What is a characteristic of a Windows domain?

Which of these characteristics best describes a Microsoft Windows domain?

A) Loose structure of local devices

B) Resources are managed on each individual computer

C) Centralized authentication

D) Designed for small- to medium-sized offices

The answer: C) Centralized authentication

The Microsoft Windows domain is designed for large organizations that must manage hundreds or thousands of separate devices and resources. To accomplish such a large-scale infrastructure, there must be a method to centrally manage the authentication to these resources.



The incorrect answers:

A) Loose structure of local devices
A Microsoft Windows workgroup is a relatively simple grouping of devices, unlike a Windows domain that can consist of multiple hierarchies and trust relationships.

B) Resources are managed on each individual computer
The resources on a Windows workgroup must be managed at each computer. The resources on a Windows domain can be centrally managed from any domain administrator’s workstation.

D) Designed for small- to medium-sized offices
A Windows workgroup is perfect for small offices. Because of the overhead required to build and manage a Windows domain, it’s not usually found in smaller work environments.

Want to know more? Watch “Network Topologies.” Networks come in many different shapes and sizes. In this video, we’ll discuss the differences in Ethernet, WAN, and Token Ring topologies, and learn about the differences in client/server, peer to peer, and Windows Domain-based technologies. We’ll also take a tour through the myriad wired and wireless technologies, including ISDN, DSL, infrared, Bluetooth, and mobile wireless networks.