Mac OS X in a Nutshell

Directory Access

Users with admin access can use the Directory Access application (which is located in /Applications/Utilities) to configure whether and how the Mac interacts with the various protocols that Open Directory supports. The application provides a set of GUI interfaces for activating and configuring service-listening protocols, as well as for setting up search policies for performing user authentication and contact information lookups.

Services

Directory Access’ Services tab lists all the protocols Open Directory supports, with a checkbox next to each, as Figure 12-1 shows. Open directory will use every checked protocol when listening for network services or performing directory service lookups. As of Mac OS X Version 10.2.0, the following services are available:

Figure 12-1. The Directory Access Services list

AppleTalk

This is Apple’s legacy protocol, which is useful when your local network contains older Macintosh file servers.

BSD Configuration Files

When checked, your Mac will read administrative information from the filesystem, in the manner of traditional Unix machines. Note that this “protocol” is not checked by default; Mac OS X machines usually fetch this info from their NetInfo databases.

LDAPv2, LDAPv3

The Lightweight Directory Access Protocol, Versions 2 and 3. This is an open protocol that is more cross-platform than NetInfo and hence more likely to be used on ...