Working with Microsoft's network directory service for the first time can be a headache for system and network administrators, IT professionals, technical project managers, and programmers alike. This authoritative guide is meant to relieve that pain. Instead of going through the graphical user interface screen by screen, O'Reilly's bestselling Active Directory tells you how to design, manage, and maintain a small, medium, or enterprise Active Directory infrastructure.

Fully updated to cover Active Directory for Windows Server 2003 SP1 and R2, this third edition is full of important updates and corrections. It's perfect for all Active Directory administrators, whether you manage a single server or a global multinational with thousands of servers.

Active Directory, 3rd Edition is divided into three parts. Part I introduces much of how Active Directory works, giving you a thorough grounding in its concepts. Some of the topics include Active Directory replication, the schema, application partitions, group policies, and interaction with DNS. Part II details the issues around properly designing the directory infrastructure. Topics include designing the namespace, creating a site topology, designing group policies for locking down client settings, auditing, permissions, backup and recovery, and a look at Microsoft's future direction with Directory Services. Part III covers how to create and manipulate users, groups, printers, and other objects that you may need in your everyday management of Active Directory.

If you want a book that lays bare the design and management of an enterprise or departmental Active Directory, then look no further. Active Directory, 3rd Edition will quickly earn its place among the books you don't want to be without.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 32 Ratings

Unchallenged leader among AD books - 2009-06-23
Reviewer Rating:
I used this book to prepare for my 083-640 MCTS examination. It was the only book that had the depth required to address the new style simulation questions in the exam (even the Microsoft Press book lacked in this area).

I have been working with Active Directory for over 9 years, and found detail in this book that was not available anywhere else in this easy to navigate form.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking to widen and deepen their understanding of Active Directory and commend Brian Desmond on a valuable and well put together book.

Another good O'reilly publication - 2009-05-28
Reviewer Rating:
I've been a fan of the O'reilly books for a number of years, and this book was no exception. It's full of good, practical information. It points out the strengths and weaknesses of Microsoft's AD and how to leverage it for maximum benefit. Good stuff.

Actively Directing - 2008-12-22
Reviewer Rating:
I bought this book to learn how to actively direct my cats. Boy was I in for a surprise to learn this book has NOTHING about cats in it!!!!!!

Very Handy Reference - 2008-03-24
Reviewer Rating:
Great book discussing all sorts of AD related features you may not use every day. I read this one cover to cover and I continue to reference it at least once or twice a week. I've owned each edition and each one has been better than the previous. Very up to date! Waiting for 4th edition with all the 2008 stuff to come out now.

What can I say? This book is necessary for any AD admin. - 2007-09-15
Reviewer Rating:
Not much to say, other than I finished this gem with a wealth of knowledge. You can really just jump around to interesting chapters, or read it cover to cover. This book covers everything from policies, to ADSI, to scripting.

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