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Active Directory Partitions

The Active Directory database is logically separated into directory partitions:

• --> Schema partition 
• --> Configuration partition 
• --> Domain partition
• --> Application partition 

Each partition is a unit of replication, and each partition has its own replication topology. Replication occurs between replicas of directory partition. Minimum two directory partitions are common among all domain controllers in the same forest: the schema and configuration partitions. All domain controllers which are in the same domain, in addition, share a common domain partition.

Schema Partition

Only one schema partition exists per forest. The schema partition is stored on all domain controllers in a forest. The schema partition contains definitions of all objects and attributes that you can create in the directory, and the rules for creating and manipulating them. Schema information is replicated to all domain controllers in the attribute definitions.

Configuration Partition

There is only one configuration partition per forest. Second on all domain controllers in a forest, the configuration partition contains information about the forest-wide active directory structure including what domains and sites exist, which domain controllers exist in each forest, and which services are available. Configuration information is replicated to all domain controllers in a forest.

Domain Partition

Many domain partitions can exist per forest. Domain partitions are stored on each domain controller in a given domain. A domain partition contains information about users, groups, computers and organizational units. The domain partition is replicated to all domain controllers of that domain. All objects in every domain partition in a forest are stored in the global catalog with only a subset of their attribute values.

Application Partition

Application partitions store information about application in Active Directory. Each application determines how it stores, categorizes, and uses application specific information. To prevent unnecessary replication to specific application partitions, you can designate which domain controllers in a forest host specific application partitions. Unlike a domain partitions, an application partition cannot store security principal objects, such as user accounts. In addition, the data in an application partition is not stored in the global catalog.

As an example of application partition, if you use a Domain Name System (DNS) that is integrated with Active Directory you have two application partitions for DNS zones — 

ForestDNSZones and DomainDNSZones:

• 
  
• ForestDNSZones is part of a forest. All domain controllers and DNS servers in a forest receive a replica of this partition. A forest-wide application partition stores the forest zone data.
• 
  
• DomainDNSZones is unique for each domain. All domain controllers that are DNS servers in that domain receive a replica of this partition. The application partitions store the domain DNS zone in the DomainDNSZones.

Each domain has a DomainDNSZones partition, but there is only one ForestDNSZones partition. No DNS data is replicated to the global catalog server.

How to Add/Assign Multiple IP Address in Vista/XP/2000/2003

There are several ways to set up multiple IP addresses on a Computer

1. To have multiple network interface cards (NICs) on your computer and to assign a different IP address to each card.

2. To assign multiple IP addresses to a single NIC.

3. To combine 2 previous options: have multiple NICs with multiple IPs assigned to one or more of them.

By default, each network interface card (NIC) has its own unique IP address. However, you can assign multiple IP addresses to a single NIC.

How to assign multiple IP addresses to the same NIC

If you want to assign more than one IP address to a network card on Windows 2000/XP/Vista/2003, follow the steps below.

In Windows 2000

Right-click on My Network Places, choose Properties.

Right-click on the Local Area Connection, choose Properties.

In Windows XP

Right-click on My Network Places, choose Properties.

Right-click on the Local Area Connection, choose Properties.

In Vista

Click Start and click Control Panel.

Select Network and Internet, then Network and Sharing Center, and click Manage network connections from the list of tasks.

Right click your local area connection and click Properties.

In Windows 2003

Right-click on My Network Places, choose Properties.

Right-click on the Local Area Connection, choose Properties.

Highlight Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), click Properties.

If you use DHCP, you should disable it: click Use the following IP address and enter IP address, Subnet mask and Default ateway.Click Advanced… at the bottom.

Enter additional IP addresses: click the Add… button and enter a new IP address and Subnet mask.Repeat the procedure if there are additional IP Addresses to be added.

Click Add under “Default Gateways” and add the gateway addresses.I have entered My gateway address

Click OK 3 times to save the changes.

Test your IP Addresses

Open the command prompt (Start>Run>cmd) run the ipconfig command you can see multiple ip addresses on single network card

3 Tips to Improve Soft Skills

Like anything else, soft skills can be learned. The importance of soft skills training cannot be stressed enough. The interpersonal skills you gain throughout life will not only equip you to excel in your professional life, but also in your personal life. Here are three simple ways to improve your soft skills:

Take communication skills courses—Soft skills training courses are mixing technology with areas such as effective written/verbal communication, teamwork, cultural understanding, and psychology. For example, there are speech classes, writing classes to boost your communication skills. Look for conflict resolution or “leadership skill” courses either online or at your local community college.

Seek mentors—Mentors is another form of teamwork training. Approach potential mentors with the specific skills set you wish to learn from in a friendly, professional way. Ask them which effective soft skills got them ahead in their careers. Compliment that person with a specific example in which you've seen him or her practice that skill.

Volunteer—Brush up on many essential skills through volunteering (i.e. teamwork, decision-making strategies, management, communication skills, reporting, writing, public speaking etc.) Not only are you communication skills training, but a high profile volunteer work on your resume provides you with an opportunity to explain the knowledge and skills acquired to your potential employer.

Tips for Building Successful Teams

Here are some great tips for working smoothly in teams (and getting past that pesky Storming phase!):

• Assign roles and tasks to make sure each team member has something to do and that everyone participates in achieving the overall goal.
• Generate a plan: Where are you today? Where do you want to be tomorrow? How are you going to get there?
• Keep the team small: Small teams have better communication, and it's easier to make sure everyone stays on task.
• Know the team norms: Teams will establish acceptable and unacceptable behavior. It's important for every team member to be aware of these guides and know the consequences for unacceptable behavior.
• Emphasize common characteristics and interests to foster team unity.
• Praise and compliment your team members for jobs well done.
• And remember, make sure to have FUN!

5 Most in Demand Interpersonal Skills

The importance of soft skills training should not be overlooked because to move ahead in your career, you need more than technical qualifications. Yes, technical skills may get you an interview, but it’s really your soft skills, also known as interpersonal skills, that land you the job. It’s also your soft skills that help you keep your job too. Here are six in demand “soft skill training” asked next to the demands of technical qualifications:

Communication Skills—Interviewers prefer job applicants with communication skills training. This does not mean they are looking for applicants who speaks or writes well specifically, but someone who can express themselves. For example, someone who can write a coherent memo, the ability to persuade others with a presentation, or just the ability to calmly explain to team members what he/she needs and wants.

Teamwork—Effective productivity in an organization depends on the constructive teamwork and collaboration of its workers. Teamwork training is a crucial desired soft skill that interviewers are looking for in candidates, someone who can play and work well with others. Companies look for someone who can take charge when the occasion calls for it, be a good follower, monitor the progress of a project, meet deadlines, work well with others across the company to achieve a common goal etc.

Problem solving—Have you ever wondered why most interviewers ask you the question, “How did you turn a negative situation into a positive one?” This question is asked specifically to gauge the success of your assertiveness training. Be prepared for this question in any interview with several examples of what you did, how you approached a situation, how you involved others, and what the outcome was.

Critical observation— No interpersonal skills training would be complete without learning about the importance of critical observation. It’s not enough to just collect data and manipulate it, you must also have the ability to digest, analyze, and interpret the information. You should be asking yourself when viewing important facts, how does the data affect the company as a whole?

Conflict resolution—Ability to resolve a conflict should also be included in your soft skill training. Your ability to persuade, to negotiate, and resolve a conflict is momentous for your career advancement. Be ready to show your conflict resolution skills and when the time calls for it, to negotiate win-win solutions to serve the best interest of the company and individuals involved.