MCITP Windows Server® 2008 Server Administrator: Study Guide

5.1. Active Directory Roles

Active Directory is the core of Microsoft's network operating system. It contains data on all of the objects within the forest, and it allows administrators to centrally manage the network.

In Windows Server 2008, Active Directory has been expanded to include additional Active Directory roles that weren't previously available. Although the basic domain controller capabilities still exist, the additional roles provide a separation and expansion of Active Directory's role within a forest.

The Active Directory roles supported in Windows Server 2008 are as follows:

• Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS)

• Active Directory Certificate Services (AD CS)

• Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services (AD LDS)

• Active Directory ...