If just starting out I highly recommend getting into PowerShell. It really has no peer in the Microsoft stack in terms of a command-line scripting tool. VBScript and JavaScript are not in the same league. A Windows build of Perl, or a combination of Perl plus some of the Linux/Unix shells running in Cygwin might be the closest comparison I could make. I use PowerShell for lots of things. Since I am almost always in an environment where I am responsible for some aspect of multiple instances PowerShell is where I go. Running the same script against multiple instances can be done in a SSMS multi-query window, but that's a manual chore and quite a PITA if doing something non-trivial or trying to compile results for more analysis. PowerShell lets me automate most everything. My most ambitious use of PS to date is a script that runs a set of Policies against ~20 SQL 2008R2 instances, stores the results in a table and emails a report of failed policies. I also use it to read Windows Event logs on all those servers and bring them into a central table so I can report on Windows errors. PowerShell is a strategic play for Microsoft so it is a safe bet to invest in learning. I would encourage you to embrace it, especially now since you're just starting out and already have a programming background. I think it would be a natural fit for you.