In Windows 2000 and XP, what is Active Directory?

Active Directory is a hierarchical collection of network resources that can contain users, computers, printers, and other Active Directories. Active Directory Services (ADS) allow administrators to handle and maintain all network resources from a single location. Active Directory is a new feature in Windows 2000 and XP, and is not available to Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows NT 4.0, Mac OS, Mac OS X, or Unix client software.

ADS replaced the legacy Windows NT 4.0 domain controllers on the Indiana University Bloomington and IUPUI campuses. UITS retired the IUB and IUPUI NT Domains at the end of 2001.

Also see:

• In Active Directory, what are the differences between universal, global, and domain local groups?
• In Windows 2000, how can I add my computer to the ADS Domain?