Steven Zahm@ Ryan
Actually would not use Connections at all for user management. The Login extension was created primarily for those “needed” one for Connections. All it is a simple shortcode/widget that displays the standard WordPress login form. You could use any one of the dozens of available plugins that do the same thing.
So, for user registration you would use Register Plus Redux (or similar plugin [there are many options available]). With that the user will be able to create their own account with their own password that they could change at any time.
Since you need a private directory… go to the Connections : Settings admin page and enable the require to login view option under the General tab. Then under the Connections : Roles admin page define what capabilities the user role of the users can have. For example, the default standard WP user is a “Subscriber”, so on the Connections : Roles admin page you would need to give the “Subscriber” role at least the “View Public” capability.
That’s the minimum required.
One thing you did not say if if that user is to have their own entry in the directory and/or the ability to add/edit it. If you do, then you need at least the Link extension. If you prefer the user not make changes using the Connections admin profile page and want them to stay in the frontend, then you would need the Form extension too.
Hope that answers you question clearly!