Review

Working with users and groups is relatively easy from within ADSI. Remember that you can use the WinNT provider to access not only Windows NT domains, but also Active Directory domains, standalone computers, domain member computers, and so forth. Native Active Directory access is provided through the LDAP provider, which also provides access to other LDAP-based directories, such as Exchange 5.x. Some of the most useful scripts you'll develop will use ADSI to manage local user accounts, such as service accounts and built-in accounts like Administrator.

COMING UP

You're ready to start working with Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), Microsoft's way of providing you with almost total administrative control of your computers through scripts. WMI builds upon the object-based scripting you've been using for files and directory services, and provides a nearly unlimited range of administrative possibilities.