Active Directory
From ctowiki
Active Directory (AD) is a Microsoft service which maintains a directory of users, machines, and services in an organization. Items in the directory are placed into Organizational Units (or OUs), and can be managed by chosen staff in that group. These items can be assigned groups and attributes, which can be used in different applications.
At WSU, Active Directory is used as an authentication method for many WSU services, including WSU Connect!, Cisco Clean Access, and in the SCS Technology Labs. All Network IDs created after January 1, 2005 have an entry in Active Directory. Users who are unable to log into these services might not have their AD account enabled, and can read Activating Active Directory for a Network ID for more information.
AD is also used for managing computers around WSU. Computers which are joined to the domain will allow Network ID holders to authenticate and log in. Computers can also be centrally updated to meet WSU requirements for locking screens, etc.
Related Tutorials
Joining a Windows XP computer to Active Directory
Activating Active Directory for a Network ID
Changing your first name in Active Directory