VCAP5 DCA Study Guide

Section 8 – Perform Scripting and Automation

Objective 8.1 – Execute VMware Cmdlets and Customize Scripts Using PowerCLI

Knowledge

• Identify vSphere PowerCLI requirements

http://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-50/topic/com.vmware.ICbase/PDF/vsp_powercli_50_usg.pdf#page=13

• Identify Cmdlet concepts

http://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-50/topic/com.vmware.ICbase/PDF/vsp_powercli_50_usg.pdf#page=7

• Identify environment variables usage

Skills and Abilities

• Install and configure vSphere PowerCLI

http://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-50/topic/com.vmware.ICbase/PDF/vsp_powercli_50_usg.pdf#page=15

• Install and configure Update Manager PowerShell Library

http://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-50/topic/com.vmware.ICbase/PDF/vsphere-update-manager-powercli-50-inst-admg.pdf#page=7

• Use basic and advanced Cmdlets to manage VMs and ESXi Hosts

http://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-50/topic/com.vmware.ICbase/PDF/vsp_powercli_50_usg.pdf#page=17

http://read.virtualizeplanet.com/?cat=12

http://www.simple-talk.com/sysadmin/virtualization/10-steps-to-kick-start-your-vmware-automation-with-powercli/

http://www.powershellpro.com/powershell-tutorial-introduction/logic-using-loops/

• Use Web Service Access Cmdlets

http://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-50/topic/com.vmware.ICbase/PDF/vsp_powercli_50_usg.pdf#page=31

• Use Datastore and Inventory Providers

http://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-50/topic/com.vmware.ICbase/PDF/vsp_powercli_50_usg.pdf#page=33

http://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-50/topic/com.vmware.ICbase/PDF/vsp_powercli_50_usg.pdf#page=34

• Given a sample script, modify the script to perform a given action

 

Tools

• vSphere PowerCLI User’s Guide

• VMware vSphere Update Manager PowerCLI Installation and Administration Guide

• Product Documentation

• vSphere PowerCLI commands

• vSphere PowerCLI Cmdlets

 

Objective 8.2 – Administer vSphere Using the vSphere Management Assistant

Knowledge

• Identify vMA prerequisites

http://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-50/topic/com.vmware.ICbase/PDF/vma_50_guide.pdf#page=12

• Identify vMA specific commands
• Determine when vMA is needed

Skills and Abilities

• Install and configure vMA

http://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-50/topic/com.vmware.ICbase/PDF/vma_50_guide.pdf#page=13

• Add/Remove target servers

http://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-50/topic/com.vmware.ICbase/PDF/vma_50_guide.pdf#page=17

http://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-50/topic/com.vmware.ICbase/PDF/vma_50_guide.pdf#page=20

• Perform updates to the vMA

http://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-50/topic/com.vmware.ICbase/PDF/vma_50_guide.pdf#page=24

• Use vmkfstools to manage VMFS datastores

http://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-50/topic/com.vmware.ICbase/PDF/vsphere-esxi-vcenter-server-50-command-line-interface-solutions-and-examples-guide.pdf#page=28

• Use vmware-cmd to manage VMs

http://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-50/topic/com.vmware.ICbase/PDF/vsphere-esxi-vcenter-server-50-command-line-interface-solutions-and-examples-guide.pdf#page=101

• Use esxcli to manage ESXi Host configurations
• Troubleshoot common vMA errors and conditions

http://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-50/topic/com.vmware.ICbase/PDF/vma_50_guide.pdf#page=24

 

Tools

vSphere Management Assistant Guide

vSphere Command-Line Interface Concepts and Examples

Product Documentation

vSphere Management Appliance

vifp

vima-update

vSphere CLI

vmkfstools

esxcli

vmware-cmd