Desired State Configuration (DSC) basics in PowerShell - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

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What is Desired State Configuration (DSC) in PowerShell?

DSC is a management platform in PowerShell that helps you define and maintain the configuration of your computers automatically, ensuring they stay in a desired state.

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What is a DSC Configuration script?

A DSC Configuration script is a special PowerShell script that defines the desired settings for a computer or environment using a declarative syntax.

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What does the 'Node' keyword do in a DSC Configuration?

The 'Node' keyword specifies which computer(s) the configuration applies to. It can be a single computer or multiple computers.

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What is a 'Resource' in DSC?

A Resource is a building block in DSC that defines how to configure a specific part of the system, like installing software or setting a service state.

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How do you apply a DSC configuration to a computer?

You compile the configuration script to create a .mof file, then use the Start-DscConfiguration cmdlet to apply it to the target computer.

What is the main purpose of Desired State Configuration (DSC)?

A To monitor network traffic

B To write scripts that run only once

C To create user accounts manually

D To automatically keep computers in a defined configuration state

DSC ensures computers stay in the desired configuration automatically.

Which PowerShell keyword defines the target computers in a DSC configuration?

A Resource

B Node

C Configuration

D Apply

The 'Node' keyword specifies the target computers for the configuration.

What file type is generated after compiling a DSC configuration script?

A .mof

B .txt

C .xml

D .ps1

DSC compiles configuration scripts into .mof files for applying configurations.

Which cmdlet applies a DSC configuration to a computer?

A Set-ExecutionPolicy

B Invoke-Command

C Start-DscConfiguration

D New-Item

Start-DscConfiguration applies the compiled DSC configuration to the target.

In DSC, what is a Resource used for?

A To define how to configure a system component

B To store user data

C To write logs

D To schedule tasks

Resources define how to configure specific parts of the system in DSC.

Explain the basic workflow of creating and applying a DSC configuration.

Think about the steps from writing to applying the configuration.

Describe what a DSC Resource is and give an example of its use.

Resources are like building blocks for configurations.