Active Directory: What You Need To Know about this Important Server Role

Active Directory is a server role in Windows Server. AD provides a centralized directory service for networks based on the Microsoft Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) technology.

The Active Directory service manages the data that makes up the Data, including objects such as users, computers, and groups. 

It also provides authentication and authorization for users and computers to access directory resources and management tools for administrators to manage the Directory.

Furthermore, this article will give an overview of Active Directory and what it can do for your organization. We will also provide tips on deploying and managing it in your environment.

What is Active Directory?

AD is a role in Windows Server that provides a centralized directory service for networks based on the Microsoft Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) technology. The service manages the data that makes up the Directory, including objects such as users, computers, and groups. It also provides authentication and authorization for users and computers to access directory resources and management tools for administrators to manage the Directory. 

Operates on a hierarchical structure consisting of objects organized logically. 

Overall, logically named attributes to represent the objects in Active Directory. These attributes define the object’s properties and are used to store the object’s data. Active Directory uses a multi-master model in which any domain controller can process updates to the Directory. This model also allows for high availability and scalability of the directory service. Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) is the component of theAD that stores directory data and manages communication between computers that connect to a domain. Overall, AD DS uses a multi-master replication model to provide fault tolerance and maintain consistency across all domain controllers. 

Lightweight Directory Services 

(AD LDS) Active Directory’s component stores directory data and manages communication between computers connected to an LDS instance. The AD LDS also uses a centralized administration model and does not require a domain controller deployment. Finally, the(AD FS) is the component of Active Directory that provides identity federation and Web single sign-on (SSO) capabilities.

AD FS uses a claims-based access control model to provide secure access to applications and resources. 

Active Directory Recycle Bin is an (AD DS) feature in Windows Server 2008. It enables you to restore accidentally deleted objects without restoring the entire domain. Importantly, Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS) is the component of that provides certificate management and public critical infrastructure (PKI) capabilities. AD CS uses a PKI to issue and manage certificates that secure communications between computers and devices. AD RMS is the component of that provides information protection and access control capabilities. The AD RMS uses a rights management system to control access to protected content.

The benefits of using AD

There are many benefits to using AD, including the following:

• Provides a centralized location for storing and managing user accounts, computer accounts, and other directory objects. 
• Simplifies the process of managing user accounts and permissions. 
• Offers a central location for managing security policies. 
• Allows synchronizing user accounts and settings across multiple computers. 
• Creates a way to manage user accounts and passwords. 
• Provides a way to delegate administration tasks. 
• Offers a way to audit directory service activity.

How to set up AD

Generally, installing AD DS is a relatively simple process. You can use the Windows Server Add Roles and Features Wizard to install AD DS using Windows Server 2012. During the Add Roles and Features Wizard, you will need to provide the following information:

• The name of the server on which will install the AD DS.
• Installing in a particular manner.
• The roles you want to install on the server. 
• The features you want to install on the server. 
• In this section, you will find the configuration options for the roles and features you will be installing. 

After completing the form, the Add Roles and Features Wizard will install AD DS on the server and configure the server for use as a domain controller.

Managing user accounts in Active Directory

User account management is one of the essential tasks that you will need to perform as an administrator. In this section, we will provide some tips on how to manage user accounts. Active Directory requires the following information when creating user accounts: 

• First name 
• Last name 
• Login name 
• The user’s password 
• Email address of the user 
• Job title 
• Department 
• The user’s originating cost center. You will also need to specify the user’s logon rights, such as local login rights and the user’s group membership. 

Assigning user rights and permissions When you create a user account.

 You will need to specify the user’s logon rights, such as the right to log on locally and the user’s group membership. You can use group membership to control the user’s access to resources. For example, you can add a user to the Administrators group to give the user complete control of the computer. Or you can allow the user to log on remotely by adding them to the Remote Desktop Users group. 

You can also use group membership to control a user’s access to specific resources, such as file shares and printers. 

Configuring user account settings In Active Directory, you can configure account settings that control how users can access their accounts. For example, you can specify the following settings for a user account: 

• Allows you to log on only interactively. 
• It is possible to log on only remotely. 
• As a result of the account, it is possible to log on interactively and remotely. 
• You can log on to the computer using a smart card. 
• Account can also log on to the computer using a virtual private network (VPN). 
• The account can be disabled after several failed login attempts. 
• The account can restrict users to logging on only during specific hours.

 Active Directory Usage Tips

Here are some practical tips for using Active Directory:

* Back up your Active Directory data regularly. 

•  Use the Recycle Bin to restore accidentally deleted objects. 
•  Use the Federation Services (AD FS) to provide users with single sign-on (SSO). 
•  You can use ADS CS to manage certificates for your organization. 
•  Finally, take advantage of AD Rights Management Services (AD RMS) to protect sensitive data.

If you have questions about AD reach out to our team at 4Leet, we are happy to help!