Active directory and windows autehnication

Question

I have the following questions about the active directory and windows auehtnication

1. Can you tell me what the difference is between the active directory and windows authenication when working with visual studio.net 2008?

2. Can the active directory and windows authenication work toegher? If so, can you tell me how?

3. Is the active directory and windows authenication the same thing? If so, please explain.