Active Directory

What is Active Directory?

Active Directory is an implementation of LDAP directory services by Microsoft for use primarily in Windows environments. It simplifies suppport for many Rice computers, printers, servers and applications.

When you report problems with your computer or an application or system, one of the first questions you might be asked is, “Are you logged on through ADRice?”

Most Rice Windows computer users log on through ADRice without even thinking about it.  In fact, there are three login fields when accessing Rice PCs: User name, password, and “Log on to.”   The first two fields are usually the only two fields that many Windows computer users remember because the third field usually defaults to ADRice (as opposed to “This Computer” or other selections). Additionally many Macintosh users also authenticate through ADRice

Want a more technical explanation?

ADRice is a central component of the Windows platform and provides the means to manage the identities and relationships that make up one of Rice’s network environments.

Essentially, Active Directory is a central repository that contains identities for all the objects that make up a network: computer, users, printers, servers, groups, and their relationships to each other. In a way, it is a phone book for the Rice network (or a family tree, for that matter).