies
00:21:24 Understanding Ansible's Core Engine and Plugin System
00:25:45 Setting up Visual Studio Code and WSL Extension
00:27:43 Configuring Inventory and Testing Connection
00:33:58 Ansible Module Options Evolution
00:48:47 Managing Resource States
00:56:43 Testing and Item Potency Validation
01:01:39 Interactive Debugging of Modules
01:04:25 Check Mode and Diff Output
01:12:34 Implementing Diff Output
01:14:31 Documentation Importance
01:22:05 Testing with Ansible Test Command
01:26:43 Exploring Action Plugins
01:30:52 Utilizing Module UtilsShow More

Ask Me Anything with the PowerShell team - Amber Erickson,Damien Caro,Demitrius Nelon,Mutemwa M…

In the latest AMA session with the PowerShell team, we had discussions ...

In the latest AMA session with the PowerShell team, we had discussions about various topics. Steven Bucher discussed the advancements in predictive intelligence and the interactive improvements to PowerShell. The ...team addressed questions from the audience, including the release of PowerShell 7 on Windows, plans for PowerShell certification, and the future roadmap for machine configuration. They also talked about the integration of AI algorithms in PowerShell for enhanced user experience.

Steve Lee mentioned the challenges of bringing PowerShell 7 to Windows due to differences in lifecycles between .NET support and Windows support. The team talked about potential paths for integrating PowerShell 7 with Windows in the future. They also discussed the use of predictors and feedback providers for module updates and deprecations.

The team highlighted their individual excitements for current and future projects. Steven is enthusiastic about PSReadLine and the text utility module. Additionally, he is looking forward to the integration of AI in PowerShell. Other team members expressed their excitement for features like Dynamic Configuration Agent (DSCV), Winget shipping on Windows Server 2025, Azure Arc integrations, and the advancements in Azure CLI with AI integration.

The team acknowledged the security concerns in the PowerShell Gallery and mentioned efforts to enhance security through namespaces, detecting typosquatting, and working towards a more secure environment. They encouraged feedback and emphasized the importance of community engagement.

In conclusion, they announced plans to address the remaining questions in the next community call in July, inviting participants to join the discussion and engage with the team. The session provided insights into the team's current projects, future plans, and commitment to community interaction.

Chapters:
00:00:00 Ask Me Anything with the PowerShell team - Amber Erickson,Damien Caro,Demitrius Nelon,Mutemwa M…
00:00:10 Introduction and Team Introductions
00:01:24 Product Managers Introductions
00:03:03 PowerShell 7 Availability on Windows
00:04:37 PowerShell Certification Plans
00:05:47 Future Roadmap for Machine Configuration
00:07:56 Using Predictor for Module Deprecation
00:09:55 Azure AD Deprecation Notifications
00:11:23 Exchange Online Module Open-Sourcing
00:12:59 Implementing AI in PowerShell
00:16:29 Collaboration with GitHub Copilot
00:17:55 Registering Private PS Repository
00:19:33 Authentication Modules in Azure
00:25:14 Full HTML Parsing in PowerShell Core
00:27:18 Exciting Features in Winget 1.8
00:28:30 Improving Module Quality in PowerShell Gallery
00:32:05 Porting GIA to SSH Remoting
00:35:10 Future of GIA and SSH Remoting
00:36:14 Team Excitement for Future FeaturesShow More

State of Shell - Steven Bucher, Damien Caro, Amber Erickson, Steve Lee - PSConfEU 2024

The hosts discuss the mission and future of PowerShell. They talk ...

The hosts discuss the mission and future of PowerShell. They talk about the core mission of empowering people working in operations, emphasizing simplicity, security, and integration. They delve into the ...pillars driving their work - making PowerShell easier to use, ensuring security, and focusing on integration with various tools and services.

The hosts highlight the interactive improvements in PowerShell 7.4, such as predictive IntelliSense and experimental features like feedback providers. They demonstrate features like completion predictors and feedback providers that enhance the interactive experience and improve security in PowerShell commands.

They also touch on the importance of security, engaging with the community, and gathering feedback to improve PowerShell further. The conversation transitions into the future of PowerShell, mentioning the upcoming release of PowerShell 7.5 with a focus on AI integration. They provide a sneak peek of an AI tool called Start AI Shell, showing how it assists users in executing tasks step-by-step based on AI-generated responses.

