Bash, Powershell and Python Oh MY!

HCPS123

So in my research about what I would need to become a great penetration tester 3 things kept popping up. 1. You need a good understanding of Linux OS and Bash scripting. 2. You need a good understanding of Windows OS and Powershell. 3. You should learn python. So I figure I'd come to the community here and ask them what they thought of this and if they have any recommend certs/training to learn these things. I know I could just buy a book to read about them, but I prefer having a cert or actual course I can follow to teach me (helps keep me structured). Here's what I've managed to gather.

Powershell/learning Windows OS - The thing I know least about. A lot of the Microsoft certs seem like a waste of time unless you plan on working directly for Microsoft or if your company makes you get them. And I've only heard of one class (which I don't even have a name for) that teachers you how to use Powershell and there's no cert for said class. So I'd be really grateful if people could tell me how they picked up Powershell.

Bash/Linxu OS - Kinda the opposite problem on this one. When I put "learn Bash scripting" into google a couple of different programs pop up like Bash Academy, Lynda and a few others pop up and that's not taking into account the red Hat certs (RHCHA) and whether or not those courses will teach me Bash scripting.

Python - The one I'm most certain of where to go to learn. Several people have recommended me taking the "Python for Everybody" cert/class and I just wanted to confirm with others that this is a great place to learn python.

So any tips or suggestions would be greatly beneficial!

jibtech

For Powershell, the "month of lunches" book has been well reviewed. It is also pretty hard to beat free training at MVA, specifically on Powershell.

I also think Powershell.org had a series of free eBooks devoted to Powershell. Not sure how good they are, but can't beat the price.

knownhero

Not to be that guy but PowerShell isn't as bad as you may think. Once you get the concept of how it works it's easy to use on anything. I've never read a single book on PowerShell just technet articles and I use it everyday to do my work, I think this is the best way to learn.

On your home PC do everything you can with PowerShell... E.g. Copying items, moving items, creating items, creating drives, deleting said drive, remote PowerShell to a VM if you have one.

HCPS123

Thanks for the tips and feedback Jibtech and knownhero. I typically need some kind of structure whether it be a class or something, to help me learn things like this, otherwise I find it very hard to force myself to just sit down and do it just for the sake of doing it. But I am grateful for the advice Knownhero.