Directory Service

Definition: A directory service is a shared information infrastructure for locating, managing, administering, and organizing common items and network resources, which can include volumes, folders, files, printers, users, groups, devices, telephone numbers and other objects.

What This Means: For educators, the directory services most often heard of will be the user accounts that manage your sign-ons and passwords. These will determine the access you have to data, applications, and functions within applications. You will be authenticated (identified and your credentials verified) and authorized (your level of security clearance verified and matched to the functions and data you can access). An administrator will manage your account—a real person, even though you will be able to change many of the settings yourself, e.g., your sign-on, password, profile, address, favorites, etc.

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