Active Directory Comprehensive Guide PDF

Active Directory: A Comprehensive Guide Active Directory (AD) is a directory service developed by Microsoft. AD provides a centralized management platform for network resources, users, and devices. by Rafael Christian Hermoso Key Components of Active Directory Domain...

Active Directory: A Comprehensive Guide Active Directory (AD) is a directory service developed by Microsoft. AD provides a centralized management platform for network resources, users, and devices. by Rafael Christian Hermoso Key Components of Active Directory Domain Forest Site A logical grouping of network A collection of one or more A geographical location that resources, users, and devices that domains that share a common defines the boundaries for share a common security policy. directory schema and global replication and communication catalog. between domain controllers. User Accounts and Groups 1 User Accounts 2 Groups 3 Nested Groups Represent individual users on Collections of user accounts Allow for complex group the network, providing access that share common access structures, enabling to resources and managing rights and permissions, hierarchical management of permissions. simplifying administration and permissions and access. security. Computer Accounts Member Servers Domain Controllers Workstations Servers that join a domain and Specialized servers that host a Client computers that join a are managed by Active copy of the Active Directory domain and are subject to the Directory, providing centralized database and manage network domain's policies and security administration and security. authentication and authorization. settings. Organizational Units (OUs) Hierarchical Organization OUs enable administrators to logically group objects based on department, location, or function. Delegated Administration Allows for controlled delegation of administrative tasks to specific users or groups within specific OUs. Targeted Policies Enable the application of specific Group Policy settings to individual OUs, tailoring security and configuration to specific needs. Group Policy Security Settings Control user access rights, password complexity, and network security. Software Settings Manage software installations, updates, and configurations. Network Settings Configure network access, VPN connections, and internet settings. User Preferences Customize user desktops, start menus, and other preferences. Domain Controllers Authentication Authorization Database Management Replication Domain controllers verify Domain controllers enforce Domain controllers store and Domain controllers replicate user and computer identities access controls and manage the Active Directory changes to the Active and provide access to permissions based on user database, providing a central Directory database to ensure network resources. and group memberships. repository of user, computer, data consistency across the and group information. network. Replication and Redundancy Changes High Availability When a change is made to Active Directory, it is replicated to Redundancy ensures that the network remains functional even other domain controllers. if one or more domain controllers fail. 1 2 3 Consistency Replication ensures that all domain controllers have a consistent copy of the Active Directory database. Backup and Restore 1 Regular Backups 2 Backup Strategies Regularly backing up the Implement Active Directory database comprehensive backup is crucial for disaster strategies, including full recovery. backups, incremental backups, and differential backups. 3 Restore Procedures Establish clear restore procedures to ensure a timely and effective recovery in case of data loss. Troubleshooting Active Directory Identify the Issue Analyze the Problem Apply Solutions Start by gathering information about Examine the logs, check user and Implement appropriate solutions, the problem, such as error computer accounts, and review such as resetting passwords, messages, event logs, and user Group Policy settings to determine troubleshooting network reports. the cause of the issue. connectivity, or modifying Group Policy settings.