🔥 Active Directory Training for Beginners | Help Desk and Technical Support

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on using Active Directory, specifically tailored for beginners in Help Desk and Technical Support roles. Active Directory is essential for managing users, groups, and resources within Microsoft Windows networks, making it a valuable skill for IT professionals.

Step 1: Change System Name

• Open the Control Panel.
• Navigate to System and Security and then click on System.
• Click on Change settings next to the computer name.
• In the System Properties window, click on Change.
• Enter the new system name and click OK.
• Restart the computer for the changes to take effect.

Step 2: Add Features and Roles

• Open the Server Manager.
• Click on Add roles and features.
• Follow the wizard:
  • Select Role-based or feature-based installation.
  • Choose your server from the server pool.
  • Select the roles you want to install, such as Active Directory Domain Services.
  • Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Step 3: Add Users

• Open Active Directory Users and Computers.
• Right-click on the desired organizational unit (OU) or domain.
• Select New and then User.
• Enter the user details (First name, Last name, User logon name).
• Set the password and configure options like "User must change password at next logon" as needed.
• Click Finish to create the user.

Step 4: Add Users to Groups

• In Active Directory Users and Computers, locate the user you want to add.
• Right-click on the user and select Add to a group.
• Type the name of the group or click Advanced to search for it.
• Select the group and click OK to add the user.

Step 5: Add Groups

• Right-click on the desired OU or domain in Active Directory Users and Computers.
• Select New and then Group.
• Enter the group name and select the group type (Security or Distribution).
• Click OK to create the group.

Step 6: Recover a User

• Open Active Directory Users and Computers.
• Go to the Deleted Objects container (you may need to enable this view).
• Locate the deleted user, right-click, and select Restore.
• The user will be restored to their original location.

Step 7: Create an Organizational Unit

• In Active Directory Users and Computers, right-click on the domain or existing OU.
• Select New and then Organizational Unit.
• Enter a name for the new OU and click OK.

Step 8: Create a Shareable Folder

• Navigate to the location where you want the folder.
• Right-click and select New then Folder.
• Name the folder appropriately.
• Right-click on the folder, choose Properties, and go to the Sharing tab.
• Click on Advanced Sharing, check Share this folder, and set permissions as necessary.

Step 9: Add a Printer

• Open Devices and Printers from the Control Panel.
• Click on Add a printer.
• Select the option to add a network printer.
• Choose the printer from the list and follow the prompts to install it.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we covered essential steps to effectively use Active Directory, including managing users, groups, and organizational units. Mastering these skills will enhance your ability to support network operations and improve your technical expertise. For further learning, consider exploring more advanced Active Directory features or IT certifications related to Microsoft technologies.