Technologies explained

Plain-language overviews of 67 products IT professionals work with every day: what each one is, its key features, and where to learn more.

All Microsoft Copilot & agentsChatGPT, Claude & promptingMicrosoft 365 securityActive Directory & domain controllersEntra join, hybrid join & MDMMicrosoft 365 & collaborationIdentity & Zero TrustThreat detection & responseASD Essential EightAzure & multi-cloudBackup & disaster recoveryTeams Phone & VoIPServers & virtualisationNetworking & firewallsStorage, hardware & CCTVEmail securitySQL Server, databases & ERPPowerShell & automationService desk & IT operations

Active Directory Domain Services

Microsoft, Active Directory & domain controllers

On-premises directory running on Windows Server domain controllers: users, computers, Group Policy and Kerberos authentication.

  • Domain controllers with multi-master replication
  • FSMO roles and AD-integrated DNS
  • Group Policy for users and computers
  • Sites and services for multi-site replication
  • Kerberos and NTLM authentication
  • Sync to Entra ID with Entra Connect or Cloud Sync

Best for: File servers, line-of-business apps and environments that still need on-premises identity.

Guides and scripts Official docs

Microsoft Defender for Identity

Microsoft, Active Directory & domain controllers

Sensors on domain controllers that detect attacks against on-premises Active Directory.

  • Detects reconnaissance, credential theft and lateral movement
  • Identity security posture recommendations
  • Sensors for DCs, AD FS and AD CS
  • Alerts correlated in Defender XDR

Best for: Spotting password spray, Kerberoasting and other AD attacks.

Guides and scripts Official docs

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