What is the primary purpose of a domain controller in a Windows network?

The primary purpose of a domain controller in a Windows network is to manage security policies and user accounts. Domain controllers are essential components of Active Directory, which is used to create and manage domains, users, groups, and resources within a network.

By serving as a central authority for user authentication and authorization, domain controllers ensure that only authorized individuals can access network resources. They store account information, including passwords, and enforce security policies, such as password complexity and account lockout settings. This centralized management simplifies the administration of user accounts and the enforcement of security practices across the network.

In this context, the other choices represent functions that are not aligned with the primary operations of a domain controller. Applications can be hosted on various servers in the network, web pages are typically stored on web servers rather than domain controllers, and while backing up data is crucial, it is generally the responsibility of backup systems rather than a domain controller’s primary function. Therefore, the role of the domain controller is specifically focused on user account management and the enforcement of security policies.