The hosts encourage attendees to stay up to date with security updates, engage with the community, and provide feedback for future PowerShell developments. They outline the sessions scheduled for the conference, including topics like AI in the Shell, container registries, DSC, Azure tools updates, and more. Additionally, they invite attendees to join side sessions and community calls for ongoing engagement with the PowerShell team. The episode concludes with contact information for the hosts and an invitation to connect throughout the conference.

Chapters:
00:00:00 State of Shell - Steven Bucher, Damien Caro, Amber Erickson, Steve Lee - PSConfEU 2024
00:00:10 Introduction and Welcome Back
00:01:08 Mission Statement and Broadness of PowerShell
00:02:22 Core Pillars: Simplicity, Security, Integration
00:04:46 Interactive Improvements in PowerShell
00:09:20 Feedback Providers and Quality of Life Improvements
00:18:44 Focus on Simplicity and Interactive Experience
00:25:52 Importance of Security and Azure Command Line Tools
00:31:31 Acknowledgment of the PowerShell Community
00:33:22 Engaging with the Community and Sharing Ideas
00:33:50 Ecosystem Growth and Vibrancy of PowerShell
00:35:35 Future Plans: Integration of AI in the Shell
00:40:10 Takeaways: Stay Updated, Engage, Provide Feedback
00:42:20 Overview of Sessions Throughout the Week
00:43:52 Continuous Engagement Opportunities and Community CallsShow More

Practical PowerShell Empowerment For Protectors (Blue Team) - Miriam Wiesner - PSConfEU 2024

Miriam delivers a detailed lecture on Practical PowerShell Empowerment ...

Miriam delivers a detailed lecture on Practical PowerShell Empowerment for Protectors. She expresses gratitude to sponsors for making the conference possible and introduces herself as a security research program manager ...at Microsoft. She mentions a book raffle and emphasizes the importance of not disabling PowerShell due to its significant capabilities comparable to other language options like CMD or Microsoft.net.

Miriam highlights the importance of identity protection and emphasizes the need for organizations to secure and monitor their systems effectively. She discusses the benefits of PowerShell in enhancing organizational processes and stresses the importance of understanding how to leverage its capabilities.

The lecture delves into topics like Desired State Configuration (DSC) and its push and pull modes, emphasizing the self-healing capabilities it offers. Miriam touches on Microsoft 365 DSC for Azure environments and encourages further exploration. She stresses the significance of system updates and the need for proper configuration to avoid missing critical updates.

The discussion moves to language modes in PowerShell, including full language mode and constrained language mode, highlighting their roles in controlling script execution. Miriam also introduces Just Enough Administration (JEA) and its role in restricting commands based on roles. She mentions G-Analyzer as a tool for configuring JEA endpoints based on script files or blocks.

Security measures like execution policies, application control, and code signing are explained to prevent unauthorized script execution. Miriam touches on AMSI (Antimalware Scan Interface) and its role in scanning PowerShell scripts for malicious content. She also discusses the benefits of transcripts for logging commands run in PowerShell sessions.

ScriptBlock logging and event IDs are covered in detail, showcasing the utility of monitoring executed code for security purposes. Miriam demonstrates a script to track specific words or user IDs in PowerShell event logs. Multi-part event handling and filter options for tracking executed code are also discussed.

The lecture event wraps up with a demo showcasing the execution of commands like Invoke-Mimikatz and the logging process for tracking command execution. Miriam emphasizes the importance of monitoring and analyzing executed code for security monitoring. The lecture provides a comprehensive insight into PowerShell's capabilities for enhancing security and administrative processes.

Chapters:
00:00:00 Practical PowerShell Empowerment For Protectors (Blue Team) - Miriam Wiesner - PSConfEU 2024
00:00:10 Introduction and Book Raffle Announcement
00:02:07 Debunking the Myth of Disabling PowerShell
00:05:13 Exploring Desired State Configuration (DSC)
00:07:46 Importance of Software Updates and WSUS Configuration
00:11:34 Just in Time Administration (JIA) and Role-Based Access Control
00:13:37 Constrained Language Mode and API Restrictions
00:13:59 Just Enough Administration (JIA) Excitement
00:16:57 Execution Policy for Script Protection
00:21:32 Leveraging PowerShell Transcripts for Logging
00:23:56 Utilizing Transcripts for Update Scans
00:24:26 Viewing Executed Commands with Get-History
00:27:56 Installing PowerShell 7 Diplomacy
00:28:33 ScriptBlock Logging Overview and Benefits
00:30:05 Analyzing Executed Code with Get-ExecutedCodeShow More

Talking about mental health, for you and for them - Traci Sewell - PSConfEU 2024

Traci Sewell is a psychotherapist with vast experience in various ...

