Whether you're new to Active Directory (AD) or a savvy system administrator looking to brush up on your skills, Active Directory for Dummies will steer you in the right direction. Since its original release, Microsoft's implementation of the lightweight directory access protocol (LDAP) for the Windows Server line of networking software has become one of the most popular directory service products in the world. If you're involved with the design and support of Microsoft directory services and/or solutions, you're in the right place.

This comprehensive guide starts by showing you the basics of AD, so you can utilize its structures to simplify your life and secure your digital environment. From there, you'll discover how to exert fine-grained control over groups, assets, security, permissions, and policies on a Windows network and efficiently configure, manage, and update the network. With coverage of security improvements, significant user interface changes, and updates to the AD scripting engine, password policies, accidental object deletion protection, and more, this plain-English book has everything you need to know. You'll learn how to:

• Navigate the functions and structures of AD
• Understand business and technical requirements to determine goals
• Become familiar with physical components like site links, network services, and site topology
• Manage and monitor new features, AD replication, and schema management
• Maintain AD databases
• Avoid common AD mistakes that can undermine network security

With chapters on the ten most important points about AD design, ten online resources, and ten troubleshooting tips, this user-friendly book really is your one-stop guide to setting up, working with, and making the most of Active Directory. Get your copy of Active Directory For Dummies and get to work.