The server that contains a backup copy of the account database from the Primary Domain Controller (PDC). Used for authentication purposes.
A Windows NT domain server that stores a backup of the database from the primary domain controller (PDC). The backup domain controller database is synchronized automatically with the copy of the database on the primary domain controller. A backup domain controller also authenticates users when they log on and can be promoted to a primary domain controller if necessary.
A role that can be assigned to a server on a Windows NT 4.0 network. A BDC can assume the functions of a PDC when the PDC server fails, and it can help to balance the workload on a network. See also primary domain controller.
a machine that replicates domain account information from the Primary domain controller in order to distribute the load of authenticating connections
In an Advanced Server domain, a computer running Advanced Server or Windows NT Server that receives a copy of the domain's directory database, which contains all account and security policy information for the domain. The copy is synchronized periodically and automatically with the master copy on the primary domain controller (PDC). BDCs also authenticate user logons and can be promoted to function as PDCs as needed. Multiple BDCs can exist on a domain. See also primary domain controller.
In a Windows NT Server domain, a computer running Windows NT Server that receives a copy of the domains directory database, which contains all account and security policy information for the domain. The copy is synchronized periodically and automatically with the copy on the primary domain controller (PDC). BDCs also authenticate user logons and can be promoted to function as a PDC as needed. Multiple BDCs can exist on a domain. In a Small Business Server network, the Small Business Server is the PDC.
This is one or more computers running Windows NT that act as a backup to the primary domain controller. These machines can authenticate security requests just like the primary domain controller, and will take over for the PDC if it is not available. However, a BDC will remain a BDC until it is manually promoted to a PDC by a domain administrator.
In Windows NT Server 4.0 or earlier, a computer running Windows NT Server that receives a copy of the domain's directory database (which contains all account and security policy information for the domain). The copy is synchronized periodically and automatically with the master copy on the primary domain controller (PDC). BDCs also authenticate user logon information and can be promoted to function as PDCs as needed. Multiple BDCs can exist in a domain. Windows NT 3.51 and 4.0 BDCs can participate in a Windows 2000 domain when the domain is configured in mixed mode. See also: primary domain controller (PDC)
In Windows NT 4 server domains, the Backup Domain Controller (BDC) is a computer that has a copy of the user accounts database. Unlike the accounts database on the Primary Domain Controller (PDC), the BDC database is a read only copy. When changes are made to the master accounts database on the PDC, the PDC pushes the updates down to the BDCs.
