Using a Common File System, the Distributed File System (DFS) allows users of physically distributed systems to share their data and resources. Local Area Networks (LANs) connect workstations and mainframes over a Distributed File System (DFS).

Windows Active Directory (AD) is a service developed by Microsoft for Windows domain networks. It is included in most Windows Server operating systems as a set of processes and services. Initially, Active Directory was used only for centralized domain management. However, Active Directory eventually became an umbrella title for a broad range of directory-based identity-related services.

Microsoft's Active Directory service is designed to manage Windows domain networks. Windows Active Directory stores information about objects on the network and makes this information easy for administrators and users to find and use.