subject: Why Managing Windows Active Directory Is Important [print this page] A computer is a hub of information, which needs to be properly managed otherwise it will be massive to use it. Microsoft understands this very well; therefore, Windows Active Directory is introduced in Windows operating systems. Active Directory provides a source to store information related to users account, users accounts password, jobs, services, etc. running on a computer. Windows Active Directory helps to manage the information in a systematic way.
Managing users accounts, users accounts password, printers, network shares, information related to computers, services, devices, jobs, etc. on a regular basis is the most difficult task for the system administrator in an organization. Performing all of these specified tasks become more difficult and time consuming in a large network. And if there are multiple domains in the organization then condition becomes worse for the system administrator.
The system administrator has to perform a number of tasks for each domain controller, group, server, computer, and user in every domain. Apart from managing users accounts, the administrator has to query Windows Active Directory to fetch the relevant information from it. All these need to be done on regular basis and in an efficient manner. Active Directory is used to perform variety of operations including fetching information about its objects. In addition with providing information about objects like computers, users, groups, printers, services, etc. Windows Active Directory simplifies their management. However, performing a single task like managing users accounts (resetting password, unlocking accounts, updating information in Windows Active Directory, etc.) requires significant time and expertise in users management.
Task of managing Active Directory can be simplified if it is made automated. Use of an Active Directory Management software can simplify the task of the system administrator. With the help of Active Directory management software, the system administrator can manage all domains from a central location. Once the Active Directory management software is installed, the system administrator can manage users, computers, printers, services, devices, jobs, network shares, directory attributes, logon hours, email accounts, etc. without stepping over every computer within the domain. Through, Active Directory management software, the system administrator can also audit the Active Directory objects. The software enables the administrator to generate Active Directory reports to keep him updated about the status of Active Directory objects.
