Using Local Files as the Name Service

If you do not implement NIS, LDAP, or DNS, the network uses local files to provide the name service. The term “local files” refers to the series of files in the /etc directory that the network databases use. The procedures in this book assume you are using local files for your name service, unless otherwise indicated.

If you decide to use local files as the name service for your network, you can set up another name service at a later date.