Storing and Transmitting Credentials
The operating system is responsible for securely storing and transmitting credentials (user names and passwords) for accounts. Windows 2000 and Windows XP support a variety of protocols to transmit credentials across the network to authenticate accounts, including user accounts, computer accounts, and service accounts. The operating system also stores credentials in a variety of formats.
When a user logs on to Windows Server 2003, Windows 2000, or Windows XP by using the Windows Logon dialog box, several components work together to authenticate her credentials securely. Figure 4-1 shows the information flow of authentication.
Figure 4-1. Authentication in Windows Server 2003, Windows 2000, and Windows XP ...
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