#Mac os active directory mac os x
NetInfo - The local Open Directory domainĮach Mac OS X computer, including Mac OS X Server, has a local Open Directory domain. When discussing Open Directory, however, the phrase typically refers to its function as Mac OS X's native directory service. It also has components that manage Mac OS X's access to self-discovering network protocols including Apple Computer Inc.'s Bonjour, Microsoft Corp.'s Server Message Block/Common Internet File System and the open standard Service Location Protocol. Open Directory is a multipart architecture that performs the basic functions of any directory service in addition to providing mechanisms for accessing non-native directory services platforms such as Microsoft Corp.'s Active Directory and Unix Network Information Service servers. Shared domains also allow systems administrators to define custom user environments. The shared domain can also allow users to access resources on other servers that are bound to the domain.
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Mac OS X Server relies on shared Open Directory domains to provide network user accounts that can be used to log into computers that are bound to a shared domain. This local domain allows each user to have a computing experience and home directory, and the local domain works with the file system to manage permissions on files and folders. Mac OS X's native directory service is called Open Directory.Įvery Mac OS X computer includes a local Open Directory database - referred to as a domain - that stores information about local user accounts. These services provide a database for central account management for both user and computer, as well as a framework for sharing that information among workstations and servers. Directory services are a critical component of any enterprise environment.