Mastering Active Directory: Understand the Core Functionalities of Active Directory Services Using Microsoft Server 2016 and PowerShell

Become a master at managing enterprise identity infrastructure by leveraging Active Directory

About This Book

• Manage your Active Directory services for Windows Server 2016 effectively
• Automate administrative tasks in Active Directory using PowerShell
• Manage your organization's network with ease

Who This Book Is For

If you are an Active Directory administrator, system administrator, or network professional who has basic knowledge of Active Directory and are looking to gain expertise in this topic, this is the book for you.

What You Will Learn

• Explore the new features in Active Directory Domain Service 2016
• Automate AD tasks with PowerShell
• Get to know the advanced functionalities of the schema
• Learn about Flexible Single Master Operation (FSMO) roles and their placement
• Install and migrate Active directory from older versions to Active Directory 2016
• Manage Active Directory objects using different tools and techniques
• Manage users, groups, and devices effectively
• Design your OU structure in the best way
• Audit and monitor Active Directory
• Integrate Azure with Active Directory for a hybrid setup

In Detail

Active Directory is a centralized and standardized system that automates networked management of user data, security, and distributed resources and enables interoperation with other directories. If you are aware of Active Directory basics and want to gain expertise in it, this book is perfect for you.

We will quickly go through the architecture and fundamentals of Active Directory and then dive deep into the core components, such as forests, domains, sites, trust relationships, OU, objects, attributes, DNS, and replication. We will then move on to AD schemas, global catalogs, LDAP, RODC, RMS, certificate authorities, group policies, and security best practices, which will help you gain a better understanding of objects and components and how they can be used effectively. We will also cover AD Domain Services and Federation Services for Windows Server 2016 and all their new features. Last but not least, you will learn how to manage your identity infrastructure for a hybrid-cloud setup. All this will help you design, plan, deploy, manage operations on, and troubleshoot your enterprise identity infrastructure in a secure, effective manner.

Furthermore, I will guide you through automating administrative tasks using PowerShell cmdlets. Toward the end of the book, we will cover best practices and troubleshooting techniques that can be used to improve security and performance in an identity infrastructure.

Style and approach

This step-by-step guide will help you master the core functionalities of Active Directory services using Microsoft Server 2016 and PowerShell, with real-world best practices at the end.

Table of Contents

1. Active Directory Fundamentals
2. Active Directory Domain Services 2016
3. Designing Active Directory Infrastructure
4. Active Directory Domain Name System
5. Placing Operations Master Roles
6. Migrating to Active Directory 2016
7. Managing Active Directory Objects
8. Managing Users, Groups, and Devices
9. Designing the OU Structure
10. Managing Group Policies
11. Active Directory Services
12. Active Directory Certificate Services
13. Active Directory Federation Services
14. Active Directory Rights Management Services
15. Active Directory Security Best Practices
16. Advanced AD Management with PowerShell
17. Azure Active Directory Hybrid Setup
18. Active Directory Audit and Monitoring
19. Active Directory Troubleshooting

Dishan Francis

Dishan Francis is a technology consultant with 12 plus years of experience in the planning, design, and implementation of network technologies. His background includes hands-on experience with multiplatform and LAN/WAN environments. He has a demonstrated record of success in troubleshooting servers, increasing efficiency, and optimizing the access to and utilization of shared information. He is a specialist in extending technology services from corporate headquarters to field operations. Dishan is a dedicated and enthusiastic information technology expert who enjoys professional recognition and accreditation from several respected institutions. When it comes to managing innovative identity infrastructure solutions to improve system stability, functionality, and efficiency, his level of knowledge and experience place him among the very best in the field. He is a three-time Microsoft Most Valuable Professional Awardee in Enterprise Mobility. He is also a Microsoft Imagine Cup judge. He has maintained a technology blog called rebeladmin over the years, with useful articles that focus on Active Directory services. Also, he spends his free time mentoring students and professionals. He currently works with Frontier Technology Limited.