Description

what is active directory ?

Active Directory (AD) is a directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows network environments. It is a core component of the Windows Server operating system and is used for managing and organizing resources within a network, including users, computers, printers, and other networked devices. Active Directory provides a centralized and hierarchical database of objects, making it easier to manage and secure resources in a Windows-based network.

Here are some key features and functions of Active Directory:

User Authentication: Active Directory is primarily used for user authentication. It allows users to log in to the network using a single set of credentials (username and password) and provides a secure and organized way to manage user accounts.

Resource Management: It stores information about all network resources, including users, computers, printers, file shares, and more. This centralized resource management simplifies administration and access control.

Directory Services: AD is a directory service that uses a hierarchical, tree-like structure. It organizes objects into containers and organizes these containers into domains. Domains can be grouped into a forest, which is a security boundary that defines the scope of trust relationships within the network.

Security and Access Control: Active Directory enables administrators to set access control permissions and policies for resources. This includes controlling who can access specific files, folders, and network services, helping to enforce security within the network.

Group Policy: Group Policy allows administrators to define and enforce configurations, settings, and policies across multiple machines and users in the network. This ensures consistency and security settings across the organization.

Single Sign-On (SSO): Active Directory supports single sign-on, which means that users only need to log in once to access various resources, both locally and on the network. This enhances user convenience and security.

Replication: Active Directory uses multi-master replication, which means that updates can be made to the directory database on multiple domain controllers. Changes are then replicated to ensure consistency across the network.

Directory Federation Services (AD FS): AD FS is an extension of Active Directory that enables users to access resources in other, non-Windows domains and external systems while still using their AD credentials.

Active Directory is widely used in enterprise environments, educational institutions, and organizations of all sizes to manage and secure their Windows-based networks. It simplifies user and resource management, centralizes authentication, and provides a scalable and flexible framework for network administration.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_Directory

Active Directory – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Active_Directory
Active Directory (AD) is a directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows domain networks. It is included in most Windows Server operating systems as a set of processes and services. Initially, Active Directory was only in charge of centralized domain management.

https://www.quest.com/solutions/active-directory/what-is-active-directory.aspx

What is Active Directory? How does it work? | Quest
https://www.quest.com/solutions/active-directory/what-is-active-directory.aspx
Active Directory (AD) is a database and set of services that connect users with the network resources they need to get their work done. The database (or directory) contains critical information about your environment, including what users and computers there are and who’s allowed to do what.

https://www.lepide.com/blog/what-is-active-directory-and-how-does-it-work/

What Is Active Directory and How Does It Work?
https://www.lepide.com/blog/what-is-active-directory-and-how-does-it-work/
Active Directory (AD) is a directory service that runs on Microsoft Windows Server. The main function of AD is to enable administrators to manage permissions and control access to network resources.

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/get-started/virtual-dc/active-directory-domain-services-overview

Active Directory Domain Services Overview | Microsoft Docs
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/identity/ad-ds/get-started/virtual-dc/active-directory-domain-services-overview
Active Directory stores information about objects on the network and makes this information easy for administrators and users to find and use. Active Directory uses a structured data store as the basis for a logical, hierarchical organization of directory information.

https://www.paessler.com/it-explained/active-directory

Active Directory – Definition and Details
https://www.paessler.com/it-explained/active-directory
Active Directory (AD) is a directory service for use in a Windows Server environment. It is a distributed, hierarchical database structure that shares infrastructure information for locating, securing, managing, and organizing computer and network resources including files, users, groups, peripherals and network devices.

https://techterms.com/definition/active_directory

Active Directory Definition
https://techterms.com/definition/active_directory
Active Directory (AD) is a Microsoft technology used to manage computers and other devices on a network. It is a primary feature of Windows Server, an operating system that runs both local and Internet-based servers. Active Directory allows network administrators to create and manage domains, users, and objects within a network.

https://www.oactechnology.com/blog/active-directory/

What is Active Directory and Why Should I Use It | OAC …

What is Active Directory and Why Should I Use It

Active Directory is a building block for programs and operating systems to authenticate against for Single Sign On purposes. What do you Gain From Active Directory A Single Point of Administration for all Users and Groups

https://www.windows-active-directory.com/active-directory-for-beginners.html

Active Directory Basics: Everything you need to know …
https://www.windows-active-directory.com/active-directory-for-beginners.html
Active Directory is a directory service provided by Microsoft. A directory service is a hierarchical arrangement of resources which are structured in a way that makes accessing them easy. However, functioning as a locator service is not AD’s exclusive purpose.

https://www.comparitech.com/net-admin/active-directory-step-by-step-tutorial/

Active Directory Tutorial: Learn the Basics of Configuring AD

What is Active Directory? A step-by-step tutorial Updated for 2024

Active Directory is a directory service or container which stores data objects on your local network environment. The service records data on users, devices, applications, groups, and devices in a hierarchical structure. The structure of the data makes it possible to find the details of resources connected to the network from one location.

https://jumpcloud.com/blog/sso-vs-ad

Single Sign-On (SSO) vs Active Directory (AD) – JumpCloud

Single Sign-On (SSO) vs Active Directory (AD)

What is Active Directory? Active Directory is the premier, on-prem commercial directory service. Many IT organizations rely upon Active Directory as their core identity provider for authenticating resource access, which is offered as a complementary facet of Windows ® Server.