Here’s something I overlooked about Windows 7 RTM. Not only does it comes with PowerShell v2 (I didn’t overlook that) but it also comes with an “ISE”—an Integrated Shell Environment. The “ISE” gives you three “panes” or sub-windows to work with PowerShell from within a single containing window: an input console, an output console, and a syntax highlighting text editor for script editing and debugging.

It does let you specify a layout. However, firing this thing up I immediately felt like I was stuck in Windows Live applications’ CandyLand. It has a notably consumer feel, and I’m afraid that system administrators and developers will tend to shy away from it simply because of that. Why Microsoft didn’t just reuse their Visual Studio Integrated Shell is beyond me.

Nonetheless, this is a nice addition to the Windows 7 and PowerShell combination/suite and will no doubt prove to be very handy for those who want to casually tinker with PS scripting without several different windows open or dishing out dough for the basic functionality of a PS script debugger.

Another much wanted feature finally arrives: Remote PS Shells

I’m still eyeing PowerShell Plus, albeit just a tiny fraction of a hair less now because of this.