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Glossary · Management

GPO

Group Policy Object

In plain language

A set of rules pushed from one place to many Windows computers, such as password length or screen lock time.

The metaphor

Like a staff handbook that updates itself on every desk at once.

Going deeper

How it works

  • An administrator sets a rule once on the server.
  • Computers pick it up the next time they sign in.
  • Rules can lock screens, set printers and block certain settings.
  • It applies to computers joined to an on-site directory.

How WILDCARD handles it

Network covers on-premises Active Directory authentication, which is where Group Policy lives.

In practice
  • An office sets all computers to lock after ten minutes.
  • A firm maps the shared drive automatically.
  • A clinic blocks USB storage on reception computers.

A question owners ask

Does a cloud-only office need it?

No. Cloud-managed computers get the same rules through device management in Microsoft 365.

Where WILDCARD handles this
Network
  • Firewall managed and monitored
  • Switches kept current
  • On-prem Active Directory auth
Start with Network
Related terms
ACLAccess Control ListAHAuthentication HeaderAPAccess PointARPAddress Resolution ProtocolBPDUBridge Protocol Data UnitCCMPCounter Mode/CBC-MAC ProtocolCCTVClosed-circuit TelevisionCHAPChallenge Handshake Authentication Protocol

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