Microsoft’s Active Directory Security Feature

Microsoft’s Active Directory

An active directory is a directory structure used on Microsoft Windows computers and servers to store information about networks and domains. It is primarily used for online information and was originally created in 1996. It was first used with Windows 2000.

An active directory (sometimes referred to as an AD) has many functions. It provides information on objects, organizes these objects for easy retrieval and access, allows users and administrators to access it, and allows the administrator to set security up for the directory.

Microsoft’s Active Directory Security Feature

Query-Based Distribution Groups – it is a new additional type of distribution group in exchange 2003. This new type of distribution group provides the same functionality as a standard distribution group, but it is allows us to use an LDAP query to dynamically build membership in the distribution group.

WMI filtering of GPOs – WMI filters are a way to fine tune the application of GPOs. It’s evaluated at the time of a group policy refresh at the client. WMI filters are best used as an exception mechanism where a GPO is to be applied for a well-defined period of time.

Cross-Forest trust – it is a features of Microsoft’s Windows Server that enables trust to be automatically managed between multiple Active Directory forests. It is used especially helpful for consolidation operations due to mergers and acquisitions.