Ed Wilson: Scripting Wife to Compete in 2010 Scripting Games

On the face of it, one may thing this is unfair competition – after all the Scripting Wife IS married to the Microsoft Scripting Guy. However, as Teresa used to constantly tell people at her former company (before she retired a couple years ago) “just because my husband works for Microsoft, that does not mean I know anything about computers.” The means for learning about computers include: training classes, books, videos, simulator labs, and Zune casts but not osmosis.

The Scripting Wife has read all six of my scripting books that were published by Microsoft Press, but according to her, “that does not mean I understand all the concepts. Sometimes I read the words, I recognize that it is English, but that is about it – at times it just does not make sense.” To make a long story short, Teresa is a scripting noob (new person); she has never written a script in her life.

I think she has seen all the fun I have had writing Windows PowerShell scripts over the last few years, and the enthusiasm finally caught up with her and she got swept away in the joy of the moment. Maybe she has seen me walking around the house talking to myself as I mull over the different events, seen the look of satisfaction on my face as I create the perfect task, or perhaps she is merely seeking new challenges – to be honest I don’t know her motivation. I was so overjoyed when she announced her decision, I didn’t bother to ask her why – after all to me it makes perfectly good sense.

One good thing that will come out of the Scripting Wife's participation in the games this year, is that hopefully it will aid in keeping the beginner events for beginners. Every year, a few of the beginner events are too hard, and some of the advanced events are too easy. One reason for that is due to the approach people take to solving a particular problem. By having an actual contestant nearby, I predict I will receive clearer feedback on the solvability of the various scenarios.

The beginner category really is for beginners. Now is the time to learn Windows PowerShell. The 2010 Scripting Games begin April 26th. Remember, Scripting really is not a spectator sport – dive in and join the fun. Keep an eye on the TechNet Script Center for details.