Simple definition….
Active Directory is the system used in many companies to manage employee accounts, computers and authorizations from a central location….
Technical definition….
Active Directory Domain Services stores the objects of a Windows domain in a database distributed between domain controllers. It relies on DNS, LDAP and Kerberos to locate services, query the, directory and authenticate users….
What’s the point?… ?
Create centralized accounts, attach computers to a domain, assign rights to files and apply common security rules….
Concrete example…
An employee opens his/her session on a new job with his/her professional ID. The domain controller checks his/her password and automatically applies the company’s rules….
Common problems….
- DNS of the station not configured….
- Domain controller unavailable….
- Time-setting preventing Kerberos from working….
- Failed replication between domain controllers….
Related terms….
DNS · GPO · LDAP · Kerberos · Domain Controller
To be noted: This sheet shows the general operation of the term. The exact settings can vary according to software, builders and environments.