NT Server Functions
- Primary Domain Controller or PDC
- First computer installed into a domain
- Manages the SAM database for the domain
- Always remains in the same domain, shares the SID
- Can validate users
"There can be only one"
- Backup Domain Controller or BDC
- Maintains a read-only copy of the SAM database
- Can be promoted to PDC, but unreplicated data will be lost
- Always remains in the same domain, shares the SID
- Can validate users
- NT Server
- Can never become a PDC or a BDC
- Cannot validate users for the domain
- Typically runs applications faster - no domain overhead
- Can be moved between domains, has its own SID and SAM
The Microsoft Windows NT Virtual Lecture by
Patrick Watson
Florida Community College at Jacksonville
