Microsoft Active Directory (AD) is a directory service that provides centralized authentication, authorization, and directory services for Windows-based networks. This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of Active Directory deployment, configuration, management, and security.
Quick Start
New to Active Directory?
- Getting Started - Essential concepts and initial setup
- Forests and Domains - Understanding AD structure
- Domain Controllers - Core infrastructure components
Common Administrative Tasks
- User Objects - Managing user accounts and properties
- Group Objects - Creating and managing security groups
- Organizational Units - Structuring your directory
Core Topics
Infrastructure and Architecture
- Forests and Domains - AD hierarchical structure
- Domain Controllers - Server roles and placement
- Global Catalogs - Cross-domain functionality
- FSMO Role Holders - Critical server roles
- Sites and Subnets - Network topology management
Identity Management
- User Objects - User account lifecycle management
- Group Objects - Security and distribution groups
- Organizational Units - Directory organization
- Privileged Account Management - Administrative account security
Security and Configuration
- Security Best Practices - Hardening guidelines
- Directory Services Configuration - Service settings
- Group Policy - Centralized configuration management
- Delegation - Administrative permissions
Operations and Maintenance
- Operations - Day-to-day administrative procedures
- Monitoring and Logging - Health and performance tracking
- Maintenance Troubleshooting - Issue resolution
- Disaster Recovery - Backup and recovery procedures
Infrastructure Services
- Time Service - Windows Time Service configuration
- DCDiag and Repadmin Report - Health assessment tools
Environment Management
- Configuration - Multi-environment strategies
Specialized Areas
Certificate Services
- Certificate Management - PKI and certificate lifecycle
- LDAPS Configuration - Secure LDAP setup
Advanced Security
- LDAP Channel Binding - Enhanced authentication security
- Security Settings for Domain Controllers - Hardening guidelines
Learning Paths
For System Administrators
- Start with Forests and Domains to understand AD structure
- Learn Domain Controllers deployment and management
- Master User Objects and Group Objects
- Implement Group Policy for configuration management
- Apply Security Best Practices
For Security Professionals
- Review Security Best Practices
- Implement Privileged Account Management
- Configure LDAP Channel Binding
- Set up Monitoring and Logging
- Plan Disaster Recovery procedures
For Operations Teams
- Learn Operations procedures
- Set up Monitoring and Logging
- Master Maintenance Troubleshooting
- Implement Certificate Management
- Configure Time Service
Quick Reference
Emergency Procedures
- Domain Controller Failures: See Disaster Recovery
- Authentication Issues: Check LDAP Channel Binding
- Time Synchronization: Review Time Service
- Certificate Problems: Consult Certificate Management
Health Checks
- DCDiag and Repadmin Report - Automated health assessment
- Monitoring and Logging - Ongoing health monitoring
Related Documentation
- Identity Management - Broader identity solutions
- Exchange - Email system integration
- Security - Enterprise security documentation
- Infrastructure - Supporting infrastructure
Pro Tip: New to Active Directory? Start with the Getting Started guide and work through the Administrator learning path above.
This documentation covers Active Directory from basic concepts to advanced enterprise scenarios. Each section includes practical examples, best practices, and troubleshooting guidance.