As some of you may (or may not) know, I have been working on a book about Active Directory. Yeah, I know, yet another book about AD. The idea behind the book is to not just parrot out the usual stuff from the Microsoft documentation, though. Rather, it’s more about the why and how of things, with my own perspective, having used AD since the inception with Windows 2000.
But here is the thing. What I am finding is that there are a lot of tips, tricks, scripts, and how-tos that don’t necessarily lend themselves to the printed (or kindle’d) word. After all, this is not 1991, where we old timers would manually type in scripts and programs from magazines like Compute! or some such. This is 2025, and we are a bit past that point. Nobody has time to or inclination to manually type code or transcribe cryptic links for repositories.
So, what I think I’ll do, is just to drop it all here. No need to buy it, and no need to login. I don’t want your information, and I hope to help pass some knowledge on to those who need it. All free, but I won’t turn down a donation to the coffee fund, though. I’ll be releasing new posts on a semi-regular schedule. This is a big subject area, and some sections may take a bit longer than others. But, I’ll try to get it done in an expedient manner.
Without further adieu or hyperbole, here’s the introduction.
Since February 17, 2000 (previewed in 1999), Active Directory (AD) has become a cornerstone of modern IT infrastructure, providing the essential framework for managing users, computers, and resources within a network. This book is crafted for IT professionals who seek to deepen their understanding of AD administration, offering a comprehensive guide that spans from fundamental concepts to advanced configurations. Whether you are just beginning your journey with AD or looking to refine your existing skills, this book will serve as a valuable resource to enhance your proficiency in managing and maintaining an efficient, secure, and scalable directory service.
In the chapters that follow, you will explore the core concepts of Active Directory, including its architecture, components, and the principles of effective directory design. You will be guided you through the configuration process, providing step-by-step instructions and best practices to ensure your AD environment is robust and reliable. Special attention is given to security, a critical aspect of AD administration, where you will learn about securing your directory services, implementing fine-grained password policies, and leveraging Group Policy for centralized management. Each topic is presented with practical examples and scenarios, making complex concepts accessible and actionable.
Additionally, this book explores the integration of on-premises AD with Azure Active Directory (Azure AD), a crucial element for organizations embracing hybrid cloud environments. You will discover how to synchronize directories, manage identities in a hybrid setup, and leverage Azure AD’s advanced features to enhance your overall security posture and user experience. By the end of this book, you will have a holistic understanding of Active Directory administration, equipped with the knowledge and skills to efficiently manage both traditional and modern directory environments, ultimately driving the success and security of your IT infrastructure.