Get the focused, in-depth technical expertise you need to implement and optimize your Microsoft directory services infrastructure. As two Active Directory(r) experts guide you through advanced design and deployment issues for the Windows(r) Server 2003 environment, you ll develop a thorough understanding of the underlying concepts, architectural components, and real-world functionality of Active Directory directory service. Whether you re upgrading from Microsoft Windows NT(r) 4.0 or later, or performing a clean installation, you ll learn the best ways to exploit Active Directory capabilities for your organization and deliver new levels of network performance and productivity.Get the technical drill-down you need to: Install, upgrade, or migrate to Active Directory Learn essential design considerations for DNS Design Active Directory structure forests, domains, sites, and OUs Manage Active Directory objects, including users and groups Optimize domain controller data replication Use group policies to deploy software and manage desktops Implement authentication, Kerberos, and other security features and tools Monitor Active Directory replication and domain controller performance, and manage the Active Directory database Perform critical maintenance and plan for disaster recovery