Specifications

Chapter 1 Directory Service Concepts 17

Data Consolidation

For years, UNIX systems have stored administrative information in a collection of files

located in the /etc directory. This scheme requires each UNIX computer to have its own

set of files, and processes that are running on a UNIX computer read its files when they

need administrative information. If you’re experienced with UNIX, you probably know

about the files in the /etc directory—group, hosts, hosts.eq, master.passwd, and so

forth. For example, a UNIX process that needs a user’s password consults the /etc/

master.passwd file. The /etc/master.passwd file contains a record for each user account.

A UNIX process that needs group information consults the /etc/group file.

Open Directory consolidates administrative information, simplifying the interactions

between processes and the administrative data they create and use.

UNIX processes

/etc/master.passwd

/etc/hosts

/etc/group

Mac OS X processes

Open