What a way to end!! Some have said that they fear Active Directory (AD) more than public speaking. Active Directory is a vast sea of entwined objects and interrelationships, but with a general understanding of its framework and a troubleshooting game plan in place, you will see that approaching, troubleshooting, and resolving problems with Active Directory is not much different from approaching any other network service. 

Many major enhancements to Microsoft Windows Server 2003 have to do with support services and remote desktop connectivity. This topic focuses on the key enhancements, including built-in services for the automated help system, the automatic software update services and remote desktop services. Windows Server 2003 features built-in services at several levels.

These support services provide the foundation for many of the enhanced features in Windows Server 2003. If they are not running or are not correctly configured, you might have problems using certain support features and, in some cases, Windows Server 2003 might not operate correctly.

The majority of computers on practically all networks are client systems. By simply weighing the odds alone, we can assume that resolving client computer problems is an inevitable part of the day-to-day operations of most organisations.

As operating systems have evolved, they have not only become more usable, but have also become much more "troubleshooting friendly". In this topic you will see the tools at your disposal that will help you aid users in peril and also help them to quickly recover from problems when they occur.

In this topic we look at the many network services that can still contribute to a sleepless night but whose problems are not so vast. Services that commonly reside on many networks include print services (yep printers again!!); terminal services; distributed file systems (DFS); and remote installation services (RIS).

Performing routine tasks day after day, running around policing systems, and walking users through the basics are not efficient uses of your time. You'd be much more effective if you could automate these jobs and focus on more important issues.

Group policy management is one way of automating those administrative tasks.

Resolving problems requires knowledge of what tools to use in each unique circumstance. Think of driving a car without having knowledge that the brake pedal helps you stop. Instead, you plan ahead and put the car in neutral about half a kilometre before each intersection. This approach may get you where you want to be but will certainly take longer.

The same can be said for troubleshooting. For most situations, there are likely dozens of tools available for use, some that you are aware of and others that you may have never heard of.