Working on a Domain-Based Computer

For the most part, using a computer that is joined to a domain is just like using a stand-alone computer or one that's part of a workgroup. Some important differences exist, however, and we explain those differences in the following pages.

Logging On to a Domain

When your computer is joined to a domain, you'll ordinarily log on using your domain account. Doing so loads the portions of your profile stored on network servers, applies domain-based Group Policy objects, and lets you use any domain resources for which your account has the requisite permissions.

If you have a desktop computer that's permanently attached to the network, there's seldom any reason to log on using a local account. Even most local administrative ...

Get Microsoft® Windows® XP Networking and Security Inside Out: Also Covers Windows 2000 now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.