For more information about querying the directory, see Finding directory information.Ī replication service that distributes directory data across a network.
For more information about the global catalog, see The role of the global catalog.Ī query and index mechanism, so that objects and their properties can be published and found by network users or applications. This allows users and administrators to find directory information regardless of which domain in the directory actually contains the data. For more information about the schema, see Schema.Ī global catalog that contains information about every object in the directory. For more information about Active Directory security, see Security overview.Ī set of rules, the schema, that defines the classes of objects and attributes contained in the directory, the constraints and limits on instances of these objects, and the format of their names. Policy-based administration eases the management of even the most complex network. With a single network logon, administrators can manage directory data and organization throughout their network, and authorized network users can access resources anywhere on the network.
Security is integrated with Active Directory through logon authentication and access control to objects in the directory. For more information about the Active Directory data store, see Directory data store. These objects typically include shared resources such as servers, volumes, printers, and the network user and computer accounts.
This data store, also known as the directory, contains information about Active Directory objects. Active Directory uses a structured data store as the basis for a logical, hierarchical organization of directory information. For example, AD DS stores information about user accounts, such as names, passwords, phone numbers, and so on, and enables other authorized users on the same network to access this information.Īctive Directory stores information about objects on the network and makes this information easy for administrators and users to find and use. A directory service, such as Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS), provides the methods for storing directory data and making this data available to network users and administrators. Applies to: Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012Ī directory is a hierarchical structure that stores information about objects on the network.