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Active Directory management with NetTools
Health Check
Active Directory administrators have a massive choice of tools, starting with the integrated administration tools on Windows Server and including a variety of free and commercial programs. This toolbox can be nicely rounded off with the free NetTools: in total, more than 90 utilities that simplify troubleshooting and administration.
NetTools [1] notches some initial brownie points directly after you download its single EXE file. You don't need to install a tool palette, with no dependencies on frameworks or DLLs. However, this doesn't translate to a hodgepodge of command-line tools; instead, everything is available in a central management interface without the need for context changes. The only add-on is an INI file with work files for the current configuration and user-specific information. If nettools.ini does not exist, it is created at program launch time. Software can be that simple and makes installation on a domain controller less critical because it avoids any risk of trouble with components installed at the same time.
On the website you can look forward to some very good and, above all, up-to-date documentation – not necessarily a matter of course in the world of freeware. The FAQ section is helpful, especially for newcomers, and helps you find your way around. A list of all functions and a carefully maintained blog round off the information collection. The author offers readers tips and tricks for the utilities, accompanied by plenty of examples. NetTools starts exactly where the on-board tools leave off. Therefore, it is not intended to be an alternative to existing tools, but deliberately closes functional gaps.
Targeted Profiles
By default, you work with the toolbox in the context in which you have logged on. For more flexibility, you can create profiles that include both connection data for a
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