Question
What is Active Directory?
Answer
Active Directory (AD) is a directory service that Microsoft developed for the Windows domain networks. It is used to manage computers and other devices on a network and it allows network administrators to create and manage domains, users, and objects within a network. Active Directory is a database that keeps track of all the user accounts in the organization. It provides authentication and authorization mechanisms as well as a framework within which other related services can be deployed. A server running Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) is called a domain controller. It authenticates and authorizes all users and computers—assigning and enforcing security policies for all computers and installing or updating software.
Students who apply to the college through OpenCCC, active/retired employees, and some consultants have an Active Directory account.