Introduction / Context:
Active Directory is the directory service introduced with Windows 2000. Native Windows 2000 clients can use Active Directory features fully, but earlier client operating systems such as Windows 98 and Windows NT 4.0 require additional software or limitations apply. This question assesses your understanding of how to integrate legacy clients into an Active Directory environment without performing widespread operating system upgrades.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- The network uses Windows 2000 Server and Active Directory.
- Client computers include Windows 2000 Professional, Windows NT Workstation 4.0, and Windows 98.
- You want the best possible Active Directory functionality for all clients.
- You prefer not to upgrade every client to Windows 2000 Professional.
Concept / Approach:Windows 2000 Professional clients are natively Active Directory aware. Windows NT 4.0 Workstation can participate in domains but does not support all features of Active Directory such as the full LDAP aware client experience. Windows 98 can also participate but requires the Directory Service Client to improve integration with Active Directory, enabling features such as locating resources through the directory instead of relying only on legacy mechanisms. Installing the Directory Service Client on Windows 98 provides a cost effective way to enhance their behavior without a full upgrade.
Step-by-Step Solution:Step 1: Identify which clients already have full Active Directory support. Windows 2000 Professional is fully supported out of the box.Step 2: Recognize that Windows NT Workstation 4.0 can function in a domain but cannot be made fully Active Directory aware without upgrading.Step 3: Understand that Microsoft provides a Directory Service Client extension for Windows 98.Step 4: Install the Directory Service Client on each Windows 98 computer so that these clients can use features such as the Active Directory search tools.Step 5: Leave Windows 2000 Professional clients as they are, and accept that NT 4.0 clients will have more limited directory functionality unless they are upgraded later.Verification / Alternative check:After installing the Directory Service Client on a Windows 98 machine, verify that the client can log on to the Active Directory domain and use directory searches to locate shared resources and printers. You can compare the experience with and without the client installed to confirm improved integration. Additionally, review Microsoft documentation for Directory Service Client capabilities to confirm you are using it correctly.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:Option B and Option C require upgrading all Windows 98 and possibly NT 4.0 systems to Windows 2000 Professional, which provides full functionality but may be more costly and not strictly required for the stated goal. The question emphasizes working with the existing mix of clients, so a selective upgrade path is preferred. Option D is incorrect because Windows 2000 servers cannot automatically enhance legacy clients without additional software. Only option A provides a targeted, realistic approach to improving Windows 98 integration with Active Directory.
Common Pitfalls:Administrators sometimes assume that older clients must be immediately upgraded to use any Active Directory features at all, which can lead to unnecessary costs. Others may deploy Active Directory without realizing that Windows 98 clients need the Directory Service Client for a better user experience. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of each client operating system helps in planning a gradual migration while still improving current functionality.
Final Answer:You should install the Microsoft Directory Service Client software on all Windows 98 computers to optimize their interaction with Active Directory.
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