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Microsoft Active Directory

Information Technology > Access & Identify Management

Description

Microsoft Active Directory (AD) is a crucial technology for managing networks within an organization. It's essentially a database that keeps track of all the users, computers, and other resources on a network, allowing administrators to organize these components and control access. AD skills range from basic understanding and installation to advanced troubleshooting and security. They include creating and managing user accounts, setting permissions, implementing Group Policy Objects (GPOs), and handling backup and restore operations. Advanced skills involve designing an AD infrastructure, managing federation services, and automating tasks with PowerShell. Expertise in AD is vital for ensuring network security and efficiency.

Expected Behaviors

LEVEL 1

Fundamental Awareness

At the fundamental awareness level, individuals have a basic understanding of what Active Directory is and its purpose. They are familiar with the main components of Active Directory such as Domain, Tree, Forest, etc., and understand the role it plays in network management.

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LEVEL 2

Novice

Novices can install Active Directory and manage user accounts and groups. They can set up basic permissions and have an understanding of Group Policy Objects (GPOs). They also have the ability to troubleshoot common Active Directory issues.

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LEVEL 3

Intermediate

At the intermediate level, individuals can configure and manage Active Directory replication and implement Group Policy Objects (GPOs). They can manage complex permissions and security settings, perform backup and restore operations, and implement Organizational Units (OUs). They can also troubleshoot intermediate-level Active Directory issues.

LEVEL 4

Advanced

Advanced users can design and implement an Active Directory infrastructure and troubleshoot advanced Active Directory issues. They can implement and manage Active Directory Federation Services (ADFS), Certificate Services (ADCS), and Rights Management Services (ADRMS). They can also plan and execute Active Directory migrations and upgrades.

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LEVEL 5

Expert

Experts can troubleshoot complex Active Directory issues and design and implement high-availability and disaster recovery strategies for Active Directory. They have a deep understanding of Active Directory internals and protocols, can automate Active Directory tasks using PowerShell, secure Active Directory against threats and attacks, and optimize Active Directory performance.

Micro Skills

LEVEL 1

Fundamental Awareness

Recognizing the role of Active Directory in an IT infrastructure
Identifying the main components of Active Directory
Understanding the hierarchical structure of Active Directory
Identifying the key benefits of using Active Directory
Understanding how Active Directory simplifies network management
Recognizing the role of Active Directory in user and resource management
Understanding the concept of a Domain in Active Directory
Recognizing the role of a Tree in Active Directory
Identifying the purpose of a Forest in Active Directory
Understanding the function of Organizational Units (OUs) in Active Directory
Understanding how Active Directory manages users and computers on a network
Recognizing the role of Active Directory in managing network resources
Identifying how Active Directory contributes to network security
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LEVEL 2

Novice

Identifying hardware requirements
Identifying software requirements
Adding server roles
Adding server features
Launching the wizard
Configuring settings in the wizard
Understanding the role of DNS in Active Directory
Setting up DNS during Active Directory installation
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LEVEL 3

Intermediate

Understanding the concept of Active Directory replication
Setting up replication schedules
Managing replication partners
Troubleshooting replication errors
Creating and configuring GPOs
Linking GPOs to Organizational Units (OUs)
Using Group Policy Management Console (GPMC)
Troubleshooting GPO application issues
Understanding NTFS and share permissions
Applying permissions to files, folders, and shares
Managing user rights
Working with inherited permissions
Understanding the importance of backups in Active Directory
Performing system state backups
Restoring Active Directory from backup
Recovering deleted objects using Active Directory Recycle Bin
Creating and managing OUs
Delegating control of OUs
Applying Group Policies to OUs
Designing an OU structure
Identifying common Active Directory issues
Using tools like dcdiag and repadmin for troubleshooting
Resolving issues related to replication, authentication, and name resolution
Interpreting event logs related to Active Directory
LEVEL 4

Advanced

Planning the Active Directory structure
Setting up domains, trees, and forests
Configuring trust relationships
Implementing sites and replication
Identifying and resolving replication issues
Troubleshooting Group Policy application problems
Resolving issues with Active Directory services
Diagnosing and fixing performance issues
Installing and configuring ADFS
Managing ADFS certificates
Setting up ADFS claims and claim rules
Troubleshooting ADFS issues
Installing and configuring ADCS
Managing certificate templates
Issuing and revoking certificates
Troubleshooting ADCS issues
Installing and configuring ADRMS
Managing ADRMS templates and policies
Securing content with ADRMS
Troubleshooting ADRMS issues
Planning migration or upgrade strategy
Preparing the environment for migration or upgrade
Executing the migration or upgrade
Verifying and troubleshooting post-migration or upgrade issues
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LEVEL 5

Expert

Understanding of Active Directory replication topology
Experience with troubleshooting tools
Ability to resolve common replication errors
Knowledge of DNS concepts relevant to Active Directory
Experience with DNS troubleshooting tools
Ability to resolve common DNS errors
Understanding of Kerberos authentication process
Experience with authentication troubleshooting tools
Ability to resolve common authentication errors

Skill Overview

  • Expert4 years experience
  • Micro-skills78
  • Roles requiring skill2

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