Better console for PowerShell and VITK

The stock Windows command prompt (cmd.exe) is pretty limited–if you want to use a better font or copy text in lines instead of clunky rectangular blocks, you need something else. For Windows command-line utilities, PowerShell, and the VI Toolkit (for Windows), I have been using the open-source Console2 with much satisfaction.  The tabbed interface is pretty cool:

If that looks interesting, here is what you do:

• Download Console2 (current version is 2.00 Beta, build 142); extract on your system somewhere
• Grab this file with icons and a replacement configuration file (console.xml); extract into the same location
• Make a shortcut to console.exe
  • Multiple tabs can be opened during launch by adding -t to your shortcut target (e.g., -t Console2 -t “VI Toolkit”)
• Optional: fix your prompts

My configuration file has a few changes to the mouse behavior:

• Left – select + copy automatically
• Right – paste
• Middle – pop-up menu

If you prefer to not use my entire configuration file, just copy the applicable portions from the <tabs> element.

I hope you  have enjoyed this slight diversion from the regular VCritical programming lineup.  Thanks for reading.

Related posts:

1. VI Toolkit (for Windows) 1.5 and the PowerShell prompt
2. PowerShell Prevents Datastore Emergencies
3. Automating VI Client login
4. VI Toolkit (for Windows) 1.5 released
5. Finding thin-provisioned virtual disks with PowerShell