Finding Scripting Resources In Windows XP


You won’t learn how to write a script but you must know a scripting language, or else use the resources described in the following paragraphs to learn one. (If you know Visual Basic, you already know a scripting language.) Our intent here is to show you some of what you can do with Windows Script Host and help you find the widely scattered information you need to use it effectively.

One of the biggest hurdles to learning to use WSH is finding the information you need. The scripting language, whether it is VBScript or JScript, is separate from the objects you use in your scripts, and each piece has separate documentation. You must find the reference guide for both the scripting language you choose and the objects you use. We tell you where to find the relevant documentation, most of which is available on Microsoft’s Web site. The Microsoft TechNet Script Center (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/scr...r/default.mspx) focuses exclusively on WSH scripting (primarily using VBScript) and has loads of sample scripts you can learn from (and use), along with tools and other useful information. You’ll also find the Microsoft Windows 2000 Scripting Guide here; although it’s been around awhile, it’s still one of the best resources available for learning how to use scripts to manage your computer. However, at the time of this book’s publication, it doesn’t have much in the way of language reference documentation. For that information, you’re better off at the Windows Script section of the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) (Content not found). Browsing this site can be confusing, however.

The site describes the use of the scripting languages and their associated objects, but it also provides information for software developers who want to add scripting capabilities to their programs—which is another topic altogether.