System Administration Guide: Naming and Directory Services (FNS and NIS+)

group ID

A number that identifies the default group for a user.

host context

In FNS (XFN), a context for naming objects related to a computer.

implicit naming system pointer

An FNS (XFN) term referring to an unnamed reference that points to a context in another naming system.

indexed name

A naming format used to identify an entry in a table.

initial context

In FNS (XFN), every XFN name is interpreted relative to some context, and every XFN naming operation is performed on a context object. The XFN interface provides a function that allows the client to obtain an initial context object that provides a starting point for resolution of composite names.

initial context function

An FNS function, fn_ctx_handle_from_initial(), that obtains the initial context which allows a client to obtain an initial starting point for name resolution.

Internet

The world-wide collection of networks interconnected by a set of routers that enable them to function and communicate with each other as a single virtual network.

Internet address

A 32-bit address assigned to hosts using TCP/IP. See decimal dotted notation.

Internet Protocol. The network layer protocol for the Internet protocol suite.

IP address

A unique number that identifies each host in a network.

junction

An FNS (XFN) term referring to a name in one namespace bound to a context in the next naming system.

key (column)

An NIS+ table entry's data can be accessed from any column, regardless of that table's key.

key (encrypting)

A key used to encipher and decipher other keys, as part of a key management and distribution system. Contrast with data encrypting key.

key server

A Solaris operating environment process that stores private keys.

local-area network (LAN)

Multiple systems at a single geographical site connected together for the purpose of sharing and exchanging data and software.

mail exchange records

Files that contain a list of DNS domain names and their corresponding mail hosts.

mail hosts

A workstation that functions as an email router and receiver for a site.

master server

The server that maintains the master copy of the network information service database for a particular domain. Namespace changes are always made to the name service database kept by the domain's master server. Each domain has only one master server.

MIS

Management information systems (or services)

naming convention

In FNS (XFN), every name is generated by a set of syntactic rules called a naming convention.

name resolution

The process of translating workstation or user names to addresses.

name server

Servers that run one or more network name services.

name service switch

A configuration file (/etc/nsswitch.conf) that defines the sources from which an NIS+ client can obtain its network information.

name service

A network service that handles machine, user, printer, domain, router, an other network names and addresses.

namespace

(1) A namespace stores information that users, workstations, and applications must have to communicate across the network.

(2) The set of all names in a naming system.

(3) NIS+ namespace, A collection of hierarchical network information used by the NIS+ software.

(4) NIS namespace. A collection of non-hierarchical network information used by the NIS software.

(5) DNS namespace. A collection of networked workstations that use the DNS software.


	group ID A number that identifies the default group for a user. host context In FNS (XFN), a context for naming objects related to a computer. implicit naming system pointer An FNS (XFN) term referring to an unnamed reference that points to a context in another naming system. indexed name A naming format used to identify an entry in a table. initial context In FNS (XFN), every XFN name is interpreted relative to some context, and every XFN naming operation is performed on a context object. The XFN interface provides a function that allows the client to obtain an initial context object that provides a starting point for resolution of composite names. initial context function An FNS function, `fn_ctx_handle_from_initial()`, that obtains the initial context which allows a client to obtain an initial starting point for name resolution. Internet The world-wide collection of networks interconnected by a set of routers that enable them to function and communicate with each other as a single virtual network. Internet address A 32-bit address assigned to hosts using TCP/IP. See decimal dotted notation. IP Internet Protocol. The network layer protocol for the Internet protocol suite. IP address A unique number that identifies each host in a network. junction An FNS (XFN) term referring to a name in one namespace bound to a context in the next naming system. key (column) An NIS+ table entry's data can be accessed from any column, regardless of that table's key. key (encrypting) A key used to encipher and decipher other keys, as part of a key management and distribution system. Contrast with data encrypting key. key server A Solaris operating environment process that stores private keys. local-area network (LAN) Multiple systems at a single geographical site connected together for the purpose of sharing and exchanging data and software. mail exchange records Files that contain a list of DNS domain names and their corresponding mail hosts. mail hosts A workstation that functions as an email router and receiver for a site. master server The server that maintains the master copy of the network information service database for a particular domain. Namespace changes are always made to the name service database kept by the domain's master server. Each domain has only one master server. MIS Management information systems (or services) naming convention In FNS (XFN), every name is generated by a set of syntactic rules called a naming convention. name resolution The process of translating workstation or user names to addresses. name server Servers that run one or more network name services. name service switch A configuration file (`/etc/nsswitch.conf`) that defines the sources from which an NIS+ client can obtain its network information. name service A network service that handles machine, user, printer, domain, router, an other network names and addresses. namespace (1) A namespace stores information that users, workstations, and applications must have to communicate across the network. (2) The set of all names in a naming system. (3) NIS+ namespace, A collection of hierarchical network information used by the NIS+ software. (4) NIS namespace. A collection of non-hierarchical network information used by the NIS software. (5) DNS namespace. A collection of networked workstations that use the DNS software.