Connect to LDAP Server

Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) is a means of serving data on individuals, system users, network devices and systems over the network for e-mail clients, applications requiring authentication or information. To understand a simple example of an  LDAP server; we can consider to be a server  to which your e-mail clients (Outlook, Netscape, etc) can connect with their address books. It will allow one to search the LDAP database for people's e-mail addresses which are then pulled into the address list.

I tried out my  email client with an LDAP server on the net.

Try this

Try with Mozilla

Open the Address Book: "Window" + "Address Book"

  1. Select from the tool bar: "File" + "New" + "LDAP Directory ..."
    "General" Tab
    • Name: YoLinux Demo
    • Hostname: ldap.yo-linux.com
    • Base DN: o=stooges
    • Port number: 389
    • Bind DN: Leave blank
    • Press "OK" (No encryption)
    "Advanced" tab will allow advanced queries.
  2. Close the Address Book: "File" + "Close"
  3. Mozilla must be restarted (bug) in order for the configuration to register. (Mozilla 1.2.1): "File" + "Quit" and relaunch Mozilla.
  4. Open e-mail client: "Window" + "Mail and News Groups"
    • Select the "Compose".
    • Open the Address Selection Box: Select the icon "Address"
      • Look in: "YoLinux Demo"
        Select from pull down menu.
      • for: @
        "@" to get everyone with an email address / you can also give a name
      • Select address to send e-mail to. Of course this is a demo and the e-mail addresses are bogus but I think the point is taken.

 

Try with Netscape

Open the Address Book: "Communicator" + "Address Book"

  1. Enter Directory Info: "File" + "New Directory..."
    • Description: YoLinux Demo
    • LDAP Server: 208.188.34.109 or ldap.yo-linux.com Using the IP address reduces the number of errors because of the reduced network latency.
    • Server Root: o=stooges
    • Port Number: 389
    • Press "OK" (Not secure and no login)
  2. Close the Address Book: "File" + "Close"
  3. Open e-mail client: "Communicator" + "Messenger"
    • Open Composer ("File" + "New" + "Message"): Select "New Msg" icon.
    • Open the Address Selection Box: Select the icon "Address"
    • Populate Address List with e-mail addresses from LDAP server:
      • Select from the "Directory" pull down menu "YoLinux Demo"
      • Show names containing: Anderson (Don't press enter. Just wait or enter "Tab")
      • Select address to send e-mail to. Of course this is a demo and the e-mail addresses are bogus but I think you get the point.