Does a server handle active directory?

Question

Like for a company that wanted active directory to control their user accounts, would this be installed on a server? Does the type of server have a name?

Answer 1

Active Directory is a part of the setup for Windows Server environments.



In order to have an Active Directory you will need to have a domain controller server (DC) which handles the replication and control of this.



There are several other server roles that can hook into this such as Exchange, File and Print and any LDAP services.



If its a small company you should look at Small Business Server edition which combines some of these roles and makes setup and maintenance easier.

Answer 2

Yes, Active Directory was created for Microsoft servers. Any server running on Microsoft 2000 or newer should be able to handle Active Directory.



FFT: Back in Afghanistan all of our servers and LAN manager laptops ran Active Directory.

Answer 3

ive just started learning about active directory myself.

active directory comes with server packages (im now using windows server 2008 R2)

you don't need any certain server (hardware) to run it as long as it meets the specs for the server software.

but yeah if you need any recommendation id say that if your using it for user control, it's really easy to use.

hope it helps =]



(just as a footnote, if your getting a server, dont forget a UPS, the things can be invaluable!)