active directory experience

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Hi guys,
I'm looking at getting into the IT industry and want to start at the bottom doing a 1st line desktop support role. My problem is that on most of the jobs that i have the abilities for, they want experience with active directory. Having never worked in the industry how am i supposed to get this experience, and does the n+ course cover active directory? I ask as i'm only really applying for junior / trainee roles but they still want me to know how to administer in this software. HELP!!!!!!

 

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Generally first line will probably reset passwords and maybe change details, good places will create MMC consoles for this, better places will create a script which resets the password and unlocks the account (Like here) so any member of the IT team (and privilidged outsiders) can reset and unlock accounts.

My advice would be to create a virtual machine, install a windows server 2003 trial, run dcpromo from the command line, install using the wizard and have a play while reading up on the internet (Technet is a good place).

 

I agree with kevicho, set yourself up a little lab with a DC and a client or two and go mad.

For a first 1st line role you won't be expected to know much I imagine, so if you get use to the layout and appearance of AD you'll probably be fine. I didnt have any experience of AD before I go into 1st Line support 4-5 years ago, but its pretty easy to pickup and run with, you'll be fine.

 

Hi steve,

I never knew anything about Active Directory before working as an IT Techie. Most companies would already have the entire setup in place so as long as you don't need to write the policies then it is easy enough to understand.

Perhaps you could just have a look for some online videos (youtube would be a great resource) and during the interview let them know you haven't worked with it, but you have researched using it.

 

The N+ doesn't cover AD.

1st line AD use will involve resetting passwords and maybe add/remove users. This is very basic and simple stuff and I wouldn't worry about it. You can learn this quickly on the job as i did at a previous role. As mentioned install 2003 on a virtual machine and gain experience that way as this will be more advanced than what you are likely to do on the job. When you are comfortable you can then install exchange to play with that.

 

As mentioned, N+ doesn't cover AD.

You can get a pre-configured VHD from Microsoft to help you start a dcpromo very quickly: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...9d-b4b8-4f73-99e3-c66f80e415b6&displaylang=en

And you'll want to put aside a few weeks to start reading the following articles: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc787010(WS.10).aspx

Good luck