Windows active directory - (Basics)
Windows Active Directory (AD) is a directory service developed by Microsoft for managing users, computers, and resources in a network. It provides centralized authentication, authorization, and administration, enabling organizations to control access to data and applications securely. AD uses a hierarchical structure with domains, organizational units (OUs), and group policies to enforce security settings. It supports Kerberos authentication, LDAP, and Group Policy Management, making it essential for enterprise IT environments.
What is Windows Active Directory (AD)?
Windows Active Directory (AD) is a centralized directory service developed by Microsoft that helps organizations manage users, computers, and network resources efficiently. It acts like a digital phonebook, storing information about employees, devices, and permissions in a structured way. AD ensures that only authorized users can access certain data and applications within a network.
Why is Active Directory Important?
In large organizations, managing thousands of users and devices manually is impossible. Active Directory automates user authentication, access control, and security policies, ensuring that:
• Employees can log in with one username and password across multiple systems (Single Sign-On - SSO).
• Administrators can define permissions to restrict access to sensitive files and applications.
• IT teams can enforce Group Policies to manage security settings across all company computers.
Key Components of Active Directory
1. Domain Controller (DC) – A server that stores and manages AD data, handling authentication and authorization.
2. Users and Groups – Individual employees have user accounts, which can be grouped to assign common permissions.
3. Organizational Units (OUs) – Containers that help organize users, computers, and resources logically.
4. Group Policy Objects (GPOs) – Rules that define security settings and configurations for all users and computers.
5. LDAP & Kerberos – AD uses LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) to store and retrieve data and Kerberos for secure authentication.
How Does Authentication Work in Active Directory?
When a user logs in, AD checks their username and password against its database. If correct, it provides a security token, allowing access to permitted resources like email, files, or internal apps.
Conclusion
Active Directory is the backbone of IT infrastructure in businesses, schools, and government networks. It simplifies user management, improves security, and helps organizations control access to their digital assets efficiently.