Windows PowerShell is a powerful command-line shell and scripting language that enables users to automate system tasks and manage Windows-based systems. The Get-Counter command is one of the most useful commands in Windows PowerShell that allows users to collect performance counter data from local and remote computers. This article will provide an overview of the Get-Counter command, its syntax, parameters, inputs, outputs, examples, and tips.
What is the Get-Counter Command?
The Get-Counter command is a cmdlet in Windows PowerShell that allows users to collect performance counter data from local and remote computers. It can be used to monitor system performance, diagnose system problems, and track system resource usage. The Get-Counter command can be used to collect data from a single counter or multiple counters, and it can also be used to collect data from multiple computers.
Syntax of the Get-Counter Command
The syntax of the Get-Counter command is as follows:
Get-Counter [-Counter] <String[]> [-ComputerName <String[]>] [-Continuous] [-MaxSamples <Int32>] [-SampleInterval <Int32>] [-ListSet] [-List] [-Help] [<CommonParameters>]
Parameters of the Get-Counter Command
The Get-Counter command has the following parameters:
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| -Counter | Specifies the performance counter(s) to be collected. |
| -ComputerName | Specifies the name of the computer(s) from which the performance counter data is to be collected. |
| -Continuous | Specifies that the Get-Counter command should collect data continuously. |
| -MaxSamples | Specifies the maximum number of samples to be collected. |
| -SampleInterval | Specifies the interval (in seconds) between samples. |
| -ListSet | Lists the available performance counter sets. |
| -List | Lists the available performance counters. |
| -Help | Displays help about the Get-Counter command. |
Inputs of the Get-Counter Command
The Get-Counter command requires the following inputs:
- The performance counter(s) to be collected.
- The name of the computer(s) from which the performance counter data is to be collected.
- The maximum number of samples to be collected.
- The interval (in seconds) between samples.
Outputs of the Get-Counter Command
The Get-Counter command produces the following outputs:
- The performance counter data collected from the specified computer(s).
- The list of available performance counter sets.
- The list of available performance counters.
Examples of the Get-Counter Command
The following are some examples of how to use the Get-Counter command:
- To collect performance counter data from the local computer, use the following command:
Get-Counter -Counter “\Processor(_Total)\% Processor Time”
- To collect performance counter data from a remote computer, use the following command:
Get-Counter -ComputerName “Server01” -Counter “\Processor(_Total)\% Processor Time”
- To collect performance counter data from multiple computers, use the following command:
Get-Counter -ComputerName “Server01”, “Server02” -Counter “\Processor(_Total)\% Processor Time”
- To collect performance counter data continuously, use the following command:
Get-Counter -ComputerName “Server01” -Counter “\Processor(_Total)\% Processor Time” -Continuous -MaxSamples 10 -SampleInterval 5
- To list the available performance counter sets, use the following command:
Get-Counter -ListSet
- To list the available performance counters, use the following command:
Get-Counter -List
Tips for Using the Get-Counter Command
The following are some tips for using the Get-Counter command:
- When collecting performance counter data from multiple computers, use the -ComputerName parameter to specify the computers from which the data is to be collected.
- When collecting performance counter data continuously, use the -Continuous, -MaxSamples, and -SampleInterval parameters to specify the maximum number of samples to be collected and the interval between samples.
- When collecting performance counter data, use the -ListSet and -List parameters to list the available performance counter sets and performance counters.
Conclusion
The Get-Counter command is a powerful cmdlet in Windows PowerShell that allows users to collect performance counter data from local and remote computers. It can be used to monitor system performance, diagnose system problems, and track system resource usage. This article has provided an overview of the Get-Counter command, its syntax, parameters, inputs, outputs, examples, and tips.