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By Author: Anny Brwon
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This chapter introduces you to Active Directory, As you read through the lessons in this chapter, keep in mind that the concepts introduced here are examined in greater detail in later chapters as you learn how to implement and administer Windows Server 2003 Active Directory.
Lessons in this Chapter:
Lesson 1: Active Directory Overview
Active Directory provides a method for designing a directory structure that meets the needs of your organization. This IT Exams lesson introduces the concept of a directory service, the use of objects in Active Directory, and the function of each of the Active Directory components.
After this lesson, you will be able to
Explain the function of a directory service
Explain the purpose of Active Directory
Explain the purpose of the schema in Active Directory
Identify the components of Active Directory
Describe the function of Active Directory components
Explain the purpose of the global catalog in Active Directory
Estimated lesson time: 30 minutes
Lesson 2: Understanding Active Directory ...
... Concepts and Administration Tasks
A directory is a stored collection of information about objects that are related to one another in some way. For example, an e-mail address book stores names of users or entities and their corresponding e-mail addresses. The e-mail address book listing might also contain a street address or other information about the user or entity.
In a distributed computing system or a public computer network such as the Internet, there are many objects stored in a directory, such as file servers, printers, fax servers, applications, databases, and users. Users must be able to locate and use these objects. Administrators must be able to manage how these objects are used. A directory service free CompTIA exam papers all the information needed to use and manage these objects in a centralized location, simplifying the process of locating and managing these resources. A directory service differs from a directory in that it is both the source of the information and the mechanism that makes the information available to the users.
A directory service acts as the main switchboard of the network operating system. It is the central authority that manages the identities and brokers the relationships between distributed resources, enabling them to CompTIA Nerwork+ together. Because a directory service sup?plies these fundamental operating system functions, it must be tightly coupled with the management and security mechanisms of the operating system to ensure the integrity and privacy of the network. It also plays a critical role in an organization's ability to define and maintain the network infrastructure, perform system administration, and control the overall user experience of a company's information systems.