An Active Directory (AD) account is a user or computer identity stored within Microsoft’s Active Directory service. Active Directory is a directory service used in Windows-based networks to manage permissions, access, and resources.
Key points about an Active Directory account:
- User Account: Represents a person who can log into a network, access resources, and perform authorized actions.
- Computer Account: Represents a computer or device that is joined to the domain and managed by AD.
- Attributes: Each account has attributes such as username, password, group memberships, permissions, contact information, and security identifiers (SIDs).
- Authentication: Used to authenticate and authorize users and devices on the network.
- Management: Administrators can create, modify, disable, or delete accounts through tools like Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC).
In summary:
An Active Directory account is a digital identity within an Active Directory environment used to control access and manage security for users or devices in a networked domain.