Specifications

32 Chapter 2 Open Directory Search Policies
Custom Search Policies
If you don’t want a Mac OS X computer to use the automatic search policy supplied by
DHCP, you can define a custom search policy for the computer. For example, a custom
search policy could specify that an Active Directory domain be consulted when a user
record or other administrative data cannot be found in other directory domains.
A custom search policy may not work in multiple network locations because it relies on
the availability of specific directory domains. Therefore a custom search policy is usually
not the best choice for a mobile computer. An automatic or local-only search policy is
generally more reliable for a mobile computer.
Search Policies for Authentication and Contacts
A Mac OS X computer actually has more than one search policy. It has a search policy
for finding authentication information, and it has a separate search policy for finding
contact information. Open Directory uses the authentication search policy to locate
and retrieve user authentication information and other administrative data from
directory domains. Open Directory uses the contacts search policy to locate and
retrieve name, address, and other contact information from directory domains.
Mac OS X Address Book uses this contact information, and other applications can be
programmed to use it as well.
Each search policy can be automatic, custom, or local directory only.
Active Directory domain
1
2
3
4
Search Policy
School directory domain
Science directory domain Math directory domain English directory domain
LL2352.Book Page 32 Friday, August 22, 2003 3:12 PM