Windows 7 coming from Linux/Unix?

I've got a Windows 7 box going for my job, and most high-level computing experience is coming from shell environments in Linux. I'm completely lost in the Windows shell, and when I try to use a GUI for basic tasks (even a simple deletion) I get thrown off by many obstacles, most simply a cause of my ignorance

Incidentally, this question exists because I don't know how to tell the OS that I really, truly want to delete a folder for which I need root permissions (even though I'm an administrator, and the only user) -- sudo rm -rf. After > 6 instructions to the tune of Right Click Folder -> Properties -> Security -> Advanced -> Advanced -> ... type prompts, I ate some ice cream and came here.

Does anyone know of good tools/know any tips for migration? Things like:

• A good, thorough manual to the Windows shell? This is what I'm looking for most. Ideally, more than a command reference, but underlying details, such as how PATH is stored, changed, etc.? I could use Cygwin, but I'd like to know how to communicate directly to the OS on a deeper level, and how the 'pros' would do it.
• A decent write-up of basic OS utilities?
• Anything else that's been handy for others making the switch?

Thanks, hope you're well ^_^

Solution 1:

Try the ss64 references for CMD and PowerShell.

Solution 2:

If you're looking for the basics of how to use Windows 7 here is a good guide on the interface. Also [this] one is a more in depth video guide to the basics. I know that some of this stuff is basic, but it might help with the transition.

To delete files that you can't regularly delete you need to take ownership of them. To do that is pretty lengthy process, luckily though, this How-To Geek tip has a link to a registry hack that will make things simpler (you just right click the file and select "Take Ownership" after you've done the hack).

Solution 3:

You can have a bash via minGW / MSYS or Cygwin.