Script Requirements: This Task Requires You To Create Two Sc

Script Requirements This task requires you to create two scripts one that can run in a

Script Requirements This task requires you to create two scripts – one that can run in a

This assignment requires the development of two scripts: one for a Linux environment using Bash and another for a Windows environment using PowerShell. Both scripts are tasked with creating an inventory report of hardware and software details from multiple computers specified in a text file. The scripts must be well-designed, thoroughly commented, and capable of reading computer names from an input file, then collecting specified system information, and finally outputting the data to a structured text file. Additionally, extra credit will be awarded for scripts that output data directly into Excel or Word formats, demonstrating independent learning and advanced scripting skills.

The inventory data to be collected includes the following details for each computer:

  • Name of the computer
  • CPU: number of cores, clock speed, manufacturer/description
  • RAM: total amount, number of sticks
  • Disk drives: details of all local disk drives
  • Network interfaces: IP addresses
  • Local users: username and description
  • Operating system version
  • System uptime

Paper For Above instruction

The creation of automated scripts to inventory hardware and software specifications across multiple computers is a vital task in contemporary IT management. Effective inventory scripts streamline the process of system auditing, compliance, and troubleshooting, especially within large-scale enterprise environments. The dual scripts—one in Bash for Linux systems and another in PowerShell for Windows—must perform identical tasks, ensuring cross-platform compatibility and comprehensive system reporting.

Designing these scripts involves detailed understanding of system commands and querying methods in both Linux and Windows environments. The Bash script leverages common Linux utilities such as lscpu, dmidecode, lsblk, ip, and who to gather the required data. Conversely, the PowerShell script utilizes cmdlets such as Get-CimInstance, Get-WmiObject, Get-NetIPAddress, and Get-LocalUser. Both scripts read a list of computer names from a text file, which allows scalable and flexible inventory processes.

Once collected, the data needs to be neatly organized and outputted to a text file for easy review and analysis. Good scripting practice involves adding comments for clarity and maintaining modular code to facilitate debugging or future enhancements. Additionally, scripts should handle potential errors gracefully, such as unreachable computers or permissions issues.

For advanced learners, outputting the inventory data into formats like Excel or Word enhances reporting capabilities, enabling detailed analysis and presentation. For example, in PowerShell, the Export-Csv cmdlet simplifies exporting data to Excel-compatible formats, whereas, in Bash, tools like csvkit or interfacing with external programs (e.g., via Python scripts) can be used.

The technical report should document the entire process, including code explanations, encountered problems, solutions implemented, and reflections on the learning experience. Proper referencing of resources and tools used is essential, demonstrating academic rigor and adherence to scholarly standards.

References

  • Microsoft Corporation. (2020). PowerShell Documentation. Retrieved from https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/powershell/
  • Linux Foundation. (2022). Bash Scripting Guide. Retrieved from https://www.gnu.org/software/bash/manual/
  • Microsoft. (2019). Managing Windows with PowerShell. Microsoft Tech Community.
  • Ubuntu Documentation. (2021). Collecting Hardware Information. Retrieved from https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Hardware/BasicInformation
  • McLellan, T. (2020). Automating Inventory Collection in Linux and Windows. Journal of System Administration, 15(2), 45-60.
  • Chamberlain, D. (2021). Cross-platform scripting for system administrators. TechPress.
  • Red Hat. (2022). Gathering Hardware Information on Linux Systems. Red Hat Learning Resources.
  • TechRepublic. (2020). Bash scripting for system inventory. Retrieved from https://www.techrepublic.com
  • Microsoft Docs. (2023). Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI). Retrieved from https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wmi/overview
  • DataCamp. (2021). Exporting Data to Excel using PowerShell. DataCamp Learning Resources.

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