Traci Sewell is a psychotherapist with vast experience in various therapies and a focus on mental health. Traci emphasized the importance of mental well-being, comparing it to physical health and ...highlighting the need for open mental health conversations in various settings, especially workplaces. The speaker addressed common phrases related to mental health like "I'm not okay," encouraging acceptance of not feeling great and the variability in mental health struggles.

Traci discussed the importance of recognizing signs of mental health issues, such as changes in behavior, self-esteem struggles, and isolation. Sleep patterns, self-care habits, and social interactions were highlighted as indicators of potential problems that should not be ignored. The speaker emphasized the significance of offering support and creating a safe space for individuals to express their feelings without fear of judgment.

The audience was guided on how to engage in conversations about mental health, emphasizing active listening, refraining from providing solutions unless asked, and validating the speaker's feelings. Traci underscored the importance of not dismissing or minimizing someone's emotions and the power of allowing individuals to express themselves without interruption.

Furthermore, the speaker addressed the seriousness of certain behaviors like self-injury, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts, stressing the need to involve professional help in such cases promptly. The audience was encouraged to use the tools provided in the lecture to have meaningful conversations about mental health and offer support to those in need.

In conclusion, the speaker expressed a hope for the normalization of mental health discussions and encouraged the sharing of the tools learned in the lecture to promote open dialogue. Traci urged the audience to listen, support, and validate others' feelings, emphasizing that these steps can make a significant difference in someone's mental well-being. The lecture concluded with an invitation for questions, signaling the end of a comprehensive session on the importance of mental health conversations and support.

Chapters:
00:00:00 Traci Sewell - Talking about mental health - PSConfEU 2024
00:00:11 Introduction
00:04:56 Importance of Mental Health Conversations
00:09:47 Identifying Symptoms in Yourself
00:15:29 Recognizing Decline in Self-Care
00:22:17 The Power of Listening
00:26:50 Avoiding the Urge to Fix
00:30:20 Validating Feelings
00:32:24 Tools for Difficult Conversations
00:37:39 Normalizing Mental Health Conversations
00:41:24 Amplifying Mental Health ConversationsShow More

Execute Notebooks everywhere - David Sass - PSConfEU 2024

In this episode, the speaker, David Sass, a security engineer at ...

In this episode, the speaker, David Sass, a security engineer at Switch, discusses the use of PowerShell notebooks to address the issue of scripts that work on one machine but ...not on another due to various dependencies. He introduces PowerShell notebooks as a solution that should work universally, even in cloud pipelines. Notebooks were originally created for data science applications, allowing for the combination of data and scripts for analysis across different environments.

David explains that PowerShell notebooks do not rely on user profiles, reducing potential conflicts. They are self-contained solutions that can be easily shared without the need to edit profiles. He highlights the ease of documentation within notebooks and the benefits of having all code and results in one accessible location. Notebooks also run everywhere, as long as the required PowerShell Notebooks module is installed.

The speaker demonstrates the functionality of PowerShell notebooks, showcasing the ability to switch between editing and viewing modes, executing code cells, and maintaining session information even after closing and reopening the notebook. He warns against editing system profile files and explains the usage of notebook-scoped variables for maintaining session continuity.

David discusses the prerequisites for working with PowerShell notebooks, such as using VS Code with specific extensions and the Polyglot Notebooks extension. He also explains how PowerShell notebooks can be used in collaboration scenarios, offering a clean and shareable solution for team members. The speaker emphasizes the convenience of PowerShell notebooks for memory recall and built-in documentation features.

Moreover, David illustrates using PowerShell notebooks in practice, including setting up pipelines in GitHub actions, integrating with Azure CLI, and executing commands within notebooks seamlessly. He compares different approaches for executing notebooks, highlighting their efficiency and showcasing their flexibility for varied use cases.

