The NsDirTest emulates a client accessing an Netscape Directory Server to issue a query. Based on the response reported by the server, measurements are made of the availability and responsiveness of the Directory server and also reports a number of usage statistics. The parameters associated with this test are as follows:

• The TEST PERIOD list box helps the user to decide how often this test needs to be executed.

• In the HOST text box, the host name of the server for which the test is to be configured has to be specified.

• The port number to which the selected server is listening has to be specified in the PORT text box. 

• The DISTINGUISHEDNAME represents the server's Distinguished name. This value is to be specified when the server requires explicit authentication of requests. By default, this attribute is set to "none", implying that authentication is not required.

• In the PASSWORD text box, specify the password to be used for authenticating the request. The password is to be specified whenever the DISTINGUISHEDNAME is not "none".

• Confirm the password (if specified) by retyping it in the CONFIRM PASSWORD text box.

• If multiple components of the same component type are awaiting configuration, then an APPLY TO OTHER COMPONENTS check box will appear in this page. Clicking on this check box will allow you to apply the configuration to all/selected components of that type.

• Once the necessary values have been provided, clicking on the UPDATE button will register the changes made.

When changing the configuration for specific servers, a “*” beside the text box corresponding to the parameter signifies that these values have to be manually configured by the user. The parameter values that require to be configured will typically be prefixed with a “$” or contain a series of “*”. A value of "none" in the parameter value indicates that the corresponding parameter value can be changed if required.