Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 manual Directory Replication

Key Terminology

Directory Replication

The copying of a master set of directories from a server (called the export server) to specified servers or workstations (called import com- puters) in the same or other domains. Replication simplifies the task of maintaining identical sets of directories and files on multiple com- puters, because only a single master copy of the data is maintained. Files are replicated when they are added to an export directory and each time a change is saved to one of the exported files.

Domain Structure

In Windows NT, a domain is a collection of computers defined by the administrator of a Windows NT Server network that share a common directory database. A domain provides access to the centralized user accounts and group accounts maintained by the domain administra- tor. Each domain has a unique name.

Home Directory

A home directory is a directory that is accessible to the user and con- tains files and programs for that user. A home directory can be assigned to a single user or to a group of users.

Local Profile

A local profile is specific to a computer. A user who has a local profile on a particular computer can gain access to that profile only while logged on to that computer.

Mandatory Profile

A mandatory profile is a preconfigured roaming profile that the user cannot change. In most cases, these are assigned to a person or a group of people for whom a common interface and standard configu- ration is required.

NetLogon Service

For Windows NT Server, the NetLogon service authenticates domain logons and keeps the domain’s directory database synchronized be- tween the primary domain controller (PDC) and the backup domain controllers (BDCs).

Regedt32.exe

The 32-bit version of the Registry Editor.

Registry

The registry is a database where Windows NT internal configuration information and machine- and user-specific settings are stored.

Registry Hive

A hive is a section of the registry that is saved as a file. The registry subtree is divided into hives (named for their resemblance to the cel- lular structure of a beehive). A hive is a discrete body of keys, subkeys, and values.

Roaming Profile

A roaming profile is stored on a network share and can be accessed

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