Chapter 1.1IntroductionDirectory Server is based on an open-systems server protocol called the Lightweight Directory AccessProtocol (LDAP). The Directory Server is a robust, scalable server designed to manage large scaledirectories to support an enterprise-wide directory of users and resources, extranets, and e-commerceapplications over the Internet. The Directory Server runs as the ns-slapd process or service on themachine. The server manages the directory databases and responds to client requests.This reference deals with the other methods of managing the Directory Server by altering the serverconfiguration attributes using the command line and using command-line utilities and scripts.1.1. Directory Server ConfigurationThe format and method for storing configuration information for Directory Server and a listing for allserver attributes are found in two chapters, Chapter 2, Core Server Configuration Reference andChapter 3, Plug-in Implemented Server Functionality Reference.1.2. Directory Server Instance File ReferenceChapter 4, Server Instance File Reference has an overview of the files and configuration informationstored in each instance of Directory Server. This is useful reference to helps administrators understandthe changes or absence of changes in the course of directory activity. From a security standpoint, thisalso helps users detect errors and intrusion by highlighting normal changes and abnormal behavior.1.3. Using Directory Server Command-Line UtilitiesDirectory Server comes with a set of configurable command-line utilities that can search and modifyentries in the directory and administer the server. Chapter 6, Command-Line Utilities describes thesecommand-line utilities and contains information on where the utilities are stored and how to accessthem. In addition to these command-line utilities, Directory Server also provides ns-slapd command-line utilities for performing directory operations, as described in Appendix A, Using the ns-slapdCommand-Line Utilities.1.4. Using Directory Server Command-Line ScriptsIn addition to command-line utilities, several non-configurable scripts are provided with the DirectoryServer that make it quick and easy to perform routine server administration tasks from the command-line. Chapter 7, Command-Line Scripts lists the most frequently used scripts and contains informationon where the scripts are stored and how to access them.
