Active Directory

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Active Directory features include:

• Support for the X.500 standard for global directories
• The capability for secure extension of network operations to the Web
• A hierarchical organization that provides a single point of access for system administration (management of user accounts, clients, servers, and applications, for example) to reduce redundancy and errors
• An object-oriented storage organization, which allows easier access to information
• Support for the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) to enable inter-directory operability
• Designed to be both backward compatible and forward compatible

Getting started with Active Directory

To explore how the Active Directory is used in the enterprise, here is an additional resource:
Active Directory Tutorial: Learn how Microsoft Active Directory can benefit your environment with this tutorial on security, replication, DNS and more. You'll also find best practices for Active Directory design and migration, plus what's new with AD for Windows Server 2008.

Learn more about Microsoft Active Directory Design and Administration

Active Directory Planning and Design Guide: This guide offers tips and resources on how to develop a plan to implement and design Active Directory.
	Configuring a virtual test lab on a budget: Directory services expert Gary Olsen walks through the step-by-step process of creating a virtual test lab.
Forcing the removal of a Windows Server 2008 domain controller: This book excerpt breaks down the steps needed to force the removal of a Windows Server 2008 Domain Controller and explains how to perform a metadata cleanup.
Performing a staged installation of an RODC in Windows Server 2008: This book excerpt breaks down the two stages of RODC deployment for those looking to delegate the installation of AD DS to someone physically located in the branch office.
Top 5 Active Directory tips of 2008: This collection features the very best of our Microsoft Active Directory advice from the past year, with info on replication, troublshooting and database management.
Active Directory FAQs: Browse this Microsoft Active Directory FAQ to find answers to common questions concerning Active Directory replication, DNS, security and more.
Active Directory Tutorial: This guide helps Active Directory administrators better understand the basics of the Active Directory infrastructure, including design strategies, DNS, replication and security.

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More resources from around the web: - SearchWinIT.com provides news, tips and expert advice relating to managing Active Directory on Windows. - See this Active Directory Tutorial for more information.

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