Yes, We require Active directory it is the basic requirement for exchange server to function.
In exchange 2007 all the exchange attributes are saved in AD. Once you reinstall new windows server and exchange, it copies the configuration data from AD.
1 for each AD site
There are tools to support AD's working after its installation support tools adminpak they are known as AD Management tools there are third party tools as well DRA admanagerplus etc you can install server/AD remotely also you can install server/ad unattended installation you can install server/ad unattended installation(with answer file) you can install server/ad attended installation you can install server/ad attended installation(with answer file)
For the configuration of AD install windows 2003 on the server install Ad by dcpromo on the run command and follow required steps to install AD for troubleshooting of AD install support tools, admin.pak in the server which will give you all the features to monitor and troubleshoot AD
The server which is domain controller only that server has AD installed on it others are just member servers which does not have AD on them but has only windows 2003 OS.So you can make changes in ad related servers or DCs only. You can install AD on member server that is the only thing you can do on member server related with Ad
Sam AD can be installed with and without CD. if you are installing AD on 2003 or 2000 server. you will need the CD. And if you are installing AD on 2008 you don't have to..jus type the command "dcpromo" and continue from there.
A simple 2003 installed server in domain is known as the Member server. When we install AD on it then It becomes Domain Controller.
The XP cannot host AD ie you cannot install full AD on it. but yes we can make it dns server to resolve the dns queries in the network but it is advisable to use server platform to make a dns server. There is utility which is there ADAM with help of which the XP can have features of system having AD but it has limitations and less options.
the server
Note: No. Note: Small companies often use the version of Microsoft Exchange Server included out-of-the-box in Windows Small Business Server (SBS) for their email and messaging needs. But there are many pros and cons that organizations need to consider when comparing Small Business Server and the full version of Exchange Server. The number of mailboxes and users that can be supported and hardware limitations should be the first issues inspected. Concerns about receiving email on SBS from an Internet Service Provider (ISP) via POP3 are often raised as well. Get answers to frequently asked questions about Exchange Server and Small Business Server and find out how to troubleshoot common installation and configuration issues.
after you get deuce and the server wins the point. You call it 'ad in'
It is either ad in or ad out. If the server won the point it is ad in and if the returner won the point then it is ad out.