Windows Server® 2012 Unleashed

Conceptualizing the AD DS Schema

The AD DS schema is a set of definitions for all object types in the directory and their related attributes. The schema determines the way that all user, computer, and other object data are stored in AD DS and configured to be standard across the entire AD DS structure. Secured by the use of discretionary access control lists (DACLs), the schema controls the possible attributes to each object within AD DS. In a nutshell, the schema is the basic definition of the directory itself and is central to the functionality of a domain environment. Care should be taken to delegate schema control to a highly selective group of administrators because schema modification affects the entire AD DS environment.

Schema Objects ...