Windows Server 2008 R2: Active Directory Best Practices Analyzer

As I mentioned in my last post, a number of new features were introduced in the R2 version of Windows Server 2008. Many behind the scenes features that have been added increase the overall efficiency and productivity of Server 2008. For example, the new bridgehead server selection process which enables domain controllers to load balance incoming connections. The new logic for bridgehead server selection allows for even distribution of workload among bridgehead servers.

But there are also a few interface updates in Server 2008 R2 Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) that deserve a closer look. Last time we examined the AD Administrative Center and today we’ll look at what’s new in the AD Best Practices Analyzer; next video will focus on the AD Offline Domain Join in Server 2008 R2.

Active Directory Best Practices Analyzer

Today I’ll show you the new Active Directory Best Practices Analyzer (BPA). This is a tool which has been around for a number of years, but is now capable of examining Active Directory Domain Services. The BPA can help administrators reduce best practice violations by scanning AD Domain Services (AD DS), and reporting best practice violations to the administrator.

If you know that there is a Microsoft best practice that you are not following for legitimate business purposes then you also have the ability to filter and/or exclude results from the BPA reports so they do not distract you from other significant violations.

If you would like more information about the Active Directory Best Practice Analyzer take a look at this article from Microsoft TechNet. And if you’re interested in mastering Server 2008 then take a look at my in-depth Windows Server 2008 training courses which have been recently updates with R2 content.

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