What happens after you add your computer to a domain?

Answer 1

Let's name your computer "Tank" (probably short for thinktank.) With a stand-alone or workgroup computer, most choices about Tank are made by the person who uses Tank, including the choices about security. When Tank joins a domain, most of those decisions move away from the local user and in to the hands of the domain administrator. The domain administrator gets to decide who can use Tank, during what hours, what software can be installed, what other computers Tank can talk to, and even whether or not Tank will play music or movies.... The Domain Administrator needs this control because they are usually expected to manage a large group of computers and ensure that those computers are available for use when needed. Stopping the user from making changes greatly simplifies the task. The Domain Administrator (and whomever else they choose) also has the ability to override most file security to reach any user's private files. The benefit for the user is that someone else gets to do the heavy lifting, the downside is the loss of personal control.