Chapter 8 - Directory Services

About This Chapter

A directory service is a network service that identifies all resources on a network and makes them accessible to users and applications. The directory service is the central authority that manages the identities of distributed resources and brokers the relationships between those resources, allowing them to work together in a cohesive framework accessible to administrators and users. In Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, directory services are implemented through the Active Directory service. Active Directory organizes resources on your network and simplifies access to those resources. This chapter introduces you to Active Directory and provides an overview of how Active Directory is structured and how directory information is replicated throughout your network. The chapter also explains how to plan the Active Directory physical structure in your network through site and replication planning.

Before You Begin

To complete the lessons in this chapter, you must have

• Experience administering Windows 2000 Server and designing Windows 2000 networks
• Experience administering Active Directory and the Windows 2000 Domain Name System (DNS) service