Learn Active Directory 2012 In 5 Days And Get A Promotion

As an AI, I can provide you with an overview of what Active Directory (AD) and Group Policy (GP) are, their importance in a Windows Server environment, and what this course might cover. Here's a detailed explanation:

Active Directory (AD)

Active Directory is a directory service that provides centralized management and configuration of the network operating system, computers, and devices on your network. AD allows administrators to manage users, computers, and other resources within the enterprise via an administration tool called Active Directory Users and Computers, or through the command line using tools like PowerShell and dscmd.

Key features of AD include:

• Domain Services: Stores information about objects (users, groups, computers) in an organized structure.
• Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP): A protocol used to access and maintain distributed directory information services over an IP network.
• Certificate Services: Provides public key infrastructure (PKI) to support secure communications and authenticate users, devices, systems, and networks.
• Domain Controllers: Servers that respond to requests for information from the Active Directory database.
• Sites and Services: Allows network performance optimization by placing domain controllers near users.
• Trusts: Establishes a relationship between two domains for resource sharing and authentication.

Group Policy (GP)

Group Policy is a set of practical, day-to-day management functions that let you implement centralized management and configuration of operating systems, applications, and user settings for local and network users in an Active Directory environment. Group Policy provides a means to enforce and manage security and operational policies throughout an organization.

Key features of GP include:

• Policy Objects: Such as scripts, folder redirections, software installations, security settings, etc.
• Group Policy Management Console (GPMC): A Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in that provides a centralized interface for managing Group Policies in an enterprise environment.
• Linking GPOs to Organizational Units (OUs): Allows administrators to apply specific policies to certain groups of users or computers.
• Policy Precedence: Determines which policy settings take precedence when there are conflicting policies.
• Software Installation and Assignment: Automates the deployment of software to user and computer accounts within Active Directory.
• Folder Redirection and Drive Maps: Enables redirection of local folders to network locations or assigns drive letters to network shares.

Why is it important?

Understanding AD and GP is crucial for IT professionals working with Windows Server environments because:

• They are integral components of the Microsoft ecosystem.
• They enable centralized management, security, and automation of user data and distributed resources.
• They facilitate network interoperation with other directories.
• They help maintain a secure environment by applying consistent policies across the organization.

The Course Offering

The course you're referring to likely covers both Active Directory and Group Policy in detail, providing step-by-step guidance on how to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot AD and GP within a Windows Server environment. It would also include real-world scenarios and best practices to help you become proficient in these technologies.

Conclusion

If you're looking to deepen your understanding of Active Directory and Group Policy or prepare for Microsoft certifications related to these services, this course could be an excellent resource. It's designed to take you through the essentials and complexities of AD and GP, helping you to effectively manage and secure your network infrastructure. Remember to evaluate whether the course content aligns with your learning objectives and the scope of your work before enrolling.

Overview of Course Rating and Feedback

The global course rating stands at a commendable 4.10. Recent reviews have been insightful in identifying both the strengths and areas for improvement within the course. The majority of reviewers agree that the content provides a solid foundation in understanding Active Directory, with some noting it as a great starting point or an enhancement to their existing knowledge.

Pros:

• Comprehensive Content: Many reviewers found the course material to be informative and detailed, particularly for those at a beginner level. It covers key concepts of Active Directory and offers new insights even for seasoned users.
• Expert Knowledge: The instructor is consistently praised for their deep understanding and knowledge of the subject matter, which is evident throughout the course lectures.
• High-Level Overview: Several students appreciate the high-level overview the course provides, which sets a strong foundation for those new to Active Directory.
• Potential for Career Advancement: While some reviews are cautious about promotional claims, there is consensus that the course could be a good start towards advancing one's career in IT.

Cons:

• Audio Quality Issues: A notable concern across multiple reviews is the reverb and audio clarity in some lectures, which can make the instructor's speech difficult to understand at times.
• Accent Challenges: Some students mention that the instructor's accent makes it challenging to follow along, especially for those unfamiliar with it.
• Presentation Quality: The course suffers from a lack of professional presentation, with frequent use of live drawing instead of prepared slides or animations. This can be visually distracting and detracts from the learning experience.
• Technical Issues: A few reviews mention missing content in some lessons, as well as technical issues such as audio syncing problems and lessons that cut off before completion.
• Outdated Content: The course references outdated Microsoft OS versions and has not been updated to include the 2016 version or newer, which may confuse learners.
• Visual Aids: The drawing tool used in some instances is criticized for creating unprofessional and hard-to-interpret visuals that could be better replaced with slide animations.

Additional Feedback:

• Professional Development: Some reviewers suggest that using a pen and tablet for illustrations, rather than drawing with a mouse, would greatly improve the professional feel of the course.
• Subtitles/Closed Captions: The absence of subtitles or closed captions is noted as a significant barrier for many students, particularly those with hearing difficulties or those who prefer visual aids for comprehension.
• Course Updates: It is recommended that the course material be updated to reflect the latest versions of Microsoft's operating systems and software to ensure relevance and accuracy in teaching.

In summary, the course offers valuable content delivered by an expert in the field but falls short in presentation quality and technical execution. With some improvements in audio clarity, professional visuals, and updated content, this course could become a more effective and engaging learning tool for those interested in mastering Active Directory.