Logged in

Does anyone know if there is a Windows 2000 Pro / Server utility to see if someone is logged into Active Directory? If you know their Log On ID?

JD

 

First I'll assume that as no one has replied there are no obvious tools out there.

I think there may not be such a tool because of the way authentication works. (I would welcome a correction if my understanding is wrong) I believe the way authentication works is that the server keeps a database of all the users and what they are able to access. The server does not hold onto or control the user/client system as they navigate the network. Rather each time the user/client attempts to access a resource it sends a message to the server saying "can I connect to this ". The resource may even ask the server "can I allow this user to use me ".

This is a more secure way of doing things as it means you are continually being asked to authenticate (in the background). There are performance issues in that each time you access a network resource you have to do the background authenication. However, there are also performance benefits because the server doesn't have to track your every move. It is also easier to have multiple authentication servers with this system as all they have to know is what is allowed and not allowed - you don't have to replicate the user/client tracking history around the authentication servers.

So "logging on" is a bit misleading. What you do when you log on is tell the server who you are and passing a simple test to confirm this (password!). You are not saying to the server "here I am, guide me through the network ".

So there is no background process to query as to who is log on as there is no process to log off!

A better bet may be to look for people who have active connections. This will tell you who is actively connected to a server, but it won't pick up people who have logged on but are not actively communicationing with a server.

 

Logged on

Thank You for your explanation. I see active connection may be what I could do...Have a great day!! : )