what is active directory

Active Directory is a directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows domain networks. It is a database and set of services that connect users with the network resources they need to get their work done. Active Directory stores information about objects on the network, such as user accounts, devices, and applications, and makes this information easy for administrators and users to find and use. The main service in Active Directory is Domain Services (AD DS), which stores directory information and handles the interaction of the user with the domain. AD DS verifies access when a user signs into a device or attempts to connect to a server over a network. AD DS controls which users have access to each resource, as well as group policies. In summary, Active Directory is a directory service that helps administrators manage permissions and control access to network resources.