These books have emerged as the best titles available for learning about Active Directory networking. Starting with Windows 2000, Microsoft Active Directory replaces the domain management environment of Windows NT. Active Directory utilizes more mainstream network directory standards and generally improves one's ability to build and administer large-scale Windows networks.
1. Inside Active Directory: A System Administrator's Guide
Beginners and more advanced network administrators alike will benefit from this thorough guide to Windows Active Directory. Using diagrams, tables, and step-by-step instructions, the book covers everything from the basic fundamentals to the intricate details. The authors explain Active Directory architecture and schema, installation, management of users and groups, and access control.
2. Windows 2000 Active Directory
This practical guide to Active Directory focuses on the needs of Windows system administrators. It explains the purpose of directory services and illustrates how to design an Active Directory schema to work with one's network. The book includes many examples of practical use of Active Directory, often with screen shots. It also includes an in-depth section on Active Directory scripting.3. Active Directory Services for Microsoft Windows 2003 Server
Microsoft's authoritative guide to Active Directory is not just a programming reference as the title may suggest. The author explains both the theory and practice of Active Directory administration in an academic narrative style. Discusses architecture and schema, security, and migration strategies.