Active Directory (5)

What is Active Directory?

Active Directory (AD) is a directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows domain networks. It is a centralized and standardized system that automates network management of user data, security, and distributed resources. Here are some key components and features of Active Directory:

• Directory Service: AD stores information about objects on the network and makes this information easily accessible to administrators and users. These objects typically include users, computers, printers, and services.
  

• Domain: A domain is a logical grouping of objects (users, computers, etc.) within a network. Each domain has its own security policies and relationships with other domains.
  

• Domain Controller (DC): A server that responds to security authentication requests (logging in, checking permissions, etc.) within the AD domain. It stores a copy of the AD database and enforces security policies.
  

• Organizational Units (OUs): These are containers within a domain that can hold users, groups, computers, and other OUs. They help organize the directory and simplify management.
  

• Group Policy: A feature that allows centralized management and configuration of operating systems, applications, and user settings in an AD environment.
  

• Trust Relationships: AD allows domains to establish trust relationships with each other, enabling users in one domain to access resources in another.
  

• LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol): AD is compatible with LDAP, which allows it to interact with other directory services and systems.
  

• Single Sign-On (SSO): With AD, users can use a single set of credentials to access various resources and services across the network.

Active Directory is widely used in enterprise environments to manage and secure network resources, streamline administrative tasks, and provide a robust and scalable directory service.