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How To: Setting Up Active Directory Group Policies: Page 8 of 8

The PP application actually uses the GP object editor to create and edit policies, which means you won't have to learn a new way to create policy settings. Since you're only allowed to assign one policy per computer group, you must combine all policy settings for the target devices into a single GPO. This isn't as big of a troubleshooting issue as it is with Active Directory because just one GPO is applied to any given device. In addition, PP offers version control and history for your GPOs, making it simple to rollback any undesirable changes.

PolicyPortal-AD Combo. If you already have Active Directory, you can use PP with it to enforce policy settings over your mobile users who are seldom in the office. However, you'll probably have to maintain Group Policy settings in two places (Active Directory and PolicyPortal) and organize your Active Directory so your road warriors only receive policy settings from the PolicyPortal. Otherwise, troubleshooting what's happening on the workstation will be difficult.

If you're serious about getting started with Group Policy, then these Web sites will help get you up to speed.

Homepage for Windows Server 2003 Group Policy
Get additional tools and information right from the source: Microsoft. This page offers policy settings reference guides, ADM templates, a download for the Group Policy management console, and much, much more.

Group Policy Wiki
As the name suggests, this Wiki-based community website allows you to tap the resources of other Group Policy experts, and well as share your knowledge and experience.

GPAnswers.com
This site was created by Group Policy guru and evangelist Jeremy Moskowitz. If you're getting started with Group Policy, you'll find the FAQ and a discussion board on this site bookmark-worthy.

GPO Guy
This site, assembled by Darren Mar-Elia of Quest software, is another fine resource on Group Policy. There's a FAQ on the website, links to various utilities, and you can sign up for the gptalk mailing list here.