AbstractThis document discusses the evolution of domain management from Windows NT 4.0 to Active Directory. It also provides an in-depth look at all the advantages of Active Directory over Windows NT 4.0. The benefits of using Active Directory are divided into categories, including improvements in scalability, organization, and replication. This document also shows how users are managed in an Active Directory environment compared to on-premises users. Active Directory is a very useful tool created by Microsoft to make it easier to create and maintain server/client relationship in Windows based systems. Wikipedia describes Active Directory with the definition:Active Directory is an implementation of Microsoft's LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) directory services for use primarily in Windows environments. Its main purpose is to provide centralized authentication and authorization services for Windows-based computers. Active Directory also allows administrators to assign policies, deploy software, and apply critical updates to an organization. Active Directory stores information and settings in a central database. Active Directory networks can range from a small installation with a few hundred objects, to a large installation with millions of objects. In practice it is stated that Active Directory was designed to organize and manage a network of Domains by providing a structure and giving the administrator the abilities to assign permission to protect the network and also allow users to use special resources assigned to them by the administrator . Before Active Directory there was Windows NT 4.0 which needed a lot of improvements. It was limited to 40,000 objects and even before that limit was reached...... middle of document......:13, February 24, 2008, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index . php?title=Active_Directory&oldid=193716850Active Directory schema. (2007, November 1). On the Microsoft Developer Network. Retrieved 05:13, February 24, 2008, from http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms675085.aspxDulaney, Emmett. Active Directory: An Overview. (1999, June). In Windows IT Professional. Retrieved 05:13, February 24, 2008, from http://www.windowsitlibrary.com/Content/155/07/1.htmlHein, Gary. Active Directory: how is it measured?. (2000, November 1). In the new technology center. Retrieved 05:13, February 24, 2008, from http://support.novell.com/techcenter/articles/nc2000_11b.htmlPetri, Daniel. Understand the Active Directory schema. (2008, February 24). In Petri, computer knowledge base. Retrieved at 05:13, February 24, 2008, from http://www.petri.co.il/understanding_active_directory_schema.htm