Most operating systems have a text-based interface called a "shell" that allows users to enter commands to access that operating system. The Command Prompt, also known as CMD, was the shell for the Microsoft DOS operating system, and it can still be used today. But it is now accompanied by the Windows PowerShell. Just as the command shell had .bat scripts, PowerShell has cmdlet scripts.
You can find PowerShell by typing PowerShell into the taskbar search textbox. This will open the Start menu, and on windows 10 display four different shortcuts for PowerShell as shown above.
PowerShell which looks like the old DOS command shell, except with a PS prompt instead of C:\>
PowerShell (x86) is a 32-bit version in case you happen to be running a 32-bit version of Windows 10
PowerShell ISE is Integrated Scripting Environment. To me its almost like an IDE, Integrated Programming Environment
PowerShell ISE (x86) is a 32-bit version of the Integrated Scripting Environment
Most modern PCs are running the 64-bit version of Windows 10. The top Windows PowerShell icon will run the 32-bit version if your system is 32-bits, or it will run the 64-bit version if your system is 64 bits.
To check your version of PowerShell, click on the top Windows PowerShell icon, and next to the prompt, type the command shown below:
$PSVersionTable
To close PowerShell, next to the prompt, type exit
More Windows Administration Information:
• What is Windows Aero and Mouse Gestures?
• How to Become a Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional)
• How to Change Process Priorities in Windows Task Manager
• Defend Your Business with a Firewall
• Retrieving Information from Computers Belonging to an Active Directory OU
• Disable Indexing to Speed Up Your Computer
• How to Setup DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) on a Windows Server
• Disable Automatic Wireless Configuration in Windows 7
• Windows Event Logs for Maintaining or Troubleshooting Your PC
• A Handful of Useful Run Commands: calc, notepad, wordpad, voice recorder, control