Active Directory serves as a centralized repository for information regarding various objects within a network, facilitating easy access and management for both administrators and users. It employs a structured data storage approach, which underpins a logical and hierarchical arrangement of directory information. This repository, referred to as the directory, holds details about various Active Directory entities, which commonly include shared resources like servers, volumes, printers, as well as user and computer accounts on the network. For a deeper understanding of the Active Directory data repository, one can refer to the section on Directory data store. Security measures are seamlessly integrated with Active Directory, encompassing logon authentication and the control of access to directory objects. Through a single network logon, administrators are empowered to oversee directory information and organizational structures across the entire network, while authorized users can readily access resources from any location within the network. Additionally, policy-based administration simplifies the management process, making it more efficient even for the most intricate network configurations. This framework not only enhances security but also streamlines resource management, making network operations more effective.
