The Windows community is a universe of uniformity in which users depend on robust commercial applications and standard graphical utilities. With the Vista release right around the proverbial corner, Microsoft is engaged in much-needed reinvention. Those of you that have kept up with the Redmond renaissance know that Microsoft will soon unleash a number of powerful new developer frameworks and software construction utilities. It is clear that our favorite software giant plans to cultivate a culture of developer empowerment.
On the Linux platform, the text-based shell is the nexus of computational control and the point at which proper articulation of will can transform commands into consequences. The emulated DOS command shell found in Windows is a shallow farce by comparison, and Microsoft has done little over the years to imbue it with greater power. Now Microsoft is prepared to augment its antiquated command line with a revolutionary new shell that will provide Windows users with a whole new level of control. The Microsoft Command Shell (MSH) features a unique object oriented syntax, extensive support for versatile .NET technology, and an adequate assortment of commands. Available for free download from Microsoft's Beta site, the second MSH beta release provides profound insights into the future of the Windows command line.
Since the release of the beta, the features and functions of the Microsoft Command Shell have been a topic of discussion in the Orbiting HQ. How does MSH compare with Linux shell technologies? Does it increase user efficiency or is it more trouble than it is worth? In an attempt to answer those questions and many others, I decided to put it to the test. Now you can learn what the fuss is all about as we explore the myriad mysteries of MSH.
This is a moderately technical overview and it contains content that may be difficult for nonprogrammers to grasp, so those of you that don't have a background in software development may want to skip around and ignore some of the technical details. Rest assured, there is plenty of content here for regular users and system administrators as well as coders. The code samples are instructive by themselves, so if you get really bored, perusal of the examples will illuminate many of the features of MSH and save you some time.
The full story.
http://arstechnica.com/guides/other/msh.ars
IMO this is a huge step for windows, it was needed and should do a great deal for securing its place as the #1 OS in the market.
