Automating Active Directory Object Management

Windows Server 2008 includes graphical utilities, such as Active Directory Users And Computers, for managing Active Directory objects. Graphical utilities make it easy to create and edit Active Directory objects by providing wizards and structure for object creation. For example, when creating a new user object by using Active Directory Users And Computers, the wizard asks you for all the necessary information such as full first name, last name, and user logon name. This avoids the need for you to remember details such as the property names.

Graphical utilities have limited support for making bulk changes to Active Directory objects. For example, you can modify only a few user properties when multiple users are selected in Active Directory Users And Computers. As well, graphical utilities typically do not have the ability to automate management of Active Directory objects. For example, an application cannot use Active Directory Users And Computers to create new user objects.