Basics of Active Directory Users and Computers

Introduction

• Instructor: Paul
• Target Audience: Beginners looking to get IT jobs or new IT professionals.
• Objective: Cover basic tasks administrators do daily with Active Directory (AD).

Importance of Active Directory Experience

• Beneficial for entry-level IT jobs (e.g., helpdesk administrator, sysadmin).
• Catch-22 of needing AD experience to get jobs and vice-versa.
• Solution: Hands-on practice through the instructor's lab setup.

Setting Up a Lab Environment

• Follow link to receive an eBook for setting up a server lab.
• Steps Covered:
  • Install Windows Server 2016.
  • Install Active Directory server role.

Accessing Active Directory

• Log into a domain controller or use Remote Server Administration Tool (RSAT).
• Server Identification:
  • Check for 'DC' in server name.
  • Ensure Active Directory Domain Services (ADDS) role is installed.

Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC)

• Commonly Used Console: ADUC for creating users and managing accounts.

Exploring ADUC Interface

• Domain Structure:
  • Built-in, Computers, Domain Controllers, Foreign Security Principles, User Containers.
• Organizational Units:
  • Used for applying group policies.

Creating and Managing User Accounts

• Creating User Account:
  • Right-click in domain, select New > User.
  • Fill out necessary fields (e.g., name, logon name).
  • Assign a temporary password and require user to change it on first login.
• Managing User Accounts:
  • Add to appropriate groups.
  • View and modify user properties (e.g., description, office, email).
• Deleting User Accounts:
  • Simple right-click and delete.

Group Management

• Creating Groups:
  • New > Group option.
  • Type of groups: Security (for permissions) and Distribution (for emails).
• Group Scope:
  • Domain Local, Global, Universal
• Modifying Group Membership:
  • Add/remove users to/from groups.
• Nested Groups and Policies:
  • Use caution with nested groups, especially with Domain Admins.

Organizational Unit (OU) Management

• Creating OU:
  • Right-click domain, select New > Organizational Unit.
  • Protect from accidental deletion.
• Deleting OUs:
  • Requires advanced features view to toggle deletion protection.

Shared Folders and Printers

• Shared Folders:
  • Right-click ADUC, select New > Shared Folder.
  • Specify share path and publish to AD.
• Publishing Printers:
  • Type in the network path to share printers.

Conclusion

• Daily Tasks in AD:
  • Creating users, resetting passwords, managing groups.
• Invitation to Practice:
  • Create a lab for hands-on experience.
• Feedback Request:
  • Encourage feedback for video improvements.

Additional Resources

• Link to eBook for lab setup available for hands-on practice.