<sod>A '''directory service''' or '''name service''' maps the names of network resources to their respective [[network address]]es. When using a directory service, a user does not have to remember the physical address of a network resource, because providing a name locates the resource. A '''directory server''' is a [[Server (computing)|server]] which provides such a service. Each resource on the network is considered an [[Object (computer science)|object]] by the directory server. Information about a particular resource is stored as a collection of [[Attribute (computing)|attribute]]s that are associated with that resource or object. In some directory services, this information can be made secure, so that only users with certain permissions, such as administrators, can access it.<eod>
<sod>A '''directory service''' or '''name service''' maps the names of network resources to their respective [[network address]]es. It is a shared information infrastructure for locating, managing, administering, and organizing everyday items and network resources, which can include volumes, folders, files, printers, users, groups, devices, telephone numbers, and other objects. A directory service is a critical component of a [[network operating system]].<eod>