Windows Server Management Roles

Chapter 4: Active Directory

Active Directory (AD) is a directory service developed by Microsoft for
managing and organizing information about network resources, such as users,
computers, and other devices, within a Windows network environment. It plays a
central role in authentication, authorization, and configuration management in a
Windows-based network.
Directory Service
Active Directory functions as a hierarchical and distributed database that stores
information about network objects and their attributes. These objects can include users,
groups, computers, printers, and more.
Authentication and Authorization
AD is primarily used for authentication, which is the process of verifying the
identity of users or computers trying to access network resources. It also handles
authorization, determining what actions users or computers are allowed to perform
once authenticated.
Single Sign-On (SSO)
AD enables users to log in once with a single set of credentials (username and
password) and then access various resources across the network without needing to re-
enter their credentials.
Group Policy
Group Policy is a feature of Active Directory that allows administrators to define
and enforce policies and settings for users and computers within the network. This
helps maintain consistency and security across the network.
Organizational Units (OUs)
OUs are containers within Active Directory that allow administrators to organize
and manage network objects. They can be used to delegate administrative tasks and
apply Group Policies selectively.
DNS Integration
Active Directory relies heavily on DNS (Domain Name System) for name
resolution. It uses DNS to locate domain controllers, which are responsible for
authenticating users and providing directory services.

Trust Relationships
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Active Directory supports trust relationships with other domains and forests,
allowing for secure communication and resource sharing across different parts of the
network or between different organizations.
Replication
AD uses a multi-master replication model, meaning that updates can be made on
any domain controller, and those changes are eventually replicated to all other domain
controllers in the domain. This ensures data consistency and fault tolerance.
Security
Active Directory incorporates various security features, including access control
lists (ACLs), secure communication protocols (such as Kerberos), and the ability to
implement security policies and auditing.
Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS)
AD FS is an extension of Active Directory that enables single sign-on (SSO) and
identity federation across different organizations or cloud services.
Active Directory is a critical component in Windows-based networks and is
widely used in enterprise environments to manage user accounts, group memberships,
permissions, and other network-related information. It simplifies network
administration, enhances security, and improves overall network management
efficiency.

4.1 Managing Active Directory

Managing Active Directory involves a range of tasks and responsibilities
related to the administration, configuration, and maintenance of your Active
Directory environment.
Here are some key aspects of managing Active Directory:
1. User and Group 6. DNS Configuration:
Management:
7. Backup and Recovery:
2. Organizational Unit (OU)
8. Replication Management:
Management:
9. Trust Relationships:
3. Group Policy Management:
10. Monitoring and
4. Computer Management:
Troubleshooting:
5. Security Management:
11. Upgrade and Migration:
 Windows Server Management Roles

12. Active Directory Federation 14. Documentation:

Services (AD FS):
15. User Training and Support:
13. Patch Management:

Effective Active Directory management is crucial for maintaining a secure,

efficient, and reliable network environment. It requires a combination of
technical expertise, regular maintenance, and proactive monitoring to ensure the
continued smooth operation of your network.

4.2 Remote local administration, Active Directory Administrative Center,

Active Directory Users and Computers Active Directory Sites and Services
Active Directory Domain and Trusts
“Remote local administration" is a term that can be a bit contradictory
and might not have a specific, well-defined meaning in the field of technology
and administration. However, I can provide a couple of interpretations that
might help clarify what you're referring to:

1. Remote Administration is a method of managing computer systems,

servers, or networks from a different location, enabling administrators to
perform tasks like configuration, software updates, troubleshooting, and
performance monitoring.
2. Local Administration involves managing computer systems or
networks from the same physical location, with on-site administrators
having direct access to hardware and infrastructure.
The Active Directory Administrative Center (ADAC) is a management
tool provided by Microsoft for administering Active Directory (AD) services in
Windows Server environments. Active Directory is a directory service that is
widely used for managing user accounts, group policies, security settings, and
other resources in a Windows network.
Here are some key features and functions of the Active Directory Administrative
Center:

 Graphical Interface  Advanced Search and

 Role-Based Delegation Filtering
 Recycle Bin
 Windows Server Management Roles

 Fine-Grained Password  Customization

Policies  Active Directory
 Group Management Certificate Services
Integration

ADAC is designed to streamline and simplify the management of Active

Directory, especially for organizations with complex directory structures and
numerous objects. It is part of the Active Directory Administrative Tools package
that can be installed on Windows Server operating systems and is also available
on Windows client systems if the Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT)
are installed.

4.3 Domain Controller Deployment Server Core

A Domain Controller Deployment Server Core refers to a specific setup of
a Windows Server operating system designed to function as a domain controller
within an Active Directory (AD) environment. In this configuration, the
Windows Server OS is installed in "Server Core" mode, which means it operates
with a minimalistic command-line interface and lacks the traditional graphical
user interface (GUI). This deployment choice is made to reduce the server's
attack surface, enhance security, and optimize resource usage.
A domain controller plays a pivotal role in an AD domain, responsible for
managing user authentication, access control, and directory services. By using
Server Core, administrators can run the domain controller with fewer extraneous
features and graphical components, resulting in a more efficient and secure
setup. Configuration and management of this type of server are typically carried
out through command-line tools or remote administration, enabling
organizations to maintain a robust and resource-efficient network infrastructure.

4.4 Global catalog servers

4.5 Read Only Domain Controllers Virtual domain controller cloning
4.6 AD DS Structure Domains
4.7 Domain function levels Forests
4.8 Account and resource forests Organizational Units
4.9 Flexible Single Master Operations (FSMO) roles
 Windows Server Management Roles

4.10 Accounts
4.11 User accounts Computer accounts Group Accounts Default Group Service
Accounts Group Policy
4.12 GPO Managemen```11`t