What is a Active Directory Server?
How techincal do you want to get? “Active Directory” is Microsoft’s version of an LDAP database. It provides a list of network “objects” (computers, printers, users, etc.), each with certain characteristics and permissions. It’s the core network operations center for a Windows network. An Active Directory Server (also called a domain controller), hosts a copy of the active directory database and essentially controls access to all network resources. An “in school scenario” for active directory would be one in which security groups are enabled. Staff would have permissions to access files, computers or printers that students would not. Teachers would have access to class materials, etc. but not to financial aid records. The registrar would have permissions to edit transcripts/grades, but no one else would…
