The Directory Utility app provides a graphical interface for managing Open Directory services. In addition, you can manage Open Directory services from the command line by using Terminal.
If you have a Mac with OS X installed, you can make it an administrator computer by installing the Server app. Directory Utility and Terminal are included with OS X.
With an administrator computer you can manage Open Directory on any server. You can also manage Open Directory remotely by using command-line tools from a Mac or a non-Mac computer.
Server app
The Server app provides access to tools you use to set up, manage, and monitor Open Directory services and other services. You use the Server app to:
Set up and manage user accounts and group accounts. For more information, see the Server app’s Help.
Manage share points for file services. For more information, see the sections on file sharing in the Server app’s Help.
Set up OS X Server as an Open Directory master, an Open Directory replica, or a server that’s connected to a directory system.
Set up more OS X Server computers to use the Kerberos KDC of an Open Directory master or replica.
Set up password policies that apply to all users who don’t have overriding individual password policies.
Monitor Open Directory services.
The Server app is in /Applications/.
Directory Utility
Directory Utility determines how a Mac computer uses directory services, discovers network services, and searches directory services for authentication and contacts information. You use Directory Utility to:
Configure advanced connections to LDAP directories, an Active Directory domain, and a Network Information Services (NIS) domain
Configure data mapping for LDAP directories
Define policies for searching multiple directory services for authentication and contact information
Enable or disable types of directory services and types of network service discovery
View directory entries in raw form by using Directory Editor
Directory Utility can connect to other servers on your network so you can configure them remotely.
For more information about using Directory Utility, see Directory Utility Help.
Directory Utility is installed on every Mac and can be accessed through Users & Groups preferences.
Command-line tools
A full range of command-line tools is available for administrators who prefer to use command-driven server administration. You can enter commands on Mac servers and computers using Terminal (located in /Applications/Utilities/).
For remote server management, submit commands in an SSH session.