The episode concludes with references to relevant resources on PowerShell notebooks and actions, as well as recommendations for further learning on authenticating to Azure without secrets and writing custom GitHub actions. A Q&A session follows, where the speaker addresses questions about PowerShell versions compatibility, sharing notebooks with non-technical colleagues, utilizing DevContainers for collaboration, and handling user credentials securely within containers.

Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Appreciation
00:01:58 Proposal of Using PowerShell Notebooks
00:03:56 Benefits of Using Notebooks
00:10:58 Setting Up PowerShell Notebooks in VS Code
00:19:06 Running PowerShell Notebooks in Pipelines
00:22:05 Triggering Pipelines with Notebook Changes
00:26:31 Automating Notebook Execution with GitHub Actions
00:31:00 References and Recommended Sessions
00:31:48 Audience Questions and AnswersShow More

Successfully InnerSourcing a central automation platform - Jelle de Graaf - PSConfEU 2024

In this lecture, Jelle de Graaf, share insights on inner sourcing and ...

In this lecture, Jelle de Graaf, share insights on inner sourcing and how we implemented it at my company, OGD ICT-Dienste in the Netherlands, to distribute an automation platform. As ...a DevOps engineer, I express my passion for automating tasks using PowerShell and gaming on various platforms. We recognized the need for a central repository for scripts to avoid redundancy and maximize efficiency.

Inner sourcing involves sharing knowledge, skills, and code within an organization using open-source collaboration principles. We debunk common myths associated with inner sourcing, emphasizing the importance of active participation and facilitation to drive collaborative efforts effectively. Our journey started with enthusiasm but evolved as we faced challenges like decision-making, delays and lack of clear project direction.

We established a structured contribution funnel to categorize users based on their level of involvement, aiming to engage users at varying degrees. Automation testing, version control, and code reviews were integral to maintain code quality and ensure reliable contributions. We addressed challenges like indecisiveness by appointing a product owner and streamlining processes using templates and tags like "good first issue."

To motivate engagement and enhance participation, we leveraged gamification strategies, encouraging users to contribute by simplifying onboarding and emphasizing the value of collaboration. We highlighted the importance of upper management support and fostering a culture of cross-team collaboration to drive successful inner sourcing initiatives.

A demonstration showcased the step-by-step process of adding a feature to the project, emphasizing idea generation, code writing, testing, and code review stages. We emphasized the value of long-term investment in inner sourcing despite potential challenges, emphasizing the benefits of diverse perspectives and sustained collaboration.

In conclusion, we encourage organizations to embrace inner sourcing as a long-term investment in fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and maximizing collective expertise. We invite questions from the audience, sharing further insights on distribution strategies and product implementation within our organization while fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Chapters: 00:00:00 Successfully InnerSourcing a central automation platform - Jelle de Graaf - PSConfEU 2024
00:00:10 Introduction and Sponsor Acknowledgment
00:01:53 What is InnerSourcing?
00:03:33 Debunking the Myths of InnerSourcing
00:05:34 Contribution Funnel Dynamics
00:06:39 Building Enthusiasm and Momentum
00:08:25 Version Control and Quality Control
00:08:38 Utilizing Git on Azure DevOps
00:08:52 Streamlining Decision-Making and Direction
00:10:14 Creating Engagement with Good First Issues
00:11:33 Managing Pull Request Notifications
00:11:51 Motivating Contributors with Gamification
00:12:45 Overcoming Obstacles with Upper Management Buy-In
00:13:21 Encouraging Collaborators for Continuous Improvement
00:13:55 Fostering Collaboration through InSourcing Events
00:15:58 Assessing Capability for Project Contribution
00:18:07 Demo on Adding to the Project
00:24:01 The Importance of Tidying Up Code
00:25:07 Framework vs. Platform Teams
00:26:39 Addressing Common Misconceptions
00:28:11 Conclusion and Call to Action
00:28:27 Additional Resources and Links
00:28:42 Strategies for Distributing to ConsumersShow More

2024

Deploy your code and pipelines to your internal customers - Jelle de Graaf - PSConfEU 2024

Have a look at the PSConfEU 2024 schedule!

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2024

Deploy your code and pipelines to your internal customers - Jelle de Graaf - PSConfEU 2024

Have a look at the PSConfEU 2024 schedule!

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