7 Active Directory Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Dishan Francis, drawing on over 15 years in IT and his tenure as a six-time Microsoft MVP, crafted this guide to deepen your mastery of Active Directory Domain Services 2022. You explore how to design and secure your identity infrastructure, with detailed chapters on hybrid identity setups using Azure AD and PowerShell automation for administrative tasks. The book tackles complex topics like FSMO role placement and Group Policy management, making it especially valuable if you seek to protect and update your enterprise’s directory services. While it assumes some Active Directory familiarity, it walks you through advanced security best practices and troubleshooting techniques that elevate your expertise beyond basics.

What started as Brian Desmond's extensive work on large-scale enterprise deployments evolved into a detailed guide for mastering Active Directory. You’ll learn how to design and manage AD infrastructures, understand its security protocols like Kerberos, and leverage tools such as PowerShell and the AD Administrative Center. The book breaks down complex topics like replication and Group Policy with clear explanations and practical examples, making it suitable for network administrators in both small businesses and multinational enterprises. If you're responsible for organizing network resources or upgrading to Windows Server 2012, this book offers solid, hands-on insight without unnecessary jargon.

This tailored book explores the design and security of Active Directory environments, focusing on your specific interests and background. It examines core components such as domain controllers, group policies, and authentication protocols, while addressing real-world challenges in managing AD infrastructure. By tailoring content to your goals, it reveals nuanced approaches for securing and optimizing directory services, balancing foundational knowledge with advanced topics. The personalized nature of this book ensures it matches your skill level and desired sub-topics, offering a focused pathway through the complexities of Active Directory. It empowers you to deepen your understanding and develop practical expertise aligned with your unique environment and objectives.

The methods Sander Berkouwer developed while leading identity projects across Europe provide the backbone of this book, which tackles both on-premises and cloud Active Directory challenges. You’ll learn how to manage forests, domains, trusts, and automate complex tasks with PowerShell, including handling Group Managed Service Accounts and fine-grained password policies. The book’s clear breakdown of Azure AD integration and security hardening offers practical insights for administrators aiming to optimize their environments. If you’re managing Windows Server 2022 infrastructures or Azure AD tenants, this book delivers detailed guidance tailored to your daily operational needs, though it expects some prior networking and server knowledge.

Unlike most Active Directory books that focus on basic configuration, Vittorio Bertocci leverages his deep experience as a principal program manager on the Azure Active Directory team to unpack modern authentication for web applications. You’ll gain a clear understanding of protocols like OpenID Connect and OAuth2, along with practical guidance on implementing Azure AD integrations across diverse app types. The book breaks down complex concepts such as claims-based identity and middleware usage into digestible insights, making it ideal if you want to master secure cloud authentication scenarios. If you’re developing apps that rely on Azure AD or need to navigate the evolving landscape of identity management, this book offers focused expertise without unnecessary fluff.

Drawing from over three decades in IT and extensive involvement in Windows Server training, Andrew Warren delivers a detailed study guide tailored for IT professionals aiming to master Windows Server 2016 networking. The book zeroes in on configuring critical infrastructure components such as DNS, DHCP, IPAM, and advanced network solutions, offering strategic what-if scenarios that sharpen your problem-solving skills. It’s particularly suited for those preparing for the Microsoft 70-741 certification exam, helping you translate technical knowledge into practical deployment and management expertise. While it’s dense with specifics like fault tolerance and identity federation, you’ll find the organization by exam objectives helps you focus on what matters most for certification and real-world application.

This tailored book explores focused actions to optimize Active Directory within a one-month timeframe, matching your background and specific goals. It examines essential AD components, configuration best practices, and practical improvements that accelerate system performance and security. By concentrating on your unique interests, the book reveals how to effectively streamline directory services, troubleshoot common issues, and enhance administrative workflows. The personalized content enables a clear learning path, offering step-by-step guidance that respects your experience level and priorities. This approach bridges expert insights with your environment, making complex AD transformations approachable and focused on meaningful results.

Drawing from his extensive certifications including CISSP and MCSE: Messaging 2003, Dennis Suhanovs offers a focused guide for mastering Windows Server 2008 Active Directory Services. You gain detailed insights into server tasks critical for system administrators and network engineers, such as managing directory services, configuring domains, and implementing security policies. The book breaks down complex processes like replication and group policy management into manageable sections, making it useful if you're preparing for Exam 70-640 or aiming to deepen your technical skills in this environment. While it’s tailored for IT professionals seeking certification, those maintaining legacy Microsoft infrastructures will also find practical knowledge here.

Drawing from decades of experience in systems administration, Steve Clines alongside Marcia Loughry distills the complexities of Microsoft’s Active Directory into an accessible, approachable guide. You’ll learn how to navigate AD’s architecture, manage permissions and policies, and avoid common pitfalls that jeopardize network security, with concrete examples like configuring site topology and understanding replication. The chapters on troubleshooting and design essentials provide practical frameworks that sharpen your skills whether you’re a newcomer or refreshing your expertise. This book suits IT professionals and network admins who want clear, straightforward explanations rather than jargon-heavy manuals.