Editing Windows domain (section)

==Configuration==

Computers can connect to a domain via [[LAN]], [[Wide area network|WAN]] or using a [[Virtual private network|VPN]] connection. Users of a domain are able to use enhanced security for their VPN connection due to the support for a [[certification authority]] which is gained when a domain is added to a network, and as a result, [[smart cards]] and [[digital certificates]] can be used to confirm identities and protect stored information.

===Domain controller===
In a Windows domain, the directory resides on computers that are configured as [[Domain controller (Windows)|domain controllers]]. A domain controller is a Windows or [[Samba (software)|Samba]] server that manages all security-related aspects between user and domain interactions, centralizing security and administration. A domain controller is generally suitable for networks with more than 10 [[Personal computer|PCs]]. A domain is a logical grouping of computers. The computers in a domain can share physical proximity on a small [[Local area network|LAN]] or they can be located in different parts of the world. As long as they can communicate, their physical location is irrelevant.

===Integration===
Where PCs running a Windows operating system must be integrated into a domain that includes non-Windows PCs, the [[free software]] package [[Samba (software)|Samba]] is a suitable alternative. Whichever package is used to control it, the database contains the user accounts and security information for the resources in that domain.