About Active Directory

If you're having trouble managing an organization, Active Directory may be one solution. Active Directory handles a number of different network services, including authentication, naming (DNS-based) and, of course, directory services.

History

Active Directory was first showcased in 1999. Soon thereafter, it was released in conjunction with Windows 2000 Server Edition. Following some revision, it was released again in Windows Server 2003. Several revised editions have been released since.

Function

Active Directory functions first and foremost as a directory service. It takes a network and centralizes it. The program also stores information involving the network across a domain.

Structure

Active Directory has a hierarchical structure. It's organized by objects. The objects come in various categories, including services, resources and, of course, users. Active Directory organizes the objects, then provides information on the objects--all while controlling access to the objects.

Size

Since Active Directory is just that--a directory, with information stored in a central database--the program can handle all kinds of network sizes. Whether one requires Active Directory to organize, secure and provide information on several dozen objects or on 10 million objects, the program can handle it. In terms of the number of objects, size doesn't matter.

Misconceptions

One misconception about Active Directory is that the program provides software distribution. This is not the case; this is handled by a different service altogether. Active Directory does, however, provide a means--a mechanism--that seamlessly allows other services to provide software distribution.