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Active Directory

Active Directory Project Overview

Active Directory is a Microsoft or Windows-based service that allows you to securely store and organize your files and information. Once you have a username and password, you can then access your information from any workstation that has Active Directory.

Many of us are familiar with Novell, a similar directory service, when accessing the "H" and "J" drives at our workstations. Soon, Active Directory will replace Novell.

This migration from Novell to Active Directory will take several semesters because each workstation must make the transition individually.

Why

Active Directory centralizes information and allows authorized users easy access to the files and information they need. This will also benefit Mac users because it comes with more support for Apple products. Along with ease of use, Active Directory has a password reset tool that will make it easier for you to change your password.

Benefits

In Active Directory, users will see many benefits:

• Once you have a printer set up for your computer, you will be able to use that printer from any Active Directory workstation.
• There will be a single login for your computer. This will make it easier in the case of forgotten passwords.  
• The password change done through the TAC Service Desk will change your workstation and network password. You will not have to wait for a technician to come out and reset your workstation password if you are locked out.

How

IT Services will be migrating departments to Active Directory in phases. All personal and shared directories will be migrated to the new Active Directory.

Who

All departments will be notified in advance when their migration is planned. At the time of migration, all computers will be entered into the domain including department checkout laptops and kiosk machines.  A schedule of the department by department migration is coming soon.

Click the links on the right for more information on Active Directory phases, and for step-by-step instructions for any troubleshooting that might arise before or after the migration.