And here I thought it was just a more advanced, more annoying version of cmd (that I’m hoping supports UNC paths ((Oddly enough, bash from cygwin supports UNC paths.))).
But Microsoft seems to think it’s something else entirely. I’m not sure what, though. But whatever it is, it’s really really freaking dangerous.
Of course, PowerShell did not destroy my computer. That wasn’t the point. The point was that Microsoft’s fear mongering was over the top. There’s no good reason for an installer to recommend that the user close all other programs. As for backups, the user should be doing regular backups anyway. There’s no reason the PowerShell installer in specific should be dangerous.
I find installer text reminding me to do a backup to be an admission that the installer is not safe. If it’s not safe, pull it until you have one that you’re sure is safe. Disclaimers like this might make sense for service packs, but not for installing an additional shell.
well that’s just stupid…Maybe try it first, huh?
I have tried it. My complaint is the fear mongering by the installer, not the product itself. (Although I still think PowerShell is far more annoying than cmd.) Do I need to clarify the post?
Most installers tell you to backup your system first. It’s good practice no matter what you’re installing. MS’s installer telling you they recommend backing up your system here is just they’re way of CYA-ing themselves in the unlikely event something goes wrong and you have to rebuild your system. It doesn’t mean that what you’re installing is dangerous. I think you’ve blown this way out of proportion.
@Ed Can you think of a single reason the PowerShell installer would be dangerous? I think you’re more likely to suffer a completely random hard drive failure as have it screw up something. Yet Windows doesn’t remind you to backup on a day to day basis. It reminds you when you’re installing PowerShell.
The bottom line is tat fear mongering like this is counterproductive. Does anyone really see that warning, stop and say “Oh, I should back up my system every week!”? No, of course not. Yet installers like this helped lead Windows to have a reputation as the ghetto platform of computing. Maybe it’s deserved, maybe it isn’t, but removing excessive warnings like this would certainly help.