Create a summary report to management that answers the fol…

Create a summary report to management that answers the following questions to satisfy the key points of interest regarding the addition of Active Directory to the network: 1. System administrators currently create users on each computer where users need access. In Active Directory, where will system administrators create users? 2. How will the procedures for making changes to the user accounts, such as password changes, be different in Active Directory? 3. What action should administrators take for the existing workgroup user accounts after converting to Active Directory? 4. How will the administrators resolve differences between user accounts defined on different computers? In other words, if user accounts have different settings on different computers, how will Active Directory address that issue? (Hint: Consider security identifiers [SIDs].)

Summary Report: Introduction of Active Directory to the Network

1. Introduction

Active Directory is a hierarchical directory service provided by Microsoft that centralizes the management of network resources such as users, computers, printers, and applications. This report aims to address key concerns regarding the addition of Active Directory to the network, addressing questions related to user account creation, procedures for making changes to user accounts, transitioning from existing workgroup user accounts, and resolving differences between user accounts defined on different computers.

2. User Account Creation

Currently, system administrators manually create user accounts on each individual computer where users require access. With the implementation of Active Directory, the task of user account creation will be centralized. System administrators will now be able to create user accounts in the Active Directory database, which serves as a single authoritative source for all network user accounts. This centralized approach will streamline the process of user management and improve administrative efficiency.

3. Changes to User Account Procedures

In Active Directory, the procedures for making changes to user accounts, such as password changes, will differ from the current practice. Instead of modifying user account settings on individual computers, administrators will be able to make changes to user accounts centrally within the Active Directory database. This enables uniformity and consistency in user account management across the network. Password changes, for example, can be enforced through Group Policies that are applied domain-wide, ensuring higher security standards and simplifying administration.

4. Transitioning from Workgroup User Accounts

In the current workgroup environment, user accounts are managed independently on each computer. However, after the transition to Active Directory, it is necessary to address the existing workgroup user accounts. System administrators should proceed with caution when converting these user accounts to Active Directory, ensuring that necessary backups are in place and that all essential information is migrated seamlessly.

One possible approach is to create new user accounts in Active Directory and then associate them with the existing workgroup user accounts. This way, user settings, permissions, and access rights can be preserved while transitioning to the centralized Active Directory infrastructure. Additionally, it is crucial to communicate these changes effectively to users, providing guidance and support throughout the transition process.

5. Resolving Differences Between User Accounts

In situations where user accounts have different settings on different computers, Active Directory utilizes security identifiers (SIDs) to address this issue. SIDs are unique identifiers assigned to each user account and provide a consistent reference to the user’s account regardless of the computer they are accessing.

Active Directory ensures that SIDs are used to identify users instead of relying on the computer-specific security identifiers. This allows for seamless access to resources across the network, regardless of the computer from which the user is logging in. In case of conflicts or discrepancies between user accounts on different computers, the SID associated with the Active Directory account takes precedence, resolving any inconsistencies and maintaining a unified user experience.

Conclusion

The addition of Active Directory to the network brings significant benefits in terms of centralized user account management, streamlined procedures for making changes to user accounts, seamless transition from existing workgroup user accounts, and resolution of differences between user accounts defined on different computers. By implementing Active Directory, system administrators will be equipped with a robust and efficient tool to manage the network and enhance overall productivity and security.