DNS Domain Name System. A distributed database that maps IP addresses to domain names. A DNS server, also known as a name server, keeps a list of names and the IP addresses associated with each name.
drop box A shared folder with privileges that allow other users to write to, but not read, the folder’s contents. Only the owner has full access. Drop boxes should be created only using AFP. When a folder is shared using AFP, the ownership of an item written to the folder is automatically transferred to the owner of the folder, thus giving the owner of a drop box full access to and control over items put into it.
everyone Any user who can log in to a file server: a registered user or guest, an anonymous FTP user, or a website visitor.
export In the Network File System (NFS), a way of sharing a folder with clients on a network.
external account A mobile account whose local home folder is stored on an external volume. When the user connects the external volume to a computer, the user can access the external account. When the external volume is disconnected, the user can’t access the external account.
filter A screening method to control access to a server. A filter is made up of an IP address and a subnet mask, and sometimes a port number and access type. The IP address and the subnet mask determine the range of IP addresses that the filter applies to.
firewall Software that protects the network applications running on your server. IP firewall service, which is part of Mac OS X Server software, scans incoming IP packets and rejects or accepts these packets based on a set of filters you create.
FTP File Transfer Protocol. A protocol that allows computers to transfer files over a network. FTP clients using any operating system that supports FTP can connect to a file server and download files, depending on their access privileges. Most Internet browsers and a number of freeware applications can be used to access an FTP server.
full name See long name.
globally unique identifier See GUID.
group A collection of users who have similar needs. Groups simplify the administration of shared resources.
group folder A folder that organizes documents and applications of special interest to group members and allows group members to pass information among themselves.
guest computer A computer that doesn’t have a computer account.
guest user A user who can log in to your server without a user name or password.
Glossary
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