Active Directory is Microsoft's directory service. Like other directory services, such as Novell Directory Services (NDS), Active Directory is a centralized system that automates network management of user data, security and distributed resources and enables interoperation with other directories.
Active Directory was new to Windows 2000 Server and further enhanced for Windows Server 2003. Windows Server 2003 Active Directory provides a single reference, called a directory service, to all the objects in a network, including users, groups, computers, printers, policies and permissions.
For a user or an administrator, Active Directory provides a single hierarchical view from which to access and manage all of the network's resources.
Desktop User How to Change Password 2000/XP
When you change your password on a computer, you can also change the password for your domain and for any networked directories to which you are connected.
To change your local or non-ADS network password:
- Press Ctrl-Alt-Del.
- Click the Change Password... button.
- Select the computer, domain, or active directory whose password you intend to change.
- Enter your old password as well as the new password. Confirm this new password, and then click OK.
If the password change was successful, you will get a confirmation message. To exit the dialog box, click Cancel.