What is Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC)?
Active Directory Users and Computers (ADUC) is a Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in used to manage objects stored in the Active Directory (AD) database. AD is a directory service developed by Microsoft for Windows domain networks. It stores information about network resources and users, and allows administrators to organize and control access to these resources.
ADUC provides a graphical user interface that makes it easier for administrators to manage the directory objects without needing to use complex command-line tools.
Key Features and Capabilities of ADUC:
- Object Management
ADUC allows administrators to create, modify, move, and delete objects within Active Directory. Objects include:- Users: Create user accounts, set passwords, manage account properties, enable/disable accounts.
- Groups: Create security or distribution groups, manage group membership.
- Computers: Manage computer accounts that represent devices joined to the domain.
- Organizational Units (OUs): Containers to organize objects logically and apply group policies.
- Contacts: Create contacts used primarily for email distribution lists.
- Printers and Shared Resources: Manage printer objects and shared file resources.
- Permissions and Security
ADUC allows admins to assign permissions to objects and delegate administrative control to other users or groups by setting Access Control Lists (ACLs). This helps enforce security policies and restrict who can perform certain actions. - Password Management
Administrators can reset user passwords, unlock accounts, and enforce password policies. - Group Policy Management
While ADUC itself doesn’t manage Group Policies directly, it is often used in conjunction with Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) to organize objects where policies will be applied. - Search and Query
ADUC includes powerful search functionality to locate specific objects within large directories quickly. - Delegation of Control
You can delegate specific administrative tasks (like password resets or account creation) to non-administrative users by granting them limited permissions on specific OUs or objects.
Common Administrative Tasks Using ADUC:-
- Creating a new user account in the appropriate OU.
- Resetting a forgotten password and unlocking user accounts.
- Adding a user to a security group for resource access.
- Creating and managing security groups for permissions and email distribution.
- Moving objects between OUs to reflect organizational changes.
- Disabling or deleting inactive user accounts for security.
- Setting up and managing computer accounts when devices join the domain.
- Delegating administrative control to departmental helpdesk staff.
Why is ADUC important?
- It is the primary tool for day-to-day management of users and resources in an Active Directory environment.
- It simplifies complex directory management tasks by providing a graphical interface.
- It helps maintain security and compliance by managing permissions and access rights.
- It allows scalable administration in medium to large organizations by organizing resources through OUs and groups.